The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 7, 2024. Posted in Equity, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time. According to the FHFA, home values have increased by 315.7% since 1991. Home equity is one reason owning your own place can really pay off in the long run. When you’re ready, talk with a local real estate professional.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 6, 2024. Posted in Equity, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Many homeowners looking to sell feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Today’s mortgage rates are higher than the one they currently have on their home, and that’s making it harder to want to sell and make a move. Maybe you’re in the same boat. But what if there was a way to offset these higher borrowing costs? There is. And the money you need probably already exists in your current home in the form of equity. What Is Equity? Think of equity as a simple math equation. Freddie Mac explains: “. . . your home’s equity is the difference between how much your home...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 5, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up.

If you’ve been looking for a home at the high end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold. But according to recent data, now may be the time to jump back in. Here’s why. There Are More Luxury Homes To Choose From What’s considered the top-end of the market, or a luxury home, will always vary by location. But generally speaking, they’re homes that are valued in the top 5% of any given market. According to a recent report from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the selection of luxury homes is increasing (see graph below): As the graph...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

What To Expect if You Buy or Sell a Home This June

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 4, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year. So, if you’ve got a move on your mind and you’re looking to make it happen this month, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know to make sure you’re ready. If You’re Buying This June A lot of homebuyers with children like to move after one school year ends and before the next one begins. That’s one reason why late spring into summer is a popular time for homes to change hands. And whether that’s a motivator for you or not, it’s important to realize more buyers are going to be looking right...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 3, 2024. Posted in Affordability, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all. And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so important to you in the first place. That’s because buying a home is so much more than just a financial transaction. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says: “The benefits of purchasing and owning your place of residence are both financial and emotional – pride in...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Top Reasons To Own a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 31, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Buying a home has powerful financial and non-financial benefits. It creates more stability, helps grow your net worth, and gives you an undeniable sense of pride. While today’s market can be challenging for buyers, use these reasons to remind you of why homeownership is so worthwhile. When you’re ready to enjoy all the amazing advantages that come with owning a home, get in touch with a local real estate agent.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Are Making Today

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 30, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates and rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes for sale, there’s a lot to consider. But, there’s one way to avoid getting tripped up – and that’s leaning on a real estate agent for the best possible advice. An expert’s insights will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes homebuyers are making right now. Putting Off Pre-approval As part of the homebuying process, a lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you for your mortgage. This gives...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How an Agent Helps Market Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 29, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

You’re ready to sell your house. But what do you need most from your real estate agent? Well, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked that very question to recent sellers and found one of the top things they were looking for is help marketing their house to potential buyers. Maybe that’s what you need the most help with too. You expect your real estate agent to write a great description of your house for the listing and pair it with some high-quality photos. But that’s not all you’re going to get when you partner with a great agent. They’ll do a lot more to make sure your house...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How Do Climate Risks Affect Your Next Home?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 28, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Climate change is impacting where people buy homes. As the experts at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explain: “Sixty-three percent of people who have moved since the pandemic began say they believe climate change is—or will be—an issue in the place they currently live.” If you’re planning to move, climate change is something you might want to consider, no matter where you are. A recent study from Realtor.com helps put the growing impact climate change is having on real estate into perspective (see below): So, how can you be sure your investment is safe from the elements? For...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How VA Loans Can Help You Buy a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 27, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you know has served in the military, it’s important to learn about this program and its benefits. Here are some key things to know about VA loans before buying a home. Top Benefits of VA Home Loans VA home loans make it easier for veterans to buy a home, and they’re a great perk for those who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, some benefits include: Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Your Agent Is the Key To Pricing Your House Right [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 24, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Home Prices, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights The asking price for your house can impact your bottom line and how quickly it sells. Both under- and overpricing have drawbacks. So to find the right price for your house, lean on your agent for their expertise. Don’t pick just any price for your listing. Trust your real estate professional to help you find the perfect price for your house.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Questions You May Have About Selling Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 23, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

There’s no denying mortgage rates are having a big impact on today’s housing market. And that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house and make a move. Here are three of the top questions you may be asking – and the data that helps answer them. 1. Should I Wait To Sell? If you’re thinking about waiting to sell until after mortgage rates come down, here’s what you need to know. So are a ton of other people. And while mortgage rates are still forecasted to come down later this year, if you wait for that to happen, you may be dealing with a lot...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

How Many Homes Are Investors Actually Buying?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 22, 2024. Posted in Economy, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Are big investors really buying up all the homes today? If you’re trying to find a house to buy, this may be something you’re wondering about. Maybe you’ve read about it or seen reels on social media saying investors buying all the homes is making it even harder to find what the average buyer is looking for. But spoiler alert – there’s a lot of misinformation out there. To clear things up, here’s the scoop on what’s really happening. A lot of the big investor activity is actually in the rearview mirror already. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) explains: “Investors of all sizes...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Worried about Home Maintenance Costs? Consider This

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 21, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If one of the main reasons you’re hesitant to buy a home is because you’re worried about the upkeep, here’s some information you may find interesting on both new home construction and existing homes (a home that’s been lived in by a previous owner). Newly Built Homes Need Less Upfront Maintenance If you can afford it, you may find a newly built home could help ease your worries about maintenance costs. Think about it, if everything in the house is brand new, it won’t have the wear and tear you may see in an existing home – and that means it’s less likely to need repairs. As LendingTree...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 20, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

If you’re thinking of making a move this year, there are two housing market factors that are probably on your mind: home prices and mortgage rates. You’re wondering what’s going to happen next. And if it’s worth it to move now, or better to wait it out. The only thing you can really do is make the best decision you can based on the latest information available. So, here’s what experts are saying about both prices and rates. 1. What’s Next for Home Prices? One reliable place you can turn to for information on home price forecasts is the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae – a...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Should I Rent or Buy a Home? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 17, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Some Highlights While renting may be less expensive in some areas right now, there are two big benefits homeownership provides that renting can’t. ? Owning a home means you get to say goodbye to rising rents and hello to stability. It also gives you the chance to gain equity as home values rise over time. If you’re ready to learn more about the perks of owning a home, connect with a local real estate agent.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Number of Homes for Sale Is Increasing

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 16, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s no denying the last couple of years have been tough for anyone trying to buy a home because there haven’t been enough houses to go around. But things are starting to look up. There are more homes up for grabs this year. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show in April 2024 there were more homes for sale than there were over the last few years (2021-2023): As Realtor.com explains: “There were 30.4% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in April compared with the same time in 2023, marking the sixth consecutive month of annual inventory growth.” But...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why a Condo May Be a Great Option for Your First Home

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

Having a hard time finding a first home that’s right for you and your wallet? Well, here’s a tip – think about condominiums, or condos for short. They’re usually smaller than single-family homes, but that’s exactly why they can be easier on your budget. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), condos are typically less expensive than single-family homes (see graph below): So, if you’re comfortable with a smaller space and want to buy your first home this year, adding condos to your search might be easier on your wallet....

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Thinking of Selling? You Want an Agent with These Skills

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

Selling your house is a big decision. Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ve probably ever made, and it’s a place where you’ve created countless memories. That combo means there’s going to be a lot of emotions involved. You want someone who understands your perspective, knows what it feels like, and is an expert at helping homeowners just like you navigate the process of selling a home. That’s where a good listing agent, also known as a seller’s agent, comes in. Here are just a few skills you’ll want your agent to have. The Ability To Turn Something Complex into Something...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Home Prices Are Climbing in These Top Cities

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 13, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Thinking about buying a home or selling your current one to find a better fit? If so, you might be wondering what’s going on with home prices these days. Here’s the scoop. The latest national data from Case-Shiller and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows they’re going up (see graphs below): As you can see, home prices were rising for most of 2023. But over the course of December and January, they were virtually flat – which is pretty normal for that time of year. But here’s what you need to know now. As of February, when the spring market kicked off, prices...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Sun Is Shining on Sellers This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 10, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights If your needs have changed, now’s a great time to sell and get the features you want most. Many buyers are eager to move between the school years, so you may see a faster sale, multiple offers, a higher final sales price, and more. If you want to get your house ready for a summer listing, connect with a local real estate professional.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Top 2 Reasons To Consider a Newly Built Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on May 9, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, New Construction.

When you’re planning a move, it’s normal to wonder where you’ll end up and what your future home is going to look like. Maybe you’ve got a specific picture of that house in your mind. But unless you came into this process knowing you want to buy a newly built home, you may not have pictured new home construction. A trusted real estate agent can help walk you through these two reasons you may want to reconsider that. 1. Adding Newly Built Homes Could Give You More Options There are two types of homes on the market: new and existing. A newly built home refers to a house that was just built...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Category: Marathon FL Mortgage