Hello Clients, Family & Friends,

March in the Florida Keys is a vibrant time of year. The days are longer, the waters are warmer, and the islands are alive with activity. From spring visitors discovering the Keys for the first time to longtime residents enjoying their favorite season, March highlights the lifestyle that makes this community so special.

It’s also a time when many begin to explore new opportunities. Whether that means searching for a home, preparing to sell, or simply watching the market, spring often brings renewed interest and movement throughout the Keys. Real estate here continues to be shaped by local knowledge, thoughtful planning, and understanding the unique character of each island and neighborhood.

Our goal is to provide you with insight you can trust and guidance that reflects what is happening right here in our market. Whether you are ready to make a move or simply staying informed, we are here as your resource every step of the way.

Thank you for continuing to trust us as your local real estate experts. In the Keys, #GoodToKnow represents our commitment to knowledge, integrity, and exceptional service.

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 March issue brings valuable insight, local highlights, and a continued appreciation for life in the Florida Keys. 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.

A rare offering in Old Town—Transient License, new heated pool, and just half a block to Duval. This 2018-constructed 2BD/2.5BA home blends historic Cuban-inspired design with modern efficiency, featuring impact windows and doors, metal roof, custom tile finishes, and curated antique fixtures. The open layout centers around a well-appointed kitchen with stainless steel appliances and generous workspace. Outdoor living shines with a tranquil patio and private pool, creating a highly desirable retreat for guests or personal enjoyment. Strong rental history in a prime walk-everywhere location.

After a period of higher borrowing costs, mortgage interest rates are beginning to show encouraging signs of improvement. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate recently dipped below 6% for the first time since late 2022, according to Freddie Mac. The benchmark rate averaged 5.98%, down from 6.01% the previous week and notably lower than the 6.76% average just one year ago. For many buyers, this shift is a welcome sign as the spring homebuying season gets underway.

Even small changes in interest rates can have a meaningful impact on purchasing power and overall affordability. As a result, many buyers are adjusting their expectations and moving forward with greater confidence.

In a unique market like the Florida Keys, opportunity is often driven by availability as much as timing. With limited inventory and each island offering its own character, waiting for the perfect rate can sometimes mean missing the perfect property.

Many buyers are choosing to move forward now, knowing they may have the option to refinance in the future if rates continue to improve. This approach allows them to secure the home and lifestyle they want while maintaining long-term financial flexibility.

For sellers, improving financing conditions and seasonal momentum can bring renewed buyer interest and stronger activity as we move through the spring market.

If you would like to better understand what today’s market means for you, our agents are always available to provide insight and connect you with trusted local lending professionals.

Home remodeling is notorious for costing more than homeowners initially planned, for many reasons, including:

1. Products and services may cost more than expected.
2. Supply chain interruptions and new tariffs may cause additional expenses.
3. Demolition may reveal problems like mold, out-of-code wiring, or a damaged sub-floor.
4. You upgrade to more expensive products and appliances after work begins.
5. The cheapest contractor may underbid to get the job, then cut corners or hit you with higher invoices later on.

As you can see, some costs are beyond your control, so it’s smart to build an extra 25% into your budget before work begins. Other ways to manage your budget are to:  

• Check the condition of the most expensive systems, like HVAC, electrical and plumbing.
• Concentrate on living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• Choose updates that bring the most bang for your buck: floors, countertops, cabinets, appliances and fixtures.
• Bundle upgrades, like new insulation to go along with new windows.
• Keep your existing floor plan.
• Choose classic, durable materials, like hardwoods and stone.

Stick to the above advice and your home will look great—and so will your finances.

Before starting a remodel, it’s helpful to understand which upgrades truly add value. Our experienced agents can provide insight into what today’s Florida Keys buyers are looking for and connect you with trusted local professionals to help you invest wisely in your home.

One of the Florida Keys’ most iconic traditions, celebrating fresh seafood, community, and more than 50 years of local heritage.

March 14th & 15th, 2026

The Marathon Seafood Festival returns for another exciting weekend as one of the largest and longest-running events in the Florida Keys. What began as a small hometown gathering has grown into a signature island tradition, welcoming thousands each year to experience the best of Keys cuisine and culture.

Guests can enjoy fresh local seafood including lobster, shrimp, stone crab, and fish sandwiches, along with live music, more than 200 vendors, a boat show, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

The event is proudly co-organized by the Organized Fishermen of Florida (Marathon Chapter) and the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce. Together, these nonprofit organizations return more than $60,000 each year to the community through scholarships, charitable contributions, and support for local Middle Keys students.

We invite you to stop by our booth to visit with our agents and enter for a chance to win a stuffed YETI cooler. Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply want to connect, we would love to see you there.

March

March 1:  Open Air Art & Music @ Schooner Wharf

March 1 & 15: Impromptu Concert @ St Paul’s Episcopal Church

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: KW Artisan MKT @ Higgs Beach 

March 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31: Glow Hours on Hugh’s View

March 2, 7, 9, 16: Friends of Library Speaker Series

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Green Parrot Bingo

March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Trivia Night @ KW Cooking School

March 5, 12, 19, 26: Truman Waterfront Mkt

March 5 - 8: Bear & Burton’s Rub & Tug Invitational

March 6: First Thursday @ Studios of Key West

March 6 - 8: KW Orchid Fair @ West Martello Gardens

March 7: KW Library Book Sale

March 7: 1st Fridays on Fleming

March 7: Conch Shell Blowing Contest-Oldest House

March 8 & 22: Sheriff’s Animal Farm Open

March 9-12: March Merkin Fishing @ Oceans Edge

March 13: Spring Social @ Truman Little White House

March 13: KW Outdoor Movies @ East Martello Parade Grounds

March 13 & 14: Key West Home Tours

March 14: Irish Kevin’s Shamrock Shuffle

March 14:  St. Patrick’s Day Bar Stroll

March 14:  Symphony Orchestra Concert

March 15: Car Show & Shine-Sugarloaf Lodge

March 20: Walk on White – 3^rd Thursday of each month

March 21: KW Botanical Gardens Native Plant Sale

March 21 & 22:  BHHS K&G Parade of Homes

March 23: The Taste of Key West @ Truman Waterfront Park

March 24: Movies Under the Stars on Eaton ST @ Tropic Cinema

March 26–28: KW Sailfish Tournament; Dante’s Pool and Bar

March 27-29: Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival Tavares, FL

March 29: Wreckers Race @ Schooner Wharf

March 31: Keys to the Keys: a Tropical Gala @ Truman Little White House, benefits Habitat for Humanity