Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Age

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 29, 2026. Posted in Agent Value, Downsize, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips, Senior Market.

At some point, as you start thinking about the years ahead, this question tends to come up: “Could I stay here long-term… or would it make more sense to move?” It’s not always urgent. It often shows up in small moments, like going up and down the stairs, keeping up with the maintenance, or just thinking about what the next chapter of your life might look like in this home. And for most people, the answer is simple. They want to stay. The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology found about 90% of adults over 65 prefer to stay in their homes as they get older (see below): But even if staying...

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3 Must-Do’s for First-Time Home Buyers

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 18, 2026. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be a little nerve-wrecking because it’s something you’ve never done before. And trying to think of everything you need to do can feel like a lot. But here’s the key. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. And you don’t have to do it all at once. Just tackle it one thing at a time. Here’s a simple list of 3 main things you should focus on to help you get started. 1. Assemble Your Team: Don’t Do This Alone Buying a home is a team sport. And having the right professionals by your side can make a world of difference. Here’s who...

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The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away (And How To Get Ahead of It)

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 16, 2026. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently reached a high not seen since 2017. That can sound intimidating. But it varies a lot by market. And here’s the key thing to understand if you want to sell. A lot of the time, there’s one common cause. And it’s something you can actually control. Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the biggest dealbreaker before it ever becomes a problem. The Top Dealbreaker: Issues That Pop Up During the Inspection A Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently cancelled...

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If Your House Isn’t Getting Offers, Read This.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 11, 2026. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Price It Right/Overpricing, Selling Tips.

Online searches for “can’t sell house” just hit an all-time high according to Google Trends. So, if your house has been sitting on the market without any bites, you’re not the only one. But it’s also not the end of the road. Homes are selling every day, so you can turn this around. You just need to take another look at your approach. If you’re feeling this pain, know this: an online search engine isn’t where you should go for your answers. It’s much better to talk to your agent. Because a search engine doesn’t know your market or your house. But your agent does. While a quick search...

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The Price You Set Can Make (or Break) Your Sale

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 19, 2026. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Price It Right/Overpricing, Selling Tips.

There’s one decision you’re going to make when you sell that determines whether your house sells quickly, or it sits. Whether buyers make an offer, or scroll past it. Whether you walk away with the maximum return, or you end up cutting the price later. And that’s your asking price. The #1 Mistake Sellers Make Today: Trusting the Wrong Number If you’re thinking of moving and trying to figure out what your house may sell for, it’s tempting to start with an online home value tool. They’re fast, free, and easy. And you don’t have to talk to anyone. But here’s the problem: they don’t know...

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Why Some Homes Sell Quickly – and Others Don’t Sell at All

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 27, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

A few years ago, inventory hit a record low. Just about anything sold – and fast. But now, there are far more homes on the market. Listings are up almost 20% from this time last year. And in some areas, supply is even back to levels we last saw in 2017–2019. For sellers, that means one thing: Your house needs to stand out and grab attention from day one. That’s especially true when you consider why the number of homes for sale is up. Here’s how it works. Available inventory is a mix of: Active Listings: homes that have been sitting on the market, but haven’t sold yet New Listings: homes...

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Don’t Let Unrealistic Pricing Cost You Your Move

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 9, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

These days, you’re going to want to get your price right when you get ready to sell your house. Honestly, it’s more important than ever. Why? While you may want to list high just to see what happens, that’s a plan that can easily backfire, and it’s going to cost you in today’s market. And the risk isn’t just missing out on offers, it’s missing out on the move you needed to make in the first place. The Real Pitfall of Overpricing Many homeowners remember what their neighbor’s house sold for a few years ago, and they want to chase that same sky-high number. The problem is, that was a...

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Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 13, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Agent Value, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, New Construction.

If you’ve been skipping over newly built homes in your search, you might be doing so based on outdated assumptions. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths, so you don’t miss out on a solid opportunity. Myth 1: New Homes Are More Expensive It’s easy to assume a new build will cost more than an existing home, but that’s not necessarily true, especially right now. Data from Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the median price of a newly built home today is actually lower than a home that’s been lived in already (an existing home): So, why’s this happening? As...

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Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 7, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sale by Owner, For Sellers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth. Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one. That gap is pretty hard to ignore. And with more homes on the market to compete with right now, selling on your own is a mistake that’s going to cost you. This Isn’t the Market for DIY Selling A few years ago, you might’ve gotten away with a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sign in your yard, navigating the process on your own. That’s because homes were flying off the market and buyers...

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The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 31, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it’s a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp. The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is out there, they’ll scroll right past it and go on to the next one. Pricing right from the start is your best move – and a great agent can help make sure you do. Overpricing Comes at a Cost And more sellers are finding that out the hard way. They list their house based on how things were a...

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Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 28, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Depending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in different directions. In some places, buyers are calling the shots. In others, sellers still hold the power. It’s a tale of two markets. What’s a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market? In a buyer’s market, there are more homes for sale and not as many buyers. That means homes sit longer, buyers have more negotiating power, and prices tend to soften as a result. It’s simple supply and demand. On the flip side, a seller’s market happens when...

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Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 21, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Are you thinking about selling your house? Some common mistakes today can make the process more stressful or even cost you money. Fortunately, they’re easy to avoid, as long as you know what to watch for. Let’s break down the biggest seller slip-ups, and how an agent helps you steer clear of them. 1. Overpricing Your House It’s completely natural to want top dollar for your house, especially if you’ve put a lot of work into it. But in today’s shifting market, pricing it too high can backfire. Investopedia explains: “Setting a list price too high could mean your home struggles to attract...

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Why Most Sellers Hire Real Estate Agents Today

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 16, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph below): And for the small number of homeowners who do decide to sell on their own, data shows they’re still not confident they’re making a good choice. A recent survey finds three out of every four homeowners who...

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Your House Didn’t Sell. Here’s What To Do Now.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 12, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

When your house doesn’t sell, it doesn’t just feel frustrating – it feels personal. You put time, money, and emotional energy into this move. You told your friends and family it was happening. And now that your listing has expired without a buyer? You’re left feeling stuck, and maybe even a little embarrassed. And here’s what most agents won’t tell you. Over 70% of homeowners who re-list with a different agent sell their house. Re-list with the same agent? That stat drops to only 50%, according to the latest data from REDX. That’s like leaving the fate of your sale to a coin toss....

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The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 5, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Open Houses, Selling Tips.

Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that. What Is Home Staging? It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it’s easy for buyers to picture themselves living there. It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs...

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Home Projects That Add the Most Value

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 30, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, you want to be strategic about which home projects you take on. ?Because not all of them will be worth it. Before you decide what upgrades to tackle, talk to an agent who knows what’s in demand in your area and where you’re most likely to recoup the costs. Connect with a local agent so you know which projects are actually worthwhile.?

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The Secret To Selling Your House in Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 28, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sale by Owner, For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door. But today’s housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective now that inventory has grown. Homes are sitting a little longer. And more sellers are having to cut their prices. So, how do you still come out on top? It all starts with one thing, pricing your house right from the start. Today, that matters more than ever – and it can make or break your sale. There’s a Real Price Disconnect...

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Common Real Estate Terms Explained

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 26, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, chances are you’ll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process. Terms Every Homebuyer Should Know Once you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Category: Agent Value