Think You Have To Put 20% Down? Most First-Time Homebuyers Don’t.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 27, 2026. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

According to Google Trends, online searches for down payment information recently hit an all-time high. And that’s a clear sign more buyers are trying to figure out what they really need to save before making a move (see graph below): If you’re wondering the same thing, you can always turn to the internet for answers. But a lot of the time, it’s better to ask a local expert. Because here’s what a pro would tell you. The 20% Down Payment Myth The idea that you need 20% down to buy a home is one of the biggest misconceptions around the homebuying process. And the data debunks the myth. While...

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The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Buyers This Spring

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 20, 2026. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For a while, buying your first home hasn’t just felt hard. It may have felt out of reach. Not because you weren’t ready. Not because you weren’t trying. But because every time you ran the numbers, they didn’t work. That’s why so many first-time buyers stepped back. But after years of sitting on the outside looking in, this Spring could give buyers like you an opening again – especially in some markets. Metros Where Buyers May Have an Easier Time Breaking into the Market Zillow just released a list of the top 50 metros for first-time buyers this Spring. And here’s a quick snapshot of the...

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Rent or Buy? The Real Tradeoff Most People Don’t Talk About

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 16, 2026. Posted in Equity, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? It’s a question a lot of people are asking. With today’s home prices and mortgage rates, renting can feel like the easier path. In some cases, it might even seem like the only realistic option right now. And if that’s where you are, there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’re weighing the decision, there’s one part of the conversation that doesn’t get talked about enough. It’s what each choice does for your future. What Renting Really Gets You (And What It Doesn’t) Depending on your situation,...

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Getting a Tax Refund? Here’s How It Can Help You Buy a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 15, 2026. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re getting a tax refund this year, here’s something worth thinking about. That money could actually help you get closer to buying a home. It may not be something you’ve factored into your plan yet, but it can give your savings a nice boost right when you need it most. And whether your refund is a few thousand dollars or more, there are some smart ways to put that money to work as you get ready to buy. Your Refund May Be Even Bigger This Year Let’s start with the good news. People are getting even more money back in their refunds than they did last year. The visual below uses data...

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Wondering If You Should Still Buy a Home Right Now? Here’s What To Keep in Mind.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 13, 2026. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

With economic headlines, global events, and near constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if this is the right time to move. But here’s what you need to remember. While recent events do have some impact on the housing market, they don’t take buying off the table. You just have to use a different strategy. Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here’s Why After trending down for most of 2025, mortgage rates have been higher again for over roughly a month now. And experts say it’s a result of what’s happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming,...

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Before You Fall in Love with a House, Do This First.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 2, 2026. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Be honest. Have you started looking at homes online yet? If you have, it’s already time to get pre-approved. Because here’s what not enough people know. If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – you don’t want to wait until later on in the process to tackle this step. No matter what you’ve heard, pre-approval isn’t about commitment. It’s about clarity. And here are the two big ways pre-approval sets you up for success. You Know Your Numbers Up Front During the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you...

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Affordability Has Improved in All 50 States

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 19, 2026. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For the past few years, affordability has been what’s stopped a lot of buyers in their tracks. Maybe it stopped you, too. At some point you probably did the math, looked at the monthly payment, and decided to pause your search and wait for things to get better. But here’s something you may have missed while you’ve been sitting on the sidelines. Over the last year, housing affordability has improved in all 50 states. Yes, you read that right. It’s gotten better in every single state. That’s based on new research coming out of First American. And while housing is still fairly expensive...

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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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Should You Wait for Lower Rates?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 9, 2026. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Mortgage rates have already dropped into the upper 5s twice this year. But after just a few days, they ticked back up into the low 6% range. If you saw that and thought, “Great. I missed it,” you’re not the only one. A lot of buyers are treating the 5s like some kind of magic number. As if moving from 6.1% to 5.99% suddenly changes everything. And from a mindset perspective, it does feel different. But here’s the part most people don’t actually run the math on. The Payment Difference Isn’t What You Think Let’s say you’re looking at a $500,000 home loan. At 6.1%, generally speaking, your...

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Renting vs. Buying: The Numbers Might Surprise You

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 25, 2026. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Renting can feel like the easier choice right now. There’s no big down payment. No dealing with surprise repairs. And no long-term commitment. But then your rent goes up again. And again. And suddenly the thing that seemed flexible starts looking… expensive, especially considering you’re not building any equity. And once that happens, it’s easy to feel a little trapped in the cycle. That’s because there’s so much chatter today about how buying a home isn’t affordable. But the truth is, the math may work out better than you’d expect based on what’s changed recently. Buying Is More...

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Why Townhomes Are Popular with Today’s First-Time Buyers

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 9, 2026. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, New Construction.

Buying your first home can feel frustrating when the numbers don’t line up the way you expected. You may know you’re ready but finding something that fits your life and your budget is the hard part. That’s where townhomes come in. Townhomes are becoming a bigger part of today’s housing supply, and that shift is opening doors for first-time buyers in a way we haven’t seen in years. That’s because they offer a more realistic path to step into homeownership without stretching yourself too thin, especially in a market where affordability can still feel tight. There Are More Townhomes To Choose...

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It’s Getting More Affordable To Buy a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 4, 2026. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s finally a little good news for anyone who’s been priced out or sitting on the sidelines. Buying a home is getting more affordable. Monthly payments have started to come down, and the squeeze buyers have been feeling for the past few years is slowly loosening. Now, that doesn’t mean everyone can suddenly afford a home, but with how tough the market’s been, the improvement we’re seeing matters. Affordability Is Finally Moving in the Right Direction One of the best ways to see this shift is by looking at how much of a household’s income it takes to buy a home. According to Zillow,...

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Home Insurance Costs Are Rising: What Buyers Should Plan For

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 2, 2026. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. And homeowner’s insurance is what protects that investment. Think of it as your safety net. NerdWallet explains it: Covers Repairs and Rebuilding Costs: If your home is damaged by fire, storms, or other covered events, it helps pay for repairs and possibly even a full rebuild, if that’s deemed necessary. Protects Your Belongings: It can also cover personal items like furniture, electronics, jewelry, and clothing if they’re stolen or damaged. Provides Liability Coverage: And, if someone gets injured on your property, your...

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Top 2026 Housing Markets for Buyers and Sellers

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 28, 2026. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Forecasts, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? Well, here are two top 10 lists for the housing market this year. But before you take a look, there’s something you should know. If a move is on your radar for 2026, here’s the most important thing you need to understand upfront: there isn’t one housing market this year – there are many. Experts agree 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most geographically split housing markets in years. Some areas are tilting in favor of sellers, while others are opening real doors for buyers. Who has the advantage depends almost entirely on where you are. Selma Hepp, Chief...

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The Credit Score Myth That’s Holding Would-Be Buyers Back

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 12, 2026. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Would-be homebuyers aren’t sitting on the sidelines because they don’t want to buy. They’re sitting out because they think they can’t. And sometimes, it’s their credit score that’s holding them back. According to a Bankrate survey, 2 out of every 5 (42%) Americans believe you need excellent credit to qualify for a mortgage. That may be why, when renters are asked why they don’t own yet, “my credit isn’t good enough” comes up often. Maybe you’re in the same boat. You look at your score, see it’s not where you want it to be, and assume buying your first place just isn’t realistic right...

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Why Pre-Approval Should Be Your First Step – Not an Afterthought

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 5, 2026. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Finding the right home feels exciting – but being pre-approved for your loan is what makes it possible. Whether you’re planning to buy soon or still just thinking about it, getting pre-approved is one of the best moves you can make. Here’s why. 1. What Is Pre-Approval, Really? Pre-approval is much more than a guess. It means a lender has reviewed your finances (things like your income, assets, credit score, debts, and savings) and told you how much they’re willing to let you borrow for your loan. It’s basically a reality check for your home search, so you can make sure it aligns with your...

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Not Sure If You’re Ready To Buy a Home? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 31, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to become a homeowner in the next twelve months, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates, home prices, the current state of the economy, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. It’s a lot. But here’s what you need to remember. 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....

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Turning a House Into a Home: The Benefits You Can Actually Feel

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 25, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

There’s a lot of conversation about home prices, mortgage rates, and affordability right now – and those things are important. But if you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s worth remembering something the headlines rarely talk about: people don’t buy homes just for financial reasons. They buy them for their lives. Because while homeownership can absolutely be a smart long-term financial move, it also comes with some emotional benefits spreadsheets just can’t capture. Maybe that’s why a 2025 survey from Fannie Mae notes: “Consumers were twice as likely to mention lifestyle benefits...

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How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 15, 2025. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

One of the biggest homebuying advantages you can give yourself today is surprisingly simple: a flexible wish list. Think of it like this. Your wish list and your budget are the guardrails of your search. And when your budget needs to hold firm, there’s another lever you can pull. That’s seeing if you truly need all of your desired features. Because the truth is, a small compromise could be the difference between feeling stuck and getting the keys to your next home. The data shows more buyers are using that strategy to offset affordability hurdles in today’s market. A recent study from...

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How To Find the Best Deal Possible on a Home Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Want to know how to find the best deal possible in today’s housing market? Here’s the secret. Focus on homes that have been sitting on the market for a while. Because when a listing lingers, sellers tend to get more realistic – and, more willing to negotiate. And that’s where the savviest buyers are finding homes other buyers overlook. The Opportunity: 1 in 5 Homes Has Had a Price Cut This Year According to Realtor.com, about 1 in every 5 listings (20.2%) have dropped their asking price at least once. And while so many things in today’s housing market vary by region, that number is...

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Why So Many People Are Thankful They Bought a Home This Year

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 27, 2025. Posted in Downsize, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up.

Homebuyers are weighing their options right now, and they certainly have a lot on their minds. With everything going on in the job market, the economy, and more – there’s a lot to think about these days. And maybe that’s making you wonder if it really makes sense to buy a home right now. But here’s what many recent buyers would tell you: even with all that, making a move is worth it. And this is why they’re thankful they went ahead and took the plunge already. Life doesn’t wait for better market conditions. So, your decision shouldn’t be about trying to time the market...

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Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 26, 2025. Posted in Affordability, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than buying a home, especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about mortgage rates – you just pay the bill and move on with your life. But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: renting doesn’t help you build your financial future. Meanwhile, homeowners grow their net worth just by owning a home. So, if you’ve been wondering whether buying is still worth it, the long-term math is clearer than you might think. Renting vs. Owning: How the Costs Really Compare Let’s break down one of the key differences...

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Category: First-Time Buyers