Smaller Homes, Bigger Opportunities: The Homebuilder Trend Buyers Love

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 23, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

It’s no secret that affordability is tough with where mortgage rates and home prices are right now. And that may have you worried about how you’ll be able to buy a home. But, if you don’t need a ton of space, you may find you have more cost-effective options in an unexpected place: new home communities. Builders Are Building Smaller Homes Since smaller homes typically come with smaller price tags, buyers have turned their attention to homes with less square footage — and builders have shifted their focus to capitalize on that demand. As U.S. News notes: “The combination of higher home prices...

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Why More People Are Buying Multi-Generational Homes Today

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 21, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Today, 17% of homebuyers are choosing multi-generational homes — that’s when you buy a house with your parents, adult children, or even distant relatives. What makes that noteworthy is that 17% is actually the highest level ever recorded by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). But what’s driving the recent rise in multi-generational living? Top Benefits of Choosing a Multi-Generational Home In the past, homebuyers often opted for multi-generational homes to make it easier to care for their parents. And while that’s still a key reason, it’s not the only one. Right now, there’s another...

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When Is the Perfect Time To Move?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 20, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of waiting for the perfect moment to make your move – especially in today’s market. Maybe you’re holding out and hoping mortgage rates will drop, or that home prices will fall. But here’s what you need to realize: trying to time the market rarely works. And here’s why. There is no perfect market. No matter when you buy, there’s always some benefit and some sort of trade-off – and that’s not a bad thing. That’s just the reality of it. If you’re not sure you buy into that, think back to the last 5 years in housing. Just a few years ago, mortgage rates hit...

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One Homebuying Step You Don’t Want To Skip: Pre-Approval

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 16, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s one essential step in the homebuying process you may not know a whole lot about and that’s pre-approval. Here’s a rundown of what it is and why it’s so important right now. What Is Pre-Approval? Pre-approval is like getting a green light from a lender. It lets you know how much they’re willing to let you borrow for a home. To determine that number, a lender looks at your financial history. According to Realtor.com, these are some of the documents a lender may ask you for during this process: W-2s from the last two years Tax returns from the last two years Pay stubs from the last 30...

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The Truth About Credit Scores and Buying a Home

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

Your credit score plays a big role in the homebuying process. It’s one of the key factors lenders look at to determine which loan options you qualify for and what your terms might be. But there’s a myth about credit scores that may be holding some buyers back. The Myth: You Need To Have Perfect Credit According to Fannie Mae, only 32% of potential homebuyers have a good idea of what credit score lenders actually require. That means two-thirds of buyers don’t actually know what lenders are looking for – and most overestimate the minimum credit score needed. The Reality: Perfect Isn’t Necessary But...

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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 that...

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Expert Forecasts for the 2025 Housing Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 7, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Forecasts, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Wondering what’s in store for the housing market this year? And more specifically, what it all means for you if you plan to buy or sell a home? The best way to get that information is to lean on the pros. Experts are constantly updating and revising their forecasts, so here’s the latest on two of the biggest factors expected to shape the year ahead: mortgage rates and home prices. Will Mortgage Rates Come Down? Everyone’s keeping an eye on mortgage rates and waiting for them to come down. So, the question is really: how far and how fast? The good news is they’re projected to ease a bit in 2025....

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Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 6, 2025. Posted in Equity, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Trying to decide whether it makes more sense to buy a home now or wait? There’s a lot to consider, from what’s happening in the market to your changing needs. But generally speaking, aiming to time the market isn’t a good strategy – there are too many factors at play for that to even be possible. That’s why experts usually say time in the market is better than timing the market. In other words, if you want to buy a home and you’re able to make the numbers work, doing it sooner rather than later is usually worth it. Bankrate explains why: “No matter which way the real estate market is leaning,...

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Get Ready To Buy a Home in 2025

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 3, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights If buying a home is on your goal sheet this year, here’s how to make it happen. Focus on improving your credit, planning for your down payment, getting pre-approved, and prioritizing your wish list. But first, connect with a trusted agent and lender so you have expert advice every step of the way.

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New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

This is the time when a lot of people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home. But how do you get there? And where do you start? Here’s some advice that can help you get the ball rolling. Focus on Your Why To lay the foundation, you need to focus on your why. While the dollars and cents are important, so is the driving force behind your desire to move. Maybe you need more space for a growing family, want to sell so you can downsize, or are finally...

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Simple Steps To Help You Save for Your First Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 31, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Turning a dream into reality starts with one thing: a plan. And if buying your first home is on your list of goals, now’s the perfect time to put a plan in motion to help you save. And the best part? Reaching your savings goal doesn’t mean making huge sacrifices overnight – small, consistent steps can get you there over time. Here are a few strategies that can help speed up the process. Step 1: Build a Budget That Works for You Knowing where your money’s going is the first step to saving more of it. Take some time to track the money you’ve got coming in and going out. This helps you spot areas...

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What’s Motivating More Buyers To Choose a Newly Built Home?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 26, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Planning to buy a home soon? Why not go for something brand-new? Because data shows a lot more buyers are seeing the appeal of new home construction these days – and you may find out it’s what you want too. The National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains that newly built homes accounted for 15% of all homes sold last year. That’s a significant increase, and is actually the highest percentage in 17 years (see graph below): To get a closer look at why so many people are opting for a brand-new home, NAR surveyed recent buyers. And here are the top reasons why new builds gained so much popularity...

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The Personal Joys of Having a Home To Call Your Own

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 25, 2024. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s no doubt that owning a home comes with significant financial benefits. And this time of year is a great time to reflect on the other reasons why owning a home is so meaningful. A house is more than four walls and a roof – it’s a place where memories are made, connections are built, and life happens. From the sense of accomplishment that comes with owning your own home to the joy of creating a space that’s uniquely yours, the emotional connections we have to our homes can be just as important as the financial ones. Here are some of the things that turn a house into a happy home. 1....

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The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and Friends

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 24, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you’re tired of long drives to see your family or wish your kids could spend more time with their grandparents. Clearly, a lot of other people feel the same way. According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the desire to be near family and friends is the #1 reason people move (see graph below): That’s because moving isn’t just about finding a new house – it’s about living a life where you’re surrounded by the people who matter most. Whether it’s catching...

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The Biggest Perks of Buying a Home This Winter

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 18, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Waiting for perfect market conditions often means missing out. Because what you may not realize is, if you’re ready and able to buy, this time of year could actually give you an edge. Here’s why. As the weather cools down, the housing market can too – and that works in your favor. You Likely Won’t Feel as Rushed Homes tend to take a little longer to sell during this time of year. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the average time a house sits on the market jumps up during the winter months (see the green bars in the graph below): This is partly because fewer buyers...

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The Top 2 Reasons To Look at Newly Built Homes

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 12, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

When planning a move, a newly built home might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But with more brand-new homes on the market and builders focusing on smaller, more affordable options, this type of home may just be the key to crossing the homebuying finish line. Here’s why a new build is worth considering – and how an agent can help you find one that meets your needs and your budget. 1. More Newly Built Homes Are Available Right Now First, let’s break down the types of homes on the market. A newly built home is a house that was just built or is under construction. On the other...

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Investors Are Not Buying Up All the Homes

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 29, 2024. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights There’s a misconception Wall Street is buying all the homes on the market. But data proves that isn’t true.? Experts agree the share of homes bought by investors is declining – and most are smaller investors, like your neighbor who owns a second home, not Wall Street. No matter what you’ve heard, the majority of homes are still being purchased by everyday homebuyers like you – not big investors. Connect with an agent if you have questions.?

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How Co-Buying a Home Helps with Affordability Today

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 26, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Buying a home in today’s market can feel like an uphill battle – especially with home prices and mortgage rates putting pressure on your budget. If you’re feeling stuck, co-buying could be one way to help you get your foot in the door. Freddie Mac says: “If you are an aspiring homeowner, buying a home with your family or friends could be an option.” But there are some things you’ll want to consider first. Let’s explore why co-buying is gaining popularity right now among some buyers and see if it may make sense for you too. What Is Co-Buying? Co-buying means buying a home with someone...

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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 your...

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Is Wall Street Really Buying All the Homes?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 19, 2024. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Let’s be real – buying a home right now is tough. You’re scrolling through listings, rushing to open houses, and maybe even losing out to more competitive offers. Somewhere along the way, you might’ve heard the reason it’s so hard to find a home is because big Wall Street investors are swooping in and snatching up everything in sight. But here’s the thing: that’s mostly a myth. While investors are part of the market, according to Redfin, they’re a relatively small part: Here’s what that means. Five out of every six homes are being purchased by everyday homebuyers like you – not big investors. So,...

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More Homes, Slower Price Growth – What It Means for You as a Buyer

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 13, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There are more homes on the market right now than there have been in years – and that could be a game changer for you if you’re ready to buy. Let’s look at two reasons why. You Have More Options To Choose From An article from Realtor.com helps explain just how much the number of homes for sale has gone up this year: “There were 29.2% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in October compared with the same time in 2023, marking the twelfth consecutive month of annual inventory growth and the highest count since December 2019.” And while the number of homes on the market still isn’t quite...

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The Majority of Veterans Are Unaware of a Key VA Loan Benefit

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 11, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For over 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans achieve the dream of homeownership. But according to Veterans United, only 3 in 10 Veterans realize they may be able to buy a home without needing a down payment (see visual below): That’s why it’s so important for Veterans – and anyone who cares about a Veteran – to be aware of this valuable program. Knowing about the resources available can make the path to homeownership easier and keep life-changing plans from being put on hold. As Veterans United explains: “The ability to buy with 0% down is the signature...

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Category: For Buyers