What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 22, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home. Take a look at the graph below. It uses data from Mortgage News Daily to show that after a relatively stable month of March, mortgage rates have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride in April: This kind of up-and-down volatility is expected when economic changes are happening. And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t your best move....

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Don’t Miss This Prime Spring Window To Sell Your House

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 21, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why. That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other organizations run similar studies. And since different places use different methodologies for their research, sometimes the results vary too – and that’s actually good news for you. According to Zillow, the best time to list your house is still ahead. The latest research from Zillow says sellers who list their homes in late May...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

If the Asking Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 18, 2025. Posted in For Sellers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some Highlights Unfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high. That’s leading to an uptick in price cuts.? Some of the most common reasons this is happening are that they’re not paying attention to current market conditions or they’re trying to leave room for negotiation. The best way to avoid this mistake? Connect with an agent to make sure your house is priced to pull people in, not push them away.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 17, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because, like anything in life, the right prep work makes things clearer. The best time to get serious about buying is before you’re ready to buy. Here’s why. Pre-Approval Helps You Understand Your Numbers One of the biggest benefits of pre-approval is how it helps you understand your buying power. As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Do You Think the Housing Market’s About To Crash? Read This First

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 16, 2025. Posted in Economy, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Lately, it feels like a lot of people have been asking the same question: “Is the housing market about to crash?” If you’ve been scrolling through social media or watching the news, you might have seen some pretty scary headlines yourself. That’s why it’s no surprise that, according to data from Clever Real Estate, 70% of Americans are worried about a housing crash in 2025. But before you hit pause on your plans to buy or sell a home, take a deep breath. The truth is: the housing market isn’t about to crash – it’s just shifting. And that shift actually works in your favor. Today’s...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Are You Saving Up To Buy a Home? Your Tax Refund Can Help

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 15, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

You’ve been working on your savings and dreaming of that moment when you finally have keys to a place that’s truly yours. What you might not realize is that your tax return could give you a little extra cash to help you get there sooner. As Freddie Mac notes: “ . . . your tax refund from the IRS can be a useful supplement to your homebuying budget.” So, if you’re getting a tax refund this year, you can use it to help you pay for some of the upfront costs that come with buying a home, like the down payment and closing costs. And here’s the best part. On average, people are getting even...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 14, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Now that spring is here, more and more buyers are jumping back into the market, and competition is heating up. If you’re serious about landing a home you’ll love, you need more than just a wish list. You need a smart strategy – and that starts with working with a great agent who can help you put together a strong offer. Here are some top tips your agent will share with you that are helping buyers stand out (and win) in today’s market. 1. Don’t Lowball on Price It’s tempting to start with a super low offer in an attempt to save money. But in a competitive spring market, that could...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

A Recession Doesn’t Mean a Housing Crisis

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 11, 2025. Posted in Economy, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Some Highlights There’s a lot of talk about a recession lately and how the odds of one are rising. If you’re wondering what that means for the housing market, here’s what the data tells us. While you may remember the price crash in 2008, that’s not the norm. Looking back all the way to 1980, home prices usually rise and mortgage rates tend to fall. If you have questions about buying or selling a home in today’s market, connect with a real estate agent.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why You Don’t Want To Skip Your Home Inspection

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 10, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

When you finally find the home you want to buy, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. You’ve toured the place, imagined your furniture in it, maybe even pictured your morning coffee on the porch. The last thing you want is to slow down the process with more steps or lose out to another buyer’s offer because they skipped their inspection. But here’s the thing. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. And no matter how perfect that house seems, skipping a home inspection is a risk that could cost you a lot more than just time. What Exactly Is a Home...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Does Your Current Home Fit Your Retirement Plans?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 9, 2025. Posted in Downsize, Economy, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Retirement isn’t just a milestone. It’s the beginning of something really special. After years of hard work, it’s finally time to slow down, explore new passions, and live life on your own terms. But with this exciting chapter comes some big choices. And one of the biggest is this: does your current home still make sense for the lifestyle (and budget) you want in this next phase of life? That’s an especially important question right now. Just in the past five years, the cost of living has jumped by 23% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s based on the Consumer...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Truth About Newly Built Homes and Today’s Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 8, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Headlines are talking about the inventory of new homes and how we’re back at the levels not seen since 2009. And maybe you’re reading that and thinking: oh no, here we go again. That’s because you remember the housing crash of the late 2000s and you’re worried we’re repeating the same mistakes. But before you let fear take hold, remember: headlines are designed to be clickbait. And a lot of the time, they do more to terrify than clarify. That’s because they don’t always give you all the context you need. So, let’s take a step back and look at what the data really says. Why This Isn’t Like...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

House Hunting Just Got Easier – Here’s Why

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 7, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of homes for sale over the past few years, here’s some good news. You have more options, so it may finally be time to kick off your home search again. As Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, explains: “Now is the best time to buy in the last two years. Mortgage rates are comparable to what they were two years ago, and prices remain high. However, there is significantly more inventory . . .” The number of homes for sale has grown compared to last year, and even more options are on the way. While this is typical for the busy spring season,...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Things To Avoid After You Apply for a Mortgage

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 4, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Once a lender has reviewed your finances as part of the homebuying process, you want to be as consistent as possible. Don’t make any big changes that could affect your mortgage application. Here are a few tips. Don’t change bank accounts or apply for new credit. And this one may surprise you, don’t buy appliances or furniture for your next home yet either. The best tip of all? Before you do anything financial in nature, talk to your lender first.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The #1 Thing Sellers Need To Know About Their Asking Price

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 3, 2025. Posted in For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

When you put your house on the market, you want to sell it quickly and for the best price possible; that’s generally the goal. But too many sellers are shooting too high right now. They don’t realize the market has shifted as inventory has grown. The side effect? Price cuts are on the rise, but they really don’t have to be. Here’s why. According to data from Realtor.com, in February, price cuts were the highest they’ve been in any other February since 2019 (see graph below): If you consider that 2019 was the last true normal year for the housing market – that’s a big deal....

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Townhomes: A Smart Solution for Today’s First-Time Buyers

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

Buying your first home in today’s market can feel tough. Between high home prices and mortgage rates, affordability is still a big challenge. And some buyers are making one simple trade-off that’s getting them in the door faster: square footage. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 35% of buyers are willing to purchase something smaller to make homeownership happen. And one place you can usually find a smaller footprint (and sometimes better affordability) is in townhomes. Why Townhomes Are Gaining Popularity Townhomes typically cost less than single-family homes...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Here’s What a Recession Could Mean for the Housing Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on April 1, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Recession talk is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. And that leaves people wondering what would happen to the housing market if we do go into a recession. Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in housing for each recession going all the way back to the 1980s. A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will Fall Many people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time we saw such a steep drop in prices. And it hasn’t happened since. In...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It Might Be Time To Hit Play Again

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 31, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Last year, 70% of buyers abandoned their home search – and maybe you were one of them. It makes sense. Inventory was low, prices were high, and mortgage rates were up and down like a rollercoaster. All of that made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. But guess what? The market is shifting. So, if you paused your moving plans in 2024, it might be time to hit play again. Here’s why. More Inventory Opens Up More Options Even if you could make the numbers work, the lack of available homes in recent years probably made it hard to come by something that fit your needs....

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

National Housing Trends To Watch

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 28, 2025. Posted in Home Prices, Infographics, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights At a national level, the housing market has shifted over the past year. There are more homes for sale, price growth has moderated, and homes are taking a little longer to sell. Do you want to know how your area compares? Connect with a real estate agent to go over what’s happening locally and what this means for you.

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 27, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what that means for you. You may be regaining some negotiating power. That can translate into savings, perks, or even better terms on your purchase – if you know what levers to pull during negotiation. Why an Agent Is an Essential Part of the Negotiation Process The complicated part is knowing what is and isn’t on the table. That’s...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Why Pre-Approval Is More Important Than Ever This Spring

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 26, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Spring is here, and so is the busiest season in real estate. More buyers are out looking for homes, which means more competition for you. If you want to put yourself in the best position to buy, there’s one step you can’t afford to skip, and that’s getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Some buyers think they can wait until they’ve found a home they love before talking to a lender. But in a season where homes can sell fast, that’s a risky move. Getting pre-approved before you start your search is a much better bet. Here’s what you need to know about this early step in the buying process....

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here – Are You Ready?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 25, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

If selling your house is on your to-do list this year, the time to start prepping is now. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is coming up fast. A recent Realtor.com study analyzed years of housing market trends (excluding 2020 since it was an outlier) and found that April 13–19 is expected to be the ideal window to put your house on the market this year: “. . . we’ve identified April 13-19 as the best week to list for sellers . . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home is likely to find success. Because spring is generally the high season for real...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

4 Things To Expect from the Spring Housing Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on March 24, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Spring is in full swing, and the housing market is picking up along with it. And if you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to buy or sell, here’s the inside scoop on why this spring may be a great time to make your move. 1. There Are More Homes for Sale After a long stretch of tight inventory, the number of homes for sale is finally improving. According to recent national data from Realtor.com, active listings are up 27.5% compared to this time last year. Look at the graph below and follow the green line for 2025. You can see, even though inventory levels still haven’t...

#marathonflmortgage, #marathonflmortgagerates, #mortgagemarathonfl

Tag: #marathonflmortgagerates