Author: Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage

Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 14, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you’re one of them and you’re wondering: Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Having questions like these is normal, especially when you’re thinking about making such a big purchase. But you should know, you may be putting your homeownership goals on the backburner unnecessarily. Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if...

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Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 13, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive. What Are Concessions and Incentives? When a seller or builder gives you something extra to help with your purchase, that’s called either a concession or an incentive. A concession is something a seller gives up or agrees to in order to reach a compromise and close a deal. An incentive, on the other hand, is a benefit a builder or seller advertises...

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Home Projects That Boost Value

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 12, 2025. Posted in Equity, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains: “. . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell.“ That’s why, before you pick up a power tool or call a contractor, your first...

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Why You’ll Want a Home Inspection

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 9, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Once your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, including things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and more. That information is incredibly important and paves the way for you to re-negotiate with the seller, as needed. So, you don’t want to skip this step. An inspection is your chance to avoid costly headaches and get peace of mind. Connect with an agent to talk about other ways to make your offer stand out.

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Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 8, 2025. Posted in Forecasts, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people wondering what’s next – and whether now is really the right time to move. There is one place you can turn to for answers you want the most. And that’s the experts. Leading housing experts are starting to release their projections for the rest of the year. These insights will give you clarity – and a little more optimism than you might expect. Business Insider sums up the forecasts (and why they’re good news for you): “As mortgage rates go down this year, affordability may improve slightly for...

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Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 7, 2025. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

As you think ahead to your own move, you may have noticed some houses sell within days, while others linger. But why is that? As Redfin says: “. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange mix: Some homes are flying off the market, while others sit for weeks.” That may leave you wondering what you should expect when you sell. Let’s break it down and give you some actionable tips on how to make sure your house is one that sells quickly. Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Pre-Pandemic The first...

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Stocks May Be Volatile, but Home Values Aren’t

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 6, 2025. Posted in Economy, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. And if you’ve been watching your 401(k) or investments lately, chances are you’ve felt that pit in your stomach. One day it’s up. The next day, it’s not. And that may make you feel a little worried about your finances. But here’s the thing you need to remember if you’re a homeowner. According to Investopedia: “Traditionally, stocks have been far more volatile than real estate. That’s not to say that real estate prices aren’t ever volatile—the years around the 2007 to 2008...

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The 20% Down Payment Myth, Debunked

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 5, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock. But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth. Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home? Unless your specific loan type or lender requires it, odds are you won’t have to put 20% down. There are loan options out there designed to help first-time buyers like you get in the door with a much smaller down payment. For example, FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5%, while VA and...

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Your Home Equity Could Make Moving Possible

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 2, 2025. Posted in Equity, For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights Thanks to recent home price appreciation, homeowners have near record amounts of equity – and you may too. On average, homeowners have $311K worth of equity. Once you sell, you can use it to fund your down payment on your next home or maybe even to buy a smaller house in cash. If you want to find out how much equity you have, connect with an agent. Because it may make a move a lot more feasible than you’d think.?

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What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 1, 2025. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. That’s leaving a lot of people wondering what it means for the value of their home – and their buying power. Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in the housing market during each recession, going all the way back to the 1980s. The facts may surprise you. A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will Fall Many people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time the market saw...

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A Tale of Two Housing Markets

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 30, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes sit on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room. In other words, it’s a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move. What Is a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market? In a buyer’s market, there are a lot of homes for sale, and not as many people buying. With fewer buyers...

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Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 29, 2025. Posted in Economy, Foreclosures, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

When it feels like the cost of just about everything is rising, it’s only natural to wonder what that means for the housing market. Some people are even questioning whether more homeowners will struggle to make their mortgage payments, ultimately leading to a wave of foreclosures. And recent data showing foreclosure filings have increased is only feeding into this fear. But don’t let that scare you. If you put the latest data into context, it’s clear there’s no reason to think this is a repeat of the last housing crash. This Isn’t Like 2008 While it’s true that foreclosure filings ticked...

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Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 28, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great. Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. And why sell if you’re not sure where you’re going to go? But here’s the thing: the market’s shifting. And it might be time to hit play again. The Inventory Sweet Spot More homeowners are jumping back into their search to make a move this year. Builders are finishing more...

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You Finally Have More Options for Your Move

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 25, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights If you put your home search on hold because you couldn’t find anything you liked in your budget, it’s time to try again. ? There’s a much wider selection of homes for sale, with more fresh listings hitting the market each month. With more options come more possibilities. Connect with an agent if you want to see what’s available in your area.?

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Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 24, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, Equity, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.” That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to fall or rates to improve, you should know that trying to time the market rarely works. Here’s what most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could cost you. And you deserve to understand why. Forecasts Say Prices Will Keep Climbing Each quarter, over 100 housing market experts weigh in for...

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What’s Your House Worth Now? The Answer May Surprise You

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 23, 2025. Posted in For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the value of your home? Think about it. For most people, your house is probably the biggest asset you have. And if you’ve owned your home for a few years (or longer), chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background. And honestly? You might be surprised by just how much. What Is Home Equity? This wealth you...

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What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 22, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home. Take a look at the graph below. It uses data from Mortgage News Daily to show that after a relatively stable month of March, mortgage rates have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride in April: This kind of up-and-down volatility is expected when economic changes are happening. And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t your best move....

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Don’t Miss This Prime Spring Window To Sell Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 21, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why. That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other organizations run similar studies. And since different places use different methodologies for their research, sometimes the results vary too – and that’s actually good news for you. According to Zillow, the best time to list your house is still ahead. The latest research from Zillow says sellers who list their homes in late May...

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If the Asking Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 18, 2025. Posted in For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights Unfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high. That’s leading to an uptick in price cuts.? Some of the most common reasons this is happening are that they’re not paying attention to current market conditions or they’re trying to leave room for negotiation. The best way to avoid this mistake? Connect with an agent to make sure your house is priced to pull people in, not push them away.

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Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 17, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because, like anything in life, the right prep work makes things clearer. The best time to get serious about buying is before you’re ready to buy. Here’s why. Pre-Approval Helps You Understand Your Numbers One of the biggest benefits of pre-approval is how it helps you understand your buying power. As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on...

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Do You Think the Housing Market’s About To Crash? Read This First

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 16, 2025. Posted in Economy, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Lately, it feels like a lot of people have been asking the same question: “Is the housing market about to crash?” If you’ve been scrolling through social media or watching the news, you might have seen some pretty scary headlines yourself. That’s why it’s no surprise that, according to data from Clever Real Estate, 70% of Americans are worried about a housing crash in 2025. But before you hit pause on your plans to buy or sell a home, take a deep breath. The truth is: the housing market isn’t about to crash – it’s just shifting. And that shift actually works in your favor. Today’s...

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Are You Saving Up To Buy a Home? Your Tax Refund Can Help

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 15, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

You’ve been working on your savings and dreaming of that moment when you finally have keys to a place that’s truly yours. What you might not realize is that your tax return could give you a little extra cash to help you get there sooner. As Freddie Mac notes: “ . . . your tax refund from the IRS can be a useful supplement to your homebuying budget.” So, if you’re getting a tax refund this year, you can use it to help you pay for some of the upfront costs that come with buying a home, like the down payment and closing costs. And here’s the best part. On average, people are getting even...

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