Author: Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage

Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 14, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

When you’re ready to move, figuring out what to do with your house is a big decision. And today, more homeowners are considering renting their home instead of selling it. Recent data from Zillow shows about two-thirds (66%) of sellers thought about renting their home before listing, with nearly a third (28%) taking that possibility seriously. Compared to 2021, when fewer than half (47%) of homeowners considered renting before selling, it’s clear this trend is on the rise. So, should you sell your house and use the money toward your next home or keep it as a rental to build long-term...

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More Homes, Slower Price Growth – What It Means for You as a Buyer

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 13, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There are more homes on the market right now than there have been in years – and that could be a game changer for you if you’re ready to buy. Let’s look at two reasons why. You Have More Options To Choose From An article from Realtor.com helps explain just how much the number of homes for sale has gone up this year: “There were 29.2% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in October compared with the same time in 2023, marking the twelfth consecutive month of annual inventory growth and the highest count since December 2019.” And while the number of homes on the market still isn’t...

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What’s Motivating Homeowners To Move Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 12, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates, Selling Tips.

Over the past few years, some homeowners have decided to delay their move because they don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on their next home. Maybe you’re thinking the same thing. And honestly, that’s no surprise. It’s a very common roadblock and is one of the biggest factors that’s kept the number of homes on the market so low for so long. But a growing number of homeowners are deciding they just can’t wait any longer. Often, it’s because of personal or lifestyle change. As Redfin explains: “Some homeowners are opting to bite the bullet and give up their low rate in...

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The Majority of Veterans Are Unaware of a Key VA Loan Benefit

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 11, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For over 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans achieve the dream of homeownership. But according to Veterans United, only 3 in 10 Veterans realize they may be able to buy a home without needing a down payment (see visual below): That’s why it’s so important for Veterans – and anyone who cares about a Veteran – to be aware of this valuable program. Knowing about the resources available can make the path to homeownership easier and keep life-changing plans from being put on hold. As Veterans United explains: “The ability to buy with 0% down is the...

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Why You Need an Agent To Set the Right Asking Price

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 8, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Home Prices, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights The #1 task sellers struggle with is setting the right asking price for their house. Without an agent’s help, you may set a price that turns away buyers and takes a long time to sell. To make sure your house is priced right, connect with a local agent. Because if the price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.

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Renting vs. Buying: The Net Worth Gap You Need To See

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 7, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Trying to decide between renting or buying a home? One key factor that could help you choose is just how much homeownership can grow your net worth. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board shares a report called the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). It shows how much wealth homeowners and renters have – and the difference is significant. On average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40 times higher than a renter’s. Check out the graph below to see the difference for yourself: Why Homeowner Wealth Is So High In the previous version of that report, the average homeowner’s net worth was...

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What To Look For From This Week’s Fed Meeting

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 6, 2024. Posted in Economy, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

You may be hearing a lot of talk about the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and how their actions will impact the housing market right now. Here’s why. The Fed meets again this week to decide the next step with the Federal Funds Rate. That’s how much it costs banks to borrow from each other. Now, that’s not the same thing as setting mortgage rates, but mortgage rates can be influenced through this process. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you may be wondering about the downstream impact and when mortgage rates will come down. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to...

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Expect the Unexpected: Anticipating Volatility in Today’s Housing Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 5, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

You’ve probably noticed one thing if you’re thinking about making a move: the housing market feels a bit unpredictable right now. The truth is, from home prices to mortgage rates, we’re seeing more volatility – and it’s important to understand why. At a high-level, let’s break down what’s happening and the best way to navigate it. What’s Driving Today’s Market Volatility? Factors like economic data, unemployment numbers, decisions coming out of the Federal Reserve (The Fed), and even the presidential election, are creating uncertainty right now – and uncertainty leads to market...

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Is a Fixer Upper Right for You?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 4, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Looking to buy a home but feeling like almost everything is out of reach? Here’s the thing. There’s still a way to become a homeowner, even when affordability seems like a huge roadblock – and it might be with a fixer upper. Let’s dive into why buying a fixer upper could be your ticket to homeownership and how you can make it work. What Is a Fixer Upper? A fixer upper is a home that’s in livable condition but needs some work. The amount of work varies by home – some may need cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring, while others might require more extensive repairs like...

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Q&A: How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 1, 2024. Posted in Economy, Home Prices, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Some Highlights Even if you’re not looking to move right away, you may have questions about how the election will impact the housing market. When we look at historical trends, combined with what’s happening right now, we can find your answers. Based on historical data, mortgage rates decrease in the months before and home prices and sales increase the year after the election. The facts show Presidential elections only have a small and temporary impact on the housing market.

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How Real Estate Agents Take the Fear Out of Moving

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 31, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Feeling a bit unsure, or even afraid, to move with everything going on right now? The decision to move shouldn’t be scary, it should be exciting. And the best way to eliminate any fear is to work with a pro. Real estate agents are so much more than just transaction facilitators; they’re trusted guides to help you navigate the complexities of the housing market with confidence and ease. And a great agent can turn what may feel like a daunting process into a manageable—and even enjoyable—experience. That’s why, in a Bright MLS survey, respondents agreed partnering with an agent is essential...

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Avoid These Top Homebuyer Mistakes in Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 30, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

No one likes making mistakes, especially when they happen in what’s likely the biggest transaction of your life – buying a home. That’s why partnering with a trusted agent is so important. Here’s a sneak peek at the most common missteps buyers are making in today’s market and how a great agent will help you steer clear of each one. Trying To Time the Market Many buyers are trying to time the market by waiting for home prices or mortgage rates to drop. This can be a really risky strategy because there’s so much at play that can have an impact on those things. As Elijah de la Campa, Senior...

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Why Home Sales Bounce Back After Presidential Elections

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 29, 2024. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down. Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown In any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, seasonal trend. However, according to data from BTIG, in election years there’s usually a slightly larger dip in home sales in the month leading up to Election Day (see graph below): Why? Uncertainty. Many consumers hold off on making major decisions or purchases while they wait to see how the election will play out....

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Why Your House Will Shine in Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 28, 2024. Posted in Affordability, For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Even though there are more homes available for sale than there were at this time last year, there are still more buyers than there are houses to choose from. So, know that if you’ve got moving on your mind, your house can really stand out. There are several key reasons why there aren’t enough homes to go around and understanding them will help you see why the market is working in your favor if you’re ready to make a move. What’s Causing the Shortage? 1. Underproduction of Homes: For years, the industry hasn’t built enough homes to keep up with demand. As Zillow explains: “In 2022, 1.4...

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Debunking Scary Myths About Buying a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 25, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights There are a number of scary myths about homebuying in today’s market. Here’s what you need to know. Prices are not expected to crash, it is possible to buy even with student loan debt, and there are programs that can help you save for a down payment. Don’t let scary myths delay your homebuying plans. Connect with an agent so you have a pro to help you separate the facts from your fears.

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Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Won’t Trigger a Crash

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 24, 2024. Posted in Economy, Foreclosures, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

With everything feeling more expensive these days, it’s natural to worry about how rising costs might impact the housing market. Many people are concerned that high prices and tighter budgets could cause more homeowners to fall behind on their mortgage payments, leading to a wave of foreclosures. But before you start worrying about a housing market crash, here’s a look at what’s really happening. And the good news is: the latest foreclosure data shows there’s no wave on the horizon. How Today’s Market Is Different from 2008 Let’s ease those fears by looking at the bigger picture. The graph...

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How Long Will It Take To Sell Your House?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 23, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

As you’re getting ready to sell your house, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is, “how long is this going to take?” And that makes sense—you want to know what to expect. While every market is different, understanding what’s happening nationally can give you a good baseline. But for an even more detailed look at real estate conditions in your area, connect with a local real estate agent. They know your local market best and can explain what’s happening near you and how it compares to national trends. Here’s a look at some of the things a great agent will walk you through...

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Planning To Sell Your House in 2025? Start Prepping Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 22, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If your goal is to sell your house in 2025, now’s the time to start prepping. Even though it might seem like there’s plenty of time between now and the new year, you should get a head start on any updates or repairs you want to make now. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says: “ . . . now is the time to start thinking about what you need for your next home and then taking those steps to prepare to list . . . We have survey data that says 47 percent of sellers are taking longer than a month to get their home ready to sell, so getting them to start that process early can mean...

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What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 21, 2024. Posted in Affordability, For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your decisions: mortgage rates and home prices. Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling, here’s a look at what the experts are saying and how it might impact your move. Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down One of the biggest factors likely affecting your plans is mortgage rates, and the forecast looks positive. After rising dramatically in recent years, experts project rates will ease...

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Why Buying Now Is Worth It

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 18, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, Equity, For Buyers, Forecasts, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights You may be torn between buying a home now or waiting. But don’t forget to factor in the equity you’ll gain as prices rise. Experts forecast prices will climb over the next 5 years – and based on those forecasts, you could gain about $90k in equity in that time. So, you could wait, but you’ll miss out on a lot of equity if you do. If you’re ready and able to buy, let’s connect so you can start growing your wealth now.

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Why Did More People Decide To Sell Their Homes Recently?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 17, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Homeowners typically slow down their moving plans as the summer months wrap up, and as a result, fewer homes are listed for sale in the fall. It’s a predictable, seasonal trend in real estate. But this year, mortgage rates came down at the same time the number of homes on the market usually starts to decline. So, what happened? More homeowners decided to sell, so more homes came to the market. The most recent data from Realtor.com reveals that in September, the number of homes put up for sale increased by 11.6% compared to this time last year. As the green circle in the graph below...

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The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 16, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Equity, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home. That’s because, once they sell, they can use the equity they have in their current house toward their next down payment. And it’s why as home equity reaches a new height, the median down payment has too. According to the latest data from Redfin, the typical down payment for U.S. homebuyers is $67,500—that’s nearly 15% more than last year, and the highest on record (see graph below): Here’s why equity makes this possible. Over the past five years, home prices have increased significantly, which has...

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