Real Estate Voted the Best Investment Eight Years in a Row

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 21, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy.

In an annual Gallup poll, Americans chose real estate as the best long-term investment. And it’s not the first time it’s topped the list, either. Real estate has been on a winning streak for the past eight years, consistently gaining traction as the best long-term investment (see graph below): If you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, this poll should reassure you. Even when inflation is rising like it is today, Americans agree an investment like real estate truly shines. Why Is Real Estate a Great Investment During Times of High Inflation? With inflation reaching its highest level...

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How To Win as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 11, 2022. Posted in Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Some Highlights Even in today’s sellers’ market, there are still ways for buyers to win big. Build a team of trusted professionals and make strategic plays as you budget and pick your desired neighborhoods. Then, be ready for the competition by getting a pre-approval letter and leaning on your expert advisors to draft a winning offer. In a sellers’ market, you can still be the champion if you have the right team and strategy. Let’s connect today to make your game-winning play. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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Consumers Agree: It’s a Good Time To Sell

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 7, 2022. Posted in For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

In today’s sellers’ market, many homeowners are weighing their options and trying to decide if they should sell their house. If you’re in that group, you may be balancing things like the ongoing health crisis, rising mortgage rates, and your own changing needs to determine your best time to make a move. However, recent data shows that time may already be here. According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) by Fannie Mae, 76% of consumers believe now is a good time to sell. Looking back over the past few years, its clear consumers are incredibly optimistic today. The graph below...

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The Top Indicator if You Want To Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Heading

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 2, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Mortgage rates have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. Each Thursday, Freddie Mac releases its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. According to the latest survey, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen from 3.22% at the start of the year to 3.55% as of last week. This is important to note because any increase in mortgage rates changes what a purchaser can afford. To give you an idea of how rising mortgage rates impact your purchasing power, see the table below: How Can You Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Headed? While it’s always difficult to know exactly where...

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Why a Move Could Bring You More Happiness This Year

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on February 1, 2022. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Over the past two years, we’ve lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. Because of the health crisis, many of us have spent more time at home and that’s led us to re-evaluate both what we need in a house and how much we appreciate having a safe space. If you’ve found your current home isn’t filling all your needs, you may be wondering if it’s time to find a new one. There’s reason to believe a change of scenery could boost your happiness. Catherine Hartley, an Assistant Professor at New York University’s Department of Psychology and co-author of a study on how new...

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Why Your Home Inspection Matters [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 28, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Some Highlights Buying a home and wondering if your inspection is necessary? While some buyers may decide to waive their inspection, it’s risky decision. Your home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It assesses the condition of the home you plan to purchase, so you can avoid costly surprises down the road. Let’s connect so you have expert advice and a trusted professional who will keep your interests top of mind. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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Are You a Homeowner Thinking About Climate Change?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 26, 2022. Posted in For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Americans are more aware than ever of the effects climate change and natural disasters can have on their homes. According to a report from realtor.com: “More than 3 in 4 recent buyers, 78%, took [natural disasters] into account when choosing the locations of their homes, . . .” The study also found that many existing homeowners (34%) have already considered selling their houses and moving to a new location because of the changing climate. If you’re like those homeowners and are weighing your options about what to do next, here’s some information to keep in mind as you begin the process of...

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Why Pre-Approval Is Key for Homebuyers in 2022

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 24, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

You may have heard that it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important? Especially in today’s market, with rising home prices and high buyer competition, it’s crucial to have a pre-approval letter prior to making an offer. Here’s why. Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this year. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Just as important, being able to present a pre-approval letter...

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With Mortgage Rates Climbing, Now’s the Time To Act

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 19, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Last week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac jumped from 3.22% to 3.45%. That’s the highest point it’s been in almost two years. If you’re thinking about buying a home, this news may have come as a bit of a shock. But the truth is, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Experts have been calling for rates to rise in their 2022 projections, and the forecast is now becoming a reality. Here’s a look at the projections from Freddie Mac for this year: Q1 2022: 3.4% Q2 2022: 3.5% Q3 2022: 3.6% Q4 2022: 3.7% As the numbers show, this jump in rates is in line with the expectations...

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Two Ways Homebuyers Can Win in Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 12, 2022. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

If your goal is to purchase a home this year, you might be looking for any advantage you can get in today’s sellers’ market. While competition is still fierce for homebuyers, there are ways you can win and secure the home of your dreams, even in a hot market. Act Early and Save The earlier you act this year, the more affordable your purchase will be. That’s because experts project mortgage rates will rise as we move deeper into 2022. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is expected to be 3.5% by year’s end. Experts forecast home prices will rise as well. That means...

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Why Inflation Shouldn’t Stop You from Buying a Home in 2022

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 11, 2022. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

If you’re following along with the news today, you’re probably hearing a lot about record-breaking home prices, rising consumer costs, supply chain constraints, and more. And if you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, all of these inflationary concerns are likely making you wonder if you should wait to buy. Investopedia explains that during a period of high inflation, prices rise across the board. And while home prices aren’t immune from this increase, here’s why inflation shouldn’t stop you from buying a home in 2022. Homeownership Offers Stability and Security Home prices have...

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How To Hit Your Homebuying Goals This Year [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 7, 2022. Posted in Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Some Highlights If you’re looking to buy a home, you may want to put these items on your to-do list to ensure you hit your goals. It’s important to start working on your credit and saving for a down payment early. When you’re ready to begin your search, work with a real estate professional and get pre-approved so you know how much you can borrow. Connect with a real estate advisor so you have the guidance you need to achieve your homebuying goals this year. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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Why Waiting To Sell Your House Could Cost You a Small Fortune

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on January 5, 2022. Posted in For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing, Selling Myths.

Many homeowners who plan to sell in 2022 may think the wise thing to do is to wait for the spring buying market since historically about 40 percent of home sales occur between April and July. However, this year’s expected to be much different than the norm. Here are five reasons to list your house now rather than waiting until the spring. 1. Buyers Are Looking Right Now, and They’re Ready To Purchase The ShowingTime Showing Index reports data from more than six million property showings scheduled across the country each month. In other words, it’s a gauge of how many buyers are out looking...

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5 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 28, 2021. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

As a buyer in a sellers’ market, sometimes it can feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. When you’re ready to make an offer on a home, remember these five easy tips to help you rise above the competition. 1. Know Your Budget Knowing your budget and what you can afford is critical to your success as a homebuyer. The best way to understand your numbers is to work with a lender so you can get pre-approved for a loan. As Freddie Mac puts it: “This pre-approval allows you to look for a home with greater confidence and demonstrates to the seller that you are a serious buyer.” Showing...

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When a House Becomes a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 23, 2021. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

It’s clear that owning a home makes financial sense. But lately, the emotional side of what drives homeownership is becoming increasingly important. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a familiar scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes can be more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why. 1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating You’ve put in a lot of work to achieve the dream of homeownership, and whether it’s your first home or your fifth,...

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The Perks of Putting 20% Down on a Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 22, 2021. Posted in Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’re probably wondering what you need to save for your down payment. Is it 20% of the loan, or could you put down less? While there are lower down payment programs available that allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3.5%, it’s important to understand the many perks that come with a 20% down payment. Here are four reasons why putting 20% down may be a great option if it works within your budget. 1. Your Interest Rate May Be Lower A 20% down payment vs. a 3-5% down payment shows your lender you’re more financially stable and not a large credit...

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Homebuyers: Be Ready To Act This Winter

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 20, 2021. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

To succeed as a buyer in today’s market, it’s important to understand which market trends will have the greatest impact on your home search. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, says there are two factors every buyer should keep their eyes on: “Going forward, the conditions buyers face are primarily dependent on two things: mortgage rates and housing supply.” Here’s a look at each one. Mortgage Rates Projected To Rise in 2022 As a buyer, your interest rate directly impacts how much you’ll pay on your monthly mortgage when you purchase a home. Rates are beginning to rise, and experts...

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2022 Housing Market Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 17, 2021. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Infographics, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

Some Highlights What does the coming year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts project for 2022. Mortgage rates are projected to rise and so are home prices. Experts are forecasting buyer demand will remain strong as people try to capitalize on rates and prices before they climb, creating another strong year for home sales. Let’s connect so you can make your best move in the new year. Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters

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Homebuyers Are Going on a Shopping Spree This Winter

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 16, 2021. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, which means some shoppers have wrapped up their holiday buying. But there’s still a group of buyers that are very active this holiday season – homebuyers. Experts anticipate the real estate market will see a flurry of activity this winter, and that’s great news for today’s sellers. If you’re planning on listing your home, there’s no need to wait until the spring for better conditions – today’s real estate market is already heating up. Buyers Have Warmed Up to the Idea of Purchasing This Winter The past 18 months brought about significant lifestyle changes...

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What Everyone Wants To Know: Will Home Prices Decline in 2022?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 15, 2021. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

If you’re thinking of buying a home in today’s housing market, you may be wondering how strong your investment will be. You might be asking yourself: if I buy a home now, will it lose value? Or will it continue to appreciate going forward? The good news is, according to the experts, home prices are not projected to decline. Here’s why. With buyers still outweighing sellers, home prices are forecast to continue climbing in 2022, just at a slower or more moderate pace. Why the continued increase? It’s the simple law of supply and demand. When there are fewer items on the market than there are...

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Two Reasons Why Waiting To Buy a Home Will Cost You

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 9, 2021. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing.

If you’re a homeowner who’s decided your current house no longer fits your needs, or a renter with a strong desire to become a homeowner, you may be hoping that waiting until next year could mean better market conditions to purchase a home. To determine whether you should buy now or wait another year, you can ask yourself two simple questions: Where will home prices be a year from now? Where will mortgage rates be a year from now? Let’s shed some light on the answers to both of these questions. Where Will Home Prices Be a Year from Now? Three major housing industry entities are projecting...

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Struggling To Find a Home To Buy? New Construction May Be an Option.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 8, 2021. Posted in For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Move-Up Buyers, New Construction.

There’s no question that the financial benefits of selling a house are outstanding today. Now is truly a great time to list if you’re ready to make a change. But if you do sell your house right now, you may be wondering where you’ll go when you move. With so few homes available to buy right now, you might be considering building a new home as one of your options. But you may be unsure if that’s the way to go. Let’s compare the benefits of a newly built home versus moving into an existing one, and why working with a real estate agent throughout the process is mission-critical to your success...

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Category: Move-Up Buyers