4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 14, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Now that spring is here, more and more buyers are jumping back into the market, and competition is heating up. If you’re serious about landing a home you’ll love, you need more than just a wish list. You need a smart strategy – and that starts with working with a great agent who can help you put together a strong offer. Here are some top tips your agent will share with you that are helping buyers stand out (and win) in today’s market. 1. Don’t Lowball on Price It’s tempting to start with a super low offer in an attempt to save money. But in a competitive spring market, that could...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why You Don’t Want To Skip Your Home Inspection

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 10, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

When you finally find the home you want to buy, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. You’ve toured the place, imagined your furniture in it, maybe even pictured your morning coffee on the porch. The last thing you want is to slow down the process with more steps or lose out to another buyer’s offer because they skipped their inspection. But here’s the thing. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. And no matter how perfect that house seems, skipping a home inspection is a risk that could cost you a lot more than just time. What Exactly Is a Home...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Truth About Newly Built Homes and Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 8, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Headlines are talking about the inventory of new homes and how we’re back at the levels not seen since 2009. And maybe you’re reading that and thinking: oh no, here we go again. That’s because you remember the housing crash of the late 2000s and you’re worried we’re repeating the same mistakes. But before you let fear take hold, remember: headlines are designed to be clickbait. And a lot of the time, they do more to terrify than clarify. That’s because they don’t always give you all the context you need. So, let’s take a step back and look at what the data really says. Why This Isn’t Like...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 27, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what that means for you. You may be regaining some negotiating power. That can translate into savings, perks, or even better terms on your purchase – if you know what levers to pull during negotiation. Why an Agent Is an Essential Part of the Negotiation Process The complicated part is knowing what is and isn’t on the table. That’s...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here – Are You Ready?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 25, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

If selling your house is on your to-do list this year, the time to start prepping is now. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is coming up fast. A recent Realtor.com study analyzed years of housing market trends (excluding 2020 since it was an outlier) and found that April 13–19 is expected to be the ideal window to put your house on the market this year: “. . . we’ve identified April 13-19 as the best week to list for sellers . . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home is likely to find success. Because spring is generally the high season for real...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Your Roadmap to Homeownership

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 21, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Buying a home isn’t just a transaction – it’s a journey. And like any great adventure, having a solid roadmap makes all the difference. ? From building your dream team to getting pre-approved, house hunting, and signing the papers on closing day – each milestone is an achievement. Your journey starts here. Connect with an agent so you have help every step along the way.?

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 5, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

If you want to sell your house, having the right strategies and expectations is key. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to where the market is today. They’re not factoring in that there are more homes for sale or that buyers are being more selective with their budgets. And those sellers are making some costly mistakes. Here’s a quick rundown of the 3 most common missteps sellers are making, and how partnering with an expert agent can help you avoid every single one of them. 1. Pricing the Home Too High According to a survey by John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Secret To Selling? Using an Agent To Get Your House Noticed

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 30, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent. The number one answer was to help market their house. It makes sense. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local agent that knows what they’re doing. According to that same report from NAR, here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes, and how you benefit when your agent uses them...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How Home Equity Can Help Fuel Your Retirement

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 28, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If retirement is on the horizon, now’s the time to start thinking about your next chapter. And you probably want to make sure you’re set up to feel comfortable financially to live the life you want in retirement. What you may not realize is you likely have a hidden goldmine of cash you’re not thinking about — and that’s your home. Data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows that home values have gone up nearly 60% over the last 5 years alone (see graph below): And that appreciation gave your net worth a big boost. According to Freddie Mac, over the same five-year period: “...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

What To Save for When Buying a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 9, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Knowing what to budget for when buying a home may feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the costs you may encounter upfront, you can take control of the process. Here are just a few things experts say you should be thinking about as you plan ahead. 1. Down Payment Saving for your down payment is likely top of mind. But how much do you really need? A common misconception is that you have to put down 20% of the purchase price. But that’s not necessarily the case. Unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender, you don’t have to. There are some home loan options...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Mortgage Forbearance: A Helpful Option for Homeowners Facing Challenges

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 8, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Foreclosures, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Let’s face it – life can throw some curveballs. Whether it’s a job loss, unexpected bills, or a natural disaster, financial struggles can happen to anyone. But here’s the good news. If you’re a homeowner feeling the squeeze, there’s a lifeline that many people don’t realize is still available: mortgage forbearance. What Is Mortgage Forbearance? As Bankrate explains: “Mortgage forbearance is an option that allows borrowers to pause or lower their mortgage payments while dealing with a short-term crisis, such as a job loss, illness or other financial setback . . . When you can’t afford to...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why More Sellers Are Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 27, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights More homeowners are realizing they need an agent’s help in this complex market – and that’s why a record-low number of people are selling without a pro by their side. Without an agent’s help, tackling pricing, staging and repairs, paperwork, negotiation, and more can be a real headache. Selling without a pro isn’t worth the hassle. Connect with an agent to see if you’d work well together.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 15, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For some buyers, there’s a misconception that newly built homes aren’t made to last or fall short of the quality you can find in older homes. Unfortunately, this is turning some buyers away from what may be one of their best options in today’s housing market. As Builder Online says: “As resale inventory remains limited and the price spread between new and resale homes narrows, new homes are increasingly an attractive value proposition for buyers, with incentives such as rate buydowns a way to help address ongoing affordability challenges.” So, is there any merit to the myth? Let’s break...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Category: Agent Value