Tuesday, June 3, 2025 / by Lela Ashkarian
Why Marathon, Florida, is the Ultimate Island to Call Home
Key Colony Beach Neighborhood
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to live in a place where every neighbor waves, every beach is a postcard, and every need is just minutes away? Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves, knowing your community is not just friendly, but family.
1. The Community: Where You’re More Than a Neighbor
What if you lived somewhere people didn’t just talk about community—they lived it? In Marathon, the word “community” isn’t just a label—it’s a way of life. With frequent free events hosted by the city, you’ll find yourself attending outdoor movie nights, BBQs, and holiday celebrations, where the food is donated by local churches and businesses. When someone faces hardship, the town unites like clockwork. Fundraisers, benefit events, and helping hands aren’t exceptions—they’re expectations. Ask yourself: When wa ...
Read More
dreamhomegoalsfloridakeys, sellersindemand, chooseashkarianforresults, expertadviceforsellers, sellsmartinfloridakeys, floridakeyshomesforsale, unleashyourhome'spotential, unlockyourhomepotential, floridakeysluxurylistings, lelaashkarian, coldwellbanker, toplistingagent, discoveryourhomevalue, investmentproperitesinmarathon, smartsellersdecide, partnerwiththebest, internatioanlpresidentelite, benefitpurchasinginfloridakeys, keycolonybeachvacationrentals, marathonfloridakeys, whypurchaseinmin7daysvacationrentals
Friday, May 30, 2025 / by Lela Ashkarian
The Florida Keys luxury real estate market has undergone notable shifts from January through March 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. While the average sales price climbed to $2.9 million, up from $2.6 million, the number of sales dropped, and properties took longer to sell, with days on market rising to 104. Listing inventory also increased, and the average list price reached $3.8 million. These changes signal that the luxury segment, which had previously buoyed the overall market, is now feeling the effects of broader market headwinds that began in 20231.
A key driver behind the surge in new listings has been sellers’ desire to capitalize on historically high sale prices before further declines, combined with rising property insurance premiums and economic uncertainty. These factors, along with elevated interest rates, have made buyers more cautious, resulting in a market that is increasingly balanced or even tilting in favor of buyers. Inventory levels finally returned/ ...
Read More
dreamhomegoalsfloridakeys, sellersindemand, chooseashkarianforresults, expertadviceforsellers, sellsmartinfloridakeys, floridakeyshomesforsale, unleashyourhome'spotential, unlockyourhomepotential, floridakeysluxurylistings, lelaashkarian, coldwellbanker, discoveryourhomevalue, investmentproperitesinmarathon, smartsellersdecide, toplistingagent, partnerwiththebest, internatioanlpresidentelite, benefitpurchasinginfloridakeys
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 / by Lela Ashkarian
Best Income-Producing Property Types in the Middle Keys
1. Single-Family Homes in Marathon and Key Colony Beach
Single-family homes in Marathon and Key Colony Beach are top choices for vacation rentals due to their weekly rental allowances. Waterfront properties, particularly those on canals or with ocean access, command premium rental rates. However, note that some neighborhoods, like Stirrup Key in Marathon, have homeowner’s associations (HOAs) that prohibit short-term rentals, so always confirm HOA rules before investing.
Why Invest?
Weekly rentals maximize income during peak and off-peak seasons.
Waterfront homes attract high demand from vacationers.
Marathon and Key Colony Beach offer a relaxed, tourist-friendly vibe.
2. Half Duplexes and Full Duplexes
Duplexes and half-duplexes are especially popular in Key Colony Beach for vacation rentals. These properties offer flexibility, allowing owners to rent one or both units while potentially using the other for personal u ...
Read More
dreamhomegoalsfloridakeys, sellersindemand, chooseashkarianforresults, floridakeyshomesforsale, unlockyourhomepotential, floridakeysluxurylistings, lelaashkarian, coldwellbanker, discoveryourhomevalue, investmentproperitesinmarathon, smartsellersdecide, toplistingagent, partnerwiththebest, internatioanlpresidentelite, keycolonybeachvacationrentals, benefitpurchasinginfloridakeys, marathonfloridakeys, firstimehomebuyers, whypurchaseinmin7daysvacationrentals, ashkarianardisteam, homevalue
Friday, May 23, 2025 / by Lela Ashkarian
Do you have a clear picture of what your property could command right now?
The Florida Keys real estate market in early 2025 is defined by shifting trends and a cautious outlook, shaped by both local and national economic factors. Key market indicators such as the number of sales, average sale price, days on market, and active listings have aligned with earlier predictions of a declining market. This trend is characterized by more sellers entering the market, fewer buyers, and longer marketing times, contributing to a gradual decrease in overall sale prices.
During the first quarter of 2025, residential sales across the Keys were down 5.8%, with the Lower Keys being the only submarket to post a gain. The Middle Keys experienced a 13% decline, while the Upper Keys and Key West also decreased. Despite the overall drop in sales, the Middle Keys managed a 10% increase in average sale price, highlighting the mixed nature of the market. Active listings rose 20% Keys-wide, with every area p ...
Read More
dreamhomegoalsfloridakeys, expertadviceforsellers, sellersindemand, chooseashkarianforresults, sellsmartinfloridakeys, unleashyourhome'spotential, floridakeyshomesforsale, unlockyourhomepotential, floridakeysluxurylistings, lelaashkarian, coldwellbanker, investmentproperitesinmarathon, smartsellersdecide, toplistingagent, partnerwiththebest, homevalue
Thursday, May 22, 2025 / by Lela Ashkarian
Overpricing Your Property in the Middle Keys: Why Market Value Matters
As a top listing agent serving Duck Key, Marathon Key, and Key Colony Beach, I often hear the same question from sellers: “Shouldn’t I price my home a little higher to leave room for negotiation?” While it’s tempting to aim high, the reality is that overpricing your property is the most common mistake sellers make—and it can cost you both time and money.
The Pyramid of Buyer Interest
The graphic above perfectly illustrates the relationship between price and buyer visibility. Here’s what it shows:
At Market Value: About 60% of potential buyers will consider your property.
Above Market Value (+10% to +15%): Only 30% to 10% of buyers will look at your home.
Below Market Value (-10% to -15%): You capture the attention of 75% to 90% of buyers
Has anyone shown you what your home's true value looks like in today’s market?
What Happens When You Overprice?
Over ...
Read More
dreamhomegoalsfloridakeys, expertadviceforsellers, sellersindemand, chooseashkarianforresults, sellsmartinfloridakeys, unleashyourhome'spotential, unlockyourhomepotential, discoveryourhomevalue, floridakeyshomesforsale, floridakeysluxurylistings, lelaashkarian, toplistingagent, coldwellbanker, internatioanlpresidentelite, investmentproperitesinmarathon, partnerwiththebest, smartsellersdecide, benefitpurchasinginfloridakeys, keycolonybeachvacationrentals, marathonfloridakeys