This month is a busy one! Are you feeling that too?? Fun, but busy. 😊
I found myself on a little adventure that took me from Key West all the way to Denver, Colorado to visit one of my best friends! We met over a decade ago when she lived in Key West, and this summer she packed up, started a new chapter, and made Colorado her new home. I'm not going to lie, this one was hard for me. But after visiting her and seeing how much she's loving this next chapter, I couldn't be happier for her.
What made the trip even more special was how full circle it felt. Almost 10 years ago, Colorado was actually the first trip we ever took together as friends. Neither of us could have imagined that one day she'd end up calling it home, and I'd be flying back to visit her there all these years later.
We spent the weekend horseback riding through the mountains, having a picnic by the river, exploring little towns, and simply slowing down. It was one of those trips that truly fill your cup in the sweetest way.
Watching her build a home in a new place reminded me that “home” is so much more than the four walls around you. It's the people you surround yourself with, the routines you create, and the moments that make a place feel like yours.
Every trip away reminds me how fun it is to experience life somewhere different, but also how grateful I am to come back to my home, to this little slice of paradise.
Here's to making time for the people who matter, exploring new places, and appreciating the ones we're lucky enough to come home to. 🩷✨
Fresh Catch to Dinner Inspo
Alright yall, we survived Mini Season and now it's officially regular lobster season. I hope everyone heading out on the water has been staying safe and bringing home some fresh catch!
One of my favorite parts (besides the actual catching) is getting creative with different lobster recipes. If you're familiar with my husband's YouTube channel, Key West Waterman, you know he loves sharing fresh seafood recipes.
If you're looking for some inspiration, scope out his collection of lobster and fish recipes. And if you need a place to start, one of my absolute favorites is his Lobster Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup recipe. It is the perfect comfort meal after a day on the water. Click the video above for a walkthrough or click below for more recipe options. Yumm!
The Big Pine Key Bungalow is a beautifully designed, turnkey open waterfront home that blends modern construction with the laid-back Florida Keys lifestyle. Built in 2019 with hurricane-rated steel construction, it features open-water views, direct boating access to both the Gulf and Atlantic, a heated saltwater pool, and smart, flexible spaces that easily adapt to the way you live. This home makes island living feel effortless.
Looking for something a little different to do this month? The Key West International Dance Company is hosting its Summer Studio Series, and I promise, it is such a fun experience. I've been twice so far…!
The whole concept is playing with and blurring the lines between the performers and the audience. First, the night begins with a professional dance performance showcasing incredible choreography, then transforms into a dance social where everyone is invited to join in. Don't worry, you don't have to dance but if you want to boogie, you most certainly are encouraged!
An incredible perk of this series is that general admission is free, however donations are greatly appreciated. If you'd like to be right in the middle of the action, VIP table seating is available to reserve in advance. 💃
There's just something so satisfying about catching your own dinner.
The other day I told Aaron, "I really want to go spearfishing!" Without hesitation he said, "Let's go." It had been a little while since I'd been out, and I was definitely missing it.
Turns out it was worth the wait because I somehow ended up being the star shooter of the day! I landed a beautiful grouper and a hogfish. What a rush!
If you've ever wondered what it's like to spend a day on the water in the Lower Keys, come along for the adventure. Watching your dinner go from ocean to table is one of the coolest parts of living here.
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 – July Market Snapshot
Inventory continued to tighten, with active listings declining from 658 in June to 601 in July (-8.7%). This marks another month of shrinking inventory, giving buyers slightly fewer options than earlier this summer. New listings also eased from 109 in June to 87 in July (-20%), reinforcing the trend of fewer homes coming to market.
Prices remained resilient. Compared to last July, the average sale price increased 8.2% and the median sale price rose 12.8%, showing continued strength in home values despite a slower overall market.
Homes are selling a bit faster. Average days on market improved from 127 days in June to 121 days in July, while median DOM dropped from 100 to 85 days. Although the market is still moving at a measured pace, well-priced homes are finding buyers more quickly than they were last month.
Madeleine's Market Interpretation
July continues the story we've been watching develop over the past few months.
Inventory is gradually tightening, which is encouraging for sellers. With fewer active listings and fewer new homes entering the market, competition among listings is beginning to improve.
The market's pace is becoming healthier. After June's jump in days on market, July brought a welcome improvement. Buyers are still taking their time, but they're making decisions a little faster when homes are priced appropriately.
Pricing remains the deciding factor. The market continues to reward homes that are priced correctly from the start. Buyers are willing to pay for quality and value, but they're less likely to overlook overpriced listings.
Overall, July reflects a market that's becoming more balanced. Inventory is slowly coming down, values remain stable, and buyers are still engaged. It's not a fast-paced seller's market, but it's also no longer the inventory-heavy environment we saw earlier this year.
The BIGGEST takeaway I can stress: Sellers who price strategically and present their homes well continue to have the greatest success.
