The year is coming to an end

I hope you all had happy Holidays with your loved ones around!
As difficult as it is to get into the Christmas spirit when the sun is shining and people are laying by the Pool, as beautiful is the wintertime in the Florida Keys.
Before I lived in the Keys I resided on Anna Maria Island which is close to Sarasota but even there it would get a little chilly in the wintertime.

I'll keep this short as I am heading to my office.

These are all new listings since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071227170101114371000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These are all properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071227170315403041000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties closed:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071227170429032773000000&s=6&id=1">Click

I wish you all a great end of the year!

Nine under contract within the first month!

A little while ago I told you about 'Fractionals' in particular about Fishermans Cove (To jump to that entry: http://veepka.blogspot.com/2007/10/what-is-fractional-ownership.html )

I just received the information that nine units are under contract. The first eight units were sold for 299K; the price is now 329K and will be raised again when the next eight units are sold.

I am not surprised that the sales at Fishermans are going well; the concept truly makes sense and the units would appeal to the most discriminating buyer. For those of you who know me: you are well aware that I am familiar with every condo development in the upper Keys and in my opinion Fishermans Cove units surpass every other condo. At 2400 SF the units are larger than any other condo and the 10ft high ceilings add to a 'home feeling' ;the views from every unit can only be described as breathtaking.

Check out the interior:

As an owner you are entitled to services that again succeed any other condo complex:

Upon arrival you can call in the groceries you would like to have stocked, you have the use of a 26ft boat with no additional cost, 'room' service is available as well as poolside service and much more!

I cannot think of a better proof that this is a good value than nine of the units already being under contract!

If you would like more info on Fishermans Cove or a tour of the property, please contact me. You will be impressed!

Canalfront homes starting at 559K!

Needless to say that waterfront homes are the best investment on an island; after all that is the main attarction: The water and the accessebility!
Two/three years ago it was hard to find a canalfront home below one million in the upper Keys. With the inventory being currently so flooded there are now some good deals out there.
Check out these canalfront homes below 80oK:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071205211619726797000000&s=6&id=1">Click

If you are somewhat familiar with the Keys you know that one of the greatest challenges is to obtain a building permit. Therefor vacant land WITH a permit comes at prime prices and is hard to find. Construction cost in the Keys for a Concrete Block house is between 250 and 400 Dollars.
That means that a 1400 Square Foot home costs between 350K and 560K. Many people opt to purchase a 'tear down' property because they can replace the house (Ergo it is sort of like buying a piece of land with a permit). When you consider these facts, it becomes clear that a canalfront home below 800K ready to occupie is a rather good buy! Please call me if you'd like any more info on any of these homes!

And here the usual updates:
These are all properties that have come on the market since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071205213014802997000000&s=6&id=1">Click

these are all properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071205213225039608000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071205213352468627000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Yes, there is more activity in the past 10 days!
Thanks for reading my blog!

How was the turkey?

Hello everybody,
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving with family and friends! I brined the turkey for the first time this year and I think it was worth the effort.
Now it's back to work for all of us; so here I am writing my blog:
How about a condo for Christmas? Avoid the crowds and give me a call! :)

These are all new listings since my last post:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071126170722185904000000&s=6&id=1

all listings that have gone under contract:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071126170918492126000000&s=6&id=1

and all properties that sold:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071126171038838653000000&s=6&id=1

Please let me know if you or anybody you know is looking for Real Estate or if you have any questions!

The bottom of the market

"I am waiting for the market to hit bottom!" That's what I hear lately from a lot of my buyers. When is the bottom of the market here? Nobody will know until AFTER the turn. Bottom will be there for a short moment; after all it's a full circle and once it hits bottom it will be on the upswing. Is the bottom here now? I don't know myself to be honest and neither does anybody else. I do know this: The Keys are a unique market with a very limited supply of Real Estate and actual sales prices have not made the same drop as Real Estate in most other areas. There are not a lot of distress sellers in the Keys. Period!What has dropped are the asking prices! Asking prices are no longer 'any number in the sky' but a number based on previous sales and not on inflated prices on houses on the market that are not selling. I have buyers calling me telling me how amazed they are by how much prices have dropped because a house that was for sale for 2,5 Million a year ago, is now on the market for 1,7 Million. That is not a price drop; that is a seller who woke up; realizing that his property never was worth 2,5 Million even at the height of the market!Yes, it is true that actual sales prices have dropped somewhat but not drastically. What is definitely true is that properties have not appreciated over the past couple of years in the Keys. We were used to prices going up between 10-30% annually.No matter where you look mediawise: Real Estate is not doing too well! It is a buyers market (More sellers than buyers make a buyers market) . Buyers feel that they should be able to get one heck of a deal now and that is true in most markets in the US. Not so much here: I have written many very low offers in the past year only to find out again and again that sellers are not willing to sell their property for much less than the last likewise property has sold for.I met a good friend of mine yesterday evening, an appraiser in the Keys for the past 22 years, and I asked him if he thought that we are at the bottom of the market and he immediately answered "Yes, I think so". Maybe he is not right; we won't know until the turn has been made.My point is that this is indeed a great time to buy and sooner or later the bottom was/is here and will be... gone ....The market was somewhat similar to what it is now when I started working in the Keys and I saw just how quickly the market can change once it is on the upswing. I cannot tell you how many times I heard "I should have bought a couple of years ago" .... don't let that be you in a couple of years!

These are the new listings that have come on the market since my last blog:Click'>Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071114001925545537000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These properties have gone under contract:
Click'>Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071114002051102588000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these listings were sold:
Click'>Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071114002157139640000000&s=6&id=1">Click

I hope you all are well and thanks for reading my blog!

Perfect weather in the Keys!

This is what I call 'good mood weather'. The sun is shining; it is not too hot and not cold at all! It's snowing in Buffalo! I'll be going on a bike ride in a bit!

I walked the site of Fishermans Cove the other day and I was more than impressed! The units are beautiful with high ceilings and breathtaking views! The Pool area with the Cabanas mirrors a Luxury resort; If you are down here; give me a call and I will walk the property with you and show you the units!
I sincerely think that this a great concept to own a vacation property with unlimited use. (Call me for detail!)

Now, if you are looking for a house; there are some deals right now! Please call or e-mail me and I will e-mail you some good deals!

These are the new listings since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071109171433707895000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These listings have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071109171620637547000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties were sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071109171817577434000000&s=6&id=1">Click
If you are not down here; hurry and come on down! Good mood awaits you!

What is a fractional Ownership

It's a popular new concept and something different than a condotel (see my last post). Fractional ownership is just what it says: You own a Fraction of a whole! There is a new development in Key Largo (Fishermans Cove), anticipated to be completed December '07 : There are 6 residences and each residence is sold by 1/8th. The first six buyers will be able to purchase such fractional ownership for 295K (After that prices will be between 350K to 450K) with a refundable reservation fee of 5K!Here some general info: 6 well appointed residences • Fee-Simple deeded real estate • 1/8ownership3 BR/3BA fully furnished • 2300 sq ft. living space • 450 sq ft.private balcony Waterfront luxury residences, overlooking a tropical lagoon pool,and the pristine Gulf of MexicoWith NO maintenance or hassles…all at a fraction of the cost ofwhole ownership!Amenities & hospitality services you would expect from a 5-starresort Roof top owners’ retreat plunge pool The Big Chill Restaurant and Bar (with room service)Usage of 2008 fully maintained Club Boats & Dockage (Provisioned, fuel; stocked with bait, food, beverages, deliveredto your dock)Private cabanas with flat screens & butler service Membership to The Marina Club adjacent to propertyConcierge ServicesPre-arrival grocery shoppingPersonalized storage lockersHD TV/DVD in LR & all bedrooms with DVD library Fitness Center, Spa treatment room & servicesDaily HousekeepingAll utilities included: (cable, phones, Wi-Fi, electrical, gas, water & sewer, PLUS allreal estate taxes & insurance)A truly carefree vacation ownership with NO hassles ormaintenance! HOA monthly dues $824.00!No lodging or initiation fees!
Not too bad for 295K!
There is no restriction in the amount of time you can use the property; there are rules to reservation procedures etc. that ensure fair use for all owners.
If this sounds interesting to you or if you know of anybody who would like some further info; please give me a call: 305-393-0923! Makes sense to me!

Here are the new properties that have come on the market since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071018180247228916000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071018180422177471000000&s=6&id=1">Click
Price changes since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071018180540855194000000&s=6&id=1">Click

What do I buy at Cheeca?

Several people have asked me what one actually purchases at Cheeca: You purchase a condo; fee simple! The units for sale at Cheeca are not timeshares; you have a deed to your property.
This is how it works: When you purchase a unit at Cheeca you agree to let Cheeca continue to rent the property. Cheeca receives 55% of the rental income; you 45% (10% of the 55% are actually credit card and travel agency fees). You have the right to use the property 28 days out of the year. These days can be consecutive days or split up however it suits you. If you decide to occupy the unit for more than 28 days, you may do so and pay the 55% rental fee to Cheeca.Because Cheecas occupancy rate is 80% and and it is a luxury hotel with all the ammenities (Visit www.Cheeca.com) Cheecas generates a higher rental income than most other rental properties. Condotels are a relatively newer product in the Real Estate Market place and definitely something to consider!
These properties have come on the market since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071015164452243085000000&s=6&id=1">Click
these properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071015164742197811000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Please contact me if you would like additional information.

I am waiting to see what the RE market will do.

Again and again I hear these words from potential buyers and with the news we hear day in day out in the media regarding the Real Estate market; I can't blame them!

This is the 'problem': we do not have a lot of sellers in distress in the Keys ergo sellers are not willing 'to give their property away'. They rather hold onto their property until the market comes back and it will; That is the nature of the Real Estate market in the long run. Most properties down here are second homes and let's be honest; most people who own a vacation home in the Keys are not starving. Once in a while -seldom- we do have a sale that was one heck of a deal for the buyer. Most of the time in those few cases, the owner had purchased the property many years ago for a now unbelievable price and is still walking away with a considerable amount of cash in their pocket. Prices have dropped in the Keys, most definitely, but they have not plummeted! Asking prices have finally adjusted themselves to market value and are no longer 'pick a number, the sky is the limit'.

Here are the distress sellers: The buyers who purchased in the last two years anticipating to flip the property, thinking that they were not going to own the property longer than a couple of years. They entered into interest only mortgages; That interest only time period is up, the houses have not sold because values have not gone up over the time of their ownership and they are now drowning in higher mortgage payments for properties they did not anticipate to own so long. A 'short sale' is an option in that case. It means that the bank is willing to satisfie the mortgage with a lesser amount. But even when you look at the short sales available for sale: they are no steals; they are a good value many times, sometimes they are not even that if the owner paid way too much for the property a couple of years ago. Back then some buyers were willing to pay 'anything' just to get their foot in the booming Real Estate market. Hey, even developers did that and you'd think that they'd be more cautious with huge numbers!

This is a great time for buyers with the inventory being so flooded! You are much more likely to negotiate a good price for a property letting owners know that you are shopping the lowest price and ready to buy now. What matters in the end is not the asking price of a property but what you are actually paying! As the buyer you are currently in the drivers seat; Nobody knows how much longer that is going to last but I am pretty sure that once the Real Estate market takes a turn, we are going to see yet again what we saw over the past ten years; a great increase in property values and many buyers who wish they had bought now. The Keys are unique and different than any market in the US. An Island with a Coral Reef and great weather all year long; that's never going to get old and everybody here knows that. Don't wait for the prices to drop (That is probably not going to happen much more down here), put yourself in the great position of being a buyer in this market and negotiate a great price! Sellers are much more 'reasonable' when there is a real buyer with real money ready to make a deal now!

Here are the new properties that have come on the market since my last post: Click'>Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071010163930963520000000&s=6&id=1">Click
these properties have sold: Click'>Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071010164152596251000000&s=6&id=1">Click
and these properties went under contract: Click'>Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071010164250096645000000&s=6&id=1">Click
Thanks for reading my blog!

Old friends

I apologize for not having written in a little while. My old high school friend, Babette, came and visited me for three weeks (Every time she visits she extends her stay). It is seldom that you find friends whom you can stand to have visit you for three weeks; I consider myself extremely lucky to have such a friend (Don't tell her; she'll get a bigh head!). She is getting her last bit of fun before returning to rainy cold Germany tomorrow and I am taking that bit of time to let you know what has happened in the Real Estate market: These are all properties that sold since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071003171950427658000000&s=6&id=1">Click
all properties that went under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20071003172158473511000000&s=6&id=1">Click

I hope you all are well and I'll write more frequently now! Promise!

Back to school

I think everywhere kids are back to school and things are back to 'normal'. We are having a rainy day but that's the thing when you live in the FL Keys: Rain is a welcome change once in a while (NOT a huricane, just rain!).
I have started to write a Blog in German; it's going great; I am getting quite a bit of response from it; maybe blogging is really popular in Germany. This is my German Blog, if you can read it: http://immofl.blog.de/

Here are the new listings since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070907144154619422000000&s=6&id=1">Click

This is what has sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070907144851763434000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070907145553443665000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Thanks for reading my blog and have a great weekend!

Are you on your way here?

Because lots of people will be here this weekend! I have several showings this weekend, it seems that many buyers maybe waited until school is back in session.
It should be a great weekend weather wise!
Here are my news: I have started to write a Real Estate Blog in German because I am German and the Euro is stong; this is a great time for Europeans to invest in Real Estate here. I was amazed by the response and how quickly my blog was linked to German Real Estate sites. If you can understand German, check it out:
http://immofl.blog.de/

These are all homes that have come on the market since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070830140852014778000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These are all homes that have sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070830141036069779000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070830141209227640000000&s=6&id=1">Click

If you are heading down here this weekend, drive carefully!

Auctions

I went to a seminar about Real Estate Auctions yesterday. Auctions seem to be getting more popular ergo I should know more about them.
This is the information I took away: Auctions are only a good idea for sellers that are truly ready to sell and are willing to sell at Market Value (Market Value, not 'But last year I could have gotten ... Value'). There are absolute auctions which means that there is no reserve and the property will be sold to the highest bidder no matter how low that highest bid is. That can be risky for the seller but it generates more potential interested buyers. The more bidders there are, the higher the final price will be (Most likely!).
There are also auctions at which owners can set a minimum price and will not have to sell, but CAN if they so chose to after the auction, below that price. Bidders do not know prior to bidding what that minimum price is. This generates less potential bidders but a safety net for the seller to not have to sell at a too low price.
Do I think Auctions are the way to go? Tobe honest: I have not made up my mind. It seems that it might be something to consider if a property has not been able to sell for a while and the owners are anxious to sell. At an auction the buyer pays the (usually) 6% fee to the auctioneer; the seller does not pay a commission. The seller pays advertising cost and other fees to the Auctioneer which run between 0,5 to 1% of the property value.
To consider: If the property does not sell at auction the owner is out the money he paid to the Auction company.
If you list a property and the property does not sell, the Realtor gets nothing and the owner pays nothing. But this is not a 'competition' between Listing a property or having an auction. It is another venue in a challenging Real Estate Market and I am the last to not give something new a fair shot.
If you are thinking about having an Auction or attending auctions, give me a call and I will give you more information and refer a company I trust and have worked with for many years.

Here the regular info:
Properties that have come on the market since my last post:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070821152835521738000000&s=6&id=1

Properties that have sold since my last post:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070821153039458468000000&s=6&id=1

and properties that have gone under contract:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070821153153039314000000&s=6&id=1

Thanks for reading my post and have a great week!

Let's see what happens now

The stock market isn't doing too well ..... that's usually good news for the Real Estate market ... Let's wait and see.
I have just returned from a few days in NY state (I hope you New Yorkers appreciate how beautiful your State is!); I am always amazed how friendly and helpfull New Yorkers are (Except the receptionist at the Hampton Inn in Oneonta).

Maybe this past weekend is an indication of what is to come; more, than usual, properties have gone under contract: Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070813165832618296000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These are the properties that have come on the markets since August,1st:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070813170031194250000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties have sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070813170440631271000000&s=6&id=1">Click

One more week and the kids are back to school! If you have kids or grand kids; enjoy this last week!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Some good Deals

Mini Lobster Season was here and so were many people! The roads were empty, everybody was out on the water ....except me , I was working!
Maybe you were here over Lobster Season, picked up one of the Real Estate puplications where you sad my Blog advertized: Here it is!

The following listings are all located from MM74 to MM110 (which is considered the upper Keys)
Maybe you are looking for a deal!
Here are some good Deals in condos currently listed under 500K: http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070725171306123886000000&s=6&id=1

If you are looking for a home under 400K; there are many available:
www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070726160404816849000000&s=6&id=1

You can pick up a canal front now for under 800K:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070726160651311670000000&s=6&id=1

These are all open water homes under 2 Million:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070726161549462641000000&s=6&id=1">



And for my usual readers: These are all new listings since my last blog:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070726161944814245000000&s=6&id=1

These listings have sold:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070728133120976731000000&s=6&id=1

and these properties have gonde under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070728133349270858000000&s=6&id=1">Click

I hope you are well and if you were here; I hope you all are enjoying lobster now!

Too many homes on the market!

Every day I check the new listings and everyday I am somewhat annoyed to see that there are yet 4-10 more listings each and every day priced exactly the same as all similar listings in the area that are NOT selling for that asking price! There is nothing special about the new listing that would make it stand out and sell while others listings are not selling. It's just ANOTHER home on the market; another home that is flooding the market and won't sell.
I am not saying to not put your home on the market right now, I am saying to not put your house on the market if you don't have to sell and if you are not willing to be lower in price than all other comparable properties listed. If you are not willing to price your home competitively, don't list it because it won't sell and just sit on the market. Something that is not good for any listing. The bottom line is that the few buyers that are out there know that it is a buyers market. They are expecting to get a deal and right now they can because there are so many properties available. A buyer will shop the lowest price among several listings and if a house is not well priced to begin with ; there is the likeness that a potential buyer won't even look at it.
Great time to buy! Absolutely! Not so good time to sell!
If you are a seller and just out 'fishing' to see if you would get any bites at a certain price: Please don't! We have way too much supply and little demand; in order to make this market turn and become a sellers market again, we must reduce the supply!
That's my opinion; I let your common sense decide if you agree or not.
A little example: Three month ago I spoke to an owner who wanted to list her house. I suggested a listing price below 1,1 Million. The last house I sold in the neighborhood was in much better condition than this house and sold for 1,03 Million. It sold two months ago! The owner chose to list with another agent for 1,39 Million! I will keep you up to date and tell you how long this homes will sit and sit and sit on the market and I will let you when and if it sells and how many different agents will have had it listed by that time.
I won't tell you which property it is of course.

So, what new homes ARE on the market since my last blog:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070712180153864916000000&s=6&id=1

these properties have sold:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070712180328664349000000&s=6&id=1

and these properties have gone under contract:
http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070712180534387727000000&s=6&id=1

Thanks for reading my blog and have a great day! Oh and please if you want to sell your property , please call me so I can give you a realistic idea for how much you can put your property on the market and actually sell it! A good realtor is NOT somebody who tells you what you want to hear just in order to get a listing! The value of a home is what somebody is willing to pay for it in the current market.

Ocean View

I am sitting at my desk overlooking the Ocean with a bottle of cold water, quiet jazzy music in the backround with happy people walking by because they are on vacation. I am a hard worker!
Seriously, I just love my new office and the atmosphere; please make sure to stop by and see me if you are in the area!

4th of July is on its way; it will be busy here as always;I hope you are having plans and will enjoy yourself.

On to business; here are the new listings:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070702180816662347000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These properties have sold since the 26th. of June:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070702181133245100000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070702181306336839000000&s=6&id=1">Click

That's it for today. Enjoy plenty of Hot Dogs and Burgers on the 4th; they have no calories that day!

Summer is here

Holy cow; I love it here, but it is hot right now! The upside is that the water is just stunning in the summer. That's why I really should not work at all and just be out on the water at all times ... Nah, I'd go crazy without working.

Check out what new listings we have:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070627000752554436000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and this is what has sold since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070627000915830405000000&s=6&id=1">Click

these properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070627001029936307000000&s=6&id=1">Click

I have three price reductions on three listings; both of them are a great buy at the new price:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070627001211682587000000&s=6&id=1">Click

If you are a buyer this is a good time to make some offers. 'Season' is over and some sellers are highly motivated because they were hoping that their property would sell during season.

I hope you are well and thank you for reading my blog!

I DO have an excuse

for the lack of posts lately: I actually went on a little short vacation; flew to NY drove to Boston and Cape Cod and spent half of the time on the phone saving a deal. Yes, the deal went through and I congratulate Ray and Daniela on the ownership of their beautiful new home:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070615202958054667000000&s=6&id=1">Click
It is so enjoyable to sell Real Estate in the Keys: Buyers are excited and happy, usually fulfilling a long time dream of owning property here and the 'kind' of person who enjoys the Keys is usually a laid back type with a strong sense of joi de vivre.

These are the properties that have sold from MM74 to MM110 since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070615203633238589000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and here are the new listings:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070615204629845082000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these listings have gone under contract: Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070615204953203015000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Have a great weekend and please let me know when you are ready to purchase your piece of paradise!

Great Deal!

Hello everybody,
if you are a mom I hope you had a pleasant Mothers day! I was lucky and had showings on Friday, Saturday and Monday but not Monday which allowed me to go to Cheeca to the Brunch with my son and my 'adopted' mom.

Are you looking for a deal? Here it is:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070515001953242798000000&s=6&id=1">Click
And this is not my listing so I am not just trying to sell off something from my inventory.

and here is another one:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070515002631530862000000&s=6&id=1">Click
This one is my listing but it truly is a great deal and more than 100K less than the next listing in the complex.

These are the properties that have sold since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070515002230518110000000&s=6&id=1">Click

The properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070515002342846053000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these are new properties that have come on the market:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070515002458849992000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Please keep me in mind if you are looking to sell your property or have friends that are looking to purchase something in the Keys.
And thanks for reading my blog!

It's been a while

and I apologize for that!
It's been a busy time getting settled in the new office and working with new customers. I just love my new office! How lucky I am to get to work at a beautiful place like Cheeca. I can see the Ocean from my desk! This is the first time ever that I wish that I could spend more time at the office. Most of my time is occupied being out showing property of course and that is a good thing.
Please call me and tell me if you'd like to come and see my new office; I'll make sure that I am there and I will show you around!

If you have been reading this blog regularly, here is what you really want to know: This is what has sold since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070508235555220284000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070509000442840571000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these are the new listings:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070509000626915055000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Please let me know if I can help you or answer any questions you might have regarding Real Estate and thanks for reading my blog!

I have moved to Cheeca Realty

Hello everybody,
I am no longer with Century21 and I am now with Cheeca Realty and am looking forward to serving you with the same professionalism and commitment that you are accustomed to from me.

As you all know I was with my former company for ten years and I am leaving on good terms with everybody there. I would not have made a move if I did not feel that this move is of great advantage to my customers.
Cheeca Realty is a full service Real Estate company that is affiliated with the Cheeca Lodge & Spa and Watermark Properties whose main office is in Vero Beach, Florida. The office is located at the Cheeca with an additional location in Islamorada to be announced soon . For over sixty years the Cheeca has been a well-established , trusted name in the local community and I feel privileged to have been invited to join the company and be involved from the very beginning.

Cheeca Realty is a boutique Real Estate Company with many services that go above and beyond the regular services you expect from your Realtor. From high-end brochures to a great web presence and advertising in all local Real Estate publications and a corporate Helicopter to show property, Cheeca Realty will also provide all guests in their room at Cheeca with information about the Real Estate office located in the heart of Islamorada.

I am looking forward to continue working with you and would love to show you my new office when you are in town.

My phone number remains the same: 305-393-0923 and my website will remain the same as well: www.Veepka.com

If you know of anybody who is interested in purchasing Real Estate in the Keys or wants to sell their property please pass my name, number or e-mail on to them. I am ready to get to work!

It's been a while

I apologize for not having written for a while; soon I'll tell you what is keeping me busy these days. The good part about not having written in a while, there are a lot properties that sold since my last blog; here they are:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070402154720920919000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and these are all new listings that have come on the market since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070402155503144860000000&s=7&id=1">Click

All these properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070402155636252086000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and all the new listings that have come on the market:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070402155804287118000000&s=7&id=1">Click

Let me know if you'd like any information on any of these properties and I hope you are all having a good start into the new week.

Good deals!

Maybe you are a buyer and are looking for a good deal/good value. These are the best values in condos in my opinion currently on the market:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070312233631299797000000&s=7&id=1">Click

In my next blog I will give you the best values for homes.

These are all listings that have come on the market since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070312234116478649000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and these are all properties that have sold since my last entry:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070312234231145452000000&s=7&id=1">Click

all properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070312234325270055000000&s=7&id=1">Click

Don't wait if you are in the market to buy! Please call me if I can assist you in any way in your Real Estate needs and as always: Thanks for reading my blog!

March, 5th and the sun is shining

This is THE best time of the year to be here; you can keep the windows open at night and not run the AC, and during the day it warms up and is perfect pool or boating weather.
It is also busy in Real Estate which makes this an even better time for me.

Lok at all the closings since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070306125135929366000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and all the pendings:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070306125637588756000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and all new listings:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070306125801119994000000&s=7&id=1">Click

Please check out my new listing in Executive Bay Club. This is the nicest unit I have ever seen in EBC. It is true Island living in style:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070306130009050531000000&s=7&id=1">Click

Buy now! It's the right time!
If not, have a great week anyway!

Offers, Deals and Foreclosures

Hello everybody,
It's been very busy, I've been showing properties, writing offers, getting listings ... the usual in a normal market in Real Estate. The weather is absolutely beautiful but I have not been able to enjoy it much. But that's good, I am happy! I love my work and am happiest when I am busy. (Other than spending time with my son of course).
Something a bit new down here: We are seeing a few foreclosures. That was bound to happen with the many creative ways of financing available in the last few years when the market was so hot. There are still far less foreclosures than in most other areas.

These are the properties that have closed:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070223001727769002000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and these properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070223001851102159000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and these are the new listings:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070223001953569087000000&s=7&id=1">Click

Please contact me if you are wanting to find out more about foreclosures or any other happenings in the Real Estate market.
Until next time ... thanks for reading my blog!

The sun is shining here!

I don't know if it is the cold weather up north or simply that season is in full swing now or the fact that Monday was my Birthday but it is as if somebody turned a knob on Monday and got the Real Estate market going. I have received more e-mails, phone calls and written more offers than in the past few months combined!

These are all properties that have closed since my last blog:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070215004926390835000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and look at everything that has gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070215005051972223000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and all new listings:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070215005209164649000000&s=7&id=1">Click

If you are heading down to the Keys anytime soon and would like to see some property please call me and I will gladly show you around!

New listings, pending and solds - lots of them

I apologize for having been a little slow posting on here, but it is getting busier and so am I.

So here are all the new listing since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070209005049220748000000&s=7&id=1">Click

Look at all the pendings:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070209005631642207000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and here are all the properties that have closed:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070209005740856328000000&s=7&id=1">Click

I promise that my next post will be longer and sooner; until then I wish you all a great weekend!

The pleasure of working in Real Estate in the Keys

One of the reasons why it is so enjoyable to sell Real Estate in the Keys; are the buyers! Most buyers in the Keys are buying property as a vacation home or an investement or if they move here full time they are fullfilling a life long dream. That means that they are happy people and excited about their purchase. I put a property under contract today with some buyers I have worked for over year with; they had been waiting for the right time and the right price and this was it! I like it very much when I get paid at the end of a deal but it is also a great feeling when I can tell buyers "Congratulations; they took your offer!" and I can hear or see how happy and excited they are!

These are the new listings since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070203011204449912000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and these are the properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070203011342278955000000&s=7&id=1">Click

and these properties have closed:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070203011450876201000000&s=7&id=1">Click

Now let me help you find a deal! Have a great weekend!

Look at the price changes!

Hello everybody! It's cold! But that's a nice change sometimes here in the Keys!
Look at the price changes that were entered only for today in the MLS:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070130005538333420000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These are all properties that have come on the market since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070130010040188302000000&s=6&id=1">Click

This property has closed:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070130010228443019000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Now I will have to try and stay warm and do a little more work; I wish you all a great week!

This is the time for a good deal!

Buyers are here and buyers know that it is a Buyers market! I have told you several that we have a flooded market and buyers are now making offers letting the sellers know that they are 'shopping' for the lowest price. Even though we do not have a lot of sellers in distress, some sellers are willing to take a considerably lower price (sometimes because they want to buy something somewhere else and can get a good deal somewhere else right now) and sometimes because they bought their place a few years back and are still making a considerable profit and are just ready to move on. Whatever their reason is, buyers are in a great position to purchase right now.

In the past couple of days many sellers have lowered their asking price; I am assuming that the reason for that is that it is season and sellers are trying to have the most marketable price in order to sell in this season.
These are two great deals:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070127013659496949000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Please call me if you'd like any more info on these 'deals' .

These are the new listings since my last post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070127013858154684000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these are the properties that have sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070127014045615115000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070127014219099478000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Please call me if you'd like to see any of these properties or if you'd like further info.
Have a great weekend and stay warm!

A busy weekend

Hello everybody,
I had a busy weekend, showing property and even writing an offer but we could not come to a meeting of the minds unfortunately.

I will keep this blog short but I know that some of you check on the new listing, so here they are:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070123005721583331000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These are the properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070123005959503810000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties have closed:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070123010133847367000000&s=6&id=1">Click

I hope you had a great weekend!

Nice news for me!

We received 'the numbers' for 2006 and I was the second top producer in our Islamorada office and am amongst the top 10% of all Realtors in the entire Keys. I am telling you this to let you know that I am a full time professional with results and not just a blog and a website.
I have to be honest though and admit that I am looking forward to a busier year than last; it was slower than usual for everybody, that's for sure.

Quite a few new listings as usual:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070118004707707852000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and three closed:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070118005334198765000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Please continue to check my blog; I will continue to keep you up to date!

A long weekend

and the Keys are a busy place with many visitors this weekend; the weather was perfect. I showed property every day in the past three days and am anticipating a busy week.

Many new listings have come on the market:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070115002512567235000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070115002833427063000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties have sold:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070115002957762598000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Please excuse that this is a shorter post but I have been busy as I mentioned above.
I hope to see you soon in the Keys; this is such a perfect time to visit weatherwise!

The house to buy!

Many customers of mine ask me to tell them when there is a good deal. There is a great deal out there right now and if you are looking for a waterfront home in a great neighborhood you should really take a look at this one:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070109235256055283000000&s=6&id=1">Click

The house has been on the market for a while but the owners just reduced the price by 400K!

These are all new listings that have come on the market since my past post:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070110001331093483000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these listings have closed:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070110001513118368000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these are the properties that have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070110001611147766000000&s=6&id=1">Click

As you can see more properties are selling and going under contract ... season is beginning.

Please let me assist you if you are ready to make a purchase in the Florida Keys. I'd love too help you!

What's new

Hello everybody. Another beautiful day in the Keys today, the weather could not have been better. There is more activity in general in the Keys, US 1 is the busy road it always is from January through May. A friend of mine just remarked how everybody here seems to go the speed limit (she is from New York); I think hardly anybody is in a rush once you see the water and it does its calming effect it just does on people.

Get ready for a lot of new listings since my last post:
"Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070108002145755565000000&s=6&id=1">Click

and these properties have closed since the 2nd of January:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070108002329248934000000&s=6&id=1">Click

these properties have gone under contract:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070108002449144979000000&s=6&id=1">Click

I have had a lot of phone calls in the past few days, mostly from snow birds who are back and are now ready to purchase something.

Today I showed a beautiful home in Buccaneer Pointe. It is just gorgeous but one would expect that from a 3,25 Million Dollar home. In case you are wondering what 3,25 Million gets you:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070108002817557388000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Now I am off to working a bit more and wish you all a great new week!

Good Deals!

Happy New Year everybody! I hope you got a good start and have been able to stick to your new years resolutions thus far.

I will start this blog with the updates and after that I will provide you with some links to some good deals right now.These are all new listings since my last post:
Click'>Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070103004242642639000000&s=6&id=1">Click

These properties have closed:
Click'>Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070103004821718658000000&s=6&id=1">Click

Nothing has been entered as having gone under contract in the past couple of days.

I know that I keep on telling you that prices remain stable in the Keys because we do not have a lot of distress sales. Sellers hold on to their properties before selling it for a low price because they are confident that they will be able to get their price in time.However there are some properties that are truly priced to sell. Sometimes a seller wants to buy something somewhere else and needs the funds to purchase another property; in that case a seller is more motivated to sell his/her property.We do have a flooded market right now and if a seller needs to sell quickly pricing is essential.

These are some properties that I consider to be a good deal. These are not necessarily my listings but properties listed in the MLS:

This is a home in Venetian Shores. Venetian Shores is considered to be one if not the most prestigious residential neighborhoods in Islamorada. Venetian Shores is located on the Bay side right by Snake Creek Bridge. The canals are deep and can accommodate a boat up to 60 feet. The only other neighborhood that can accommodate boats of that size is Port Largo. Ocean access could not be any closer via Snake Creek Bridge. This is a link to the listing:Click'>Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070103010002788695000000&s=6&id=1">Click

This is a condo in Mariners Club located in Key Largo on the Ocean side:
Click'>Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070103010720403363000000&s=6&id=1">Click
Mariners Club is for the discriminating buyer; everything is upscale in this fairly new complex.This unit is approx. 1700 Square Feet and has a fabulous ocean view. Take a look at the pictures you'll be impressed! Mariners Club has on site rental management and the units generate a great rental income. Daily rentals are permitted which make this a good investment purchase.

If you are looking for something lower in price, this is a 2-bedroom/2 baths condo in the Landings of Largo for 340K. The Landings is a beautiful complex at MM98 on the Bay. There is a great marina; two tennis courts, two pools and the grounds are in the process of being entirely redone. This would be a great property to get your foot in the door or to have a little getaway place:
Click'>http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20070103012406937116000000&s=6&id=1">Click

I will tell you about more deals in the next blogs. If you have any questions regarding any of these properties please don't hesitate to call me.I hope this will be a good year for all of us!