What You Should Know About Getting a Mortgage Today

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 7, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you thought getting approved would be too hard, know this: qualifying for a mortgage is starting to get a bit more achievable, but lending standards are still strong. Lenders are making it slightly easier for well-qualified buyers to access financing, which is opening more doors for people ready to make a move. So, if strict requirements were holding you back, this shift could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, without repeating the risky lending practices that led to the housing crash back in 2008. Lenders Are Opening More Doors...

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Think No One’s Buying Homes Right Now? Think Again.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 3, 2025. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are down compared to last year, you might be thinking – is it even a good time to sell? Here’s the thing. Sure, the pace of the market has cooled compared to the frenzy we saw just a few years ago, but that’s not a red flag. It’s a return to normal. And normal doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. Buyers are still out there – and homes are still selling. Why? Because real life doesn’t pause for perfect conditions. There are always people who need to buy – and this year is no exception. Buyers who are in the middle of a big change in their lives, a...

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Why Big Investors Aren’t a Challenge for Today’s Homebuyer

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 2, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Remember the chatter in the headlines about all the homes big institutional investors were buying? If you were thinking about buying a home yourself, you may have wondered how you’d ever be able to compete with that. Here’s the thing. That’s not the challenge so many people think it is – especially right now. Let’s break down what’s really going on and why the recent shift in the approach investors are taking could tip the scales in your favor. Large Investors Are Pulling Back The truth is institutional investors never represented as big a share of the housing market as people think. And...

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Top 5 Reasons To Hire a Real Estate Agent When You Sell

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on July 1, 2025. Posted in Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights The right agent doesn’t just list your house – they help you sell smarter, faster, and with fewer surprises. With an agent’s help, you’ll know what’s happening in your local market and how to price your house right. You’ll feel confident filling out complex legal documents and at the negotiation table. And that’s priceless. Connect with an agent so you have that expertise on your side.?

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Multi-Generational Homebuying Hit a Record High – Here’s Why

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 30, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Multi-generational living is on the rise. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 17% of homebuyers purchase a home to share with parents, adult children, or extended family. That’s the highest share ever recorded by NAR (see graph below): And what’s behind the increase? Affordability. NAR explains: “In 2024, a notable 36% of homebuyers cited “cost savings” as the primary reason for purchasing a multigenerational home—a significant increase from just 15% in 2015.” In the past, caregiving was the leading motivator – especially for those looking to support aging parents. And...

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What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 26, 2025. Posted in For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Here’s something you need to know. The housing market is getting back to a healthier, more normal place. And even though it may not sound like it, this shift is actually a good thing. It’s what you should expect. It’s just that our expectations have been skewed by the intense seller’s market over the past few years. But what you need to remember is: there’s still plenty of opportunity to be had if you’re thinking about selling – whether that’s next month or next year. You just need to stay up to date on what’s happening in the market, and have a strategy that matches the moment....

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Think It’s Better To Wait for a Recession Before You Move? Think Again.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 25, 2025. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Fear of a recession is back in the headlines. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling sometime soon, that may leave you wondering if you should reconsider the timing of your move. A recent survey by John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) shows 68% of people are delaying plans to buy or sell due to economic uncertainty. But it may not be for the reason you think. Not everyone is holding off because they’re worried. Some buyers are waiting because they’re hopeful. According to Realtor.com: “In 2025Q1, 3 in 10 (29.8% of) surveyed homebuyers said a...

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Why Your Home’s Asking Price Matters More Today

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 24, 2025. Posted in Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights A growing number of homeowners are overestimating today’s market. ?And that’s why the number of sellers dropping their price is back at normal levels.? A lot of the time this is happening because they’re not paying attention to current conditions. The best way to avoid that mistake? Lean on the expertise of an agent. If you want a proven pricing strategy that works for today’s market, connect with a local agent.

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Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 23, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Rent vs. Buy.

Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own. Because when everything else feels up in the air, home can be the thing that grounds you. As the experts at 1000WATT put it: “Homeownership isn’t primarily financial anymore. . . Across all demographics, emotional and lifestyle factors consistently outrank wealth-building as motivators.” Here’s what owning a home can mean for you, especially right now. Freedom To...

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3 Reasons To Buy a Home This Summer

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 19, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Are you thinking about buying a home, but not sure if now’s the right time? A lot of people are waiting and wondering what the market’s going to do next. But here’s something only the savviest buyers realize: This summer might actually be the best time to buy in years. Here are three big reasons why. 1. You Have More Negotiating Power After several years of sellers having all the leverage, things are starting to shift. Check out the graph below. It uses data from Redfin to show that right now, there are more sellers active in the market than buyers: Take a look at what happened back in...

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Why More Sellers Are Choosing To Move, Even with Today’s Rates

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 18, 2025. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

It’s hard to let go of a 3% mortgage rate. There’s no question about it. It’s the main reason why so many homeowners have delayed their move in recent years. But here’s something to consider. While your low rate might be ideal, it doesn’t make up being too cramped, having a staircase your knees can’t handle anymore, or being 1,000 miles from your family. And those real-life needs are pushing more sellers off the fence despite today’s rates. Data shows the share of homeowners with a mortgage rate below 3% is dropping as more people move. And, as a result, the share of homeowners taking on a...

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What You Really Need To Know About Down Payments

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 17, 2025. Posted in Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights There’s a misconception going around that you have to put 20% of the purchase price down when you buy a home. But the truth is, many people don’t put down that much unless they’re trying to make their offer more competitive. And if you want to give your savings a boost, look into down payment assistance. Most first-time buyers qualify and the typical benefit is $17,000. To learn more about loan options or down payment assistance programs, connect with a trusted lender and check out downpaymentresource.com.

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Why Most Sellers Hire Real Estate Agents Today

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 16, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph below): And for the small number of homeowners who do decide to sell on their own, data shows they’re still not confident they’re making a good choice. A recent survey finds three out of every four homeowners who...

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You May Have Enough Equity To Downsize and Buy Your Next House in Cash

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 13, 2025. Posted in Downsize, Equity, For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Senior Market.

Some Highlights Have you been holding off on downsizing? If so, you should know your equity could make your move possible. Homeowners today have so much equity that a record number are buying their next house in all cash. And that has some big benefits like making their offer more appealing, potentially closing faster, and not having a mortgage payment. To find out how much equity you have in your current house, connect with a local agent. Because it may be enough to fuel your move.

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Your House Didn’t Sell. Here’s What To Do Now.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 12, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

When your house doesn’t sell, it doesn’t just feel frustrating – it feels personal. You put time, money, and emotional energy into this move. You told your friends and family it was happening. And now that your listing has expired without a buyer? You’re left feeling stuck, and maybe even a little embarrassed. And here’s what most agents won’t tell you. Over 70% of homeowners who re-list with a different agent sell their house. Re-list with the same agent? That stat drops to only 50%, according to the latest data from REDX. That’s like leaving the fate of your sale to a coin toss....

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Is Inventory Getting Back To Normal?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 11, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

After years of it feeling almost impossible to find a home you want to buy, things are changing for the better. Nationally, inventory is growing, and that gives you more options for your move. But here’s what you need to know. That level of growth is going to vary based on where you live. And that’s why you need an agent’s local market expertise. Here’s a quick rundown of the current inventory situation, so you know what’s happening and what to expect. Significant Growth Across the Nation Nationally, the number of homes for sale is rising – and that’s true in all regions of the country....

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The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 10, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know. It’s true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don’t let that overshadow this simple truth. Home values almost always go up over time (see graph below): While everyone remembers what happened around the housing crash of 2008, that was the exception – not the rule. It hadn’t happened before, and hasn’t since. There were many market dynamics that were drastically different...

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Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 9, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs out there that can help – if you know where to look. And one thing that can make homeownership easier to achieve? An FHA home loan. They’re designed to help you overcome some of the biggest financial hurdles in the homebuying process – and that’s why so many first-timers are using them to make their purchase. Whether you’re dreaming of ditching rent, planting roots, or just wanting a place that’s truly yours, an FHA home loan could be the path that...

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The Big Difference Between a Homeowner’s and a Renter’s Net Worth

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 6, 2025. Posted in Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth in our country and it’s easy to see why. As you pay down your mortgage and as home values rise over time, you gain equity – and that helps grow your net worth. That’s why a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40X greater than a renters. But you should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it. If you want to build a plan to get there, connect with a local agent.?

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The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 5, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Open Houses, Selling Tips.

Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that. What Is Home Staging? It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it’s easy for buyers to picture themselves living there. It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs...

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Understanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on June 4, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

A lot of buyers are pressing pause on their plans these days, holding out hope that mortgage rates will come down – maybe even back to the historic-low 3% from a few years ago. But here’s the thing: those rates were never meant to last. They were a short-term response to a very specific moment in time. And as the market finds its footing again, it’s time to reset expectations. Back in 2020 and 2021, 3% mortgage rates gave buyers a serious boost: more affordability, more buying power, and more opportunity. But those rates were a result of emergency economic policies during the height of a...

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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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