The Personal Joys of Having a Home To Call Your Own

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 25, 2024. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

There’s no doubt that owning a home comes with significant financial benefits. And this time of year is a great time to reflect on the other reasons why owning a home is so meaningful. A house is more than four walls and a roof – it’s a place where memories are made, connections are built, and life happens. From the sense of accomplishment that comes with owning your own home to the joy of creating a space that’s uniquely yours, the emotional connections we have to our homes can be just as important as the financial ones. Here are some of the things that turn a house into a happy home. 1....

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The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family and Friends

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 24, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you’re tired of long drives to see your family or wish your kids could spend more time with their grandparents. Clearly, a lot of other people feel the same way. According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the desire to be near family and friends is the #1 reason people move (see graph below): That’s because moving isn’t just about finding a new house – it’s about living a life where you’re surrounded by the people who matter most. Whether it’s catching...

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How Home Equity May Help You Buy Your Next Home in Cash

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

Building equity in your house is one of the biggest financial advantages of homeownership. And right now, homeowners across the country are sitting on record amounts of it. Here’s a look at how that equity could be a game changer for you, and why it’ll flip your perspective from “Why would I move right now?” to “Why wouldn’t I?” Home Equity: What Is It? Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is valued at $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000. Why Equity...

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Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 19, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

When you sell your house, ideally, you want it to go something like this: your house sells for top dollar, you get it sold quickly, and it all goes down without a hitch. But what many people don’t realize is that even in today’s market where there are more buyers than homes for sale, there are still things that can cause delays or even keep a house from selling. According to Zillow, in 2024, as many as 1 in 3 sellers took their home off the market before it ultimately sold. And while the reasons those houses didn’t sell are going to vary, there are some general themes that come through....

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The Biggest Perks of Buying a Home This Winter

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 18, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Waiting for perfect market conditions often means missing out. Because what you may not realize is, if you’re ready and able to buy, this time of year could actually give you an edge. Here’s why. As the weather cools down, the housing market can too – and that works in your favor. You Likely Won’t Feel as Rushed Homes tend to take a little longer to sell during this time of year. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the average time a house sits on the market jumps up during the winter months (see the green bars in the graph below): This is partly because fewer buyers...

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More Starter Homes Are Hitting the Market

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 17, 2024. Posted in First-Time Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

More entry-level homes – also known as starter homes – are popping up on the market. And after several years with very few homes available to buy and prices rising, there are finally some more options for first-time buyers. Inventory Is Increasing – Especially at Lower Price Points Over the past year, the total supply of homes for sale has improved. According to Realtor.com, in November there were 26.2% more homes for sale compared to this time last year, marking 13 months of inventory growth and the most homes available since December of 2019. Interestingly, the growth isn’t spread evenly...

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Only an Expert Agent Can Give You an Accurate Value of Your Home

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 16, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on automated tools for everything — including figuring out how much your house is worth. But be careful. The automated estimates you’re seeing online often miss key details that affect the true market value of your home. Before you toss a for sale sign in your yard and expect to bring in the number you saw for your house online, you need to understand why these tools generally aren’t spot-on and why working with an expert real estate agent is the best way to get an accurate picture of what your house is really worth. The Myth: Online Home Value...

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The Top 2 Reasons To Look at Newly Built Homes

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 12, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

When planning a move, a newly built home might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But with more brand-new homes on the market and builders focusing on smaller, more affordable options, this type of home may just be the key to crossing the homebuying finish line. Here’s why a new build is worth considering – and how an agent can help you find one that meets your needs and your budget. 1. More Newly Built Homes Are Available Right Now First, let’s break down the types of homes on the market. A newly built home is a house that was just built or is under construction. On the other...

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Why Moving to a More Affordable Area Makes Sense

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 11, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Moving to a more affordable area could be the fresh start you need to get ahead financially. While some markets are certainly more affordable than others, know that working with a trusted real estate agent to find what fits your budget and your desired location – no matter where you want to be – is always the best plan. And with the rising cost of living, many people are rethinking where they live and looking for ways to cut expenses. If that sounds like you, here’s a great place to start (see visual below): These states are well known for lower housing costs, reduced insurance premiums, and...

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What Will It Take for Prices To Come Down?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 10, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Home Prices, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

You may be wondering if home prices are going to crash. And believe it or not, some people might even be hoping this happens so they can finally purchase a more affordable home. But experts agree that’s not what’s in the cards – and here’s why. There are more people who want to buy a home than there are homes available to purchase. That’s what drives prices up. Let’s break that down and explore why, nationally, home prices aren’t going to be coming down anytime soon. Prices Depend on Supply and Demand The housing market works like any other market – when demand is high and...

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Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 9, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, For Sale by Owner, For Sellers, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Putting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know that it gets complicated very quickly, especially in today’s complex market. That’s why data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record low number are going the route of selling on their own. Instead, more and more homeowners are choosing to work with a real estate agent (see graph below): And here’s why partnering with an expert is the go-to choice. Selling your home is a big deal, and while FSBO might seem like a way to save time or money, it...

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Why This Winter Is the Sweet Spot for Selling

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 6, 2024. Posted in For Sellers, Infographics, Inventory, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage.

Some Highlights Thinking about selling your house? Here are a few reasons why you may want to do it this season. Buyers looking right now are serious about moving and the number of homes for sale is typically lower this time of year – helping your house stand out. While inventory is higher this year than it’s been in the last few winters, you’ll still be in this year’s sweet spot.

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Why Owning a Home Is Worth It in the Long Run

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 5, 2024. Posted in Home Prices, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

Today’s mortgage rates and home prices may have you second-guessing whether it’s still a good idea to buy a home right now. While market factors are definitely important, there’s also a bigger picture to consider: the long-term benefits of homeownership. Think of it this way. If you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. That’s because over time, home values usually grow – and that means a homeowner’s net worth does too. Here’s a look at how that can really add up over the...

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When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

Written by Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage on December 4, 2024. Posted in Forecasts, Marathon FL Mortgage, Marathon Florida Keys Mortgage, Mortgage Rates.

One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds right now is: when will mortgage rates come down? After several years of rising rates and a lot of bouncing around in 2024, we’re all eager for some relief. While no one can project where rates will go with complete accuracy or the exact timing, experts offer some insight into what we might see going into next year. Here’s what the latest forecasts show. Mortgage Rates Are Expected To Ease and Stabilize in 2025 After a lot of volatility and uncertainty, the most updated forecasts suggest rates will start to stabilize over the next year, and should...

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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...

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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...

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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.?

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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