Lori Blank & Associates

21

Feb

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Homebuyer Tips

The Three R’s Of Fixing Historic Homes For Sale

If you enjoy history and fixing things, then it may be hard to drive by historic homes for sale without feeling the urge to buy one and fix it up. Before you do, you need learn the three R's of fixing up historic homes and the differences between them. The three R's of fixing up historic homes are restoration, renovation and repair. Some of the differences are minor, but they can make all the difference in cost, time and problems. Restoration "Restoration" literally means returning something to its original state. Restoring historic homes for sale involve city and state programs.…

20

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Home Selling Tips

How To Get The Full Asking Price When Selling Your Home

Selling your home is a complex process and there are a lot of factors that you will need to consider. Your goal will be to sell your home in a timely manner, while getting the highest price you can. However, many properties sell at a discount because the buyer is able to negotiate a lower price on the property. Although it is impossible to guarantee that you will receive your full asking price when you sell your home, there are things that you can do to increase the likelihood of this happening. You will need to have a strategy that…

19

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Homeowner Tips

Smart Ways To Create Equity Within Your Home

Home equity is the difference between what your home can sell for and what you owe on it. Generally, the longer you own your home, the more equity you build. This is money you can use before you sell your home through a home equity loan. Just keep in mind that a home equity loan is secured with your home. If you can't make the payments, you can lose your home. Use Your Home Equity In Smart Ways: Remodel Your Home - If you've wanted to add on a family room or modernize your kitchen, consider using your home's equity to…

18

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 18, 2014

Last week's economic news was dominated by the first address by the new Fed chairperson, Janet Yellen. Tuesday's news included the Jobs Openings report for December 2013, which matched November's reading of 4.0 million jobs available. This information was taken from a gauge of competition for available jobs; in December, competition for job openings fell to its lowest level in five years. Fed Chair Janet Yellen's First Address to House Janet Yellen addressed the House Financial Services Committee for the first time on Tuesday as Chair of the Federal Reserve. Ms. Yellen indicated that she expected "a great deal of…

14

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

How To Make Your Old Furniture Look Like New

Out with the old, in with the new. The beginning of 2014 can have you wanting to reinvent yourself — and your home. It's time to start fresh. Paint the walls, change the curtains and get new furniture. It's important to have your home be a reflection of you; however, all that remodeling can get expensive. Take a cue from Auld Lang Syne by buying a few new pieces, but keeping some of your older furniture. If they have sturdy bones, then you can update their look by reupholstering them to fit your new home vibe. Below are DIY steps…

13

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Home Seller Tips

Sell A Home, While Managing Your Stress

When we are going through a difficult and stressful time, our bodies naturally react to the situation. This "fight or flight" reaction to stress makes us more alert and ready to avoid danger, so it is helpful in the moment. However, if you are in a constant state of stress on an ongoing basis, this can be very damaging to your health and can increase the risk of diseases such as heart disease, depression and other problems. Chronic stress can also result in insomnia, headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain and much more – as well as emotional…

12

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Homebuyer Tips

Ready To Buy Your First Home, Here Is Your Quick Checklist

Buying your first home is a major milestone in your life, similar to graduating high school or moving out of your parent's house. When you buy a property, you are making a long-term investment decision in your future and potentially taking the first step toward your future financial security. However, buying a house before you are ready can actually be a negative move that puts a cramp in your plans. It is important to assess where you are in life, so that you know whether or not it's the right time to buy a house. Some people buy their first…

11

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Home Selling Tips

How To Emotionally Detach From Your Home When Selling

Let's face it, selling your home can be an emotionally difficult process – especially if you have lived there for a long time. When you make a house your home, it holds many of your memories and it becomes a part of your identity. How can you sell the house in which your child took their first steps, where you held many dinner parties and where your family celebrated so many birthdays and holidays together? You will go through a period of transition when moving house, which can be mentally and emotionally tiring. It might be hard to sell your…

10

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 10, 2014

Residential Construction Spending Up Last week's mortgage and housing-related reports began with Construction Spending for December, with a reading of 0.10 percent or a seasonally adjusted $930.5 billion. December's reading fell short of an expected increase of 0.40 percent. Spending for private sector projects rose by 1.00 percent; of this amount, residential construction spending increased by 2.60 percent and private sector spending for non-residential construction fell by -0.70 percent. Although construction spending posted a fractional gain, the good news is that construction spending is currently dominated by residential construction and that due to inclement winter weather, any gain in construction…

07

Feb

By Lori Blank

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Around The Home

Conducting Your Own Home Energy Audit

If your monthly energy bill has started to make you cringe, then it might be time to conduct an energy audit on your home. Hiring a professional can cost you a pretty penny. So save the dough and examine your home yourself. With a few tools and the tips below, you can identify problem areas that could be costing you every month. Energy Bills Analyze last year’s energy bills. Each statement should itemize the energy you use each month in kilowatts. Note any spikes that could indicate problems with one of your appliances or the structure of your home. Call…