Hello Clients, Family & Friends,

February in the Florida Keys is a season all its own. The weather is cool, the calendar is full of events, and the islands are buzzing with energy from residents and visitors alike. It’s a time when the Keys truly shine.

This month is about connection — to community, to place, and to the moments that make island living so special. From local festivals and waterfront gatherings to quiet mornings and golden sunsets, February reminds us why the Florida Keys continue to be such a desirable place to live, visit, and invest.

Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply staying informed, our goal is to provide insight you can trust and guidance that reflects what is happening locally. Real estate here is shaped by more than headlines. It is driven by lifestyle, location, and the unique character of each neighborhood.

Thank you for continuing to trust us as your local real estate resource. In the Keys, #GoodToKnow represents our commitment to knowledge, integrity, and service, and to helping our clients make confident decisions at every stage of their journey.

In this month’s update, you will find:

• Market insights tailored to your neighborhood

• Our Featured Listing of the Month

• #GoodToKnow real estate updates

• Local events and happenings throughout the Keys

We hope this February issue brings inspiration, useful information, and a little Keys flavor. As always, we are just a call away.

We’re committed to keeping you informed about the ever-changing real estate market in the Florida Keys. Our unique chain of islands continues to experience steady and sustainable growth, making it an exciting time for both buyers and sellers. Whether you're considering a move, looking to invest, or simply staying informed, understanding the latest trends can help you make confident decisions in this dynamic market.

As always, staying informed is key in an ever-evolving real estate landscape. Market conditions, pricing trends, and buyer activity can shift quickly, and having access to accurate data ensures you stay ahead. For the most up-to-date market insights, including detailed year-over-year comparisons for each Key, click the image to explore our latest reports.

If you’re looking for a more personalized approach, our team is here to provide a custom analysis of your home, neighborhood, or island. Whether you’re curious about your property’s current value or want a deeper understanding of market trends in your area, keysrealestate.com is your trusted resource for all things Florida Keys real estate.

1015 Eaton Street, the art of island elegance, where historic soul meets modern sophistication. Four bedrooms. Updated baths. A new kitchen. Natural light everywhere. And a big, resort-style pool; a true rarity in Old Town! Positioned in the coveted heart of Old Key West, just steps from the Historic Seaport, 1015 Eaton Street is more than a home, it's a statement. A refined yet relaxed retreat that delivers space, style, and privacy in one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Key West. The home opens in a wash of natural light, with a crisp, effortless aesthetic that is polished and inviting. Living spaces connect seamlessly, creating a layout that lives as well as it entertains with equal parts elegance and island ease. At the center of the home, a newly updated kitchen anchors daily life. Sleek finishes, thoughtful design, and an intuitive flow make it ideal for quiet mornings or lively evenings with friends with impact glass sliders that open to the luxurious heated pool & spa. Four true bedrooms offer flexibility rarely found in this location. Perfect for full-time living, guests, or a dedicated home office. Three renovated designer bathrooms complete the experience with clean lines and a calm, spa-like feel. Lush, private, and centered around an extraordinary oversized pool, the outdoor space feels like a hidden resort designed for sun-soaked afternoons, evening swims, and unforgettable entertaining. World-class waterfront dining, marinas, galleries, and the vibrant energy of the Seaport are all moments from your door offering the quintessential Key West lifestyle without sacrificing peace or privacy. This is Old Town, elevated. A rare fusion of modern comfort, generous space, and timeless Key West allure crafted for those who want it all. Schedule your private showing today!

Even in a world of national headlines and online listings, real estate remains deeply local. Markets can shift from city to city, neighborhood to neighborhood, and sometimes even from one street to the next. That’s why understanding local conditions continues to matter more than ever.

In the Florida Keys, real estate is shaped by factors you won’t always find in national reports. Zoning, flood zones, insurance requirements, rental regulations, and neighborhood character all play a role in determining value. Local insight helps buyers and sellers navigate these details with clarity and confidence.

Pricing is another area where local expertise makes a difference. Online estimates and broad market trends can provide a starting point, but they rarely reflect the nuances of a specific property or location. Homes priced with local knowledge tend to attract stronger interest and avoid unnecessary time on the market.

For buyers, working with a local agent means gaining access to insight beyond the listing. Understanding how a neighborhood lives, what changes may be coming, and which properties truly offer long term value can make all the difference in a successful purchase.

For sellers, local guidance ensures that preparation, pricing, and marketing align with current demand. Strategy, timing, and presentation are still driven by what is happening on the ground, not just what is happening nationally.

Real estate decisions are personal and often significant. Having a trusted local advisor helps ensure those decisions are informed, strategic, and aligned with your goals. In the Florida Keys, local knowledge is not just helpful. It is essential.

Cash-to-close on a home purchase is a term that can be misleading, but it simply refers  

to the total amount of money you need at closing, including:

• Your down payment
• Closing costs
• Prepaids
• Interest

This “cash” is outlined by the good faith estimate you originally received from your lender along with the final closing disclosure you’ll get three days before the closing date.

If you have some cash-to-close held in escrow, such as your earnest money to the seller, it will be added to the rest of your down payment that you bring to closing.

Closing costs range from 2-5% of your loan. These include all the professional fees associated with your home purchase:

• Title searches
• Attorney fees
• Recording fees
• Lender fees, such as appraisals and loan origination fees 

Other cash-to-close fees may include pre-paid monies for home insurance, your prorated share of the year’s property taxes, and any government (FHA, VA, USDA) fees tied to your loan. Last, you’ll pay per diem interest between closing day and your first monthly payment due date.

Have questions about cash-to-close or preparing for a purchase? Our agents are here to walk you through every step of the process and connect you with trusted local lenders to help you plan with confidence.

February 14th–15th
Truman Waterfront Park, Key West

The 20th Annual Florida Keys Seafood Festival returns to Truman Waterfront Park for two days of fresh local seafood, live music, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. For just a small admission fee, you can savor the bounty of the Keys — from grilled spiny lobster and peel-and-eat shrimp to Bahamian conch chowder, smoky fish dip, and more — all alongside island-style entertainment and waterfront views.

Enjoy vibrant local bands, artisan vendors, and interactive experiences that bring the spirit of the Keys to life. Whether you’re sampling fresh catches or soaking in the festive atmosphere with friends and family, this festival is a standout February event that highlights the best of Key West’s culinary and cultural heritage.

February 1st:

• Local's Sunday

February 2nd:

• Ground Conch Day

February 3rd-4th:

• Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament

February 5th-26th:

• The Studios Exhibition: Ghost in Bahama Village
• Cuda Bowl Fishing Tournament

February 6th:

• 2026 Unsung Heroes Community Foundation of the Florida Keys

February 8th & 22nd:

• MCSO Children's Animal Farm

February 8th:

• Conch Republic Polar Plunge

February 9th:

• Galentine's Luncheon

February 14th:

• Cupids 5K Run
• Wesley House Valentine's Gala

February 14th-15th:

• Florida Keys Seafood Festival

February 15th:

• Give'Em Hell, Harry!

February 16th:

• President's Day Cookout

February 21st-22nd:

• Key West Arts & Crafts Festival
• Gigantic Nautical Market

February 27th:

• Anne McKee Artists Fund Fine Arts Auction

Thursdays from 2-7pm:

• Truman Waterfront Farmers Market

January 11th & 25th:

• Key West Artisan Market