Category: For Buyers

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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...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Renting vs. Buying: The Net Worth Gap You Need To See

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 7, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Trying to decide between renting or buying a home? One key factor that could help you choose is just how much homeownership can grow your net worth. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board shares a report called the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). It shows how much wealth homeowners and renters have – and the difference is significant. On average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40 times higher than a renter’s. Check out the graph below to see the difference for yourself: Why Homeowner Wealth Is So High In the previous version of that report, the average homeowner’s net worth was...

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Is a Fixer Upper Right for You?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 4, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Looking to buy a home but feeling like almost everything is out of reach? Here’s the thing. There’s still a way to become a homeowner, even when affordability seems like a huge roadblock – and it might be with a fixer upper. Let’s dive into why buying a fixer upper could be your ticket to homeownership and how you can make it work. What Is a Fixer Upper? A fixer upper is a home that’s in livable condition but needs some work. The amount of work varies by home – some may need cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring, while others might require more extensive repairs like...

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How Real Estate Agents Take the Fear Out of Moving

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 31, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Feeling a bit unsure, or even afraid, to move with everything going on right now? The decision to move shouldn’t be scary, it should be exciting. And the best way to eliminate any fear is to work with a pro. Real estate agents are so much more than just transaction facilitators; they’re trusted guides to help you navigate the complexities of the housing market with confidence and ease. And a great agent can turn what may feel like a daunting process into a manageable—and even enjoyable—experience. That’s why, in a Bright MLS survey, respondents agreed partnering with an agent is essential...

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Avoid These Top Homebuyer Mistakes in Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 30, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

No one likes making mistakes, especially when they happen in what’s likely the biggest transaction of your life – buying a home. That’s why partnering with a trusted agent is so important. Here’s a sneak peek at the most common missteps buyers are making in today’s market and how a great agent will help you steer clear of each one. Trying To Time the Market Many buyers are trying to time the market by waiting for home prices or mortgage rates to drop. This can be a really risky strategy because there’s so much at play that can have an impact on those things. As Elijah de la Campa, Senior...

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Why Home Sales Bounce Back After Presidential Elections

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

With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down. Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown In any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, seasonal trend. However, according to data from BTIG, in election years there’s usually a slightly larger dip in home sales in the month leading up to Election Day (see graph below): Why? Uncertainty. Many consumers hold off on making major decisions or purchases while they wait to see how the election will play out....

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Why Your House Will Shine in Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 28, 2024. Posted in Affordability, For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Even though there are more homes available for sale than there were at this time last year, there are still more buyers than there are houses to choose from. So, know that if you’ve got moving on your mind, your house can really stand out. There are several key reasons why there aren’t enough homes to go around and understanding them will help you see why the market is working in your favor if you’re ready to make a move. What’s Causing the Shortage? 1. Underproduction of Homes: For years, the industry hasn’t built enough homes to keep up with demand. As Zillow explains: “In 2022, 1.4...

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Debunking Scary Myths About Buying a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 25, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights There are a number of scary myths about homebuying in today’s market. Here’s what you need to know. Prices are not expected to crash, it is possible to buy even with student loan debt, and there are programs that can help you save for a down payment. Don’t let scary myths delay your homebuying plans. Connect with an agent so you have a pro to help you separate the facts from your fears.

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What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 21, 2024. Posted in Affordability, For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your decisions: mortgage rates and home prices. Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling, here’s a look at what the experts are saying and how it might impact your move. Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down One of the biggest factors likely affecting your plans is mortgage rates, and the forecast looks positive. After rising dramatically in recent years, experts project rates will ease...

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Why Buying Now Is Worth It

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 18, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, Equity, For Buyers, Forecasts, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights You may be torn between buying a home now or waiting. But don’t forget to factor in the equity you’ll gain as prices rise. Experts forecast prices will climb over the next 5 years – and based on those forecasts, you could gain about $90k in equity in that time. So, you could wait, but you’ll miss out on a lot of equity if you do. If you’re ready and able to buy, let’s connect so you can start growing your wealth now.

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Why Did More People Decide To Sell Their Homes Recently?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on October 17, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Homeowners typically slow down their moving plans as the summer months wrap up, and as a result, fewer homes are listed for sale in the fall. It’s a predictable, seasonal trend in real estate. But this year, mortgage rates came down at the same time the number of homes on the market usually starts to decline. So, what happened? More homeowners decided to sell, so more homes came to the market. The most recent data from Realtor.com reveals that in September, the number of homes put up for sale increased by 11.6% compared to this time last year. As the green circle in the graph below...

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