Author: Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage

How Today’s Mortgage Rates Impact Your Home Purchase

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 10, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s critical to understand the relationship between mortgage rates and your purchasing power. Purchasing power is the amount of home you can afford to buy that’s within your financial reach. Mortgage rates directly impact the monthly payment you’ll have on the home you purchase. So, when rates rise, so does the monthly payment you’re able to lock in on your home loan. In a rising-rate environment like we’re in today, that could limit your future purchasing power. Today, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is above 5%, and in the near term, experts...

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Three Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 5, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Buying your first home is a major decision and an exciting milestone. Even though it can feel daunting at times, it has the power to change your life for the better. If you’re looking to purchase your first home, you may be wondering what’s happening in the housing market today, how much you need to save, and where to start. Here are three things that can help give you the information you need to confidently pursue your dream of homeownership. 1. Consider All Options When the Number of Homes for Sale Is Low Today, there are far more buyers in the market than there are homes available for...

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Your House Could Be Closer to List-Ready Than You Think

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 4, 2022. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Myths.

One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that many were able to get their house ready in less than a month. It says: “With many homeowners expecting a quick sale, and in many cases a lack of contingencies, the preparation process took less than a month for over 50% of home sellers this past year, with 20% completing it in less than...

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Things That Could Help You Win a Bidding War on a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 3, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to make a purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding wars are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. Here’s a look at how that breaks down state-by-state (see map below): The same report from NAR shows the average buyer made two offers before getting their third offer accepted. In this type of competitive housing market, it’s important to know what levers you can pull to help you beat the...

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Today’s Home Price Appreciation Is Great News for Existing Homeowners

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 2, 2022. Posted in For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

If you’re planning to sell your home this season, rising prices are great news for you. But it’s important to understand why prices are rising to begin with. One major factor is supply and demand. In any industry, when there are more buyers for an item than there are of that item available, prices naturally rise. In those situations, buyers are willing to pay more to get the product or service they’re looking for when options are scarce. And that’s exactly what’s happening in the current real estate market. Selma Hepp, Executive, Research & Insights and Deputy Chief Economist at...

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Give Your Curb Appeal a Boost Before You Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 29, 2022. Posted in For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Myths.

Some Highlights If you’re thinking about selling your house this season, focusing on a few quick and easy updates outside can help your home look its best. 78% of real estate agents polled say poor landscaping affects property values. As a seller, that means your yard could impact your bottom line. When getting your house ready to sell, let’s connect to discuss what you should do to make sure your house shows well and catches the eyes of more potential buyers. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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What You Need To Know About Selling in a Sellers’ Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 28, 2022. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Pricing.

Even if you haven’t been following real estate news, you’ve likely heard about the current sellers’ market. That’s because there’s a lot of talk about how strong market conditions are for people who want to sell their houses. But if you’re thinking about listing your house, you probably want to know: what does being in a sellers’ market really mean? What Is a Sellers’ Market? The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows housing supply is still very low. There’s a 2-month supply of homes at the current sales pace. Historically, a 6-month...

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The Dream of Homeownership Is Worth the Effort

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 27, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it. Homebuyers face challenges in any market, and today’s is no exception. But if you persevere, your decision to purchase a home will be worth the effort in the end. In fact, a recent survey from Bankrate shows homeownership is so powerful that: “Nearly three in four homeowners say they would still buy their current home if they had it to do [sic] all over again.” That means the results – owning a home and the benefits that come with it – outweigh the effort needed to achieve their goal. If you’re a homebuyer, let that...

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How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 26, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Pricing.

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home this year, you’re probably wondering if you should continue down that path or if it makes more sense to wait. While the answer depends on your situation, here’s how homeownership can help you...

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Is It Enough To Offer Asking Price in Today’s Housing Market?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 25, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

If you’re planning to buy a home this season, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your offer accepted. In previous years, it was common for buyers to try and determine how much less than the asking price they could offer to still get the home. The buyer and seller would then negotiate and typically agree on a revised price that was somewhere between the buyer’s bid and the home’s initial asking price. In today’s real estate market, buyers shouldn’t shop for a home with the same expectations. Things Are Different Today Today’s housing market is anything but...

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Myths About Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 22, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Myths.

Some Highlights If you’re planning to buy or sell a home today, it’s important to be aware of common misconceptions. Whether it’s timing your purchase as a buyer based on home prices and mortgage rates or knowing what to upgrade or repair before listing your house as a seller, it takes a professional to guide you through those decisions. Let’s connect so you have an expert to help separate fact from fiction in today’s housing market. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 21, 2022. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Foreclosures, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Pricing.

Homeownership has become a major element in achieving the American Dream. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds that over 86% of buyers agree homeownership is still the American Dream. Prior to the 1950s, less than half of the country owned their own home. However, after World War II, many returning veterans used the benefits afforded by the GI Bill to purchase a home. Since then, the percentage of homeowners throughout the country has increased to the current rate of 65.5%. That strong desire for homeownership has kept home values appreciating ever...

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How To Approach Rising Mortgage Rates as a Buyer

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 20, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in hopes that rates will fall, waiting will only cost you more. Mortgage rates are forecast to continue rising in the year ahead. If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are a few things to keep in mind so you can succeed even as mortgage rates rise. How Rising Mortgage Rates Impact You Mortgage rates play a...

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Why Pre-Approval Is an Important Step for Today’s Homebuyers

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 19, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this season. That’s why pre-approval is so important today. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Peter Warden, Editor of The Mortgage Reports, explains: “The lender will check out your personal finances and issue you a letter confirming the amount you’re eligible to borrow. This not only gives you a firm budget for house hunting, but also lets sellers know you’re qualified to make an offer.” Why does that matter so much today? There are many...

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Is It Time To Buy a Smaller Home?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 18, 2022. Posted in Baby Boomers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Senior Market.

Life events can have a major impact on what you need from your home, and retirement is one of the biggest changes many of us face. This period of your life can mean doing more of the things you enjoy, like traveling, visiting with loved ones, or taking on new hobbies. But what does that mean for your home? If you’re looking for ways to focus more on the important things in your life, the answer could be downsizing. A recent article from The Balance talks about why it could be a great option, saying: “There are many reasons to buy a smaller home—or to downsize from your present home—but...

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What Is Multigenerational Housing? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 15, 2022. Posted in Baby Boomers, Buying Myths, Demographics, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Gen Z, Generation X, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Millennials, Move-Up Buyers, Senior Market.

Some Highlights If you have additional loved ones coming to live with you but don’t have enough space, it may be time to consider a larger, multigenerational home. Some key benefits of multigenerational living include a combined homebuying budget, shared caregiving duties, enhanced relationships, and more. These benefits might be why more people are choosing to live in multigenerational homes today. Let’s connect so you can find a house that meets your changing needs and has plenty of space for you and your loved ones. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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On the Fence of Whether or Not To Move This Spring? Consider This.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 14, 2022. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

If you’re thinking of selling your house, it may be because you’ve heard prices are rising, listings are going fast, and sellers are getting multiple offers on their homes. But why are conditions so good for sellers today? And what can you expect when you move? To help answer both of those questions, let’s turn to the data. Today, there are far more buyers looking for homes than sellers listing their houses. Here are the maps of the latest buyer and seller traffic from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to help paint the picture of what this looks like: Notice how much darker the...

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Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 13, 2022. Posted in For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American: “You know, the fallacy of economic forecasting is: Don’t ever try and forecast interest rates and or, more specifically, if you’re a real estate economist mortgage rates, because you will always invariably be wrong.” Coming into this year, most experts projected mortgage rates would gradually increase and end 2022 in the high three-percent range. It’s only April, and rates have already blown past those numbers. Freddie Mac announced...

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Why a Real Estate Professional Is Key When Selling Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 12, 2022. Posted in For Sellers, FSBOs, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Pricing, Selling Myths.

With today’s real estate market moving as fast as it is, working with a real estate professional is more essential than ever. They have the skills, experience, and expertise it takes to navigate the highly detailed and involved process of selling a home. That may be why the percentage of people who list their houses on their own, known as a FSBO or For Sale By Owner, has reached its lowest point since 1985 (see graph below): Here are five reasons why selling with a real estate professional makes more sense, even in today’s hot market: 1. They Know What Buyers Want To See Before you...

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Using Your Tax Refund To Achieve Your Homeownership Goals This Year

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 11, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

If you’re buying or selling a home this year, you’re likely saving up for a variety of expenses. For buyers, that might include things like your down payment and closing costs. And for sellers, you’re probably working on a bit of spring cleaning and maintenance to spruce up your house before you list it. Either way, any money you get back from your taxes can help you achieve your goals. Using a tax refund is a common tactic for buyers and sellers. SmartAsset estimates the average American will receive a $2,897 tax refund this year. The map below provides a more detailed estimate by...

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Do You Know How Much Equity You Have in Your Home? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 8, 2022. Posted in For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Some Highlights If you’re a homeowner, your net worth has gotten a big boost. That’s because recent home price appreciation has increased your equity. Your equity grows as you pay down your loan and as your home increases in value. Over the past year, the average homeowner’s equity grew by $55,300. Ready to sell? Let’s connect to talk about how you can use that equity to fuel your next move. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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The Future of Home Price Appreciation and What It Means for You

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 7, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

Many consumers are wondering what will happen with home values over the next few years. Some are concerned that the recent run-up in home prices will lead to a situation similar to the housing crash 15 years ago. However, experts say the market is totally different today. For example, Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, tweeted just last week on this issue: “. . . We do need price appreciation to slow today (it’s not sustainable over the long run) but high price growth today is supported by fundamentals- short supply, lower rates & demographic demand. And we are in...

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