Author: Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage

Homebuilders Aren’t Overbuilding, They’re Catching Up

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

You may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm. Today, about one in three homes on the market are newly built. And if you’re wondering what that means for the housing market and for your own move, here’s what you need to know. Why This Isn’t Like 2008 People remember what happened to the housing market back in 2008. And one of the factors that contributed to that crash was that there were too many homes for sale. While only part of the oversupply back then came from builders, the lasting impact is that some people still feel uneasy when they hear...

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Home Prices Aren’t Declining, But Headlines Might Make You Think They Are

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 12, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’ve seen the news lately about home sellers slashing prices, it’s a great example of how headlines do more to terrify than clarify. Here’s what’s really happening with prices. The bottom line is home prices are higher than they were a year ago at this time, and they’re expected to keep rising, just at a slower pace. But a recent article from Redfin notes, “Price Drops Hit Highest Level in 18 Months As High Rates Dampen Buyer Demand.” And that might make you think prices are declining. Now, while it’s true the latest report from Realtor.com also shows 16.6% of homes on the market had...

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Savings Strategies Every First-Time Homebuyer Needs To Know

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 11, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings. And a big priority is making sure you’ve got a plan in place for things like your closing costs, down payment, and more. Here are a few strategies that can help speed up that process. Budget and Track Your Expenses: To start, create a detailed budget that tracks the money you’ve got coming in and the money going out. This’ll give you a better look at your finances as a whole. Cut Down on Unnecessary Spending: Now that you have your budget sheet done and you know how you’re spending your...

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Selling Smart: Why a Real Estate Agent Makes All the Difference

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 10, 2024. Posted in For Sale by Owner, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

If you’re considering selling your house on your own as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO), you want to think about if it’s really worth the extra stress. Going this route means shouldering a lot of responsibilities by yourself – and, if you’re not an expert, that opens the door for mistakes to happen and can quickly become overwhelming. A report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows two key areas where people who sold their own house struggled the most: pricing and paperwork. Here are just a few of the ways an agent makes those tasks a whole lot easier. Getting the Price Right...

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The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 7, 2024. Posted in Equity, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time. According to the FHFA, home values have increased by 315.7% since 1991. Home equity is one reason owning your own place can really pay off in the long run. When you’re ready, talk with a local real estate professional.

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Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 6, 2024. Posted in Equity, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Many homeowners looking to sell feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Today’s mortgage rates are higher than the one they currently have on their home, and that’s making it harder to want to sell and make a move. Maybe you’re in the same boat. But what if there was a way to offset these higher borrowing costs? There is. And the money you need probably already exists in your current home in the form of equity. What Is Equity? Think of equity as a simple math equation. Freddie Mac explains: “. . . your home’s equity is the difference between how much your home...

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The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 5, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up.

If you’ve been looking for a home at the high end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold. But according to recent data, now may be the time to jump back in. Here’s why. There Are More Luxury Homes To Choose From What’s considered the top-end of the market, or a luxury home, will always vary by location. But generally speaking, they’re homes that are valued in the top 5% of any given market. According to a recent report from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the selection of luxury homes is increasing (see graph below): As the graph...

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What To Expect if You Buy or Sell a Home This June

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 4, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year. So, if you’ve got a move on your mind and you’re looking to make it happen this month, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know to make sure you’re ready. If You’re Buying This June A lot of homebuyers with children like to move after one school year ends and before the next one begins. That’s one reason why late spring into summer is a popular time for homes to change hands. And whether that’s a motivator for you or not, it’s important to realize more buyers are going to be looking right...

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More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 3, 2024. Posted in Affordability, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all. And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so important to you in the first place. That’s because buying a home is so much more than just a financial transaction. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says: “The benefits of purchasing and owning your place of residence are both financial and emotional – pride in...

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Top Reasons To Own a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 31, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Buying a home has powerful financial and non-financial benefits. It creates more stability, helps grow your net worth, and gives you an undeniable sense of pride. While today’s market can be challenging for buyers, use these reasons to remind you of why homeownership is so worthwhile. When you’re ready to enjoy all the amazing advantages that come with owning a home, get in touch with a local real estate agent.

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The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Are Making Today

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 30, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates and rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes for sale, there’s a lot to consider. But, there’s one way to avoid getting tripped up – and that’s leaning on a real estate agent for the best possible advice. An expert’s insights will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes homebuyers are making right now. Putting Off Pre-approval As part of the homebuying process, a lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you for your mortgage. This gives...

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How an Agent Helps Market Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 29, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

You’re ready to sell your house. But what do you need most from your real estate agent? Well, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked that very question to recent sellers and found one of the top things they were looking for is help marketing their house to potential buyers. Maybe that’s what you need the most help with too. You expect your real estate agent to write a great description of your house for the listing and pair it with some high-quality photos. But that’s not all you’re going to get when you partner with a great agent. They’ll do a lot more to make sure your house...

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How Do Climate Risks Affect Your Next Home?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 28, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Climate change is impacting where people buy homes. As the experts at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explain: “Sixty-three percent of people who have moved since the pandemic began say they believe climate change is—or will be—an issue in the place they currently live.” If you’re planning to move, climate change is something you might want to consider, no matter where you are. A recent study from Realtor.com helps put the growing impact climate change is having on real estate into perspective (see below): So, how can you be sure your investment is safe from the elements? For...

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How VA Loans Can Help You Buy a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 27, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you know has served in the military, it’s important to learn about this program and its benefits. Here are some key things to know about VA loans before buying a home. Top Benefits of VA Home Loans VA home loans make it easier for veterans to buy a home, and they’re a great perk for those who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, some benefits include: Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no...

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Your Agent Is the Key To Pricing Your House Right [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 24, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Home Prices, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights The asking price for your house can impact your bottom line and how quickly it sells. Both under- and overpricing have drawbacks. So to find the right price for your house, lean on your agent for their expertise. Don’t pick just any price for your listing. Trust your real estate professional to help you find the perfect price for your house.

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Questions You May Have About Selling Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 23, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

There’s no denying mortgage rates are having a big impact on today’s housing market. And that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house and make a move. Here are three of the top questions you may be asking – and the data that helps answer them. 1. Should I Wait To Sell? If you’re thinking about waiting to sell until after mortgage rates come down, here’s what you need to know. So are a ton of other people. And while mortgage rates are still forecasted to come down later this year, if you wait for that to happen, you may be dealing with a lot...

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How Many Homes Are Investors Actually Buying?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 22, 2024. Posted in Economy, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Are big investors really buying up all the homes today? If you’re trying to find a house to buy, this may be something you’re wondering about. Maybe you’ve read about it or seen reels on social media saying investors buying all the homes is making it even harder to find what the average buyer is looking for. But spoiler alert – there’s a lot of misinformation out there. To clear things up, here’s the scoop on what’s really happening. A lot of the big investor activity is actually in the rearview mirror already. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) explains: “Investors of all sizes...

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Worried about Home Maintenance Costs? Consider This

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

If one of the main reasons you’re hesitant to buy a home is because you’re worried about the upkeep, here’s some information you may find interesting on both new home construction and existing homes (a home that’s been lived in by a previous owner). Newly Built Homes Need Less Upfront Maintenance If you can afford it, you may find a newly built home could help ease your worries about maintenance costs. Think about it, if everything in the house is brand new, it won’t have the wear and tear you may see in an existing home – and that means it’s less likely to need repairs. As LendingTree...

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What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 20, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

If you’re thinking of making a move this year, there are two housing market factors that are probably on your mind: home prices and mortgage rates. You’re wondering what’s going to happen next. And if it’s worth it to move now, or better to wait it out. The only thing you can really do is make the best decision you can based on the latest information available. So, here’s what experts are saying about both prices and rates. 1. What’s Next for Home Prices? One reliable place you can turn to for information on home price forecasts is the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae – a...

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Should I Rent or Buy a Home? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 17, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights While renting may be less expensive in some areas right now, there are two big benefits homeownership provides that renting can’t. ? Owning a home means you get to say goodbye to rising rents and hello to stability. It also gives you the chance to gain equity as home values rise over time. If you’re ready to learn more about the perks of owning a home, connect with a local real estate agent.

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The Number of Homes for Sale Is Increasing

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 16, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s no denying the last couple of years have been tough for anyone trying to buy a home because there haven’t been enough houses to go around. But things are starting to look up. There are more homes up for grabs this year. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show in April 2024 there were more homes for sale than there were over the last few years (2021-2023): As Realtor.com explains: “There were 30.4% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in April compared with the same time in 2023, marking the sixth consecutive month of annual inventory growth.” But...

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Why a Condo May Be a Great Option for Your First Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 15, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Having a hard time finding a first home that’s right for you and your wallet? Well, here’s a tip – think about condominiums, or condos for short. They’re usually smaller than single-family homes, but that’s exactly why they can be easier on your budget. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), condos are typically less expensive than single-family homes (see graph below): So, if you’re comfortable with a smaller space and want to buy your first home this year, adding condos to your search might be easier on your wallet....

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