Sell Your House During the Winter Sweet Spot

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 3, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

A lot of people assume spring is the ideal time to sell a house. And sure, buyer demand usually picks up at that time of year. But here’s the catch: so does your competition because a lot of people put their homes on the market at the same time. So, what’s the real advantage of selling your house before spring? It’ll stand out. Historically, the number of homes for sale tends to drop during the cooler months – and that means buyers have fewer options to choose from. You can see how that trend played out over the past few years in this data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Each...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Should You Sell Your House As-Is or Make Repairs?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 2, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

A recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows most sellers (61%) completed at least minor repairs when selling their house. But sometimes life gets in the way and that’s just not possible. Maybe that’s why, 39% of sellers chose to sell as-is instead (see chart below): If you’re feeling stressed because you don’t have the time, budget, or resources to tackle any repairs or updates, you may be tempted to sell your house as-is, too. But before you decide to go this route, here’s what you need to know. What Does Selling As-Is Really Mean? Selling as-is means you won’t make...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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.?

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 28, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

With the holidays right around the corner, homeowners planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait? Some may even consider taking their house off the market until next spring. But is that the best choice? Because at this time of year, your home can really stand out. Here’s the thing: there are plenty of buyers out there who want to be in a new home by the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Redfin says: “. . . there is typically less inventory in the housing market this time of year, allowing your home to easily stand out...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Control the Controllables If You’re Worried About Mortgage Rates

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 27, 2024. Posted in Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to hear is that they’re coming back down. And if you’ve seen headlines about the early November Federal Funds Rate cut by the Federal Reserve (The Fed), maybe you got hopeful mortgage rates would start to decline right away. Although some media sources may lead you to believe that the Fed’s actions determine mortgage rates, in reality, they don’t. The truth is, the Fed, the job market, inflation, geopolitical changes, and a whole list of other economic factors influence mortgage rates, too. So, while recent...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why Today’s Mortgage Debt Isn’t a Sign of a Housing Market Crash

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 25, 2024. Posted in Equity, Foreclosures, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

One major reason why we’re not heading toward a foreclosure crisis is the high level of equity homeowners have today. Unlike in the last housing bubble, where many homeowners owed more than their homes were worth, today’s homeowners have far more equity than debt. That’s a big part of the reason why even though mortgage debt is at an all-time high, this isn’t 2008 all over again. As Bill McBride, Housing Analyst for Calculated Risk, explains: “With the recent house price increases, some people are worried about a new housing bubble – but mortgage debt isn’t a concern . . .” Today’s homeowners...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How To Get Your House Ready To Sell in 2025

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 22, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights If you’re planning to list your house in 2025, it’s already time to start working on any repairs. But where do you start? Your local agent will be able to help you prioritize projects that will help you get the best return on your investment and appeal to what today’s buyers really want. If your goal is to sell your house next year, connect with an agent so you know what to start working on now.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

What’s Behind Today’s Mortgage Rate Volatility?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 20, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Economy, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on mortgage rates lately, you might feel like you’re on a roller coaster ride. One day rates are up; the next they dip down a bit. So, what’s driving this constant change? Let’s dive into just a few of the major reasons why we’re seeing so much volatility, and what it means for you. The Market’s Reaction to the Election A significant factor causing fluctuations in mortgage rates is the general reaction to the political landscape. Election seasons often bring uncertainty to financial markets, and this one is no different. Markets tend to respond not only to who...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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,...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 18, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’re debating whether or not you want to sell right now, it might be because you’ve got some unanswered questions, like if moving really makes sense in today’s market. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s even a good idea to move right now. Or you’re stressed because you think you won’t find a house you like. To put your mind at ease, here’s how to tackle these two concerns head-on. Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now? If you own a home already, you may have been holding off because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Big Difference Between Renter and Homeowner Net Worth

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 15, 2024. Posted in Equity, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights If you’re torn between renting or buying, don’t forget to factor in the wealth-building power of homeownership. Unlike renters, homeowners gain equity as they pay their mortgage and as home values rise. That’s why, on average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40x higher than a renter’s. Connect with an agent if you want to learn more about the financial benefits of homeownership or the programs that can help make buying possible.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 14, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

When you’re ready to move, figuring out what to do with your house is a big decision. And today, more homeowners are considering renting their home instead of selling it. Recent data from Zillow shows about two-thirds (66%) of sellers thought about renting their home before listing, with nearly a third (28%) taking that possibility seriously. Compared to 2021, when fewer than half (47%) of homeowners considered renting before selling, it’s clear this trend is on the rise. So, should you sell your house and use the money toward your next home or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth?...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

What’s Motivating Homeowners To Move Right Now

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 12, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates, Selling Tips.

Over the past few years, some homeowners have decided to delay their move because they don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on their next home. Maybe you’re thinking the same thing. And honestly, that’s no surprise. It’s a very common roadblock and is one of the biggest factors that’s kept the number of homes on the market so low for so long. But a growing number of homeowners are deciding they just can’t wait any longer. Often, it’s because of personal or lifestyle change. As Redfin explains: “Some homeowners are opting to bite the bullet and give up their low rate in order...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why You Need an Agent To Set the Right Asking Price

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 8, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Home Prices, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights The #1 task sellers struggle with is setting the right asking price for their house. Without an agent’s help, you may set a price that turns away buyers and takes a long time to sell. To make sure your house is priced right, connect with a local agent. Because if the price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

What To Look For From This Week’s Fed Meeting

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 6, 2024. Posted in Economy, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

You may be hearing a lot of talk about the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and how their actions will impact the housing market right now. Here’s why. The Fed meets again this week to decide the next step with the Federal Funds Rate. That’s how much it costs banks to borrow from each other. Now, that’s not the same thing as setting mortgage rates, but mortgage rates can be influenced through this process. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you may be wondering about the downstream impact and when mortgage rates will come down. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Expect the Unexpected: Anticipating Volatility in Today’s Housing Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on November 5, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

You’ve probably noticed one thing if you’re thinking about making a move: the housing market feels a bit unpredictable right now. The truth is, from home prices to mortgage rates, we’re seeing more volatility – and it’s important to understand why. At a high-level, let’s break down what’s happening and the best way to navigate it. What’s Driving Today’s Market Volatility? Factors like economic data, unemployment numbers, decisions coming out of the Federal Reserve (The Fed), and even the presidential election, are creating uncertainty right now – and uncertainty leads to market volatility. You...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

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 replacing...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Category: Marathon FL Mortgage