What You Need To Know About Homeowner’s Insurance

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 19, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Homeowner’s insurance is a must-have to protect what’s probably your biggest investment – your home. And while you never want to think about worst-case scenarios, the right coverage is basically your safety net if something goes wrong. Here’s how it helps you. Covers Repairs and Rebuilding Costs: If your home is damaged by fire, storms, or other covered events, your policy helps pay for repairs or even a full rebuild. Protects Your Belongings: Many policies can also cover personal items like furniture, electronics, and clothing if they’re stolen or damaged. Provides Liability Coverage: If...

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Rising Inventory Means This Spring Could Be Your Moment

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 17, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Want to know two reasons this spring might finally be your time to buy? Inventory has grown and sellers may be more willing to negotiate as a result. That means you’ve got more options and more power than buyers have had in years. Let’s break it down. 1. You Have More Homes To Choose From The number of homes for sale this February was higher than it’s been in any of the past five Februarys – and that’s great news for your home search. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show the supply of homes on the market has grown by 27.5% in just the last year: More choices for...

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What You Need To Know About Pre-Approval

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

Some Highlights Before you even start looking at homes, there’s something you should do first – and that’s get pre-approved for your mortgage. Pre-approval is when a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow for your home loan. This helps you determine your budget and makes your offer stand out for sellers. ?Connect with a trusted lender to get the process started.

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Is the Housing Market Starting To Balance Out?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 13, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For years, sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market. With so few homes for sale and so many people who wanted to purchase them, buyers faced tough competition just to get an offer accepted. But now, inventory is rising, and things are starting to shift in many areas. So, is the market finally balancing out? And does that mean buyers will have it a bit easier now? Here’s what you need to know. What Makes It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market? It all comes down to how many homes are for sale in an area compared to how many buyers want to buy there. That’s what ultimately...

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Buying Your First Home? It’s Okay To Feel Nervous

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 12, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions. Am I making the right decision? Can I really afford this right now? Will I be able to make ends meet if I have unexpected repairs? What if I lose my job? Here’s the thing: every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts. The homebuying process has always been a mix of excitement and nerves, and that’s completely normal. Here’s some information that can give you a bit of perspective, so you don’t have these concerns. Focus on What You Can...

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Mortgage Rates Hit Lowest Point So Far This Year

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 11, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because of high mortgage rates, you might want to take another look at the market. That’s because mortgage rates have been trending down lately – and that gives you a chance to jump back in. Mortgage rates have been declining for seven straight weeks now, according to data from Freddie Mac. And the average weekly rate is now at the lowest level so far this year (see graph below): While that may not sound like a significant shift, it is noteworthy. Because the meaningful drop from over 7% to the mid-6’s can change your mindset when it comes to...

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Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 10, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.” That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for the right moment could cost you in the long run. Home Prices Are Still Rising – Just at a More Normal Pace The idea that prices will drop dramatically is wishful thinking in most markets. According to...

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Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 6, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

It’s no secret that remote work has surged over the last few years. And that flexibility gave a lot of people the freedom to move — and work — from wherever they wanted. But now, a growing number of companies are requiring employees to return to the office. And that’s leading some people to make decisions about where they live and if they need to move. How Return-to-Work Policies Are Impacting Housing During the rise of remote work, a lot of employees took the opportunity to move away from expensive or crowded city centers. Some opted for suburban neighborhoods and larger homes with...

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Is a Newly Built Home Right for You? The Pros and Cons

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 3, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, New Construction.

When searching for a home, you don’t want to skip over new builds as an option. Right now, there are more newly built homes to choose from than there would normally be in the market. And those added choices come with some pretty incredible benefits. Talking to your agent is the best way to see if this type of home makes sense for you. Here’s a quick rundown of some things your agent will walk you through – including a few of the top perks of buying a newly built home today and some potential things you’ll want to think about before you ink any contracts. The Perks of Buying a Newly Built...

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Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home Today?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 28, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights A study shows that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. And here’s why.? Rent usually rises over time and that can make it harder to save up to buy a home. But when you buy, you can stabilize your housing expenses and grow your net worth as home values rise. While renting may be the less expensive option in some markets, it can’t match the long-term benefits of homeownership. What’s your #1 reason for wanting to buy?

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Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 26, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Are you having a hard time finding the right home in your budget? Or maybe you already own a home but could use some extra income or a designated space for aging loved ones. Either way, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for in today’s market. What Is an ADU? According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, separate living space that’s on the same lot as a single-family home. It must include its own areas for living, sleeping, cooking, and bathrooms independent of the main house. And they can take shape in a few different ways. Fannie Mae adds, an...

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The Return to Urban Living — Why More People Are Moving Back to Cities

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 19, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

After years of suburban and rural migration during the pandemic, cities have been making a comeback in the past couple of years. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the percentage of people moving to cities has risen to 16%. While that may not sound like a big number to you, it is the highest level in a decade – and that’s a big deal (see graph below): And data from BrightMLS seems to confirm this trend. In a recent survey, 1 in 5 (20.6%) people looking to buy say they want to live in the city. So, what’s behind this ongoing shift back to urban living? Let’s break down...

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Why You’ll Love Owning a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 14, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Owning a home comes with many benefits, both non-financial and financial. From the sense of accomplishment and freedom of expression, to growing your net worth, it’s easy to fall in love with homeownership. What’s the top reason you’d love to own a home? Connect with an agent to come up with a plan that makes it possible.

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Breaking Into the Market: Smart Moves for First-Time Buyers

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 12, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re like a lot of aspiring homebuyers, there’s a major hurdle standing in your way — the cost of living. From groceries to gas, eggs, and just about everything else, prices have gone up. And that rings true for home prices, too. But even when everything feels expensive, there are still ways to make homeownership more than an item on your wish list. You may just need to think about where you plan to buy a bit differently. Think of Your First Home as a Stepping Stone One of the biggest misconceptions among buyers is that their first home has to be their forever home – or that it has...

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A Record Percent of Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2025 – Are You?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 11, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

This could be the year to sell your house – and here’s why. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 15% of people are planning to buy a home this year. That’s actually a record high for this survey (see graph below): Here’s why this is such a big deal. The percentage has been hovering between 9-11% since 2020. This recent increase shows buyer demand hasn’t disappeared – if anything, it indicates there’s pent-up demand ready to come back to the market. That doesn’t mean the floodgates are opening and that there’s going to be a huge wave of buyers like we saw a few years ago. But this...

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Home Price Growth Is Moderating – Here’s Why That’s Good for You

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 10, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Over the past few years, home prices skyrocketed. That’s been frustrating for buyers, leaving many wondering if they’d ever get a shot at owning a home. But here’s some welcome news: that whirlwind pace of home price growth is slowing down. Home Prices Are Rising at a Healthy Pace At the national level, home prices are still going up, but at a much more moderate, normal pace. For example, in November, the year-over-year increase in home prices was just 3.8% nationally, according to Case-Shiller. That’s a far cry from the double-digit spikes that occurred in 2021 and 2022 (see graph...

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Why Buying a Home Now Is Your Winning Play

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 7, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights You may be sitting on the sidelines wondering if it’s better to buy now or wait. But buying before the spring rush may be a game-changing decision.? Moving this winter can give you significant advantages, like less competition, more negotiating power, and lower prices. If you’re able to buy now, stay ahead of the game and outrun the competition. To tackle your homebuying plans this year, connect with a local agent.?

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The Perks of Buying a Fixer-Upper

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 6, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s no denying affordability is tough right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on the back burner. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who will), buying a house that needs some work could open the door to homeownership. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide if this is the right move for you. What’s a Fixer-Upper? A fixer-upper is a home that’s livable but requires some renovations. Think cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring or more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating plumbing....

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Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 4, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Forecasts, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage rates. And if you’re trying to buy a home, it’s easy to worry you won’t be able to find something in your budget. But here’s what you need to know. The number of homes for sale has grown a whole lot lately and that’s true for both existing (previously lived-in) and newly built homes. Here’s a look at those two bright spots for buyers right now and why they may make it a bit easier to find the home you’re been looking for. 1. There Are 22% More Existing Homes for Sale Data from...

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The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This Year

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 3, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and let’s be real — renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of reach. But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents. Maybe you’re feeling that too — concerned about where renting might leave you down the road, but still unsure if you’d even be able to buy right now. The...

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Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 29, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen. There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market. 1. FHA Loans If your down payment...

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3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 27, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?” But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress. What if buying now — before the spring rush — might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case. 1. Less Competition from Other Buyers The winter months tend to be quieter in...

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Category: For Buyers