Cooks Island • Florida Keys Real Estate • Key Largo • Lower Keys • new listings • property for sale • July 14, 2025

Florida Keys Real Estate Update: What Are You Looking For?

by Tracy Larson

The Florida Keys market has some fresh listings this week—and there’s something for almost every type of buyer.

Looking for low-maintenance living?
There’s a new listing at Moon Bay in Key Largo. This waterfront condo is a great option if you want to be close to the mainland but still enjoy the island lifestyle. Moon Bay offers great amenities like a pool, tennis courts, and a marina. It’s a smart choice for buyers who want convenience without sacrificing views.

Craving something more private?
Check out the two new listings on Cook’s Island in the Lower Keys. These off-grid beach cottages are perfect if you’re looking for privacy and a slower pace. Boat access only—and that’s part of the charm. These properties let you escape the crowds and soak up nature in peace.

Prefer a family home near everything?
New single-family homes in Marathon and Big Pine Key are now on the market. These homes are great for full-time living, with fenced yards, room to grow, and easy access to schools and shopping.

Not sure what fits your needs?
Take a moment to think about what matters most:

Boating access?
Low maintenance?
Room for guests or family?
Peace and privacy?

With options across the island chain, this is a great time to explore what’s available. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a full-time residence, I’m here to help you find the right match.

Let’s start the search for your place in the Keys. 🏝️ Click here to view the new listings.

Featured Listing • Florida Keys • Florida Keys Real Estate Market • Key Largo • Pool Homes • July 9, 2025

Nature Lover’s Paradise in Key Largo – Your Private Retreat Awaits!

by Tracy Larson

If you dream of peace, privacy, and being close to nature, this Key Largo home is for you. Set on almost half an acre and surrounded by a quiet nature preserve, this property has no direct neighbors. It’s a rare find—perfect for anyone who wants space, silence, and a deep connection to the outdoors.

Just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, this home feels like a secret getaway. Whether you enjoy watching wildlife or simply want a break from the busy world, you’ll love the peaceful setting here.

Inside and out, this home offers comfort and style:

A large screened patio with a big pool—great for relaxing or spending time with friends
A bright, open living area filled with natural light
A chef-style kitchen with high-end finishes and plenty of space to cook and gather
Spacious bedrooms that are calm and quiet
A lower level with two large storage rooms and covered parking

This home is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, craves privacy, or just wants a peaceful place to call home.

If I had a million and a half dollars, I’d be moving in myself!
Could this be the escape you’ve been searching for?

📍 Call me today to schedule a private showing or get more details about this one-of-a-kind Key Largo retreat.

Listing information provided courtesy of Lisa Frins, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Keys Real Estate

Florida Keys • Florida Keys Real Estate • Florida Keys Real Estate Market • Housing Market • Market Statistics • July 8, 2025

Florida Keys Real Estate Mid-Year Snapshot (2025)

by Tracy Larson

Florida Keys Real Estate Market Update: Is the Slowdown Here to Stay? (Mid-Year 2025)

If you own property in the Florida Keys—or you’re thinking about buying or selling—understanding where the market stands is more important than ever. As of July 2025, signs are pointing to a noticeable shift: buyer activity has cooled, inventory is rising, and prices are beginning to level off in several areas.

Here’s a closer look at how the market is performing in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys, as well as in Key West.

Upper Keys

Includes: Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada

Active listings are up 8% compared to last year
Properties under contract dropped 18%
Closed sales fell 10%
Sales volume declined from $364.8M to $319.6M
Average sale price dipped slightly from $1.32M to $1.29M

What it means: The Upper Keys are clearly softening. More homes are available, but buyers are more cautious. Prices are holding for now, but momentum is slowing.

Middle Keys

Includes: Marathon, Duck Key, Key Colony Beach

Listings rose 11%
Contracts and closings declined
Sales volume dropped from $213.2M to $175.7M
Average prices fell from $1.28M to $1.20M

What it means: The Middle Keys are seeing a sharper slowdown. Fewer sales and lower prices are giving buyers the upper hand.

Lower Keys

Includes: Big Pine, Sugarloaf, Summerland, Cudjoe, and surrounding areas

Inventory surged from 724 to 1,020 active listings
Closed sales actually increased slightly
Sales volume held steady
Average prices slipped from $1.27M to $1.18M

What it means: The Lower Keys have seen a major rise in inventory. While buyers are still active, prices are beginning to ease under the weight of added competition.

Key West

Active listings are up 8%
Homes under contract dropped 18%
Closed sales are down 7%
Sales volume is steady, around $353 million
Average sale price jumped from $1.34M to $1.47M

What it means: Key West is a bit of an outlier. Although fewer homes are selling, prices are still rising—suggesting high demand in certain segments and continued interest in premium properties.

Final Thoughts

The Florida Keys market is not crashing—but it is shifting. The number of active listings is rising across the board, while the pace of sales is slowing. Some areas are already seeing price adjustments, while others, like Key West, are still seeing growth at the top end.

If you’re a seller, this is the time to review your pricing strategy and make sure your property stands out. If you’re a buyer, opportunities may be increasing—especially as competition cools.

Need help navigating what this means for your specific property or goals? I’m always happy to provide a detailed, no-pressure market analysis.

Big Pine Key • Buying • Florida Keys • Florida Keys Real Estate • Homes for Sale • new listings • July 7, 2025

🏡 Weekly Keys Real Estate Update — 46 New Listings + A Big Pine Bayfront Beauty!

by Tracy Larson

Happy Monday! It’s time for your weekly market update from the Florida Keys. Last week, 46 new listings came on the market. That means more options for buyers and new opportunities for sellers.

Let’s take a look at one standout listing from the week.

✨ Featured Property: Brand New Waterfront Home in Big Pine Key

3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Canalfront | Rooftop Deck + Swim Spa

This beautiful, brand-new home offers the best of Keys living. It’s just four lots from Florida Bay and close to the open Atlantic. If you love boating, fishing, or wildlife, this one checks all the boxes.

Here’s what makes it special:

45 feet of concrete seawall with a fish cleaning station
Bay and sunset views from multiple angles
Easy boating access to Looe Key Reef, Picnic Island, and more
Manatees and tarpon often visit the canal out back

Inside, the home is bright and open. You’ll love:

Big windows that frame the views
A modern kitchen with custom oak cabinets and Ocean Blue quartzite island
3 full bathrooms, each with sleek custom cabinetry
Bedrooms with California-style closets

The perks don’t stop there:

Relax in the brand-new swim spa
Rinse off in the outdoor shower
Entertain on the rooftop deck
Store all your gear in the spacious downstairs storage area

This home is also close to restaurants, parks, and the natural beauty of Big Pine Key.

If you’re dreaming of island life, this one might be the perfect fit. Want to see it in person? Let’s set up a tour!

See you next Monday with more updates!

Click here to see the newest listings

Florida Keys • Florida Keys History • Florida Keys Real Estate • History • June 26, 2025

The Florida Keys and the Cuban Missile Crisis: On the Front Lines of History

by Tracy Larson

In October 1962, the world stood on the edge of nuclear war. The Cuban Missile Crisis was unfolding, and tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union reached a dangerous high. Most people remember Washington and Moscow in the headlines — but few know how central the Florida Keys were to this historic moment.

Close to Cuba, Closer to Conflict

The Florida Keys are just 90 miles from Cuba. That made them one of the closest U.S. territories to Soviet missiles stationed on the island.

As soon as American spy planes confirmed the presence of those missiles, the U.S. military began to act — fast. Key West, in particular, became a critical location. Troops arrived. Planes filled the runways. Naval ships lined the nearby waters. The Naval Air Station Key West became a launch point for surveillance and defense.

Military Presence Ramped Up

Over a few tense days, thousands of soldiers, airmen, and Marines moved into the Keys. Roads were filled with military vehicles. Locals watched as helicopters and jets flew overhead. Many feared that war was not just possible — it was imminent.

The U.S. Navy sent ships to create a blockade, stopping Soviet vessels from reaching Cuba. The Florida Straits, the waters between the Keys and Cuba, became a narrow line between peace and disaster.

Life in the Keys During the Crisis

For people living in the Florida Keys, daily life changed overnight. Schools discussed evacuation plans. Families stocked up on supplies. Rumors of air raids and missile strikes spread quickly.

Still, many residents stayed calm. Some had lived through hurricanes and knew how to prepare for emergencies. But even the calmest among them understood — this was different.

A Turning Point in History

After 13 days of standoff, diplomacy won. The Soviet Union agreed to remove its missiles from Cuba. In return, the U.S. promised not to invade the island and later removed missiles from Turkey.

The world breathed a sigh of relief. So did the residents of the Florida Keys.

Why It Still Matters

Today, you can visit military sites in Key West and learn more about how close the region came to war. The story of the Cuban Missile Crisis isn’t just one of global politics. It’s also a story of local communities — like those in the Florida Keys — that quietly stood on the front lines of history.

Just 90 miles from Cuba, the Florida Keys played a major role in one of the tensest moments of the 20th century. Their place in Cold War history deserves to be remembered.

Duck Key • Florida Keys Real Estate • Florida Keys Real Estate Market • Home Buying • Home For Sale • waterfront • June 25, 2025

Discover Duck Key: Island Charm with a View From Above

by Tracy Larson

Tucked away in the heart of the Middle Keys, Duck Key is one of those places that makes you take a second look. From the ground, it’s a serene island escape with quiet streets and clear turquoise waters. But from the sky? You’ll see where it gets its name. The island’s shape closely resembles a duck’s head—curved just right, beak and all.

Getting around is part of the charm. Duck Key is connected by a series of iconic white arched bridges. These graceful crossings link the island’s five neighborhoods and make every walk, run, or drive feel like a postcard moment. Whether you’re on Harbour Drive or down by Indies Road, you’re never far from the water—or a scenic bridge to take you there.

The lifestyle here is laid-back but active. Boating, paddleboarding, and fishing are daily pastimes. Neighbors wave. Golf carts cruise past. And when the sun starts to set? Everyone has their favorite dock or balcony to watch the sky change colors.

Real estate on Duck Key reflects its unique vibe. You’ll find everything from elegant canalfront homes with private docks to charming villas tucked just steps from the sea. Some properties offer sunrise views, others sunset. Many offer both.

Current listings show a healthy mix of opportunities for buyers. Whether you’re searching for a weekend getaway or a forever home, Duck Key delivers. Inventory tends to move quickly, thanks to limited supply and high demand. It’s a small island, after all—space is precious.

Thinking about making Duck Key your home or investment? I’d love to show you around. There’s nothing quite like crossing those bridges for the first time and knowing—you’ve found something special.

Click here to view the available homes on Duck Key

Atlantic Ocean • Christ of the Abyss • Diving • Florida Keys • History • John Pennekamp • Key Largo • June 24, 2025

Beneath the Surface: The Story of Christ of the Abyss in Key Largo

by Tracy Larson

Just off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, a bronze statue stands silently beneath the sea. With open arms and eyes turned upward, the Christ of the Abyss welcomes visitors who dive or snorkel through the calm waters of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

This peaceful figure isn’t just a beautiful sight. It also has a fascinating story — one that spans oceans and honors the spirit of the sea.

How It Got There

In 1965, divers placed the statue on the ocean floor at a reef site called Dry Rocks. Italian scuba gear maker Egidi Cressidonated the statue to the Underwater Society of America as a tribute to those who explore and protect the sea.

Made of bronze, the statue stands about 8.5 feet tall and weighs more than 4,000 pounds. Crews carefully lowered it into place and secured it to a sturdy concrete base. Since then, it has become one of the most popular dive and snorkel spots in the Florida Keys.

On calm days, snorkelers can see it clearly — no scuba certification needed.

A Twin Across the World

Many visitors are surprised to learn that Key Largo’s statue isn’t the only one of its kind.

The original Christ of the Abyss (Il Cristo degli Abissi) was placed in the Mediterranean Sea near Genoa, Italy, in 1954. It stands in the bay of San Fruttuoso, near the site where diver Dario Gonzatti lost his life. He was the first Italian to use scuba gear, and the statue honors his memory.

Key Largo’s version is one of three official bronze copies made from the original mold. Another stands in Grenada, in the Caribbean.

Many believe the Key Largo statue faces its Italian twin across the Atlantic. Whether this is true or just a poetic idea, it adds a sense of connection between the two oceans — and between people who love the sea.

More Than a Dive Spot

Over time, Christ of the Abyss has become more than just an underwater sculpture. It’s a place for reflection, remembrance, and even celebration. Some couples get married here. Others visit to leave flowers or say a silent prayer.

The statue often attracts coral growth and small fish, blending art and nature in a stunning display. It reminds visitors to protect what lies beneath the waves.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure in the Florida Keys, don’t miss Christ of the Abyss. Whether you dive down or float above, it’s a moment you won’t forget.

Buying • buying advice • Florida Keys Real Estate • Florida Keys Real Estate Market • new listings • June 23, 2025

50 New Listings Hit the Market—Here’s What That Means for Buyers (and Sellers)

by Tracy Larson

If you’ve been waiting for fresh inventory in the Florida Keys, now’s your chance. Over the past week, 50 new residential listings came on the market—stretching from Key Largo to Key West.

That’s a big wave of opportunity for buyers.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy condo, a canal-front home, or a luxury oceanfront estate, this new batch includes something in every price range and style. It’s a great time to explore options and see what’s possible.

What This Means for Buyers

More listings = more choices.

When inventory grows, it can open up room to negotiate, especially if some sellers are eager to stand out. It’s also a good time to compare features and pricing across neighborhoods and property types.

Tip: If you’ve been pre-approved and just waiting for the right place, this is a moment to take action. Homes in the Keys can still move quickly, especially the well-priced ones.

A Quiet Signal for Sellers

Even though this post is mainly for buyers, sellers should pay attention too.

Seeing what’s being listed—and for how much—can offer valuable insight into the current market. If you’re thinking of selling, this kind of activity can help guide your pricing and timing.

Inventory shifts are often early indicators of market movement. If listings keep rising, it may impact value or buyer behavior down the road.

Want to see what’s new?
I’d be happy to send you a custom list of the latest listings that match your search criteria. And if you’re a homeowner curious about what your place could sell for, let’s take a look at how your home compares.

Let’s connect—no pressure, just smart strategy. In the meantime, click here to see this week’s newest listings.

boating • buying advice • Community Spotlight • Florida Keys Real Estate • The Harborage • June 18, 2025

The Harborage – A Peaceful Waterfront Community in Key Largo

by Tracy Larson

If you’re looking for a peaceful, close-knit waterfront neighborhood in Key Largo, The Harborage might just be your perfect match. Tucked away at Mile Marker 97.5, this charming two-street community is known for its deep-water access, well-kept homes, and laid-back island lifestyle.

What makes The Harborage stand out is the combination of natural beauty and practical amenities. Here, residents enjoy the best of both worlds: quiet living with easy access to the ocean. Whether you’re an avid boater, a weekend fisherman, or someone who simply enjoys a breeze off the water, this neighborhood checks all the boxes.

The community is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The monthly maintenance includes lawn care, so you can spend more time enjoying your surroundings and less time on yard work. A waterfront clubhouse and a sparkling pool create the perfect place to unwind or catch up with neighbors. You’ll also find a laundry facility, an ice machine for your boat cooler, and dedicated space for boat trailer storage — small touches that make everyday life easier.

But perhaps the biggest draw is the private community boat ramp. With direct access to deep water, launching your boat is quick and hassle-free. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to be on the water within minutes — whether you’re heading out to the ocean or exploring the backcountry.

Another great feature? The vibe. The Harborage is known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming neighbors. It’s the kind of place where people wave hello, share a story at the pool, and look out for each other.

If you’re searching for a waterfront home in the Upper Keys with true community spirit, great amenities, and one of the best locations in Key Largo — look no further.

Click here to see the homes listed for sale

Energy Savings • Florida Keys • Florida Keys Real Estate • homeownership • Metal Roofing • Solar Energy • Solar Power • Utilities • June 17, 2025

5 Easy Ways to Lower Your Utility Bills in the Florida Keys

by Tracy Larson

Simple tips to save money and stay cool in paradise

Living in the Florida Keys is a dream—but let’s be real, utility costs can add up fast, especially in the heat of summer. Between keeping your home cool, the water running, and the Wi-Fi streaming, it’s smart to find ways to trim those bills without sacrificing comfort. Here are five simple ideas that can help you keep more money in your pocket each month.

1. Use Ceiling Fans (and Raise the Thermostat Just a Bit)
Ceiling fans use way less electricity than air conditioning and can make a big difference in how cool a room feels. Try setting your thermostat around 78°F and using fans to circulate the air. You’ll stay comfortable and save on energy. Bonus tip: Make sure fans are turning counterclockwise in the summer to push air down.

2. Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat learns your habits and adjusts your A/C accordingly. Some models even let you control the temperature from your phone. In a place like the Keys where A/C use is nearly year-round, this can be a game changer for your electric bill.

3. Be Water-Wise (and Sewer-Wise!)
Water is a precious (and pricey) resource down here. Fix any leaks, install low-flow showerheads and toilets, and only run your dishwasher or laundry when full. Keeping water usage low helps both your water and sewer bills—which can get high in the Keys.

4. Shop Around for Internet and Cell Providers
You may have more choices than you think! Prices and packages for internet, TV, and cell service can vary by island and by company. Every few months, check what’s available in your area—sometimes switching providers or bundling services can save you a nice chunk of change.

5. Get Cozy with Solar (Even in Small Ways)
You don’t need a whole roof of solar panels to start saving. Solar-powered outdoor lights, solar water heaters, or even portable chargers for your devices can reduce your electricity use bit by bit. In a sunny place like the Keys, every ray helps.

Small Changes = Big Savings
You don’t have to overhaul your whole home to see results. Making just a few small changes can help lower your bills and reduce your environmental impact too. Living in paradise doesn’t have to come with sky-high utility costs—just a little strategy and a few smart swaps.

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