Author: Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage

More Starter Homes Are Hitting the Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 17, 2024. Posted in First-Time Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

More entry-level homes – also known as starter homes – are popping up on the market. And after several years with very few homes available to buy and prices rising, there are finally some more options for first-time buyers. Inventory Is Increasing – Especially at Lower Price Points Over the past year, the total supply of homes for sale has improved. According to Realtor.com, in November there were 26.2% more homes for sale compared to this time last year, marking 13 months of inventory growth and the most homes available since December of 2019. Interestingly, the growth isn’t spread evenly...

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Only an Expert Agent Can Give You an Accurate Value of Your Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 16, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on automated tools for everything — including figuring out how much your house is worth. But be careful. The automated estimates you’re seeing online often miss key details that affect the true market value of your home. Before you toss a for sale sign in your yard and expect to bring in the number you saw for your house online, you need to understand why these tools generally aren’t spot-on and why working with an expert real estate agent is the best way to get an accurate picture of what your house is really worth. The Myth: Online Home Value...

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The Top 2 Reasons To Look at Newly Built Homes

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 12, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

When planning a move, a newly built home might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But with more brand-new homes on the market and builders focusing on smaller, more affordable options, this type of home may just be the key to crossing the homebuying finish line. Here’s why a new build is worth considering – and how an agent can help you find one that meets your needs and your budget. 1. More Newly Built Homes Are Available Right Now First, let’s break down the types of homes on the market. A newly built home is a house that was just built or is under construction. On the...

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Why Moving to a More Affordable Area Makes Sense

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 11, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Moving to a more affordable area could be the fresh start you need to get ahead financially. While some markets are certainly more affordable than others, know that working with a trusted real estate agent to find what fits your budget and your desired location – no matter where you want to be – is always the best plan. And with the rising cost of living, many people are rethinking where they live and looking for ways to cut expenses. If that sounds like you, here’s a great place to start (see visual below): These states are well known for lower housing costs, reduced insurance premiums,...

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What Will It Take for Prices To Come Down?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 10, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

You may be wondering if home prices are going to crash. And believe it or not, some people might even be hoping this happens so they can finally purchase a more affordable home. But experts agree that’s not what’s in the cards – and here’s why. There are more people who want to buy a home than there are homes available to purchase. That’s what drives prices up. Let’s break that down and explore why, nationally, home prices aren’t going to be coming down anytime soon. Prices Depend on Supply and Demand The housing market works like any other market – when demand is high...

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Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 9, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sale by Owner, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Putting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know that it gets complicated very quickly, especially in today’s complex market. That’s why data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record low number are going the route of selling on their own. Instead, more and more homeowners are choosing to work with a real estate agent (see graph below): And here’s why partnering with an expert is the go-to choice. Selling your home is a big deal, and while FSBO might seem like a way to save time or money, it...

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Why This Winter Is the Sweet Spot for Selling

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 6, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Infographics, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Thinking about selling your house? Here are a few reasons why you may want to do it this season. Buyers looking right now are serious about moving and the number of homes for sale is typically lower this time of year – helping your house stand out. While inventory is higher this year than it’s been in the last few winters, you’ll still be in this year’s sweet spot.

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Why Owning a Home Is Worth It in the Long Run

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 5, 2024. Posted in Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Today’s mortgage rates and home prices may have you second-guessing whether it’s still a good idea to buy a home right now. While market factors are definitely important, there’s also a bigger picture to consider: the long-term benefits of homeownership. Think of it this way. If you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. That’s because over time, home values usually grow – and that means a homeowner’s net worth does too. Here’s a look at how that can really add up over the...

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When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 4, 2024. Posted in Forecasts, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds right now is: when will mortgage rates come down? After several years of rising rates and a lot of bouncing around in 2024, we’re all eager for some relief. While no one can project where rates will go with complete accuracy or the exact timing, experts offer some insight into what we might see going into next year. Here’s what the latest forecasts show. Mortgage Rates Are Expected To Ease and Stabilize in 2025 After a lot of volatility and uncertainty, the most updated forecasts suggest rates will start to stabilize over the next year, and...

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Sell Your House During the Winter Sweet Spot

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 3, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

A lot of people assume spring is the ideal time to sell a house. And sure, buyer demand usually picks up at that time of year. But here’s the catch: so does your competition because a lot of people put their homes on the market at the same time. So, what’s the real advantage of selling your house before spring? It’ll stand out. Historically, the number of homes for sale tends to drop during the cooler months – and that means buyers have fewer options to choose from. You can see how that trend played out over the past few years in this data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR)....

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Should You Sell Your House As-Is or Make Repairs?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 2, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

A recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows most sellers (61%) completed at least minor repairs when selling their house. But sometimes life gets in the way and that’s just not possible. Maybe that’s why, 39% of sellers chose to sell as-is instead (see chart below): If you’re feeling stressed because you don’t have the time, budget, or resources to tackle any repairs or updates, you may be tempted to sell your house as-is, too. But before you decide to go this route, here’s what you need to know. What Does Selling As-Is Really Mean? Selling as-is means you won’t...

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Investors Are Not Buying Up All the Homes

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 29, 2024. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights There’s a misconception Wall Street is buying all the homes on the market. But data proves that isn’t true.? Experts agree the share of homes bought by investors is declining – and most are smaller investors, like your neighbor who owns a second home, not Wall Street. No matter what you’ve heard, the majority of homes are still being purchased by everyday homebuyers like you – not big investors. Connect with an agent if you have questions.?

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Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 28, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

With the holidays right around the corner, homeowners planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait? Some may even consider taking their house off the market until next spring. But is that the best choice? Because at this time of year, your home can really stand out. Here’s the thing: there are plenty of buyers out there who want to be in a new home by the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Redfin says: “. . . there is typically less inventory in the housing market this time of year, allowing your home to easily stand out...

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Control the Controllables If You’re Worried About Mortgage Rates

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 27, 2024. Posted in Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to hear is that they’re coming back down. And if you’ve seen headlines about the early November Federal Funds Rate cut by the Federal Reserve (The Fed), maybe you got hopeful mortgage rates would start to decline right away. Although some media sources may lead you to believe that the Fed’s actions determine mortgage rates, in reality, they don’t. The truth is, the Fed, the job market, inflation, geopolitical changes, and a whole list of other economic factors influence mortgage rates, too. So, while...

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How Co-Buying a Home Helps with Affordability Today

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 26, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Buying a home in today’s market can feel like an uphill battle – especially with home prices and mortgage rates putting pressure on your budget. If you’re feeling stuck, co-buying could be one way to help you get your foot in the door. Freddie Mac says: “If you are an aspiring homeowner, buying a home with your family or friends could be an option.” But there are some things you’ll want to consider first. Let’s explore why co-buying is gaining popularity right now among some buyers and see if it may make sense for you too. What Is Co-Buying? Co-buying means buying a home with someone...

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Why Today’s Mortgage Debt Isn’t a Sign of a Housing Market Crash

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 25, 2024. Posted in Equity, Foreclosures, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

One major reason why we’re not heading toward a foreclosure crisis is the high level of equity homeowners have today. Unlike in the last housing bubble, where many homeowners owed more than their homes were worth, today’s homeowners have far more equity than debt. That’s a big part of the reason why even though mortgage debt is at an all-time high, this isn’t 2008 all over again. As Bill McBride, Housing Analyst for Calculated Risk, explains: “With the recent house price increases, some people are worried about a new housing bubble – but mortgage debt isn’t a concern . . .” Today’s...

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How To Get Your House Ready To Sell in 2025

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 22, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights If you’re planning to list your house in 2025, it’s already time to start working on any repairs. But where do you start? Your local agent will be able to help you prioritize projects that will help you get the best return on your investment and appeal to what today’s buyers really want. If your goal is to sell your house next year, connect with an agent so you know what to start working on now.

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Don’t Miss Out on the Growing Number of Down Payment Assistance Programs

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 21, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

With rising home prices and volatile mortgage rates, it’s important you know about every resource that could help make buying a home possible. And one thing you’ll want to be aware of is just how much the number of down payment assistance (DPA) programs has grown lately. Take a look at the graph below to see how many new programs have been added in the last year, according to data from Down Payment Resource: More Programs, More Opportunities for You So, what does this increase mean for you? With more programs available, there’s a higher likelihood that one of them could help you reach...

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What’s Behind Today’s Mortgage Rate Volatility?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 20, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Economy, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on mortgage rates lately, you might feel like you’re on a roller coaster ride. One day rates are up; the next they dip down a bit. So, what’s driving this constant change? Let’s dive into just a few of the major reasons why we’re seeing so much volatility, and what it means for you. The Market’s Reaction to the Election A significant factor causing fluctuations in mortgage rates is the general reaction to the political landscape. Election seasons often bring uncertainty to financial markets, and this one is no different. Markets tend to respond not only to who...

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Is Wall Street Really Buying All the Homes?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 19, 2024. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Let’s be real – buying a home right now is tough. You’re scrolling through listings, rushing to open houses, and maybe even losing out to more competitive offers. Somewhere along the way, you might’ve heard the reason it’s so hard to find a home is because big Wall Street investors are swooping in and snatching up everything in sight. But here’s the thing: that’s mostly a myth. While investors are part of the market, according to Redfin, they’re a relatively small part: Here’s what that means. Five out of every six homes are being purchased by everyday homebuyers like you – not big...

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Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 18, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re debating whether or not you want to sell right now, it might be because you’ve got some unanswered questions, like if moving really makes sense in today’s market. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s even a good idea to move right now. Or you’re stressed because you think you won’t find a house you like. To put your mind at ease, here’s how to tackle these two concerns head-on. Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now? If you own a home already, you may have been holding off because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be...

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The Big Difference Between Renter and Homeowner Net Worth

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 15, 2024. Posted in Equity, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights If you’re torn between renting or buying, don’t forget to factor in the wealth-building power of homeownership. Unlike renters, homeowners gain equity as they pay their mortgage and as home values rise. That’s why, on average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40x higher than a renter’s. Connect with an agent if you want to learn more about the financial benefits of homeownership or the programs that can help make buying possible.

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