Category: For Buyers

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Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 3, 2025. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Lately, it feels like every headline about the housing market comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Are we headed for a crash? Will rates ever come down? And all the media noise may leave you wondering: does it really make sense to buy a home right now? But here’s one thing that doesn’t get enough airtime. Real estate has always been about the long game. And when you look at the big picture, not just the latest clickbait headlines, it’s easy to see why so many people say it’s still the best investment you can make – even now. According to the just-released annual report...

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Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 2, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, New Construction.

Do you think a brand-new home means a bigger price tag? Think again. Right now, something unique is happening in the housing market. According to the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of newly built homes is actually lower than the median price for existing homes (ones that have already been lived in): You read that right. That brand new, never-been-lived-in house may cost less than the one built 20 years ago in a neighborhood just down the street. So, if you wrote off a new build because you assumed they’d be financially out of reach, here’s what you...

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Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 29, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it, and if the timing is right for you. But here’s the thing you need to know about renting. While it may feel like a safer bet today – and in some areas might even be less expensive month-to-month than owning –...

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Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 27, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don’t know about one of its core benefits. According to a report from Veterans United only 3 in 10 Veterans are aware they may be able to buy a home with no down payment with a VA loan (see visual below): That means 7 out of every 10 Veterans could be missing out on a key homebuying advantage. That’s why it’s so important for Veterans, and anyone who cares about a Veteran, to be aware of this program. As...

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Common Real Estate Terms Explained

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 26, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, chances are you’ll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process. Terms Every Homebuyer Should Know Once you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when...

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Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 22, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). If you remember the crash in 2008, this may bring up some concerns. But don’t worry. Today’s ARMs aren’t the same. Here’s why. Back then, some buyers were given loans they couldn’t afford after the rates adjusted. But now, lenders are more cautious, and they evaluate whether...

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More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It’s Your Buying Opportunity

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 21, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Maybe you’ve heard the number of homes for sale has reached a recent high. And it might make you question if this is the start of another housing market crash. But the reality is, the data proves that’s just not the case. In most areas, more inventory isn’t bad news. It’s actually a sign of the market returning to a more stable, healthy place. What’s Going on With Inventory? Based on the latest data from Realtor.com, inventory just hit its highest point since 2020, shown with the white line in the graph below. But what you need to realize is, at the same time, inventory levels still...

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What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 20, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

When buying a home, you’re probably thinking about mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and maybe even your closing costs. But you may not be thinking about homeowners association (HOA) fees. While you won’t necessarily have these, you should know it’s a possibility, depending on where you decide to live. A homeowners association is basically an organization that oversees a housing community (including shared spaces) and sets and enforces rules for things like upkeep. Some buyers love the perks that come with an HOA, others may see the fees as an extra expense. The key is...

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Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 16, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Forecasts, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Some Highlights Are you wondering what to expect if you buy or sell a home in the second half of the year? Here’s what the expert forecasts tell you. Mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly. There will be more homes available for sale. And as inventory rises, home price growth will moderate. Want to know what this could mean for your plans? Connect with a local agent and talk through it together.

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Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 14, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you’re one of them and you’re wondering: Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Having questions like these is normal, especially when you’re thinking about making such a big purchase. But you should know, you may be putting your homeownership goals on the backburner unnecessarily. Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if...

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Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 13, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive. What Are Concessions and Incentives? When a seller or builder gives you something extra to help with your purchase, that’s called either a concession or an incentive. A concession is something a seller gives up or agrees to in order to reach a compromise and close a deal. An incentive, on the other hand, is a benefit a builder or seller advertises...

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Why You’ll Want a Home Inspection

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 9, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Once your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, including things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and more. That information is incredibly important and paves the way for you to re-negotiate with the seller, as needed. So, you don’t want to skip this step. An inspection is your chance to avoid costly headaches and get peace of mind. Connect with an agent to talk about other ways to make your offer stand out.

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The 20% Down Payment Myth, Debunked

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 5, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock. But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth. Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home? Unless your specific loan type or lender requires it, odds are you won’t have to put 20% down. There are loan options out there designed to help first-time buyers like you get in the door with a much smaller down payment. For example, FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5%, while VA and...

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What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 1, 2025. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. That’s leaving a lot of people wondering what it means for the value of their home – and their buying power. Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in the housing market during each recession, going all the way back to the 1980s. The facts may surprise you. A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will Fall Many people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time the market saw...

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A Tale of Two Housing Markets

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 30, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes sit on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room. In other words, it’s a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move. What Is a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market? In a buyer’s market, there are a lot of homes for sale, and not as many people buying. With fewer buyers...

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Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 28, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great. Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. And why sell if you’re not sure where you’re going to go? But here’s the thing: the market’s shifting. And it might be time to hit play again. The Inventory Sweet Spot More homeowners are jumping back into their search to make a move this year. Builders are finishing more...

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You Finally Have More Options for Your Move

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 25, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights If you put your home search on hold because you couldn’t find anything you liked in your budget, it’s time to try again. ? There’s a much wider selection of homes for sale, with more fresh listings hitting the market each month. With more options come more possibilities. Connect with an agent if you want to see what’s available in your area.?

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Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 24, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, Equity, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.” That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to fall or rates to improve, you should know that trying to time the market rarely works. Here’s what most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could cost you. And you deserve to understand why. Forecasts Say Prices Will Keep Climbing Each quarter, over 100 housing market experts weigh in for...

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What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 22, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home. Take a look at the graph below. It uses data from Mortgage News Daily to show that after a relatively stable month of March, mortgage rates have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride in April: This kind of up-and-down volatility is expected when economic changes are happening. And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t your best move....

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Don’t Miss This Prime Spring Window To Sell Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 21, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why. That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other organizations run similar studies. And since different places use different methodologies for their research, sometimes the results vary too – and that’s actually good news for you. According to Zillow, the best time to list your house is still ahead. The latest research from Zillow says sellers who list their homes in late May...

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Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 17, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because, like anything in life, the right prep work makes things clearer. The best time to get serious about buying is before you’re ready to buy. Here’s why. Pre-Approval Helps You Understand Your Numbers One of the biggest benefits of pre-approval is how it helps you understand your buying power. As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on...

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Are You Saving Up To Buy a Home? Your Tax Refund Can Help

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 15, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

You’ve been working on your savings and dreaming of that moment when you finally have keys to a place that’s truly yours. What you might not realize is that your tax return could give you a little extra cash to help you get there sooner. As Freddie Mac notes: “ . . . your tax refund from the IRS can be a useful supplement to your homebuying budget.” So, if you’re getting a tax refund this year, you can use it to help you pay for some of the upfront costs that come with buying a home, like the down payment and closing costs. And here’s the best part. On average, people are getting even...

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