Category: For Buyers

Auto Added by WPeMatico

What’s the Impact of Presidential Elections on the Housing Market?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 27, 2024. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

It’s no surprise that the upcoming Presidential election might have you speculating about what’s ahead. And those unanswered thoughts can quickly spiral, causing fear and uncertainty to swirl through your mind. So, if you’ve been considering buying or selling a home this year, you’re probably curious about what the election might mean for the housing market – and if it’s still a good time to make your move. Here’s the good news that may surprise you: typically, Presidential elections have only had a small, temporary impact on the housing market. But your questions are definitely worth...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How Growing Inventory Benefits Today’s Buyers

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 23, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal.? Here’s what that means when you buy: more options for your search, more negotiation power for you, it’s more likely sellers will make select repairs, and more moderate price growth. If you want to talk more about what rising inventory means for you, connect with a local real estate agent.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 22, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, Economy, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? That’s especially true if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in today’s housing market. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important. If you partner with a real estate agent, they can clear up some common misconceptions and reassure you by backing them up with research-driven facts. Here are just a few misconceptions they can help disprove. 1. I’ll Get a Better Deal Once Prices Crash If you’ve heard home prices...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How To Choose a Great Local Real Estate Agent

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 20, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Selecting the right real estate agent can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home. But how do you find the best one? Here are some tips to help you make that big decision as you determine your partner in the process. Check Their Reputation Start by gathering information about agents in your area. From there, try to narrow down the list. Ask the people you trust if they have someone they’d recommend. You’ll want to find an agent with a strong online presence, plenty of positive reviews, and someone whose great reputation truly precedes them. As Freddie Mac explains:...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How Mortgage Rate Changes Impact Your Homebuying Power

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 19, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably got mortgage rates on your mind. That’s because you’ve likely heard that mortgage rates impact how much you can afford in your monthly mortgage payment, and you want to factor that into your planning. Here’s what you need to know. What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates? Mortgage rates have been trending down recently. While that’s good news for your homebuying plans, it’s important to know that rates can be unpredictable because they’re affected by many factors. Things like the economy, job market, inflation, and decisions...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

3 Reasons To Move in Today’s Shifting Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 16, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Some Highlights The housing market is in a transition. And that gives you 3 key opportunities going into the fall. There are more homes actively for sale. Builders are motivated to sell, so a newly built home may be more achievable than you think. And mortgage rates have come down from their recent peak. If you’re ready and able to buy, you may find the housing market this fall a bit easier to navigate. Connect with an agent to get started.?

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 15, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

When you’re thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. Think of it like your financial report card that lenders look at when trying to figure out if you qualify, and which home loan will work best for you. As the Mortgage Report says: “Good credit scores communicate to lenders that you have a track record for properly managing your debts. For this reason, the higher your score, the better your chances of qualifying for a mortgage.” The trouble is most buyers overestimate the minimum credit score they need to buy a home....

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Is Affordability Starting To Improve?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 13, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Economy, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home. And while affordability is still tight, there are signs it’s getting a little better and might keep improving throughout the rest of the year. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says: “Housing affordability is improving ever so modestly, but it is moving in the right direction.” Here’s a look at the latest data on the three biggest factors affecting home affordability: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. 1. Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates have been volatile...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Are There More Homes for Sale Where You Live?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 12, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year. Recent data from Realtor.com shows that nationally, there are 36.6% more homes actively for sale now compared to the same time last year. That’s a significant improvement. It gives you far more options for your move than you would’ve had just a year ago. And with supply improving, you’re also regaining a bit of negotiation power. So, if you’re someone who thought about buying a home over the last few years but was discouraged by how limited...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Where Will You Go After You Sell?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 8, 2024. Posted in Affordability, For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, New Construction.

If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available. But here’s the good news: the supply of homes for sale has grown in a lot of markets this year – and that’s not just existing, or previously-owned, homes. It’s true for newly built homes too. So how do you decide which route to go? Do you buy an existing home or a brand-new one? The choice is yours – you just need to figure out what’s most important to you. Perks of a Newly Built Home Here are some benefits of buying a newly built home right now: Have brand new everything with...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 7, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Economy, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability. And if you’re someone who’s looking to make a move, you’ve probably been waiting eagerly for rates to come down for that very reason. Well, if the past few weeks are any indication, you may be getting your wish. Mortgage Rates Trend Down in Recent Weeks There’s big news for mortgage rates. After the latest reports on the economy, inflation, the unemployment rate, and the Federal Reserve’s recent comments, mortgage rates started dropping a bit. And according to Freddie...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why the Sandwich Generation Is Buying Multi-Generational Homes

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on August 1, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation? According to Realtor.com, that’s a name for the roughly one in six Americans who take care of their children and their parents or grandparents at the same time. If that sounds familiar to you, juggling all the responsibilities involved certainly must have its challenges. But it turns out there’s one pretty significant benefit: it can actually make it a bit easier for you to buy a home. How Can It Help You Buy a Home? Realtor.com asked members of the Sandwich Generation if they agree or disagree that taking care of children and parents at the same...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Are Home Prices Going To Come Down?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 29, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Today’s headlines and news stories about home prices are confusing and make it tough to know what’s really happening. Some say home prices are heading for a correction, but what do the facts say? Well, it helps to start by looking at what a correction means. Here’s what Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says: “In stock market terms, a correction is generally referred to as a 10 to 20% drop in prices . . . We don’t have the same established definitions in the housing market.” In the context of today’s housing market, it doesn’t mean home prices are going to fall...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Unlocking the Benefits of Your Home’s Equity

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 26, 2024. Posted in Equity, For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. The typical homeowner gained $28,000 over the past year and has a grand total of $305,000 in equity. And there are a lot of great ways you can use that equity. To find out how much equity you have, connect with a real estate agent who can give you a Professional Equity Assessment Report (PEAR).

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 25, 2024. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what’s ahead. One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, they do control the Federal Funds Rate. The relationship between the two is why people have been watching closely to see when the Fed might lower the Federal Funds Rate. Whenever they do, that’ll put downward pressure on...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

A Newly Built Home May Actually Be More Budget-Friendly

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 24, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you. Many people assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones (houses that have already been lived in), but that’s not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes can sometimes lead to more cost-effective options, especially today. Hard to believe, right? But the data doesn’t lie. Here are two key reasons working with your agent to look into new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option. Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes The median sales price...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How Affordability and Remote Work Are Changing Where People Live

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 22, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s an interesting trend happening in the housing market. People are increasingly moving to more affordable areas, and remote or hybrid work is helping them do it. Consider Moving to a More Affordable Area Today’s high mortgage rates combined with continually rising home prices mean it’s tough for a lot of people to afford a home right now. That’s why many interested buyers are moving to places where homes are less expensive, and the cost of living is lower. As Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow, explains: “Housing affordability has always mattered . . . and you’re seeing it...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Are Making Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 19, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Want to know the biggest mistakes homebuyers are making today? They include everything from putting off pre-approval for too long, holding out for the perfect home, buying more than they can afford, and skipping out on hiring a pro. Connect with a real estate agent to make sure you have a pro on your side who can help you avoid these mistakes.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Unlocking Homebuyer Opportunities in 2024

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 18, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s no arguing this past year has been difficult for homebuyers. And if you’re someone who has started the process of searching for a home, maybe you put your search on hold because the challenges in today’s market felt like too much to tackle. You’re not alone in that. A Bright MLS study found some of the top reasons buyers paused their search in late 2023 and early 2024 were: They couldn’t find anything in their price range They didn’t have any successful offers or had difficulty competing They couldn’t find the right home If any of these sound like why you stopped looking, here’s...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How To Determine if You’re Ready To Buy a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 16, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates and home prices, the limited supply of homes for sale, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. 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. But whether this is a good time to buy a house also depends on your financial...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 10, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn’t wise. That’s because the pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. And in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership. As Bankrate explains: “One of the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes is looking for a home that checks each of your boxes. Looking for perfection can narrow your choices and lead you to pass over good, suitable options for starter homes in the hopes that something better will come along.” The Cost of Holding...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Things To Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 5, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Some Highlights There are a few key things you’ll want to avoid after applying for a mortgage to make sure you’re in the best position when you get to the closing table. Don’t change bank accounts, apply for new credit, make any large purchases or transfers, and don’t co-sign loans for anyone. Here’s a good rule of thumb. Always connect with your loan officer before making any financial decisions once you’ve started the mortgage process.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl