Why a Pre-Approval Is the Smart First Step Before You Start Your Home Search
 
Starting your home search is exciting, especially in a beautiful and unique market like the Florida Keys. But before you fall in love with a property, there is one important step that can make the entire process smoother, stronger, and more successful: getting pre-approved.
A pre-approval helps you understand exactly what price range fits your financial comfort level. It gives you clarity before you begin looking, so your search is focused on homes that truly match your goals, lifestyle, and budget.
It also shows sellers that you are a serious and prepared buyer. In a competitive market, this can make a meaningful difference. When the right home comes along, being pre-approved allows you to move quickly and confidently instead of losing valuable time gathering documents after the fact.
Pre-approval also helps uncover important details early, such as loan options, estimated monthly payments ...

One thing I keep explaining to Florida Keys sellers right now:
Lela Ashkarian, PA, ABR, CRS, GRI, e-Pro
 
You cannot compare the Florida Keys market to what’s happening in other parts of Florida.
Yes, the market has shifted from the frenzy years.
Buyers today are more analytical.
They’re evaluating insurance costs, carrying costs, rental potential, updates, elevation, dockage, and overall value much more carefully than they were a few years ago.
But waterfront homes are still selling in the Keys every single day.
What I’m seeing is that the homes performing best are typically the homes where sellers understand today’s buyer psychology and position the property accordingly from day one.
The Florida Keys buyer is often purchasing a very specific lifestyle:
boating
water access
vacation flexibility
island living
walkability
privacy
and lifestyle experience.
That buyer still exists.
But pricing strategy, presentation, and positioning matter ...

Lela Ashkarian, PA, ABR, CRS, GRI, e-pro
305-395-0814
www.SearchFloridaKeysHomes.com/sell

Keeping Buyers Calm and Informed During Escrow Under the Florida FAR/BAR Contract
 
Buying a home is exciting, but once the offer is accepted, many buyers begin to feel the weight of the process. The excitement becomes paperwork. The dream becomes deadlines. The questions begin.
 
That is why my system for guiding buyers through escrow is built around one thing: clarity from contract to closing.
Under the Florida FAR/BAR contract, escrow begins after an offer is accepted and the earnest money deposit is placed according to the contract terms. During this time, inspections are completed, financing is processed, title is reviewed, insurance is arranged, surveys may be ordered, and every contractual deadline must be carefully monitored before closing.
For many buyers, especially first-time buyers, this can feel overwhelming. They are making one of the largest financial decision ...

Homes Don’t Sell by Chance. They Sell by Strategy.
In today’s real estate market, buyers and sellers are moving differently than they did even a few years ago. Buyers are searching online first, comparing homes quickly, watching every detail, and making emotional decisions before they ever walk through the front door. Sellers, in turn, need more than basic exposure. They need strategy, storytelling, pricing intelligence, skilled negotiation, and a clear plan designed to attract the right buyer at the right time.
That is where experienced, modern real estate representation matters.
 
 
With 29 years of real estate experience, I understand that buying or selling a home is not just a transaction. It is one of the most important financial decisions a person can make. Every detail matters — from pricing and presentation to contract terms, inspections, timelines, negotiations, disclosures, financing, appraisals, and closing. My role is to oversee those deta ...

Price Reduced: Waterfront Living in Key Colony Beach
Make an appointment to see this Property Virtually or in Person 305-395-0814
Has anyone shown you what your home's true value looks like in today’s market?
Coldwell Banker Schmitt is pleased to present a newly reduced opportunity at 180 9th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051.
Offered now at $1,211,000, this waterfront residence captures the lifestyle so many buyers come to the Florida Keys to find: boating, relaxation, community, and easy access to open water.
Key Colony Beach has a special way of making life feel slower, softer, and more connected. It is the kind of place where neighbors wave, sunsets feel personal, and every day offers the peaceful rhythm of island living. Conveniently located approximately two hours from Miami, and within easy reach of Marathon’s private aviation hub at MillionAir, this home makes the Keys lifestyle more accessible than many imagine.
At 180 9th Street, mornings begin beautifully.m ...