Believe it or not, we've had a few chilly spells here in the Keys this winter, and while I know I could be getting a big eye roll from someone up north, this kind of weather definitely feels cold for us! We've even hit a few record lows, which has meant bundling up, pulling out the layers, and enjoying some cozy nights around the bonfire that my husband loves to make.
What do you all do during the cold months? One February highlight for me was heading to book club with a Galentine's theme. It's always a really sweet way to connect with others over a solid read.
And now, as much as I've loved the cozy vibes, I'm officially getting excited for Daylight Saving Time on March 8th! Y'all, this means more sunshine in the evenings, which always feels like a turning point. More time outside and a warm welcome to spring!
Cheers to brighter days, longer evenings, and that familiar Keys sunshine keeping us all warm and toasty.
Hot Listings + Hidden Gems
Imagine this: you pour a cup of coffee and step into your private rooftop terrace for a quiet morning. Your stunning penthouse waterfront condo is located in Big Coppitt Key and is only 10 minutes from Key West. It's beautifully remodeled, has open-water views, incredible privacy, and one of the largest floor plans…can you see yourself starting every day like this?
🎥 Join me on the YouTube tour and experience it for yourself!
I had a blast at the Key West Association of Realtors Gala! I'm so honored to have been nominated for Realtor of the Year and feel so grateful for this career and the incredible people I get to do it with every day.
A huge shoutout and congratulations to our very own Natalie for winning Rookie of the Year. So well deserved! I also want to acknowledge everyone else who was nominated this year. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for the Keys real estate community are truly inspiring.
Here's to celebrating each other and continuing to do great work in this amazing community!
In case you missed it, here's another look at this incredible beachfront estate on Sugarloaf Key. It's truly a rare find, with 20 acres of private beachfront access. I had one week to show it and hit a huge goal of getting it under contract during that time. I am so excited for the buyers and sellers because this home is an absolute dream!
Key Details:
20.59-acre secluded beachfront estate
Panoramic open-water views with sunrise & sunset skies
2024 concrete residence, turnkey with elevated designer finishes
Private sandy beach & resort-caliber saltwater pool (2025)
Did you know you could lower your property taxes? Here are TWO options:
If your home is your primary residence, the HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION is a simple way to do it. It can reduce your home's taxable value, potentially saving you money on your tax bill, and can provide up to $50,000 off the assessed value! What's even better is that your assessed value cannot increase by more than 3% per year once you're approved. It's definitely worth taking advantage of if you qualify.
Another important benefit to keep in mind if you’ve recently purchased a new primary residence: SAVE OUR HOMES PORTABILITY TRANSFER. In 2008, Florida voters approved Amendment 1, which allows homeowners to transfer their accumulated Save Our Homes tax savings from one homesteaded property to another homesteaded property within Florida. This provision lets you carry over all or a portion of your Save Our Homes benefit (up to $500,000), potentially reducing your taxable value on your new home and helping keep your property taxes lower.
In Monroe County, you can apply online through the Property Appraiser's website or stop by the office at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West. Just remember, applications are due by March 1st!
If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I love a good local find. I truly believe it’s the local spots, created by people right here in our own community, that make a place feel special. That’s why I’m so excited to share this simple, genuine favorite.
The Kefillery offers an easy, sustainable way to shop for everyday essentials. Think high-quality, non-toxic household and personal care products. They offer everything from laundry detergent and cleaners to hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and more.
The fun part? You can bring your own clean containers or grab one in-store, refill what you need, and be on your way. They also carry great zero-waste essentials like dryer balls, bees wrap, reusable containers, and yes, reusable paper towels. You’ll have to see those for yourself.
They keep it convenient with in-store refills, local delivery (33040), pickup, and shipping. Plus, they have refill packages for businesses, vacation rentals, and hospitality spaces!
Stop by their new shop and check it out: 📍 830 Fleming Street (corner of Margaret Street)
Wondering what’s happening in the Lower Keys & Key West real estate market? Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or just stay informed, this quick snapshot has you covered! Have questions on the data? Reach out and I can break it down for you!
Key Takeaways – December Market Snapshot
Sales prices softened year-over-year, with the average sale price down 20.7% and the median down 8.0%, signaling that more activity occurred at lower price points compared to last December.
Homes are still taking time to sell. Average days on market increased slightly (123 → 130), though median DOM improved (102 → 83), indicating that well-priced homes are moving faster while overpriced listings continue to sit.
Buyer negotiations are still common, as homes sold for approximately 94–95% of final list price and closer to 88–89% of original list price, reflecting price corrections during the listing lifecycle.
Madeleine’s Market Interpretation
December’s data continues to show a market that’s active, but price-sensitive:
Buyers remain in control of negotiations. The sold-to-list ratios confirm that while buyers will pay close to asking price once a home is positioned correctly, most properties still require price adjustments from their original list price.
Pricing strategy is everything. Homes that enter the market competitively are seeing quicker movement and stronger list-price retention, while overpricing leads to longer DOM and wider negotiation gaps.
This is not a distressed market. Sales are happening consistently, absorption remains steady, and demand hasn’t disappeared — buyers are simply more selective and value-driven.
Sellers who are realistic and patient can still succeed, especially when guided by current market data rather than last year’s highs.
