Lori Blank & Associates

09

Nov

Around The Home

How To Interview An Architect When Building A New Home

Making the decision to build a home might be one of the biggest you make in your life. You've found the perfect plot of land and have a vision of what type of home you want, but you need someone to bring your dream to life. That means it's time to start interviewing architects. Hiring an architect isn't as simple as just calling up a few and seeing who might have the time. You'll want to ensure you choose a professional that understands your design aesthetic, communicates well, can design on budget and has an upstanding reputation. Below are a…

05

Nov

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

FOMC Statement: Fed Policymakers Discuss Easing Accommodations as Economy Improves

The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee considered easing monetary accommodations implemented in response to stronger economic conditions according to its post-meeting statement issued November 3. The Fed started making trillions in monthly bond purchases when the pandemic started but slowed its purchasing pace to $120 billion per month in June 2020. The Fed will soon reduce its monthly bond purchases to $105 billion monthly. The Fed said it will continue to purchase bonds until the economy makes “substantial progress” toward its legally mandated goals of achieving two percent inflation and maximum employment. Supply shortages and high demand for goods…

04

Nov

By Lori Blank

Home Seller Tips

Five Ways to Make Your Home’s ‘Curb Appeal’ Better Than Your Neighbors’

Curb appeal, or how your home looks from the street, is an essential part of preparing to sell your house. It's also where comparison with your neighbors' homes is inescapable which poses a problem if you're both on the market. Read on for five ways to boost your own curb appeal. Open Up: Garage Doors With Impact In most homes, the external facade is taken up largely by the garage door which means it's a big influence on how people see your home. Embrace that. Style your garage door to suit your home, touch up the paint or trim, or…

03

Nov

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Overcoming Anxiety as a First-Time Home Buyer

There are many people who are thinking about buying a home for the first time. Even though this is an exciting experience, there are also people who develop anxiety when purchasing a home. This is a major financial decision, and it is critical to get it right. What do people need to do if they want to overcome anxiety as first-time homebuyers? Maximize The Credit Score Before applying for a home loan, everyone should maximize their credit score. Everyone has the right to request one free credit report per year. This is an opportunity for people to take a look…

02

Nov

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

A 20 Percent Down Payment: Is This Really Necessary?

Purchasing a home is a major decision, and it could be the most expensive financial transaction somebody ever makes. Therefore, it is important to get this right. One of the biggest hurdles for a new homeowner is coming up with enough money for the down payment. A lot of people believe they require 20 percent down to purchase a home. Saving this amount of money can be overwhelming, and some people are wondering, is this really necessary? There are several key points to keep in mind. Putting 20 Percent Down Is Not Really Necessary When taking a look at the…

01

Nov

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 1, 2021

Last week’s economic reports included readings on home price growth from S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, data on new home sales, and the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Slower, but Prices Aren’t Falling National home prices rose by a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 19.80 percent in August, which was incrementally lower than July’s year-over-year home price growth rate. Analysts said that rising mortgage rates caused some buyers to leave the market and eased demand in areas where bidding wars drove home prices beyond market…

29

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

Thinking About Buying A Waterfront Home? Check Out These Important Tips!

The idea of an idyllic beachfront home is appealing for many people, but there are a number of factors involved in this type of home purchase that should be considered before getting serious. Whether it's a home to live in full time, or a vacation property with investment potential, there are a number of issues to take note of. So, if you're on the fence regarding waterfront property, here are some things you should keep in mind if beach life might be right for you. The Ever-Shifting Shoreline It goes without saying that the times are changing, and erosion of…

28

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

After Closing On A New Home: The Top Tasks To Complete

Closing on a new home is exciting and many people view their closing date as the finish line; however, even after closing a new home, there is still a lot that has to happen. What do new homeowners need to do after closing on a new home? Mark The Date Of The First Payment Every homeowner needs to know the first date of the new mortgage payment. They need to get their bank account set up for an automatic draft, or they need to send a physical check by that time. Keep in mind that the first payment might include…

27

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Is An Escrow Account Right For You?

When someone is looking at purchasing a home, they usually focus on the purchase price of the home and the potential monthly payment. At the same time, there are other costs that need to be included as well. This includes home insurance and real estate taxes. As a result, many homeowners find themselves asking if they should use an escrow account or not. What do homeowners need to think about and how can they make the right decision? What Is An Escrow Account? First, it is important to define an escrow account. An escrow account is an account that contains…

26

Oct

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Five Unique Renovations That Can Make Small Living Spaces Feel Bigger

Just because you live in a small space doesn't mean your home needs to feel cramped. There are several renovations that are popular among interior designers to make a space feel larger. Incorporate them into your own home to give it a more open, spacious feel. 1. Crystal Clear Glass is an absolutely phenomenal way to make a small space feel larger as it removes visual barriers to show off additional square footage, making it seem as though it's part of the room. Whether you choose a glass railing for a staircases or room divider or incorporate a glass shower…