Blog - Page 78 of 117 - Lori Blank & Associates

19

Apr

Around The Home

Let’s Talk Fencing: How to Put a Fence Around Your Home Without Destroying Its Appeal

Many homeowners consider a fence around their property for a variety of reasons, whether it's to keep the dog in the yard or to maintain privacy. However, the wrong fence can entirely change the look of your property and make a beautiful yard a bit of an eyesore. If you're trying to determine what kind of fence will work for your home, here are some tips before you start to dig in the dirt. What's Your Fence For? Before deciding what kind of material to use, it's important to know what type of utility you want for your fence. While…

18

Apr

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 18, 2022

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on monthly and year-over-year inflation and the preliminary reading on consumer sentiment from the University of Michigan. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Gas Prices Drive High Inflation in March Consumers felt near-record pain at the pump in March as gas prices continued to rise. Month-to-month inflation increased by 1.20 percent in March as compared to February’s month-to-month inflation rate of 0.80 percent. Analysts expected inflation to rise by 1.10 percent in March. The extent of rapidly rising gasoline prices on inflation is evident when comparing readings for the…

15

Apr

By Lori Blank

Home Seller Tips

How to Determine the Price of Your Home for Sale

Many people rely on the price they paid for their home as a starting point for selling, but with the ever-shifting tides of the real estate market, the price paid is not always the best metric to go by. If you're putting your home up for sale and are looking for the ideal price point, here are some ways you can arrive at a number that will keep potential buyers interested. Check Out Your Neighborhood Your house may have a lot of different features than the homes of your neighbors, but checking out what real estate in your area is…

14

Apr

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

There Are Several Great Reasons To Consider Buying A Condo Today

Many would-be homebuyers are now considering buying a condominium instead. Condominiums may be a good option for first-time buyers who are experiencing obstacles when searching for properties that meet their budgets and other criteria. Here’s why: Condos Might Offer More Budget-Friendly Options In today's housing market, supply constraints are a fact of life. Including condominiums in a home search might expand the pool of alternatives. Remember, condos are often less expensive because they have less room—the owner won't have their own garden, for example—and the overall square footage is typically less than that of a single-family house. Still, if budget is the obstacle, condos could be…

13

Apr

By Lori Blank

Home Care Tips

The Top Issues Homeowners Cannot Ignore

Owning a home can be a major investment, but it is also a significant responsibility. From time to time, issues can pop up, and it is important that homeowners do not to ignore them. Ignoring these issues can lead to significant repair bills down the road. What are some of the top issues that homeowners should not ignore? 1. Mold Mold is a sign that the humidity level in the home is off or that there is standing water present somewhere. Mold thrives in warm, moist conditions. If homeowners do not address mold as quickly as possible, it will proliferate…

12

Apr

By Lori Blank

Homeowner Tips

Does Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Cover Storm Damage?

If you own a home, you must make sure it is properly protected. Hazards can change throughout the year, and one of the biggest threats during the spring is the arrival of frequent thunderstorms. If your home is damaged by a severe storm, it might be covered by your homeowner's insurance policy. You need to take a closer look at your policy to see if you have the right coverage. An Overview Of Home Insurance An insurance policy is supposed to protect you against potentially severe financial consequences. For example, if your home is damaged, the repair bills could be…

11

Apr

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 11, 2022

Last week’s economic news included remarks given by Federal Reserve Board Governor Lael Brainard and the release of the minutes of the most recent meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Federal Reserve Leaders Prepared to Address Inflation Lael Brainard, a Governor of the Federal Reserve Board, addressed the central bank’s concerns over rapidly rising inflation in her remarks made at a financial conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “Currently, inflation is much too high and is subject to upside risks. It is of paramount importance to get inflation down”…

08

Apr

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Renovating on a Budget? Check Out These Equity-boosting Inexpensive Home Upgrades

The idea of embarking on home renovations may strike many homeowners as an expensive one, but there are plenty of ways that you can easily upgrade your home without spending a lot of money. If you're looking for improvements that will truly (and frugally) improve the value of your home, here are a few do-it-yourself options you may want to consider. Change The Lighting There are few small fixes that will improve the look of your home like lighting, so one of the best things you can do for the overall look of your house is change out some of…

07

Apr

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How Can You Invest in Real Estate?

Many people believe that investing in real estate is something reserved only for the super-wealthy. In reality, this is not the case. Investing in real estate is a smart idea because property can generate a consistent cash stream while providing significant capital appreciation combined with tax breaks. There are multiple ways to invest in real estate, and no single path is better than the others. Consider Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) A real estate investment trust is a low-cost alternative to buying an entire property. Usually shortened to REIT, this is a company that allows investors to pool their money…

05

Apr

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Advice For Purchasing A House On A Single Income

Even though a lot of people have two incomes they can use to purchase a house (theirs and their partner’s), this is not necessarily required. There are lots of people who want to take advantage of current interest rates to purchase a house, and some people are trying to do it on their own. Even though it can be a challenge to buy a house with only one income, it is certainly not impossible. There are several tips that can make it easier for everyone to afford a house with just a single income. Always Check Your Credit Score If…