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.

The perfect Island Escape!.

Nestled in the heart of old town, this beautiful home is one you're sure to fall in love with. Featuring two off-street parking spaces and a private pool, it blends luxury, comfort, and convenience, perfect for both vacation getaways and year-round living. Inside, you'll find three spacious bedrooms and three modern bathrooms, designed to provide everything you need for a relaxing stay. Enjoy the charm of the inviting front porch, ideal for people-watching, or retreat to the pool for a refreshing escape. The home's prime location puts you within walking distance of the harbor, restaurants, shopping, and endless water activities. Completely reconstructed in 2019, it has all the modern styles and amenities you are looking for. This home offers the best of the Key West lifestyle, charm, convenience and your own slice of paradise!

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 1: Chili Cook-off @ Williams Hall

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

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

February 2, 3, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24: Glow Hours on Hugh’s View

February 2, 9, 16, 23: Friends of Library Speaker Series

February 2, 9, 16, 23: Green Parrot Bingo

February 2, 9, 16, 23: Trivia Night Mondays @ KW Cooking School

February 4, 11, 18, 25: Trivia Night @ Matt’s Stock Island

February 4, 11, 25: SPCA Wellness Clinic

February 4-14: Share the Love; on-line auction benefits Wesley House Family Service

February 5: First Thursday @ Studios of Key West

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

February 5-7: Fringe & Designing Eyes Optical Boutique @ The Armory

February 5-7: Cuda Bowl Fishing Tournament

February 6: 1st Fridays on Fleming

February 7: KW Library Book Sale

February 8: Samuels House Polar Bear Plunge

February 8: Super Bowl LX Tailgate Party @ Schooner Wharf

February 8 & 22: Sheriff’s Animal Farm

February 11-15: Put-in-Palooza in KW

February 11-15: Miami Boat Show

February 13: KW Outdoor Movies @ East Martello Parade Grounds

February 13 & 14: Key West Home Tours

February 14: Cupid's Chase 5K

February 14:  Pup Crawl - Florida Keys SPCA

February 14: Wesley House Valentine's Gala @ Customs House

February 14 & 15: Seafood Festival @ Waterfront

February 15: Presidential Families Weekend

February 15: Crooks Second Line March on Duval, benefits Bahama Village Music Program

February 15: Southernmost Car Club Show & Shine-Sugarloaf

February 18: Yappy Hour @ Mac's Place; Benefits SPCA

February 19: Walk on White – 3^rd Thursday of each Month

February 21: Movies Under the Stars on Eaton ST @ Tropic Cinema

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

February 21 & 22: Art & Craft Festival

February 22: Wrecker’s Race @ Schooner Wharf

February 27: Anne McKee Artist Fund Auction @ The Studios of Key West

*Events subject to change without notice