What Wildlife Is In the Water by Your Key West Home?

Owning Key West Real Estate is a fantastic idea. Surrounded by water and friendly people is a perfect way to spend your days. But, do you really know what is in that water? If not, go explore it!

Some of the best reefs int the country are found in the Key West area. The Sand Key is one of the most popular found in the Key West area. Viewable from either snorkeling or scuba diving, this natural beauty is over 10 miles long and varies in depth.  Another area to visit under water is the The Cayman Salvor, a 180 foot buoy tender, made from steel, was originally dropped to create an artificial reef in 1985. With a variety of fish calling this buoy their home, it is a wonder to see. 

While many enjoy the water, some enjoy it more from above, than from underneath. With all the fresh seafood in Key West, it is no surprise that fishing is one of the biggest past times here.  There are all types of fish, not just to catch, but to see swimming in the water.  Surrounded by sand and grass flats some of the most popular fish found here are the Bonefish, Snook, Barracuda, and Tarpon.  Fly fishing is a popular way to catch them.  Deep sea fishing is also found in Key West area. Whether you want to go out with your family, relax and fish, or if you are out to catch dinner for the night, Key West residents always enjoy deep sea fishing. 

For those that are animal lovers, a nice way to spend your days in Key West, is going on a Dolphin Encounter tour. With a variety of tours, taking you to different places, sit back as your tour guide takes you to the most popular areas for dolphin sightings.  This is a great way to educate yourself on your surroundings, and to get a view of these gorgeous creatures swimming in the water right outside your front door.

If you would like any more information on Key West wildlife, or are interested in buying or selling a Key West home, feel free to contact me! I can’t wait to hear from you!

Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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Is An Open House Good For Your Key West Home?

The debate over whether open houses are beneficial has been going on for years now. The real question should be, is your Key West home perfect for an open house?  Some reports show that holding an open house is great for selling your home. However some also say that while it doesn’t hurt the sale of your home, it also does not help it. Here are some ways to make your open house great!

The first thing a buyer sees when walking into your home is the outside. What kind of curb appeal does your home have? Some simple maintenance helps considerably! Make sure your yard is weed free. Also, landscaping your home is great, but make sure there is a clear entry way to the house. Don’t let plants and flowers block a walk way. The quicker a buyer gets into your home, the quicker they will fall in love with it.

The little things matter too. Whether it is a room that has mismatching outlet covers, or a dab of paint on the ceiling, buyers look at these things as flaws. You need to make your home match, and orderly. Usually these fixes can be made quickly and cheaply. 

Make your home more welcoming. Key West real estate is great for anyone, and having a warm feeling in your home will make buyers want to stay longer. A brochure about your home is a great touch, so as they walk from room to room they can read and see all of its features. Also, this will be a great reminder of your home once they leave. For those that come with kids, maybe provide some kid friendly activities! Something that is mess free such as crayons and scratch paper work perfectly.  Another great touch is adding music, usually something classical and on a low volume works best.

Brighten up your home. Opening the blinds in every room will let the sun shine in, and will make your home feel cozy and inviting. Pushing apart the curtains will make the room feel bigger and will accentuate its features.  Another way to brighten your home is to turn lamps on! Having some extra light will show off an area of the room that may be hard to see. 

Overall, hosting an open house can be in your favor, if you take the time and see your Key West home from a buyers point of view.

If you have any questions about Key West real estate, feel free to contact me! I can’t wait to hear from you!

Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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Get To Know Historic Key West

Whether you have been a resident of Key West your entire life or you have just recently moved here, there is a possibility that you aren’t completely aware of the history that surrounds you. Getting to know your surroundings is as easy as getting on a trolley.

The Old Town Trolley Tour of Key West is filled with 12 stops, to show residents and visitors what Key West used to be like, and the history all around them. The first stop is at Mallory Square where Key West had its beginning. Now visited frequently during their famous sunset celebration, this area is the location for the start of your historic tour. Along the way the trolley stops by the Fairfield Inn, Bahama Village Market, and the Casa Marina Resort. With all of the historic significance in the area, residents can spend their days learning more about the city they love. 

Key West is filled with historic homes and places that some of the most famous people of the past once stayed.  One home to visit is Harry S. Truman’s Little White House.  Visit the President’s getaway where he spent over 170 days in Key West on the Truman Naval Station. Another home to visit is Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum where the Nobel Prize winner spent time writing his novels. The Flagler Station Over-Sea Railway Historeum is where Henry Flagler is represented. One of the founding members of the Standard Oil Company, this Historeum takes you on a walking tour of all Flagler did from his beginning days. You can view rare moving picture footage of Key West in 1905. 

One way to enjoy Key West is to purchase a package tour, many including the Old Town Trolley excursion. You can participate in the tour then visit the Mel Fisher Museum, which features an exhibit on the 1622 Fleet, where 28 ships left Havana on their way to Spain filled with all the riches of the 1620’s and ended up sinking due to a horrific hurricane. After over 300 years had passed, Mel Fisher developed an idea of how to find the treasures from the ocean floor, and now the museum is displaying his discoveries. Or just relax on a Glass Bottom Sunset Cruise where you can see sea creatures of all kinds swimming underneath you while you enjoy a wonderful Key West sunset. 

If you have any questions regarding historical Key West, or are interested in real estate in the area, feel free to contact me! I look forward to hearing from you!

Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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Which Waterfront Property is Perfect for You?

Waterfront properties are one of the best selling homes in Key West. One of the biggest struggles is deciding which type of waterfront home is best for you. What do you like to do in the water? Is your ideal day filled with relaxing on the dock and fishing, or would you prefer to be out on your boat participating in water sports?

There are two main types of waterfront homes in Key West. One type is living on the Gulf of Mexico. For residents that like to take their speed boats out and spend their summer days outside this is a prime location. The Gulf is also a perfect location for residents that are interested in catching a wide variety of fish.

Another example of Key West real estate on the water is buying home on one of the area’s many lakes. This is a location for residents who prefer their boats to be powered manually rather than by an engine.  Whether you are interested in exploring the lake alone in your kayak or with friends in a canoe, the lake front is wonderful for either. 

For residents that can’t decide which waterfront they prefer, owning a home on the lake, but close to the Gulf is also an option. Spending your weekdays relaxing and watching the lake, and then going out to the Gulf on the weekends to have a good time is a great way to balance your needs. 

An important factor in buying this type of home is how much time you will be spending there. Is this a Key West home you'll want to live in year round? Or do you plan on only spending time here during the summer? The Gulf is a wonderful place to stay in the summers, with many families and other residents coming out and socializing while cruising on their boats. 

Some other deciding components are how public is the land you are living on. Do you want other residents to be able to come and play in the area you consider your backyard? Or do you just want family and close friends to experience it with you? What kind of beach area is best, a sandy warm comfortably easing into the water, or a grassy area to throw down a blanket and have a picnic?

No matter what type of waterfront you decide on, spending your days on any type of water is great for a Key West home. If you have any questions or are interested in a home in Key West, feel free to contact me!

Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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How to Spend Your Summer in Key West

Among the wonderful Key West events every summer, there are many other memorable places to go to in town. With over 250 restaurants and water sports available on a daily basis, residents are likely to be found enjoying their summer celebrating the history and community they have built.  

On a warm summer night as the sun is falling go to Hogfish bar and grill to enjoy live entertainment and sit on the beach as you enjoy their fresh seafood. Hogfish has been a restaurant most residents can’t pass up. Referring to themselves as an area with the old-Keys environment, this quaint restaurant makes you feel at home with the comfortable décor and atmosphere.

When residents are looking for the new feel of Key West they travel towards The Lazy Gecko, where patrons have a choice of 12 different frozen daiquiris. This party bar serves up deli-style sandwiches and pizza while providing specials almost every day of the week. Happy hour starts and ends here for a Key West resident ending their work day.

If you are looking to spend time outside enjoying the beautiful weather, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is where you may find yourself. Originally built in the 1800’s to protect the southeastern border during wars such as the Civil War and Spanish-American War, this park is now home to bicyclists and guided tours through the historic area. 

For Key West residents that like a bit of thrill in their lives, Key Largo Parasail is a frequently visited spot. Whether you want to be 500 feet above the ocean or 1000 feet is your choice. Fly alone, with one other person, or in a set of three. This local attraction is a great way to spend your sunny days. 

If there is any information you would like about Key West, feel free to contact me! I look forward to hearing from you!

Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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How to Make Your Key West Home More Valuable

When selling a Key West home most homeowners believe that making renovations to their home will improve its value. But, is that true? It has been shown that updates do help, but not all updates. When selling a Key West Home there are rooms that should be left as is, and rooms that should be added to in order to make the home more desirable to all home buyers.

Don’t Update:
First, working from home is a great benefit for a job, saves you money on gas and gives you more time to spend with the family. However, not everyone works from home so putting thousands of dollars into remodeling a home office may not pay off in the long run. The built in shelves and hardwood flooring is great if you spend 90% of your time in that room, but if the person interested in your home will only be spending 10% of their time in the room, then the flooring and other amenities will not be important to them. 

Do Update:
When purchasing a home, one of the first rooms the buyer is eager to see is the kitchen; a room that they will probably spend the majority of their time in, whether entertaining, or just making a casual meal.  For a home that is coming equipped with appliances, having stainless steel appliances and refrigerator are essentials and something buyers are willing to spend more on. 

Don’t Update:
The master bedroom suite is by far one of the most relaxing rooms in Key West Real Estate, but as a home buyer, the comfort of the room is more important than the extra sitting room to the side or the marble countertops that are in the master bathroom. The bedroom is not a place for entertaining so when remodeling, focus more on comfort and less on the fancy upgrades. 

Do Update:
In the Key West area siding on a home is very important. If trying to sell a home that has faded, old, or broken siding, it will benefit you to replace it. The outside appearance of a home is equally as important as the inside appearance. When looking at the home the home buyers do not want to see stains or dents in their new home. Spending some money on putting up new siding will definitely pay off at the closing.

If you have any questions on how to increase the value of your Key West home, feel free to contact me and ask! I’d be more than happy to help you get the best value for your home. I hope to hear from you soon!

Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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The Top Five Reasons to Live in the Florida Keys!

As a Florida Keys real estate professional, a large part of my job is to sell the area I service as rigorously as I sell the properties within it. The more drawn to an area a buyer is, the more likely it is that they will potentially buy a home there. In order for me to successfully serve my seller clients and get Florida Keys home buyers interested in purchasing their property, I have to be knowledgeable about my area and forthcoming about what makes the area such a great place to live.

Throughout my many years of service as a Florida Keys real estate agent, I have discovered that there are quite a few qualities that distinguish the area as a great place to live and work. These are the five that those who relocate here find to be the most enticing:

The weather. This one seems too obvious, but think about it: instead of being stuck with snow flurries and icy winds, wouldn’t you rather be somewhere that is mild year-round? Sure, we have a hurricane season, but overall the sun shines and the weather is perfect for sitting poolside. You really CAN live in paradise, should you choose to move to the Florida Keys.

There is plenty of housing available. I’ll be the first one to admit that housing in the Florida Keys isn’t terribly affordable. The real estate here is expensive, but when you’re in such close proximity to the ocean, prices will be higher than average. The good news is that there is a variety of housing options available, so you can find one that works in your price range. Real estate agents are abound in the keys, and they can help you find a nice place. Alternative housing styles, like boat living, are common, and there are several distressed properties on the market if you’re looking for something a little less expensive.

The employment rate is high. There are plenty of jobs up for grabs in the Florida Keys area, so you need not worry about finding employment. Our tourism industry is strong, and as a result many different types of local businesses thrive year-round. The “Mom and Pop” stores do well in our area. There are always businesses for sale, and you’ll find a lot of work opportunities out here.

It’s ideal for those who prefer an active OR relaxed lifestyle. One of the greatest components of living in the Florida Keys is that they’re islands. You are surrounded by water. This is the ideal climate for a variety of people. Whether you have an adventurous streak and want to partake in the variety of water sports offered in the area or you would rather have a relaxing ocean view and peaceful day at the beach, you can find it in the Keys.

There is always something to do. “Boredom” is not a word that you hear associated with our area. Festivals, races and fishing tournaments keep the calendar full of fun-filled events all year round, so if you’re looking for something to do, you need only look at what the Keys have planned next. The vibrant and vivacious lifestyle found in the area creates an upbeat and positive atmosphere. It makes living here nothing short of a blast.

If you have any questions about what life is like in the Florida Keys, don’t hesitate to contact me and ask! I’d be happy to share all of the information that I have with you and help you find the right home for your lifestyle and needs. I hope to hear from you soon!

Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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Pick The Right Agent To Sell Your Key West Home!

There are plenty of adequate real estate agents in the Key West area, but when it comes to selling your home on today’s tricky real estate market, you don’t want a good agent. You want a great one. The only way to ensure that your Key West real estate transaction goes smoothly and according-to-plan is to hire a professional with a lot of experience and a thorough knowledge of the area. As a Florida Keys real estate professional, I have come across agents who are both good and great, and I know what steps to take to find a superior one.

Even if I’m not the agent that you choose to work with, I still want to help you and the people in my community find the right person for the job. Selling your home on the Key West real estate market is no easy task, but if you do the necessary preliminary work to find the right agent, they will take care of the rest and get the job done right. Here are a few things to do to find the right real estate agent:

Find some potential prospects. Whether you choose to peruse agent databases like Trulia, Zillow and Realtor.com or get referrals from friends and neighbors, you need to come up with a list of options of people to interview for the chance to sell your home. Giving yourself options will ensure that you find the right person for the job, and it will allow you to measure whom would be the best fit for your transaction. Limit your search to agents with credentials that match your needs to further guarantee quality service.

Make sure you ask the tough questions. You are looking to hire someone to sell your home. This is a huge deal, and you need to be able to trust the professional who will take this on for you. Basically, now is not the time to be skimping on the difficult questions. Your Florida Keys real estate agent should be intimately involved with your neighborhood and know every nook and cranny. The right professional will also offer you constructive advice and guidance and a complete marketing plan.

Find out who the agent is working for. Many real estate agents attempt to utilize dual agency, or work on the behalf of both the buyer and the seller. This isn’t a bad thing, necessarily, but you might feel more at ease if the person you hire is working only on your behalf. Clarify their agency before you hire them so you understand what you’re getting yourself in to within the transaction.

Does your agent have any backup? Agents who work alone might be qualified to get the job done, but it’s hard for them to be great when they have to take care of everything themselves. It would be ideal if your real estate agent had some sort of assistant or marketing team helping them out with administrative tasks. This is a clear sign that they will have the time to work for you and on the major components of your transaction, as they will have people taking care of the more menial tasks on their behalf.

Make sure you sign the right contract. Different types of properties sell at different rates, so you want to make sure that you’re signing a contract that makes sense for your particular property. If you have a high-end home, it’s not uncommon for an agent to ask for a year to get your property off the market. For more moderately-priced homes, 3-6 months is normal. It’s important to discuss this with your agent early-on to have an understanding of what to expect during the process.

If you follow these five steps carefully, I’m confident that you will find a great real estate agent to assist you in buying your Key West home. My many years of experience living and working as a Key West real estate agent have taught me that these are the steps that sellers SHOULD be taking when they’re looking for someone to help them sell their home. It’s important to start your transaction off on the right foot, and this process can help you do that.

If you have any questions about selling your Key West home, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d be happy to meet with you and give you some advice. I hope to hear from you soon!


Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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Your Events Roundup for the Florida Keys!

One of the best parts of living in the Florida Keys is the vast array of events that seem to fill up the calendar each year. It really inserts a sense of community into what is commonly known as a group of tourist towns. Over my several years of living and working as a Key West real estate agent I have always made it a priority to emphasize the bustling activity surrounding the Keys. People want to move to an area where there are a lot of things to do and where they have an opportunity to interact with their community on a regular basis, and the lifestyle in the Florida Keys definitely provides that.

As we enter the second half of May, (can you believe how time has been flying by this year?), I thought that I’d highlight a few of the more interesting, upcoming events happening in the Florida Keys:

Finito, The Dream is Real-A Comedy, Variety, Burlesque Musical
Running May 16th-June 2nd
The Red Barn Theatre, Key West
If you’re someone who considers a staged, theatrical performance an ideal outing, than this upcoming Key West production is perfect for you. Entering into the depths of TV and movie-land, this roundup of has-beens, icons and legendary songs will have you laughing out loud. Key West Burlesque is known for providing some great entertainment, and this show will be no exception!

Key Largo’s Original Music Festival
May 17th-May 20th
Calling all music lovers! This three day festival showcasing original singers and songwriters in the area will feature live entertainment, unique performances, great food and enjoyable ambiance. Presented by the Upper Keys Business Group, this weekend-long event will be the perfect time for Key Largo locals to see what some of the island has to offer.

Keys 100-Prostate Cancer Benefit Races
May 19th-May 20th
Athletes who train hard and dedicate themselves to a cause as great as this one deserve to be recognized! This fantastic trio of ultra-marathon road races, including an individual 50-mile race, an individual 100-mile race and a 100-mile team relay, give active locals in Key West and Key Largo the opportunity to benefit the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys. Find some time to cheer for those who are training hard for this super-active event!

Southernmost Car Show and Festival Weekend
May 25th-May 28th, Key West
Presented by the First Class Petty Officer Association Naval Air Station, this annual car show commemorates the birthday of the U.S. Navy. This year, help celebrate 237 years of dedicated service to our country by checking out some fantastic cars and participating in other entertaining festivities throughout the weekend. It’s a great way to ring in Memorial Day weekend, and you’ll get to pay tribute to one of our country’s most important organizations!

Whether you’re an automobile aficionado, an active athlete, or prefer to spend time watching local talent perform, there is something happening this month in the Florida Keys that you will be able to enjoy. As a Key West real estate agent, I take it upon myself to stay in-the-know about local events in order to promote our area as an active and vibrant community. One of the biggest benefits of living in the Florida Keys is the full events calendar, and this month is no exception.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the various communities in the Florida Keys, or you’re thinking about relocating to the area, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d be happy to give you some more information. I hope to hear from you soon!


Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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What Do the Latest Employment Numbers Mean for the Key West Housing Market?

As a real estate agent in the Key West, FL area who specializes in foreclosures and short sales, I make it a point to follow statistics and updates about our national economy. My industry is directly impacted by how many people can buy or sell a home in the area. My Key West foreclosure and short sale clients are also directly impacted by the economy, as their job security and monthly income is determined by the state of the job market nationally.

This month, many experts have spoken out about the latest employment numbers and are attempting to speculate about what this can mean for the future of our national economy and housing market. As a Key West real estate agent, I thought that I’d compile a few facts highlighting some of the latest figures and draw a few conclusions about what’s to come. That way, you can decide whether or not now is the best time to buy or sell your Florida Keys home or decide whether or not going through a Key West short sale or foreclosure is something that you need to consider.

•    The economy added 115,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate dropped to 8.1%.
•    Economists expected payrolls to grow by 165,000 by April, but they have only grown by 154,000 as of the end of March.
•    The private sector added 130,000 jobs.

These facts suggest that while there have been signs of a national economic recovery, there will be some fear that this will slow down and eventually wither off. I think that despite the fact that job growth is slowing slightly and the projected numbers are somewhat off, growth is growth, and that while we are seeing some signs of a slow spring, the numbers may pick back up in late summer and early fall. The unemployment rate has also decreased, suggesting that more people are getting jobs and able to provide for their families than recent years. A lot of the drop-off could also be the result of a warmer winter nationally. That got more people out looking for jobs during a time when there is normally a lull, resulting in sluggish activity now that spring has come.

As a Key West real estate agent, I look at these numbers and the conclusions that I can draw from them and ask myself, “What does this mean for the housing market?” and “How will this affect my clients?” While I can’t predict the future, I can take the latest numbers and make some speculations. More job growth and increased unemployment rates, no matter how slow, has been imperative in the market showing more signs of home buyer and seller activity nationally. We even entered a brief “seller’s market” in which home values were on the rise, buyers were more active and people were getting more for their homes. The most recent national housing surveys for April will indicate that consumer sentiment is improving toward the housing market, suggesting that buyer activity will remain strong and sellers will be more enthusiastic about putting their home on the market.

As a Key West real estate agent, I follow these national statistics in order to prepare myself and my clients for what factors will ultimately affect their decision to buy or sell a home. I also work with clients who need to go through a Key West foreclosure or short sale and may be struggling financially due to economic turmoil. These numbers help me prepare myself for what to expect and communicate to my clients whether or not now is a great time to buy or sell a home. Based upon the latest numbers, I think that now is an ideal time to consider entering into a transaction on the Key West real estate market.

If you have any questions about how to start buying or selling a home in Key West, feel free to contact me at any time. I’ll use my experience and knowledge about the local housing market and I’ll guide you through the entire process. I hope to hear from you soon!


Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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Prepare Your Key West, FL Home For Sale This Spring!

Nationally, home buyer activity is at a high this spring, and that in turn has motivated sellers in the Key West area to put their homes on the market sooner. Despite the fact that activity is up, it is still a challenge to sell a home in this market. As a Key West real estate agent, I use my years of experience and skill in successfully closing many transactions to give my seller clients an edge. I let them know what they can do to prepare their home for showings in a way that will place it competitively among other homes for sale in the area. If they know how to make their home optimal to today’s buyer as they’re preparing to sell it, then my clients will find that their home will be sold quickly, successfully and for the best value possible.

There are a number of things that you can do to start preparing your Key West home for sale. Here are some suggestions that will not only whip your home into shape, but will make today’s choosiest of home buyers line up to make you an offer:

•    Amp up your landscaping. Curb appeal is a huge part of what initially reels a buyer in and makes them interested in a property. The more appealing your home is on the outside, the more likely people will want to go inside and have a look around. A large part of achieving a fantastic home exterior is clean, neat and aesthetically-pleasing landscaping, so make sure to make that a priority as you prep your Key West home for sale.

•    Clean up the outside. Clean your gutters and pressure-wash your home’s siding. A freshly cleaned exterior makes your property look well-maintained and newer. Having debris in the gutters will make things look sloppier and neglected, so don’t forget to focus on making the outside shine as much as the inside.

•    Make all repairs early. A Key West home buyer will catch what needs to be repaired, and that will affect your offer and even make some people a little bit nervous about bidding on your home. By addressing all the issues early-on, you’re putting a buyer’s mind at ease and keeping the value of your home intact.

•    Make the front door inviting. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your home’s entryway will add a cheerful element to the exterior and make it look more inviting to buyers. Add a fresh Welcome mat and make the pathway clear to the doorway in order to take your entrance to the next level.

•    Remove clutter and personal touches. When a Key West home buyer walks through a home for the first time, they’re not going to be tempted to make an offer unless they can envision themselves living in your home. This is difficult to do with your clutter and personal family items all over the house. Since you’re going to be moving out anyway, look at this as a great time to start putting things away and packing things up. That way, your home will look neat and inviting without looking too overpersonalized.

These quick suggestions are ones that are often overlooked by many sellers in the Key West area, so implementing them early-on will give you an edge on the competition. As a Key West real estate agent, I consider it my job to guide my clients through this process, and I always recommend these quick fixes in order to whip their homes into shape.

If you have any questions about preparing your Key West home for sale, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’m here to help guide you in any way that I can. I hope to hear from you soon!


Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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Welcome to the Key West Real Estate Blog!

If there is one element of being a Key West real estate agent that I enjoy most, it is being viewed as a trusted resource to the people in my community. Whether they need information about buying or selling a home in the Florida Keys or are wondering what events are coming up for the month, they know that they can rely on me to tell them everything that they need to know. My many years of experience and success in the Key West real estate market has stemmed from a variety of factors, but the one that I pride myself most on is my ability to keep the lines of communication open with my clients at all times. I feel that it is important to manage the expectations of my clients by acting as not only a guide through the real estate market in the Florida Keys, but also as an educator. The more my clients know about the transaction that they are entering in to, the better prepared they will be. In my opinion, superior customer service is a direct result of open communication, which is why I make myself accessible on Facebook, LinkedIn and now, my blog.

My primary goal to starting a blog that focuses on the real estate market in Key West and the Florida Keys is to be the professional in the area who you can view and trust as a go-to resource for your housing and community needs. Each week, I will be posting updates about the Key West real estate market, the Florida Keys real estate market, national and local housing statistics, buyer and seller tips and community updates. This well-rounded approach to my blog postings is designed to showcase both my knowledge of the area and my expertise in the local real estate market. I hope to show that I have the experience required to fulfill your buyer, seller or distressed property needs. The more information that you have about the area and the transaction you are looking to complete, the easier you will be able to utilize my services to navigate the market.

I plan on posting to this blog weekly, so you can check back often for the latest news in Florida Keys housing and community events. I strongly believe that my years of experience living and working as a Key West real estate agent will prove to be helpful to you as you begin your next transaction. The variety of information that I will be providing in these updates can be used as a go-to resource as you prepare to relocate to Key West or enter a Florida Keys real estate transaction. My emphasis is education. The more knowledgeable you are as you go in to a situation, the better prepared you will be. If I can help you be confident and prepared, then I will do so!

While I love listening to my clients’ feedback about what they’re looking for out of a buyer or seller transaction, I do feel that it’s important to give them accurate and correct information that will help them make the best decisions possible for their own situation. If this blog can help buyers or sellers in the Key West area make an informed, well-thought out decision, then I will feel as though I have done my job well. Checking back often to see what’s new will only allow you to access more wonderful information whenever you’d like.

If you have any questions about relocating to the Florida Keys, starting your next Key West real estate transaction, or would like to know more about the area, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d be happy to help you in any way that I can. I hope to hear from you soon!


Melva Wagner
Sellstate Island Properties
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Experts Respond to January Home Sales Report

In response to data released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) on Wednesday, experts overall agreed the housing market is heading towards recovery but advised certain factors need to be taken into consideration when analyzing the numbers. For the responses from Capital Economics, IHSGlobal Insight, and Moody Analytics, click here.

Short Sales Bring 24% Greater Returns than Foreclosures

The real estate professionals at Massachusetts-based McGeough Lamacchia Realty have been proponents of short sales for quite some time, insisting that everyone comes out ahead when a short sale is achieved as opposed to a foreclosure. Now they’re sharing the facts that back up their claim. For more on the facts, click here.

Plans to Involve Private Investors Lessen Role of Fannie and Freddie

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released a three-part goal Tuesday to phase out the dominant role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and allow for more private investors into the mortgage industry. For more on the goals, click here.

Proposed Bill to Speed Up Short Sale Process and Prevent Foreclosure

To avoid losing homes to foreclosure due to long response times for short sale transactions, three senators introduced legislation to speed up the short sale process. For more information on the bill, click here.

Banks Respond to Robo-Signing Settlement

While the $25 billion settlement between five of the nation’s largest servicers and 49 of the state attorneys general awaits approval from a judge, there is some relief in the industry that the 16 months of investigation and negotiation has come to a close. For more details about the mortgage settlement, click here.

Home Values Declined 1.1% in Fourth Quarter

Zillow forecasts home values will be on the decline through December 2012, but the decrease will be smaller than in 2011. Home values in the U.S. fell in the fourth quarter, with the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) sinking 1.1 percent after a less significant decline for the two previous quarters. For more on the The Seattle-based company’s forecast, click here.

Number of 'Improving' Housing Markets Expands to Nearly 100

The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement expanded by 29 metros in February to include a total of 98 markets listed on the Improving Markets Index published monthly by First American and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Thirty-six states are now represented by at least one market on the list. For more on the market improvements, click here.

Home Prices Start Year With 2.6% Annual Drop

Data through the end of January released by Clear Capital Monday shows home prices in the U.S. are down 2.6 percent from a year ago. For more on the story, click here.

Administration Revamps HAMP to Reach More Borrowers

Changes announced Friday to the administration’s Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) are expected to extend relief to a larger share of struggling homeowners as well as renters, according to federal officials. For more about the changes, click here.

Homes Backing GSE Mortgages Post 1% Price Gain in November

Data released this week by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) show purchase prices of homes backing mortgages that have been sold to or guaranteed by Fannie Maeand Freddie Mac rose 1.0 percent between October and November. For more data, click here.

Loan Modifications on the Decline

As robo-signing reviews reach completion, servicers are beginning to work through some of their foreclosure backlogs, according to a third-quarter report from Moody's Investor Service. Moody’s reports that as servicers work through the bulk of their delinquencies, modifications are on the decline. For more on this loan modifications story, click here.

Vacant Foreclosures Saddle Local Communities With High Costs

A recent study from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that non-seasonal vacant properties across the United States rose 51 percent over the span of a decade, from nearly 7 million in 2000 to 10 million in April 2010. For more on the study and what it means for the housing and foreclosure market, click here.

Number of 'Improving' Housing Markets Nearly Doubles

The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement nearly doubled in January, with the addition of 40 new metros to the Improving Markets Index put out by First American and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). For more on the improving numbers, including specific markets, click here.

Home Prices Down in 2011, but Market Stability Forecast for 2012

While year-over-year home price measurements notched down in 2011, prices are expected to see a slight uptick in 2012, according to Clear Capital. For more information on possible changes in the trend, click here.

Shadow Inventory and REOs Loom Over National Recovery

Several financial sectors suggest economic stabilization and growth, but the nation’s housing market continues to dampen overall conditions, according to the credit bureau Equifax. For more on this ongoing trend, click here for the full article.