Jimmy Lane – Key West Real Estate Newsletter

Dear ,

Spring is in the air! In the March newsletter, I've included some information and ideas that I thought would be of interest to you. Now is a great time to make that home purchase you've been putting off until the new year. I love finding just the right home for my clients - give me a call today, and I can help you make your real estate goals a reality.

Best Regards,

JimmyLane

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Market Update

According to theKey West Real Estate Statistical Analysispublished by the Key West Association of Realtors, in February 2012 the average and median selling prices for "Other" properties in the Upper Keys, i.e. duplex, 1/2 duplex, mobile homes, and 3-4 units, increased by 140% compared to February 2011. With the market improving, the number of single- family homes sold in February 2012 has risen 10%, compared to last month. The average selling price of a single- family home also went up .2% compared to February 2011, with the total average selling prices of all properties up 29.7% from February 2011. In addition, the number of days a property spent on the market have decreased for single- family homes, spending 13 days less on the market in comparison to February 2011 and 40 days less on the market compared to February 2010. As for the Lower Keys, single- family homes spent 120 days less on the market compared to last February, and the average and median selling prices for condos/townhouses rose by 3.4% from February 2011. A steady market provides a great outlook here in Key West!

The vacation rental market environment is a life preserver to the real estate investor, even with many residents here on a permanent basis. The Florida Keys is being protected from some of the dangers in the current real estate market because it is an attractive vacation destination. So long as the property is rentable, the investment is self-sustaining. It makes them more appealing for investment purposes than the typical home purchased as a primary residence anywhere else in the country.

With positive market trends, now is the perfect time to act! Give me a call today atJimmyLane- 305-766-0585

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It may seem a little early to be talking about the 21st annual “Meeting of the Minds”, which doesn’t happen until November 1 – 4, 2012. But if you have ever been in Key West while one of their meetings is going on, you’ll understand. Registrations for this super event opened in January for good reason!

If you want to be part of the fun, you will need to get yourself in gear early if you are not already a member of an official Parrot Heads in Paradise organization. Only registered members can attend and participation is limited this year to 3500 registered attendees. See why I’m saying to get things rolling NOW if you want to attend? Registration is $75/person but kids under the age of 12 can attend free. There will be no onsite or at the door registration. Pre-register or forget it.

The theme this year is “Another Trip Around the Sun”. In case you aren’t familiar with the phenomenon, the “Meeting of the Minds” is the annualJimmyBuffet Parrot Heads in Paradise event. If you don’t know whoJimmyBuffet and/or Parrots Heads in Paradise are, never mind. You obviously have not been on planet earth very long and you just wouldn’t get it!

The “Meeting of the Minds” isn’t just a gathering ofJimmyBuffet fans. These people descend upon us and spend much of their time in town actually contributing to the betterment of the community. They hold several competitions of varying kinds that contribute their proceeds to various local charities as well as stage their annual blood drive. These people don’t fool around!

Blood Drive

For the last five years, their blood drive has been the largest in the Keys put on by the Community Blood Center of Florida. Last year they collected an incredible 111 pints, yes that is ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN PINTSfrom the 120 attendees who attempted to give the “Gift of Life”.

Still not sure whether you want to attend?Go to their websiteand check outthe line up of activitiesand then decide.

Toy Drive

This will be their fifth year supporting the Salvation Army of Monroe County, benefiting the children of Monroe County including Key West. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy (don’t forget batteries) or school supplies to donate when they register. Age groups requested are infant-toddler and teenagers. If you are driving down the Keys, stop at the Homestead Wal-Mart or the Key West or Marathon K-Mart to pick up toys or school supplies. Collection boxes will be in the registration area.

Put On Your Walking Shoes and Help Stomp Out Breast Cancer!!!!!

The convention is calling all Parrot Heads to come out and walk as "Team Parrot Head" to help raise money for a local Key West organization. The Zonta Club of Key West will be having their annual "ABC 5K Run/Walk" on Saturday, November 5th, 2012. This organization raises money to cover mammogram's, thin-prep pap tests, other diagnostic tests, and preventive measures for uninsured and underinsured women. Monroe County has some of the highest incidents of breast cancer, because of so many workers living there who have no healthcare. To find out more about Zonta Key West, visit

Join the 9th Annual Official Parrot Head Southernmost Scavenger Hunt
Test your wits and have a BLAST on this whirlwind adventure featuring your favorite hot spots as well as some of the most unusual and exciting new places that Key West has to offer. Don’t miss out on the suspense, the fun, the thrills, and THE PRIZES!! The excitement begins at 12 noon on Saturday, November 5th, 2011 at The Conch Republic Seafood Company, 631 Greene Street, Key West. The event ends at 2:30pm back at the starting location. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded by 3 pm.

Whether you’re a tourist, looking to move permanently to the Keys, or just someone who likes the beauty of nature, the great variety of amenities in the homes in our area are just more reason to want to live in beautiful Key West. If you’re interested in real estate in this attractive area contact me,JimmyLane, at Key West Real Estate: 305-766-0585.

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Painting 101

With Spring in the air, now is a great time to tackle some of those indoor home improvement projects you've been putting off. I've compiled some tips and advice to help you along the way and to help maximize your results.

Clean and Prep Before You Paint
Paint won’t stick if you haven’t prepped your walls. The surfaces of the walls must be clean, non-glossy, and in good condition.

  • In the case of flaking paint, buy a paint scraper and scrape away.
  • Patch and fill every nail hole and gouge with patching compound, making sure to wait until it is completely dry.
  • Paint doesn’t always adhere to glossy surfaces, so a light grade sandpaper to take the gloss off the surface and washing your walls from top to bottom will allow the paint to have a better stick.
  • Lastly, sand smooth, prime, and you’ll have perfect canvas to paint on.

Primer First

  • Don't skip the primer.
  • Primer provides a good surface for the paint and brings out the paint’s true color.

Hands off!

  • Once you finish an area and it is starting to dry, leave it be.
  • Painting back over it will leave marks and color streaking.

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Featured Property

New Town Family Home $399,000

3346 Pearl Avenue, Key West, FL
3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 1618 sq. ft

Year Built: 1996
Property Tax: $2,710

March Events

  • Through March 25th- Florida Keys Eco Discovery Center hosts: Sunday Free Environmental Film Series
Members of the public are invited to enjoy free environmental documentaries Sundays through March 2012 at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West, co-sponsored by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA). Doors to the center open Sundays at 1 p.m., show times are 2 pm & 4 pm Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is located at 33 East Quay Road, on the Truman waterfront next to Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park. Films produced by PBS, National Geographic, Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventures and more. Visit website for complete details.Contact:305-809-4755Email:
  • March 6th – April 7th- Waterfront Playhouse presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S! This jubilant musical is about a group of quirky prepubescent overachievers who are pitted against each other in the spelling challenge of a lifetime. They are overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves. Ultimately, the nerdy and the wordy learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. Infectious songs and a laugh-out-loud script make Spelling Bee a winner! Showtime 8 pmContact:Box Office 305-294-5015Email:
  • March 11th- Waterfront Playhouse presents: Beer, Bourbon and Barbecue
Delectable tastings of bourbons and beers accompanied by the Iron Chef's mouth-watering barbecue make this a fun-filled evening. Check our website for more details. Event time 7 pmContact:Box Office 305-294-5015Email:
  • March 16th – 18th- Key West Fishing Tournament Kick-Off
Fifteen target species and $5,000 in cash prizes highlight this open-to-the-public event, heralding the beginning of more than eight months of exciting Keys fishing. Cash awards await individual participants who catch the heaviest dolphin, kingfish, cobia, blackfin tuna, mackerel, mutton snapper, wahoo, mangrove snapper and grunt, and for boat teams that score the most releases of tarpon, permit, bonefish, barracuda, marlin and sailfish. Junior anglers under age 15 can also fish. Entries in the kickoff also are eligible for the Key West Fishing Tournament, which runs through Nov. 30, 2012.Contact:Doris Harris 305-295-6601Email:
  • March 17th – November 30th- Key West Fishing Tournament
More than 40 species of fish are targeted during these months, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 14) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). In a March kickoff event, anglers target 15 species and $5,000 in cash prizes is split between the top anglers.Contact:Doris Harris 305-295-6601Email:
  • March 24th – 25th- Cuban Cultural Exposition & Hot Havana Nights.
Celebrate Cuba Week finishes with the hottest event of the year; this annual event has returned to the Garden with the sounds of Havana Soul; enjoy mojitos, authentic Cuban food, original Cuban art, live auction and more. This HOT benefit always sells out so make your reservations early! VIP Seating and General Admission tickets available.Contact:305-296-1504. Email:.
  • March 25th- 17th Annual Hospitality Open Golf Tournament
One of the longest running golf tournaments in the Florida Keys, the event supports scholarships for Florida Keys students in the hospitality and culinary fields of study. Just $100 per player includes greens fees at Key West Golf Club, goodie bag, food (breakfast and lunch), drinks, hot dog stand, Mimosas, Bloody Mary's, and much more! Team up with 4 of your friends or sign up individually! The event sells out quick!Contact:(305) 296-4959Email:
  • March 31st- Reef Relief Celebrates 25 Years
Started in 1987, Reef Relief rings in 25 years of coral conservation and dedication to improving the coral reef ecosystem of the Florida Keys. From 6-10 pm at Salute on the Beach, tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Special musical guest Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band are to provide entertainment. Proceeds benefit Reef Relief Programs.Contact:305-294-3100Email:
Whether a fresh start has inspired you to move to the Keys or if it has always been your dream, I have some great real estate options for you! Give me a call today.JimmyLane- 305-766-0585.
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Get to know the area better before relocating with these helpful links:
Keys News
Chamber of Commerce
Monroe County, FL
The City Government of Key West, FL
Monroe County School District
Keys Energy
Aqueduct Authority

JimmyLane, CRS, GRI, CIPS
Vice President
Century 21 Schwartz Realty
305-766-0585 Cell
305-295-3454 Fax