Hello Clients, Family & Friends,

As we welcome December here in the Florida Keys, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement for the season ahead! It’s a time to reflect on all the wonderful moments we’ve shared throughout the year and look forward to the joys and opportunities of the New Year. With the holiday spirit in full swing, the islands are alive with festive cheer, making this the perfect time to enjoy everything the Keys have to offer.

We’re so thankful for your continued trust and support. Whether you're considering a new home, an investment, or just keeping an eye on the market, we’re here to provide you with the expert guidance you need. Staying ahead of the market has never been more important, and we’re committed to keeping you informed with the latest updates. #GoodToKnow is always our mantra.

As we usher in December, we’re proud to offer you the best of Florida Keys real estate amidst the holiday festivities. The keys are buzzing with cheerful events, and we’re here to help you navigate the market with the expertise you can rely on.

This Month’s Highlights:

• Precise and current market statistics by neighborhood
• Our Featured Listing of the Month
• #GoodToKnow Real Estate Insights
• Local News & Events

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to a fantastic December, a joyful holiday season, and an exciting New Year ahead in the Keys!

Warmest wishes!

2024: A Year Defined by the 4 "I's" in Real Estate

As we look back on 2024, it's clear that the real estate market was shaped by four key factors: Interest rates, Inventory, Inflation, and Insurance. These elements played pivotal roles in influencing buyer behavior, market trends, and overall property values throughout the Florida Keys. Despite the challenges these factors posed, the resilience of the Keys market continues to shine through.

Florida Keys Market Trends: A Resilient Landscape

The Florida Keys real estate market is navigating a dynamic and shifting environment. While new listings surged, climbing 14% higher than last year, the number of properties going under contract saw a 10% decline.

Despite these fluctuations, one aspect remains steadfast: property values. The average sale price Keys-wide has risen to $1,270,393, marking a 2% increase compared to last year. This upward trend underscores the ongoing appeal of Florida Keys real estate, even amid changing supply and demand dynamics.

For a deeper dive into market trends across the Florida Keys, click on the "Deep Dive Into" photo to explore detailed insights by Key.

Interest rates and inventory remain pivotal drivers of the residential real estate market.

As always, for the most accurate and up-to-date insights tailored to your island or property, connect with me, your #ForeverAgent, at keysrealestate.com.

In a heartwarming show of gratitude and community spirit, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Keys Real Estate Knight & Gardner Realty partnered with the Edward B. & Joan T. Knight Foundation to give back to our First Responders throughout the Florida Keys. Together, we distributed over $40,000, which included $50 gift cards for each First Responder and a special delivery of pumpkin pies to every station from Key Largo to Key West.

Our agents demonstrated remarkable dedication and teamwork, ensuring every First Responder in the region felt appreciated. These visits were more than just deliveries—they were opportunities to connect with the heroes who serve our community day in and day out.

This initiative exemplifies our commitment to supporting those who protect us, underscoring the deep appreciation we have for their tireless service. It was an honor to partner with the Edward B. & Joan T. Knight Foundation on such a meaningful effort. Together, we continue to strengthen the bonds that make the Florida Keys such an extraordinary place to live and work.

Step into Key West history with this remarkable property, available for the first time in generations! Located just a block from world-famous Duval Street and across from the Federal Courthouse, this property at 314 Simonton Street offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern potential. Originally a hotel with a Ford dealership on the ground floor, this three-level building is steeped in heritage. Even the legendary Ernest Hemingway chose it as his base, staying here for a month while awaiting delivery of his car in 1928. Currently set up and legally recognized as 8 units, an atrium, garage, and a pool, this property provides an unmatched opportunity for someone who loves trophy properties. Whether you envision a grand single-family estate or multi-unit living combined with commercial space on the lower level, the possibilities are endless.Don't miss the chance to own a piece of Key West's past while shaping its future with this truly one-of-a-kind property.

Calling all Who-ville pet lovers!

Guess what? The Grinch is leaving Mount Crumpit to meet your pets! That’s right—me, the Grinch, will be striking poses with YOUR furry friends for a paws-itively festive event.

This jolly shindig is brought to you in collaboration with the amazing folks at The Florida Keys SPCA and we’ll be gathering donations to support their incredible work. (Think cash, pet food, toys, and cozy bedding—it’s for a good cause, so don’t be stingy like me… usually.)

Bring your pets for a snapshot that will make their tails wag, and your heart grow three sizes that day!

Don’t miss out—it’s going to be howl-iday magic. See you there (or don’t, but your pets will never forgive you)! ;)

By Alex Rickert w/ the Keys Weekly

"More than 35,000 Monroe County taxpayers are set to receive an unwelcome surprise in their mailboxes this week, as a programming error resulted in duplicate tax bills from Charlotte County, Florida being sent to Keys property addresses.

Residents began reporting the erroneous tax bills from Charlotte County Tax Collector Vickie L. Potts on Nov. 6 – sent to Monroe County mailing addresses, but detailing tax assessments from real properties from the mainland county.

The inaccurate billing originated with a programming error at printing services provider TC Delivers, a third-party firm used by both counties to mail tax bills, Monroe County Tax Collector Sam Steele told the Weekly. 

According to an email sent by TC Delivers national account manager Laura Ferreira to Steele’s office, the company correctly mailed a complete set of tax bills for both Charlotte and Monroe County before the programming error caused “an additional 35,469 tax bills mailed with Monroe County addresses, printed on Charlotte tax bill paper with their envelopes.”

Select HERE to read the entire article.

November 30–December 3: Coast is Clear Venues

December 1: Locals Day @ KW Botanical Gardens

December 1: Tree Trimming-Toys for Tots and Angels Just 4 Kids Drive @ Schooner Wharf

December 1, 15, 22, 29: KW Artisan Market

December 1-5: KW End of Prohibition @ Sloppy Joe’s

December 2: Tree Lighting in Bayview Park

December 3, 10, 16, 17, 23, 30,31: Glow Hours on Hugh’s View

December 5: Pet Pictures with Santa @ William ST Tree in Harbor

December 5: FL Keys SPCA POSH (Paws Often Steal Hearts)  - SPCA Event

December 5: First Thursday @ Studios of Key West

December 5, 12, 19, 26: Truman Waterfront Market

December 6: Pet Photos with the Grinch

December 6: The BeLighted Bike Ride and Holiday Village

December 6: 1st Fridays

December 6 & 13: Historic Ins Holiday Tours

December 7: KW Library Book Sale

December 7: KW Holiday Parade

December 8: Artisan MKT @ Southernmost Beach Resort

December 8: Eaton ST Stroll

December 8 & 22: Sheriff’s Animal Farm

December 9: Parade of Paws - SPCA Event

December 9-23: Conch Train Holiday Sights Tour

December 9-23: OT Trollies Holiday Tours

December 10: LaTeDa Christmas Party

December 11: Yappy Hour @ Perry Hotel – Benefits SPCA

December 13: Holiday Bazaar & Concert at Customs House

December 13: Stock Island Lighted Boat Parade

December 13: KW Outdoor Movies

December 13-28: Waterfront Winter Wonderland @ Coffee Butler Amphitheater

December 14: Rudolph Red Nose 5K Run

December 14: Schooner Wharf Lighted Boat Parade

December 15:  Key West Triathlon

December 15: Southernmost Holiday Car Show @ Conch Republic

December 15: Snowy Day Children’s Concert @ KW Botanical Garden

December 17: Yappy Hour @ Four Marlins – Benefits SPCA

December 18: Fringe Theater Holiday Train Ride

December 18: Yappy Hour @ Perry Hotel – benefits SPCA

December 19: Walk on White

December 21: KW Botanical Gardens Native Plant Sale

December 21: Movies Under the Stars

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

December 24: Holiday Jazz in the Gardens @ The Gardens Hotel

December 31 - New Year’s Eve Famous Celebrations: 

• Lowering of the Pirate Wench at Schooner Wharf
• Dropping of the Conch Shell at Sloppy Joe’s
• The Red High Heel Drop
• A Key Lime Wedge Drop