I've been holding my breath on this one, but I officially joined the team at Island Welcome Real Estate! This opportunity felt like the right next step for so many reasons. I'll be working alongside Sandy Tuttle, whose knowledge of the Lower Keys and waterfront market is something I've admired for a long time. We share many of the same values when it comes to serving clients, building relationships, and being involved in the community. I'm super excited to continue helping buyers and sellers with their real estate journey and can't wait to share more in the coming months. 🩷
I also want to take a moment of gratitude for where this journey began. This August marks five years since I first stepped into the real estate world with my former broker, Justyn, and Expert Realty. I'm incredibly grateful for everything I learned there and the people who invested in me along the way. Those experiences shaped the realtor I am today, and I'll always look back on that chapter with appreciation.
I'm so excited for what's ahead and can't wait to continue serving this amazing community from a new home base.
Cheers to new beginnings! ✨
It's Almost Lobster Time!
We're just a few days out from one of the busiest times of the year! If you know, you know…we kick things off with Mini Season on July 29th & 30th, followed by the start of Regular Lobster Season on August 6th.
Mini Season definitely calls a crowd, so I personally stay off the water or very, very close to home. 😅 However, it's a couple of exciting days on the water for many. That also means, safety is more important than ever.
Here are a few friendly reminders before you get on the water:
The recreational bag limit is 6 lobsters per person, per day.
Measure each lobster in the water. They must have a carapace larger than 3 inches.
Leave the egg-bearing females behind so they can keep doing their thing.
Be extra aware of dive flags and give divers plenty of space.
Expect more boat traffic than usual. Patience and looking out for one another are the name of the game.
Don't forget your Florida saltwater fishing license and lobster permit!
If you're getting out on the water during this time to catch your limit or to just enjoy the water, be extra cautious and have the best time ever!
How many storms or hurricanes have you gone through? If you've lived in the Keys for any length of time, you know the feeling. The second a storm gets a name, everyone scrambles to Publix and the gas station. It's a little eerie... not gonna lie. 😅
This is where all the early prep starts paying off. Here are a few things we typically do around here once there's a named storm to keep an eye on:
Fill up the tanks early. For real, don't wait. Everyone has the same idea.
Charge battery packs, flashlights, and anything else you'll want if the power goes out. This is so underrated!
Bring in patio furniture, grills, kayaks, paddleboards, and anything else that could catch air. Not fun, but definitely essential!
Stock up on ice, water, and a few easy meals and snacks that don't require much cooking.
Make sure your boat is secured or moved according to your hurricane plan.
Top off prescriptions and grab any last-minute pet supplies!
One thing I've learned living down here is that waiting until the last minute usually means long lines, empty shelves, and unnecessary stress. Hopefully we won't need any of it this season 🤞, but if we do, I know we'll all be glad we got ahead of it!
Open Mic…Who's In?
Who’s brave enough to grab the mic… or honestly, brave enough to sit in the audience? 😂
If you're a little more courageous than I am, Comedy Key West's Open Mic welcomes comedians, musicians, poets, and pretty much anyone willing to give it a shot. You never know what you're going to get, which is half the fun.
📅 Every Tuesday until August 4th ⏰ Signups begin at 7:00 PM | Show starts at 8:00 PM 🎭 Five-minute spots for anyone bold enough to take the stage
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 and discuss how this affects your situation.
Key Takeaways | June Market Snapshot
Inventory continued to tighten, with active listings decreasing from 708 in May to 658 in June (-7.1%). At the same time, 109 new listings hit the market, up from 100 in May (+9%), showing sellers are still entering the market, but inventory is being absorbed enough to keep overall supply trending downward.
Homes took longer to sell this month. Average days on market increased from 97 days in May to 127 days in June. Although June slowed considerably month-over-month, homes are also taking longer to sell than they were a year ago, reinforcing that buyers remain patient and selective.
Sale prices strengthened despite the slower pace. The average sale price increased nearly 21% year-over-year, while the median sale price rose 14%, driven by stronger activity in higher price points. This suggests values remain resilient even as buyers negotiate more carefully.
Closed sales slowed slightly, with 75 homes sold in June compared to 100 in May. That decrease, paired with longer days on market, points to a market that's still active but moving at a more measured pace.
Madeleine's Market Interpretation
Buyers still have leverage, but the supply of available homes continues to shrink. Fewer active listings and improving absorption suggest inventory is gradually becoming more balanced than it was earlier this year.
The biggest change this month was pace. Days on market jumped significantly, indicating buyers are taking more time to evaluate homes and negotiate before making decisions. Sellers should expect that listings may take longer to secure the right buyer.
Pricing strategy remains critical. The market continues to reward homes that enter the market at realistic prices. Buyers have options, and today's environment leaves little room for testing the market with aggressive pricing.
Overall, June reflects a healthy, balanced market. Inventory is slowly tightening, values remain stable, and buyers are still active—but they're taking their time and expecting homes to be priced appropriately before making a move.
