Are Home Prices Continuing To Rise?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 3, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

Many analysts projected home price appreciation would slow dramatically in the fall of 2021 and then continue to soften throughout 2022. So far, that hasn’t happened. The major price indices are all revealing ongoing double-digit price appreciation. Here’s a look at their reports on year-over-year price appreciation for December: Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): 17.6% S&P Case-Shiller: 18.8% CoreLogic: 18.5% To show that they’re not seeing signs of softening, here’s a graph that gives the progression of all three indices for each month of 2021. As the graph above reveals, last...

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Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help You Achieve Homeownership

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 2, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

For many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s why, when asked what they find most difficult in the homebuying process, some buyers say it’s one of the hardest steps on the path to homeownership. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows: “For first-time home buyers, 29 percent said saving for a downpayment [sic] was the most difficult step in the process.” If you’re finding that your down payment is your biggest hurdle, the good news is there are many down payment assistance programs available that can...

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The Difference Between Renting and Owning [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 25, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights If you’re deciding whether to rent or buy, consider the many financial benefits that come with owning a home. As a renter, you build your landlord’s wealth and face rising costs. As a homeowner, you build your own net worth and can lock in your monthly payments for the length of your loan. If you’re weighing your options, remember that owning a home is a decision that has considerable financial perks. If you want to learn more, let’s connect to talk about the perks of homeownership. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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Real Estate Voted the Best Investment Eight Years in a Row

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 21, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy.

In an annual Gallup poll, Americans chose real estate as the best long-term investment. And it’s not the first time it’s topped the list, either. Real estate has been on a winning streak for the past eight years, consistently gaining traction as the best long-term investment (see graph below): If you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, this poll should reassure you. Even when inflation is rising like it is today, Americans agree an investment like real estate truly shines. Why Is Real Estate a Great Investment During Times of High Inflation? With inflation reaching its highest level...

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Are You Ready To Fall in Love with Homeownership?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 14, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Financial benefits are always a key aspect of homeownership, but it’s also important to understand that the nonfinancial and personal benefits are why so many people genuinely fall in love with their homes. When you own your home, you likely feel a sense of emotional attachment because of the comfort it provides, but also because it’s a space that’s truly yours. Over the past two years, we’ve learned to love our homes even more as we’ve stayed home more than ever due to the ongoing pandemic. As a result, the personal and emotional benefits our homes provide have become even more important...

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How To Win as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 11, 2022. Posted in Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Some Highlights Even in today’s sellers’ market, there are still ways for buyers to win big. Build a team of trusted professionals and make strategic plays as you budget and pick your desired neighborhoods. Then, be ready for the competition by getting a pre-approval letter and leaning on your expert advisors to draft a winning offer. In a sellers’ market, you can still be the champion if you have the right team and strategy. Let’s connect today to make your game-winning play. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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The Path To Homeownership Can Be Steeper for Some Americans

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 9, 2022. Posted in Demographics, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans. A significant part of this experience is investing in a home of their own. While equitable access to housing has come a long way, the path to homeownership is still steeper for households of color. It’s an important experience to talk about, along with how working with the right real estate experts can make all the difference for diverse homebuyers. We know it’s a more challenging journey to achieve homeownership for some because there’s still a measurable gap between the overall...

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Don’t Let Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership Dreams

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 8, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off your student loans before you can buy your first home? Or could you qualify for a home loan with that debt? To give you the answers you’re searching for, let’s take a look at what recent data shows. That way, you know what to expect and what to do next to achieve your dream of becoming a homeowner. While everyone’s situation is unique, your goal may be more within your reach than you realize. Do you have to delay your plans because of student...

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The Top Indicator if You Want To Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Heading

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 2, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Mortgage rates have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. Each Thursday, Freddie Mac releases its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. According to the latest survey, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen from 3.22% at the start of the year to 3.55% as of last week. This is important to note because any increase in mortgage rates changes what a purchaser can afford. To give you an idea of how rising mortgage rates impact your purchasing power, see the table below: How Can You Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Headed? While it’s always difficult to know exactly where...

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Owning Is More Affordable than Renting in the Majority of the Country

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 31, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Pricing, Rent vs. Buy.

If you were thinking about buying a home this year, but already pressed pause on your plans due to rising home prices and increasing mortgage rates, there’s something you should consider. According to the latest report from ATTOM Data, owning a home is more affordable than renting in the majority of the country. The 2022 Rental Affordability Report says: “. . . Owning a median-priced home is more affordable than the average rent on a three-bedroom property in 666, or 58 percent, of the 1,154 U.S. counties analyzed for the report. That means major home ownership expenses consume a smaller...

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Why Your Home Inspection Matters [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 28, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Some Highlights Buying a home and wondering if your inspection is necessary? While some buyers may decide to waive their inspection, it’s risky decision. Your home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It assesses the condition of the home you plan to purchase, so you can avoid costly surprises down the road. Let’s connect so you have expert advice and a trusted professional who will keep your interests top of mind. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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The Next Generation of Homebuyers Is Here

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 25, 2022. Posted in Demographics, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Gen Z, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Many members of Generation Z (Gen Z) are aging into adulthood and deciding whether to rent or buy a home. If you find yourself in this group, it’s important to understand you’re never too young to start thinking about homeownership. The sooner you start planning, the sooner you can move on from renting. As you set off on your journey and plan your next move, here are a few reasons to think about homebuying this year. The Reasons Gen Z Want To Become Homeowners While the majority of Gen Z haven’t entered the housing market yet, a large portion plan to according to a realtor.com report. The...

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Why Pre-Approval Is Key for Homebuyers in 2022

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 24, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

You may have heard that it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important? Especially in today’s market, with rising home prices and high buyer competition, it’s crucial to have a pre-approval letter prior to making an offer. Here’s why. Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this year. 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. Just as important, being able to present a pre-approval letter...

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With Mortgage Rates Climbing, Now’s the Time To Act

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 19, 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.

Last week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac jumped from 3.22% to 3.45%. That’s the highest point it’s been in almost two years. If you’re thinking about buying a home, this news may have come as a bit of a shock. But the truth is, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Experts have been calling for rates to rise in their 2022 projections, and the forecast is now becoming a reality. Here’s a look at the projections from Freddie Mac for this year: Q1 2022: 3.4% Q2 2022: 3.5% Q3 2022: 3.6% Q4 2022: 3.7% As the numbers show, this jump in rates is in line with the expectations...

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Achieving the Dream of Homeownership

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 17, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Homeownership has long been considered the American Dream, and it’s one every American should feel confident and powerful pursuing. But owning a home is also a deeply personal dream. Our home provides us with safety and security, and it’s a place where we can grow and flourish. Today, we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many of us will remember his passion and determination for the causes he championed, including his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. As we reflect on his message today, it may inspire your own dream of homeownership. And if so, know you’re not alone....

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Two Ways Homebuyers Can Win in Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 12, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

If your goal is to purchase a home this year, you might be looking for any advantage you can get in today’s sellers’ market. While competition is still fierce for homebuyers, there are ways you can win and secure the home of your dreams, even in a hot market. Act Early and Save The earlier you act this year, the more affordable your purchase will be. That’s because experts project mortgage rates will rise as we move deeper into 2022. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is expected to be 3.5% by year’s end. Experts forecast home prices will rise as well. That means...

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Why Inflation Shouldn’t Stop You from Buying a Home in 2022

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 11, 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, Pricing.

If you’re following along with the news today, you’re probably hearing a lot about record-breaking home prices, rising consumer costs, supply chain constraints, and more. And if you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, all of these inflationary concerns are likely making you wonder if you should wait to buy. Investopedia explains that during a period of high inflation, prices rise across the board. And while home prices aren’t immune from this increase, here’s why inflation shouldn’t stop you from buying a home in 2022. Homeownership Offers Stability and Security Home prices have...

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How To Hit Your Homebuying Goals This Year [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 7, 2022. Posted in Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Some Highlights If you’re looking to buy a home, you may want to put these items on your to-do list to ensure you hit your goals. It’s important to start working on your credit and saving for a down payment early. When you’re ready to begin your search, work with a real estate professional and get pre-approved so you know how much you can borrow. Connect with a real estate advisor so you have the guidance you need to achieve your homebuying goals this year. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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Avoid the Rental Trap in 2022

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 4, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Are you one of the many renters thinking about where you’ll live the next time your lease is up? Before you decide whether to look for a new house or another apartment, it’s important to understand the true costs of renting in 2022. As a renter, you should know rents have been rising since 1988 (see graph below): In 2021, rents grew dramatically. According to ApartmentList.com, since January 2021: “. . . the national median rent has increased by a staggering 17.8 percent. To put that in context, rent growth from January to November averaged just 2.6 percent in the pre-pandemic years from...

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5 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 28, 2021. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

As a buyer in a sellers’ market, sometimes it can feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. When you’re ready to make an offer on a home, remember these five easy tips to help you rise above the competition. 1. Know Your Budget Knowing your budget and what you can afford is critical to your success as a homebuyer. The best way to understand your numbers is to work with a lender so you can get pre-approved for a loan. As Freddie Mac puts it: “This pre-approval allows you to look for a home with greater confidence and demonstrates to the seller that you are a serious buyer.” Showing...

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When a House Becomes a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 23, 2021. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

It’s clear that owning a home makes financial sense. But lately, the emotional side of what drives homeownership is becoming increasingly important. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a familiar scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes can be more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why. 1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating You’ve put in a lot of work to achieve the dream of homeownership, and whether it’s your first home or your fifth,...

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The Perks of Putting 20% Down on a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 22, 2021. Posted in Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’re probably wondering what you need to save for your down payment. Is it 20% of the loan, or could you put down less? While there are lower down payment programs available that allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3.5%, it’s important to understand the many perks that come with a 20% down payment. Here are four reasons why putting 20% down may be a great option if it works within your budget. 1. Your Interest Rate May Be Lower A 20% down payment vs. a 3-5% down payment shows your lender you’re more financially stable and not a large credit...

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Category: First Time Home Buyers