Ways To Overcome Affordability Challenges in Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 28, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

Some Highlights With so few homes on the market right now, widening the scope of your search to include nearby areas could help you find more options in your budget. You can also work with a trusted lender to consider alternative financing options and search for down payment assistance. If you’ve been searching for a home but are concerned about rising costs, make sure you have a team of trusted real estate professionals for expert advice.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Three Factors Affecting Home Affordability Today

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 26, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

There’s been a lot of focus on higher mortgage rates and how they’re creating affordability challenges for today’s homebuyers. It’s true that rates climbed dramatically since the record-low we saw during the pandemic. But home affordability is based on more than just mortgage rates – it’s determined by a combination of mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. Considering how each one of these factors is changing gives you the full picture of home affordability today. Here’s the latest. 1. Mortgage Rates While mortgage rates are higher than they were a year ago, they’ve hovered primarily between...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Power of Pre-Approval

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 24, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

If you’re buying a home this spring, today’s housing market can feel like a challenge. With so few homes on the market right now, plus higher mortgage rates, it’s essential to have a firm grasp on your homebuying budget. You’ll also need a sense of determination to find the right house and act quickly when you go to put in an offer. One thing you can do to help you prepare is to get pre-approved. To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to know what pre-approval is. As part of the process, a lender looks at your finances to determine what they’d be willing to loan you. From there,...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why You May Want an Energy-Efficient Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 21, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Some Highlights Since inflation is increasing the cost of goods and services, it may make sense to look for an energy-efficient home. Energy prices have increased over the last year, so look for energy-efficient features in your home search. If you’re looking to buy a home this year, work with a real estate expert so you have a partner to help you consider which features are most important to you.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying Homes

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 18, 2023. Posted in Demographics, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Millennials.

In the United States, there are over 72 million millennials. If you’re part of that generation and have thought about buying a home, you aren’t alone. According to Zonda, 98% of millennials want to become a homeowner at some point if they aren’t already. But why? There are plenty of reasons you may choose to become a homeowner. Here’s why other millennials have made that decision (see graph below): This graph shows why millennials are buying homes according to Zonda’s 6th annual millennial survey. The top reasons include building equity, a change in life stage, wanting stability, rising home...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Think Twice Before Waiting for Lower Home Prices

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 17, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Millennials, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

As the housing market continues to change, you may be wondering where it’ll go from here. One factor you’re probably thinking about is home prices, which have come down a bit since they peaked last June. And you’ve likely heard something in the news or on social media about a price crash on the horizon. As a result, you may be holding off on buying a home until prices drop significantly. But that’s not the best strategy. A recent survey from Zonda shows 53% of millennials are still renting right now because they’re waiting for home prices to come down. But here’s the thing: the most recent...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Your Tax Refund Can Help You Achieve Your Homebuying Goals

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 12, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a variety of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But there’s good news – your tax refund can help you achieve your goals by paying for some of these expenses. SmartAsset estimates the average American will receive a $1,798 tax refund this year. The map below provides a more detailed estimate by state: According to Freddie Mac, there are multiple ways your refund check can help you as a homebuyer. If you’re getting a refund this year and thinking about buying a home, here are a few tips to keep: Saving...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Key Advantage of Investing in a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 7, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Pricing.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in There.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 6, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

We’re still in a sellers’ market. And if you’re looking to buy a home, that means you’re likely facing some unique challenges, like difficulty finding a home and volatile mortgage rates. But keep in mind, there are some benefits to being a buyer in today’s market that give you good reason to stick with your search. Here are a few of them. Long-Term Benefits Outweigh Short-Term Challenges Owning a home grows your net worth – and since building that wealth takes time, it makes sense to start as soon as you can. If you wait to buy and keep renting, you’ll miss out on those monthly housing payments...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Facts About Closing Costs [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 31, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How Homeownership Is Life Changing for Many Women

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 28, 2023. Posted in Demographics, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Throughout Women’s History Month, we reflect on the impact women have in our lives, and that includes impact on the housing market. In fact, since at least 1981, single women have bought more homes than single men each year, and they make up 17% of all households. Why Is Homeownership So Important to Women? The rise in women pursuing homeownership hasn’t just made an impact on the housing market. It’s also been an asset for those buyers and their households. That’s because homeownership has many benefits, both financial and personal. On the financial side, housing proves to be the key to building...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why Buying a Home Is a Sound Decision

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 23, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you want to know the decision will be a good one. And for many, that means thinking about what home prices are projected to do in the coming years and how that could impact your investment. This year, we aren’t seeing home prices fall dramatically. As the year goes on, however, some markets may go up in value while others may lose value. That’s why it’s helpful to keep the long-term view in mind. Experts project a return to a steadier rate of price appreciation in the years that follow. Home Price Appreciation in the Years Ahead Over 100 economists,...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Reasons To Consider Condos in Your Home Search

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 22, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Are you having trouble finding a home that fits your needs and your budget? If so, you should know there’s an option worth considering – condominiums, also known as condos. According to Bankrate: “A condo can be a more affordable entry point to homeownership than a single-family home. And as a homeowner, you’ll build equity over time and have access to tax benefits that a renter wouldn’t.” That’s why expanding your search to include additional housing types, like condominiums, could help you accomplish your homeownership goals this spring, especially if you can be flexible about the space you...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

What’s Ahead for Home Prices in 2023

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 20, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy.

Over the past year, home prices have been a widely debated topic. Some have said we’ll see a massive drop in prices and that this could be a repeat of 2008 – which hasn’t happened. Others have forecasted a real estate market that could see slight appreciation or depreciation depending on the area of the country. And as we get closer to the spring real estate market, experts are continuing to forecast what they believe will happen with home prices this year and beyond. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, says: “While 2023 kicked off on a more optimistic note for the U.S. housing market,...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer This Spring

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 15, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Though there are more homes for sale now than there were at this time last year, there’s still an undersupply with fewer houses available than in more normal, pre-pandemic years. The Monthly Housing Market Trends Report from realtor.com puts it this way: “While the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2% lower than it was before the pandemic in 2017 to 2019. This means that there are still fewer homes available to buy on a typical day than there were a few years ago.” The current housing shortage has an impact on how you search for a home this spring. With limited options...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

An Expert Gives You Clarity in Today’s Housing Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 14, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Selling Myths.

The housing market has been going through shifts lately. That’s why it’s so important to work with an industry professional who can be your guide throughout the process. A real estate expert uses their knowledge of what’s really happening with home prices, housing supply, expert projections, and more to give you the best advice. Someone who can provide clarity like that is critical right now. Jay Thompson, Real Estate Industry Consultant, explains: “Housing market headlines are everywhere. Many are quite sensational, ending with exclamation points or predicting impending doom for the industry....

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Buying a Home May Make More Sense Than Renting [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 10, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

4 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 9, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Are you planning to buy a home this spring? Though things are more balanced than they were at the height of the pandemic, it’s still a sellers’ market. So, when you find the home you want to buy, remember these four tips to make your best offer. 1. Lean on a Real Estate Professional Rely on an agent who can support your goals. As Bankrate notes: “. . . select the best real estate agent for your needs. They will be a critical part of your home buying process.” Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for in an offer....

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Could a Multigenerational Home Be the Right Fit for You?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 7, 2023. Posted in Baby Boomers, Demographics, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Millennials, Move-Up Buyers.

During the pandemic, many of us reexamined the meaning of home for ourselves and our loved ones. Today, that can be seen in the recent rise in multigenerational households. According to Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Economic Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “Multi-generational buying may be a home where families live in the same home with elderly parents, children who have boomeranged back home, or other extended family members. While this is not a new concept of living, it is one which has gained recent popularity.” And citing data from...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Is It Really Better To Rent Than To Own a Home Right Now?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 6, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s better to rent right now than it is to own your home. But before you let that impact your decisions, you should understand what these claims are based on.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

What You Should Know About Rising Mortgage Rates

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 28, 2023. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

After steadily falling over the winter, mortgage rates have started to rise in recent weeks. This is concerning to some potential homebuyers as the combination of higher mortgage rates and higher prices have made homes less affordable. So, if you’re planning to purchase a home this year, you too may be wondering if now’s the right time to buy or if you should hold off on your search until rates come back down.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl