Found 21 blog entries tagged as florida keys.



by Karen Williams-deCastro- Broker Associate®, C2EX, RSPS, GRI, SRS, ABR, SFR, AHWD, CELA, CREN

It's the most wonderful time of the year. But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it's also the most wasteful.

According to one survey, for example, 60% of respondents admitted to throwing away more than usual during the holiday months as they filled up their trash bins with uneaten food, wrapping paper, gift bags, and commercial packaging.1

The reality is, Americans routinely toss about 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any other time of year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.2 In fact, we throw away so much ribbon during the holidays—around 38,000 miles’ worth—that the…

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Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter. But before you run to the nearest home goods store, take a deep breath. First, you’ll need to delay any major purchases before you close on your new home. A large outlay or additional line of credit could lower your credit score and, thus, impact your mortgage terms.1 Second, moving and closing costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to be strategic with your remaining budget. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to save on home essentials, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to share…

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by Karen Williams-deCastro- Realtor®, C2EX, RSPS, GRI, SRS, ABR, SFR, AHWD

To avoid buyer's remorse, be sure to consider your future self when shopping for a home.

Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming homeowners. In fact, according to a survey by LendingTree, 80% of recent buyers who successfully overcame a challenging housing market say they're glad they found their current homes.1 But that doesn't mean newly-minted homeowners don't have any regrets about their buying choices. 

On the contrary, research shows that even the most-satisfied homeowners would change some aspects of their home purchase if given the opportunity. According to a recent survey by Anytime Estimate, nearly 3 out of 4 buyers who purchased a home in 2021 or 2022 still…

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by Karen Williams-deCastro- Realtor®, C2EX, RSPS, GRI, SRS, ABR, SFR, AHWD

ALL BUYERS AND SELLERS in Monroe County, Florida. I am here with an exciting real estate market update for June 2023 for Florida Keys SINGLE FAMILY HOMES for sale! 

 Did you know that currently there are only 5.66 Months Supply of Inventory? Now you do! So what does that mean? That means the market is hot, and properties are moving fast!⚡️ But that's not all, over the last 12 months, Months Supply of Inventory has increased by an impressive +77.43%!

 If you're selling, you'll be delighted to hear that the List to Sold Price percentage is a fantastic 95.2%! This means you can expect to get great value for your property when working with me as your REALTOR®.

 

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 Florida Keys Real Estate Market Update

Good news for home seekers and investors in the Florida Keys!  Despite an increase in available properties and longer days on the market compared to last year, homes are still selling swiftly when priced appropriately. 

When priced right, properties are attracting eager buyers, leading to quick and successful sales. So, if you're a seller, partnering with a knowledgeable realtor who understands the local market is crucial to ensure your property is competitively priced. 

It's essential to be cautious when setting your listing price. Homes not priced correctly may experience more negotiations, with buyers being able to secure an average discount of about 92% off the original…

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by Karen Williams-deCastro- Realtor®, C2EX, RSPS, GRI, SRS, ABR, SFR, AHWD


Does your current home no longer serve your needs?

If so, you may be torn between  renovating your existing home, or relocating to a new one. This can be adifficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, long-term financial implications, and quality of life.

A major remodel can be a major commitment. From hiring contractors to selecting materials to managing a budget, it can take a tremendous amount of time and energy—not to mention the ordeal of living through construction or relocating to a temporary residence.

On the other hand, moving is notoriously taxing. In fact, in one survey, 40% of respondents viewed buying a new home as ”the most…

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May numbers are in! As of June 1st: Median sold price continues to increase. Month over month May saw a decrease of average days on market and a slight uptick in the original list price to sold price ratio. Our absorption rate is now over 6mo of inventory. While we are fully back in a neutral market in the Keys, homeowners and buyers should feel good about home values holding steady. *Oh, by the way ... I can help connect you with great Realtors anywhere in North America! I'm never too busy for referrals!  Erin Kiel REALTOR® GRI, AHWD, C2EX Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Destinations

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by Karen Williams-deCastro- Realtor®, C2EX, RSPS, GRI, SRS, ABR, SFR, AHWD

When you are looking at Real Estate, you likely think to yourself: location, location, location. And not many places are more beautiful than the Florida Keys. But ever since the Federal Reserve began its series of inflation-fighting interest rate hikes last year, a new mantra has emerged for a lot of us: mortgage rates, mortgage rates, mortgage rates. 

Higher rates had the immediate impact of dampening homebuyer affordability and demand. But this year, we’re seeing further repercussions. While analysts expected listing inventory to swell as sales declined, instead, homeowners have been pushing off plans to sell because they feel beholden to their existing, lower mortgage…

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by Karen Williams-deCastro- Realtor®, C2EX, RSPS, GRI, SRS, ABR, SFR, AHWD

It’s not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. Not just in the Florida Keys, but everywhere. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.(1) Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes. Even lower-priced condos are harder to snag these days, as investors and downsizers muscle out first-timers by offering stronger, often cash-heavy bids. (2)

In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, only 26% of last year’s homebuyers were first-timers—the lowest share on record and down from 34% a year prior. This underscores…

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