Author: Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage

The Great Wealth Transfer: A New Era of Opportunity

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 14, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Economy, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in how wealth is distributed among generations. It’s called the Great Wealth Transfer. Historically, the transfer of wealth from one generation to the next was a more gradual process, often limited to smaller amounts of inheritance or family savings. But today, the scale has increased in a big way. As a recent article from Bankrate says: “The biggest wave of wealth in history is about to pass from Baby Boomers over the next 20 years, and it’s going to have major impacts on many facets of life. Called The Great Wealth Transfer, $84 trillion...

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Is Affordability Starting To Improve?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 13, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Economy, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home. And while affordability is still tight, there are signs it’s getting a little better and might keep improving throughout the rest of the year. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says: “Housing affordability is improving ever so modestly, but it is moving in the right direction.” Here’s a look at the latest data on the three biggest factors affecting home affordability: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. 1. Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates have been volatile...

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Are There More Homes for Sale Where You Live?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 12, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year. Recent data from Realtor.com shows that nationally, there are 36.6% more homes actively for sale now compared to the same time last year. That’s a significant improvement. It gives you far more options for your move than you would’ve had just a year ago. And with supply improving, you’re also regaining a bit of negotiation power. So, if you’re someone who thought about buying a home over the last few years but was discouraged by how limited...

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Home Inspections For Sellers: How To Prepare

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 9, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights If you’re thinking about selling your house, it’s important to know what the home inspection is and what inspectors look for. As supply grows and buyers regain negotiation power, you may find you want to do some select repairs with a good return on investment before listing to get ahead of things a buyer may ask you to fix. To decide what’s worth tackling, you need expert advice. Reach out to a local real estate agent so you know what to prioritize.

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Where Will You Go After You Sell?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 8, 2024. Posted in Affordability, For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, New Construction.

If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available. But here’s the good news: the supply of homes for sale has grown in a lot of markets this year – and that’s not just existing, or previously-owned, homes. It’s true for newly built homes too. So how do you decide which route to go? Do you buy an existing home or a brand-new one? The choice is yours – you just need to figure out what’s most important to you. Perks of a Newly Built Home Here are some benefits of buying a newly built home right now: Have brand new everything with...

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Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 7, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Economy, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability. And if you’re someone who’s looking to make a move, you’ve probably been waiting eagerly for rates to come down for that very reason. Well, if the past few weeks are any indication, you may be getting your wish. Mortgage Rates Trend Down in Recent Weeks There’s big news for mortgage rates. After the latest reports on the economy, inflation, the unemployment rate, and the Federal Reserve’s recent comments, mortgage rates started dropping a bit. And according to Freddie...

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Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 6, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

If you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market. And while that doesn’t make this a buyer’s market, it does mean buyers may be able to ask for a little more. So, sellers need to be ready for that possibility and know what they’re willing to negotiate. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a house, here’s a quick rundown of potential negotiations that may pop up during your transaction. That way, you’re prepared no matter which side of the deal you’re on. What Can You Negotiate? Most things in a home purchase are on the negotiation table....

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What Every Homeowner Should Know About Their Equity

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 5, 2024. Posted in Equity, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Curious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And since home prices rose so much over the past few years, most people have much more equity than they may realize. Here’s a deeper look at what you need to know if you’re ready to cash in on your investment and put your equity toward your next home. Home Equity: What Is It and How Much Do You Have? Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $400,000...

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3 Reasons Why We’re Not Headed for a Housing Crash

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 2, 2024. Posted in Foreclosures, Infographics, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Back in 2008, there was an oversupply of homes for sale. Today, there’s an undersupply. The three main sources of inventory show this isn’t like the last time. Existing homes, new homes, and foreclosures are all way below the levels we saw during the housing crash. Inventory data shows there just aren’t enough homes available to have a repeat of what happened back in 2008.

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Why the Sandwich Generation Is Buying Multi-Generational Homes

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 1, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation? According to Realtor.com, that’s a name for the roughly one in six Americans who take care of their children and their parents or grandparents at the same time. If that sounds familiar to you, juggling all the responsibilities involved certainly must have its challenges. But it turns out there’s one pretty significant benefit: it can actually make it a bit easier for you to buy a home. How Can It Help You Buy a Home? Realtor.com asked members of the Sandwich Generation if they agree or disagree that taking care of children and parents at the same...

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Should You Rent Out or Sell Your House?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 31, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy, Selling Tips.

Figuring out what to do with your house when you’re ready to move can be a big decision. Should you sell it and use the money for your next adventure, or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth? It’s a question many homeowners face, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re curious about the potential income from renting or worried about the responsibilities of being a landlord, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s walk through some key questions to ask to help you make the best decision for your situation. Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting?...

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The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 30, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

The housing market is going through a transition. Higher mortgage rates are causing more moderate buyer activity at the same time the supply of homes for sale is growing. And if you aren’t working with an agent, you may not realize that. Here’s the downside. If you’re not informed, you can’t adjust your strategy or expectations to today’s market. And that can lead to a number of costly mistakes. Here’s a look at some of the most common ones – and how an agent will help you avoid them when you sell. 1. Overpricing Your House Many sellers set their asking price too high and that’s why...

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Are Home Prices Going To Come Down?

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

Today’s headlines and news stories about home prices are confusing and make it tough to know what’s really happening. Some say home prices are heading for a correction, but what do the facts say? Well, it helps to start by looking at what a correction means. Here’s what Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says: “In stock market terms, a correction is generally referred to as a 10 to 20% drop in prices . . . We don’t have the same established definitions in the housing market.” In the context of today’s housing market, it doesn’t mean home prices are going to fall...

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Unlocking the Benefits of Your Home’s Equity

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 26, 2024. Posted in Equity, For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. The typical homeowner gained $28,000 over the past year and has a grand total of $305,000 in equity. And there are a lot of great ways you can use that equity. To find out how much equity you have, connect with a real estate agent who can give you a Professional Equity Assessment Report (PEAR).

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How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 25, 2024. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what’s ahead. One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, they do control the Federal Funds Rate. The relationship between the two is why people have been watching closely to see when the Fed might lower the Federal Funds Rate. Whenever they do, that’ll put downward pressure on...

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A Newly Built Home May Actually Be More Budget-Friendly

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 24, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you. Many people assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones (houses that have already been lived in), but that’s not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes can sometimes lead to more cost-effective options, especially today. Hard to believe, right? But the data doesn’t lie. Here are two key reasons working with your agent to look into new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option. Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes The median sales price...

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Why a Foreclosure Wave Isn’t on the Horizon

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 23, 2024. Posted in Forecasts, Foreclosures, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Even though data shows inflation is cooling, a lot of people are still feeling the pinch on their wallets. And those high costs on everything from gas to groceries are fueling unnecessary concerns that more people are going to have trouble making their mortgage payments. But, does that mean there’s a big wave of foreclosures coming? Here’s a look at why the data and the experts say that’s not going to happen. There Aren’t Many Homeowners Who Are Seriously Behind on Their Mortgages One of the main reasons there were so many foreclosures during the last housing crash was because...

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How Affordability and Remote Work Are Changing Where People Live

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 22, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s an interesting trend happening in the housing market. People are increasingly moving to more affordable areas, and remote or hybrid work is helping them do it. Consider Moving to a More Affordable Area Today’s high mortgage rates combined with continually rising home prices mean it’s tough for a lot of people to afford a home right now. That’s why many interested buyers are moving to places where homes are less expensive, and the cost of living is lower. As Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow, explains: “Housing affordability has always mattered . . . and you’re seeing it...

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The Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Are Making Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 19, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Want to know the biggest mistakes homebuyers are making today? They include everything from putting off pre-approval for too long, holding out for the perfect home, buying more than they can afford, and skipping out on hiring a pro. Connect with a real estate agent to make sure you have a pro on your side who can help you avoid these mistakes.

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Unlocking Homebuyer Opportunities in 2024

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 18, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s no arguing this past year has been difficult for homebuyers. And if you’re someone who has started the process of searching for a home, maybe you put your search on hold because the challenges in today’s market felt like too much to tackle. You’re not alone in that. A Bright MLS study found some of the top reasons buyers paused their search in late 2023 and early 2024 were: They couldn’t find anything in their price range They didn’t have any successful offers or had difficulty competing They couldn’t find the right home If any of these sound like why you stopped looking, here’s...

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Why Fixing Up Your House Can Help It Sell Faster

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 17, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know there are buyers who are ready and able to pay today’s high prices. But they want a home that’s move-in ready. A recent press release from Redfin explains: “Buyers are still out there and they’re willing to pay today’s high prices, but only if the house is in really good shape. They don’t want to spend extra money on paint or new appliances.” It makes sense when you think about it. They’re having to pay a lot of money for a house in today’s market. That means they may not be able to easily afford upgrades after they move in....

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How To Determine if You’re Ready To Buy a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 16, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates and home prices, the limited supply of homes for sale, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. While housing market conditions are definitely a factor in your decision, your own personal situation and your finances matter too. As an article from NerdWallet says: “Housing market trends give important context. But whether this is a good time to buy a house also depends on your financial...

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