27
Jun
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

NeighborWorks America and Building Stronger Communities Continues During National Homeownership Month

June marks National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and to highlight the programs and organizations that help make homeownership accessible and sustainable for all. One key player in this mission is NeighborWorks America, a national nonprofit network dedicated to promoting affordable housing through education, community development, and lending. What Is NeighborWorks America?NeighborWorks America supports a nationwide network of local organizations that provide a wide range of services designed to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Their work includes: Homebuyer education and counseling: Helping potential buyers understand the home buying process, budgeting, and financial management.…
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26
Jun
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

How Habitat for Humanity Supports Homeownership By Building Hope and Homes

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the value of owning a home and recognize the individuals and organizations working to make homeownership more accessible to everyone. One of the most well-known and impactful organizations in this space is Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit that’s been helping families build and own safe, affordable homes for nearly 50 years. Habitat for Humanity goes beyond construction. It provides stability, empowerment, and dignity to families who may never have thought homeownership was within reach. During National Homeownership Month, it is especially important to highlight how this organization makes a lasting difference.…
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25
Jun
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

Creating Fairer Housing for All and How REALTORS Are Leading the Way with Fairhaven and ACT!

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and to recognize the organizations and individuals working to make that dream accessible to all. While much of the focus is rightly on financial assistance and buyer education, it’s equally important to talk about fairness, and what’s being done behind the scenes to ensure every person has an equal opportunity to purchase a home. That’s where two powerful initiatives from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) come in: Fairhaven and ACT!. Both programs are transforming the way real estate professionals approach housing equality, reinforcing the…
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24
Jun
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

How the National Association of REALTORS Supports the Path to Homeownership

June marks National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate one of the most important milestones in life, owning a home. While many organizations work to make homeownership accessible, one of the most influential is the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). As the largest trade association in the U.S., NAR plays a critical role in promoting, protecting, and expanding homeownership opportunities for all Americans. With over 1.5 million members, NAR is not just an association for real estate professionals, it’s an advocate for buyers, sellers, and communities nationwide. During National Homeownership Month, it’s the perfect time to highlight how this organization…
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12
Jun
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

Why You Should Always Check the Street Name Before Buying a Home

When your house hunting, you are likely focused on the big things like: location, price, layout, and condition. But there is one small detail that can have a surprising impact on your homeownership experience, the street name. While it may seem insignificant at first, the name of your street can affect everything from resale value and first impressions to daily convenience and even safety. Curb Appeal Starts With the AddressFirst impressions matter, and your street name is often the first thing someone hears when you share your address. Names like “Ocean View Drive” or “Whispering Pines Lane” can evoke a…
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10
Jun
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

The Hidden Reasons Homes Linger on the Market

When a home sits on the market longer than expected, the price is often the first thing blamed. While overpricing can be a major factor, it's far from the only one. One of the most common culprits is poor presentation. Buyers today form opinions within seconds, often based on online photos before they even step foot inside.  Homes that are cluttered, outdated, poorly lit, or in need of deep cleaning may leave a negative impression. Listing photos that are dark, grainy, or unprofessional can stop interest before it starts.  Accessibility and Showings Another big reason homes don’t move quickly is limited…
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23
May
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

Inspecting Foreclosures Before You Buy

If you have been thinking about investing in a foreclosure property, you will want to make sure the home you choose does not have major hidden issues. Before hiring a professional inspector, you can do a preliminary check by looking out for some of these common problem areas: CeilingsCeilings are typically made of plaster or plasterboard. Keep an eye out for: Cracks, holes, or uneven areas Dampness or mold growth Crumbling surfaces Bulging or cracked spots WallsWalls may show similar signs of damage as ceilings, but also look for: Loose skirting boards Dampness or rot Discoloration, blisters, or peeling wallpaper…
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21
May
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

What Do Points Have to Do With Real Estate?

You may have heard of points when looking for real estate. Maybe your loan officer told you that you can trade points for a better interest rate. That sounds good, but just what are points? We'll give you a better idea of just what points are and how they work. What Are Points?Points, more specifically discount points, are a percentage of the total loan amount for the house that is pre-paid to the lender. Each point is worth one percent. Your lender may offer a lower interest rate for your mortgage loan if you buy discount points.  What do Discount…
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02
May
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

Why Some Homes Come with Deed Restrictions You Shouldn’t Ignore

When buying a home, most buyers focus on location, price, and features. However, deed restrictions—legally binding rules that dictate how you can use your property—are equally important. Ignoring them can lead to unexpected limitations and challenges. What Are Deed Restrictions? Deed restrictions, also known as restrictive covenants, are rules placed on a property’s deed by developers, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), or local governments. Unlike zoning laws, which are enforced by municipalities, deed restrictions are upheld by private entities like HOAs or developers. Violating them can result in fines, legal action, or forced compliance. Common Deed Restrictions Understanding deed restrictions before purchasing…
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29
Apr
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

The Best Home Upgrades for Lasting Value

When it comes to increasing your home’s long-term value, not all upgrades are created equal. While stylish kitchens and luxurious bathrooms may attract attention, the smartest investment is one that continues to pay off for years to come: energy efficiency. Unlike cosmetic updates that can lose appeal over time, energy-efficient upgrades provide lasting benefits. They lower utility costs, increase property value, and make your home more appealing to buyers. Higher Property Value: Energy-efficient homes often sell at a premium. Buyers are increasingly eco-conscious and willing to pay more for homes that promise lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.…
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