Ric 's Blog

Hu'mm, It's Season?

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:03:39 -0600

We really need to think about this...

I have been remiss about posting on this forum. For that I am sorry.

In the KEYS we are now hitting the high point of our seasonal market.

Guess what? Many homes are STILL priced sky high. People still feel that the market will bear high prices for homes that experienced drastic price increases in 2004 thru 2006. That is not the case at the beginning of 2009. Prices have come down. Maybe not as much as some other areas in the State of Florida but still they have come down.

I still see the hop-la projected by others and I for one do not care to set false standards.

Don't get me wrong, there are some very very good deals to be had in our little town. You just need to get past the hype. You need to bypass the 'bull' and do your homework.

My personal home has dropped in value by 35% over the past two years. Why are similiar home now on the market with that 35% still in place? Good question...

I firmly believe that with the market conditions we have today if you price your home smartly, IT WILL SELL. Both the sellers and the buyers will walk away from the closing table HAPPY.

That is my goal for 2009.

GOOD BYE TEXAS...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:09:09 -0500

Well the time has come.

The big upset in Tx. is winding down. Not that the destruction is over it is just that the housing inspections are coming to an end. Galveston is still a mess and will be for some time to come. Most schools have opened back up and some form of normalcy has come back. Don't get me worng it will take time. BUT as you have seen two past presidents came to see it. They will make it okay...Right! The money spent bringing them there could have, should have simply been funneled into the community. It would have helped more.

Thousands of people were/are in need of help. Unfortunately my role in all this seemed to be working with people that simply wanted to see what they could get out of "the system". "my clothes got wet" "I need new ones" Ans... wash them and they will be fine. "All my food rotted, see I left it in the fridge for two weeks" "I want it replaced and now I need a new refrigerator"

Inspectors work from 6AM til around 10PM, many end up sleeping in their cars, no motel rooms avail. They are there to help those that need help.

"My car got wet inside, I left the window open and somehow the rain got inside. I do not have insurance, see I buy it on Tues to get my plates then I cancel it on Wed to save money, soo I want the government to fix my car".

If you ever have a need to drive thru Tx, make sure you have uninsured motorist coverage.

Soon Ike will be forgotten except by those that needed our help. I hope we helped those that truly needed it. I am sure we have helped many that did not need it also. But that is the way the system works. At least we have a system.

I am headed home after 48 days. 48 days that I will not soon forget. I met some wonderful people,and I think I did indeed help them, I carried a flashlite thru homes looking at damage that had not seen electricity for weeks.

I got wacked big time by a pit bull . That Hurt... The dog owner (high on crack) thought it was quite funny. A Yorkie decided that blood looked good on my ankle. It took two time, I am a slow learner, but now whenever I go into a house I make the owners tie up the dogs or put them in the backyard. I have a hacking cough from filtering mold spores through my system.

I think I will remember the dog thing when back selling real estate.

It feels good to be of some help.

For all the ups and downs, I know that I will do it again.

Here we go...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:04:11 -0500

I have lost my place at the top of the MARATHON real estate market...BUT

I find that to simply go to a dictionary and copy (plagerize) information is not what this is all about. I have seen many folks do this and I just do not understand where they are coming from.

I think that this forum is for people that have some interest in real estate get a 'flavor' for what the market holds. I am not here to core dump statistical information about how market trends work. In the Keys the market does not match many statistics. If you want a house in the Keys, you go for it. It is that simple. Most sales are to second home (vacation) or to retirement folks that really want to join us in style and life.

You really can not cost justify a home purchase in the Keys.

I am in the Houston area, doing my 'give back to society" thing. Guess what? You can pick up a spanking new 1800 sq ft home for under $125,000.00. That works out to $69.00 per sq ft... IN THE KEYS THE PRICE PER SQ FT IS $450.00.

Work on those statistics...Put that in your dictionary... and here I said I would not do that... Sorry.

As you can see depending on what you want and where you want it can be costly. I love the Keys. I am not going to attempt to inform you of things that are not relevant to purchasing your place in the Keys. I will simply aid you in getting to see all the homes that match you wants and desires. We will work on the fairest price and the best service from a banks, attorney, and title companies.

HELLO TEXAS...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:39:21 -0500

Been doing housing inspections in La. and got the call to head to Texas... So, on the road again. (Willie Nelson) I am slowly working my way to the west coast at this rate.

Got assigned to the Houston area. Found a place southwest of the city for the motorhome to call home. Today I did my first 12 inspections. Hot Humid Sticky and Smelly. No electric for these folks. Leaky roofs that have caused the household furnishings to begin to mold and smell. 90 mph winds toppled huge trees. Streets are stacked with limbs and trunks.

But guess what!

I have yet to come across a single individual that was not hopeful and helpful. From the person on the corner that I ask directs to the owners or renters of the homes I visit. Each and everyone of them has gone out of their way to help me.

Street lights out everywhere. I spent 10 hours going from place to place. EVERYONE did it right. Complete stop at each intersection and the first to arrive was the first to go. So nice to see people that care for others.

I inspected a home today owned by a young man. In his front yard an old generator cranked away. Three wires came out of it. Only one 15 amp went into his house. A twenty amp line ran acrosss the street to an elderly couple and the other 20 amp linee went next door to a lady's house that had two small children.

I imagine that as soon as Galveston opens up I will be trucking down the road to that town. I think Texas hospitality will follow me there.

Feels good. It is a spiritual experience. Nice place-nice people.

TIME TO GIVE BACK... THINK ABOUT IT... DO IT!!!

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:49:03 -0500

FOR YEARS I was a major taker.

I worked in Corp America for years, I sold mainframe software to Fortune 500 Companies. Not considering rents and salaries we sold accounting software to these cash rich folks for hundreds of thousands of dollars for the cost of a few reels of tape and a few manuals. Maybe $299. bucks...

Along with my first of many mid-life crisis encounters I found that I needed to GIVE back. It first hit on Aug 21, 1992 two days before my 44th birthday. I filled my 1972 24 foot Champion motor home with every tool I could carry and drove down to the Miami area to help rebuild from Andrew. (Hurricane),

I NEVER LEFT...

Ended up in the Keys. Called my trusted RE agent and had her plant the "For Sale" in the front yard of my home in Atlanta.

A few years ago I started to feel that it was time to again begin giving back.

So... Here I am in Louisiana... Sixteen years later... Flood waters, wind driven rain, 1000's of homes with no power. People that at the beginning had little and now they have ABSOLUTLEY nothing. Folks that go to work every day and do overtime to catch up from Katrina and they get hit AGAIN.

No, I did not bring my tools. They are all rusty,and I am now too old too weild them. I now do home disaster inspections for a company that is under contract with FEMA.

If you would like to know more about this way to help, please give me a call. I work from 7AM til 11PM daily and I love it. IT FEELS GOOD... I 'm helping people. You can too...

How can you NOT help?

What is it doing to me? Well, I am sure my real estate business is going to 'H' in a handbasket. Can I deal with that? I think so. I have worked with so many people in this industry in the Keys that are simply 'takers' that it simply reinforces my 'give back' attitude.

I might be here for several months, I may be sent to Tx. Okay with me I love TexMex food. There is a positive in everything that you do.

I keep track of the market in the Middle Keys and will continue to function as a dedicated Real Estate agent . I will be back, but NOT before I have done what can be done to help those in need.

Please keep these folks in your minds and hearts, they need you support. If you have every toured a 3rd world country you know what it is like here.

P.S. Don't get me wrong, I am not living on the streets down here. The Motor Home is much newer and has expanded in size some and I have almost all of the comforts of a true home.

P.S.S. If you are in Marathon, Need a haircut or Styling? Go to Headhunters and have Cindy do your hair. Diesel is not cheap and that is what this motor home drinks.

I'll be back... Real Estate is my life ...

HOLY COW...Look out for the wind...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:32:34 -0500

Gee, last week it was necessary for me to 'get off the rock'.

You got it ... here comes a hurricane. Left the dog and my other half to deal with it. Now, don't get me wrong. I did not leave just to leave them in harms way, I had to be in other parts of the country in short order.

I must say, she did great, close up the house, Nine sliding glass doors, Eighteen window, not to mention the boat, pool and lawn furniture. It is going to cost me BIG time when I get back home.

So, Here it comes, Cat 4 directed right at my back door. Same song, different tune...

As you know now the KEYS got nothing, nada, zlitch...nunca...

But what happens, CNN, ABC et al hone in on us and paint a 'stupid' picture. And guess what? America believes them. None of them could find the Keys on a map if you gave them an hour.

But, boy do they know how to screw up an entire economy.

Believe me the best time to be in the Keys is Sept thru Nov. It is soo nice, water temp is good, the fish are biting. And yes occasionally the wind will blow. Hell, what's a little wind? I've been in Kansas and seen 60mph winds on a Tuesday. No biggy...

Come on down and see us. We have some great pieces of property for sale that you really do not want to miss.

It has been awhile...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:10:47 -0500

Forgive Me...

I have not been here for some time now and I see that a bunch of folks have surpassed me numerically.

Oh Well...

Our market is not what it should be. Blame it on anything you want. Elections? Banking snafu's? Crappy economy? Bad weather? Business down turn?...... The list is endless.

Bottom line is that NO market, anywhere in America is strong. Oh yes, some will say we are going gang busters. Yea, right! This is the strongest buyers market I have seen since I began selling real estate back in the 70's.

Are things going to change? YES.. We have no option, They must change. We do not have a choice. We can start by looking at what we buy. Can you go to a WalMart style store and purchase anything MADE IN AMERICA? Whose fault is that? Look in your driveway and look at the car you are driving.

Back to real estate... YES, we have around 500 properties available in the middle Keys. Prices have dropped to a more realistic level. We have some VERY GOOD BUYs now.

If I was looking to buy, NOW is the time. Condos' listed for $699k are now $400K. Waterfront homes down into the $300's. WOW,

Key Colony Beach 1/2 duplexes a year ago at $800k now in the 5's.

No matter where you live or what you do to make a living try to think of those around you. Buy locally. Do your thing to keep your neighbors employed. Many of the litle things that we do daily have a HUGE impact on our total economy.

Dust Mites - Iguanas - Moth Balls

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:58:04 -0600

So, just what do these three have in common when this is about Real Estate?

I'm glad you asked...

This past week everyone in the Keys found it necessary to crank on the furnace. Now I ask you, what happens when your furnace has not been on for over three years? You can hear those little dust mites screaming as the heat flows through the duct work. NOT a pretty sound. Not to mention the smell.

Our temperature plummeted to 44 degrees and the National Weather Service kindly provided us with the useless wind chill factor. 39 degrees.

The Iguanas of the Keys do not care for cold weather. They are considered 'exotics' and their true habitat is many miles south of us where it never gets this cold. These guys hang out in the trees trying to stay warm. When it gets too cold they go into a catatonic state. You guessed it. The darn things FALL out of the trees and just lay there like they are dead. Kind hearted home owners feel sorry for the little (up to 5 feet long) guys and bring them into the house to warm up. Talk about havoc when they come out of their self induced stupor. These guys go NUTS and tear around the place trying to get out. Not a great thing to have happen.

And now moth balls... Yes, even in the Keys we have long pants and long sleeve shirts. Sweaters and jackets can be found in every home. Thing is we have them stored since we seldom use them unless we travel north in the summer to see family and friends. Moth balls help stop the little critters from munching on our clothing.

So here we are in the American Caribbean, the small slice of paradise attached to main land American. We need to vacate our homes due to the smell and while out in the open, dodge falling iguanas and all the time trying not to breath in that stink of moth balls.

See, even here life can be difficult. But, in a day or two your duct work is cleaned out, the iguanas are back in the trees where they belong and the coats and sweaters are put away once again.

It is back to fishing, diving and all around pleasant times.

We have some real great homes to pick from in the Marathon Real Estate area. Come on down we are back to as normal as we get...

Christmas is OVER...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 10:58:58 -0600

Yes, you heard right. It is gone again for another year. But, I found that the feeling of Christmas can continue. I am finding that fewer and fewer people agitate me. My Christmas spirit is continuing past the actual date.

I wonder why???

I did the required trip to the northeast this year to see family etc. New Jersey was cold, overcast, windy and rainy the entire time. I ate and napped. My belt is two notches farther out. The remains of the Christmas spirit drink is still working its' way out of my system.

Every year we watch the video about the grinch that stole Christmas. It is very inspiring to say the least. Well this year we crossed the Hudson and took in the musical of the grinch. The part about his heart growing two sizes bigger. It struck me that we all could use a little enlarging of the heart even if it is no longer Christmas.

So now, as the snowbirds flock south, I let them cut me off on the road, I do not mind them standing in the middle of the aisle reading every label on Campbells Soup cans as though these cans in the Keys MUST be different ingredients than those up north. Nor do I let the longer lines bother me.

I am thankful that they are here. They help the entire community, not just the real estate market, but the retail stores, the hair salons, churches, and our restuarants.

So, thanks for coming, enjoy your time in our little piece of paradise and as you head home in the next few months I hope that you too will find yourself being a little kinder to those you encounter.

Have a Safe and Happy New Year...

Do You Buy Yourself Holiday Gifts???

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:47:49 -0600

Sometimes you need to take control and just do it. Some get really carried away and others of us keep it small.

I found a Dewalt 18v drill with two batteries and a charger for only $97.00. Now, two batteries alone cost $104.00 so this was a deal. Problem being is that I have two other Dewalts and six batteries plus two Ryobi 18v drills and four batteries. I know, you can only use one at a time. She keeps telling me this.

My next find was a GPS for the car. It's really cool. It sticks on the dash and tells you where to turn and all sorts of good stuff. Rebated it cost ONLY $99.00. What a GREAT deal. Must have, Gotta have, Really need, Can't live without. I self justified this thing to the hilt.

NOW !!!

I live on an island with one main road. The island measures 3 miles by 7 miles. I have lived here for 16 years. I know every street and every location you would want to know. Do I need this GPS? I think not. Do I need another 18v drill. NO.

But wait, that is not the point. I've worked hard all year so if I want a new toy then okay get it.

That is how I look at the Marathon Real Estate market. With the prices in line and good mortgage money, it is time for you to take control and just do it.

Best Christmas Boat Parade Gone Bad...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:25:12 -0600

Every year for as long as I can remember we have had Christmas Boat Parades. Anywhere from 10 to 25 plus boats get all decorated up and cruise up and down canals and the harbor. They sing and Santa waves and some throw candy.

This is the only year I did not bring my camera. This year the Boot Key Harbor parade got a little off track. The boat parade for Key Colony ran smoothly.

Back to Boot Key. Keep in mind the viewing station is at a bar. Spirits soar as more libations are consumed. It is said that even Santa and the elves tip the bottle a wee...

A rather large boat comes cruising by, it is a warm and balmy Keys nite Holiday songs are blairing and some of the costumes are getting a little warm. Are you following what might be coming? If you want to cool off, why not remove some of your clothing? If you get really really hot, you guessed it, remove ALL of your clothing. Now, if you decide to wave your arms and swing your body, the whisp of a breeze will cool you off even more. That is exactly what the 20 something year old very attractive well built young lady did.

The boat did not win. A lady in the crowd complained to the judges and they not so politely told her to shut up and sit down...

Now the saga continues. This guy shown above wants to sue the girl for her behavior. He said it was DISGUSTING. How can anyone look at a naked women. Yes the Grinch is alive and well in the Florida Keys.

Maybe, just maybe the young lady carried this a little too far. But. To try and sue for this is a little beyond reality. She was about 50 feet off the dock in a moving boat. The entire thing lasted but a moment.

Any way, here is to boat parades. I doubt that in coming years we will be exposed to the behavior again. I am sure some rule will be put in place stopping this.

I wonder what they will come up with for next year? I can't wait...

I LIED !!! It ain't over...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:34:01 -0600

So, here I waited several weeks after the 'official' end of hurricane season to say how lucky we where. Guess what. It ain't over... Just yesterday bingo, another hurricane. Miss "OLGA" is out in the caribbean basin and churning to the west. Will it come close to us? Very doubtful. But what does that do to expected growth in Marathon Real Estate sales? Hopefully nothing.

Our market is growing from past months and actually is beyond last year at this time. We should, by all indicators have a good seasonal selling season. Prices have become more realistic and if my web page www.RicChamplin.com is any indication we will do very good this season.

So, come see us and take a long look at the properties we have available. Now is the time to hook up with the home of yor dreams.

Diving Done ... Time to Sail

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:31:23 -0600

My life seems to be controlled by the water temperature...

During the summer the water temp is well into the 80's and it is just perfect to go diving. No wet suit that always seems to get in the way. Have you noticed that most wet suits are BLACK. When you get out of the water and the temp is in the 80's how long do you think it takes to get uncomfortably hot? Not long, I'll tell you.

So with diving done, tanks in to be inspected, BC clean and stored, it is now time to hit the water and go sailing again. Come winter season here, the wind pick up some and more often come out of the north. 15 to 20 knots of wind out of the ENE is just perfect. Long reaches and great down wind sailing.

In my youth I only did monohulls...Now I prefer not to spill my cocktail while tacking.

My cell phone works off shore so I can still be intouch with Marathon Real Estate while enjoying the Florida Keys

Bye Bye Hurricane Season...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:01:48 -0600

I waited an extra week before posting that the hurricane season is over...

We really do not have much control over the weather, all we can do is sit back and see what happens. This makes two very good years for the Keys. Although the Atlantic basin did develop 7 good size storms none of them decided to make South Florida their target. I thank the hurricane gods for that decision.

For the last two years we ( real estaters ) have pointed to hurricanes as something that directly affects sales. If that is the case, then this year should be a gang buster.

We still have the BEST fishing, diving, sailing and fresh fish restuarants in the world.

Our pricing is in line on most all of the properties available. In the Marathon Real Estate area we are hovering around 500 active residential listings. Everything from a $179K half duplex to a condo with tennis, docks and swimming pool for $229K to a waterfront (canal) home for only $359K. Now, don't get me wrong, we still have a whole lot of million dollar plus properties to chose from. The thing is we now go from less than $200K and up, hitting every price point on the way.

In other words, we have good selection in all catagories for potential buyers.

Real Estate in Marathon

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:49:47 -0600

November is here... Shopping days are numbered til the BIG one. Marathon Real Estate is on its way back. Although we are seeing more listings coming on-line, we still have the same aggregate number of listings in our MLS.

We had our big parade for Veterans Day, about 5 vehicles and about the same number of on lookers. What is wrong with this picture? I know I spent 3 years 11 months and 27 days ( but who's counting) in the military have way more fun than I should have. Since getting out in '71 I have always taken the day off. Even before most employers gave it off.

Just a quick thanks to those that are serving for me now...

Increased Membership...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:12:30 -0500

Okay, so sometimes we do not pay much attention when we leave the house and go to work or play. One would think that in a vast ocean you could miss the only thing in the way? It is like driving down I -95 and you know that if one of the road rage Miamians should force you off the road, you WILL hit the only sign on that stretch of roadway. Am I a fatalist? I don't think so. Am I pragmatic? I think not. Do I have a death wish? No. Do I listen to the doomsdayers concerning Real Estate? No way.

I believe in the positive. Period.

My significant other HATES me in the morning. At 59 years of age, living in the Florida Keys, grown children living on the West Coast (as far away as possible without a passport), a pound puppy that has undying love for me (I rescued her from the pound 14 years ago and she still remembers) I WAKE UP EVERY SINGLE MORNING HAPPY... Yes I am not afraid to admit it, I wake up (thank God) every morning with a smile on my face . Why? It is not necessarily the booming real estate market. We have about a two year inventory on single family homes and about a 7 year inventory on condos. I Think Positive. A MUCH better selection for your buyers.

I mean really now, you could be a proctologist ! In Miami ! Driving on I-95 every morning !

So, when you get up tomorrow, smile, you are in the best business in the world. Turn on that hip-hop station for the drive to the office. Eat that extra donut. Know that you will miss that obstacle in your way.

Things are getting a little UGLY ...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 07:40:57 -0500

Here we are in mid Sept. You got it, sales have slowed to a crawl. It is truly a BUYERS market and will remain so until December. One would think that all agents would 'hunker' down and do what needs to be done to sell inventory. Not happening.

What is happening is the good agents are still selling, I just closed a 1.1M property, ready to close a 1.5M property, have a strong contract on $105K deal and one on a $150K deal. Not to mention getting ready to write a 1.9M contract next week. I have an$800K deal on the table. That is close to 5.6M in a slow period. And I am only #2 in our office. We are rocking here!

Why is that?

We do not listen to the guys that sing the 'blues'. We do not try to undermine other agents. I have heard it all. "I'll charge you less for your listing or charge less for vacation rental etc etc... Oh, I had my client sign an exclusive buyers agreement, then have the buyer go off on their own. Why don't these 'big' companies with tons of agents direct them forward in a humane and business oriented direction?

What is the problem here? We work for the buyers or seller of property. Our job is to treat them with utmost respect, honesty, compassion and to find them a seller or a buyer for property. Period. Not play games and only show in-house listings, have them sign bogus paperwork or anything else that will cause them or other agents grief.

It is time for everyone to get down to basics. Plan your work and work your plan. Don't sit in the office sucking down coffee and get tied up in the negativity around the coffee machine. Go out and meet the people. Show property, preview property so you know the market. Put on a 'happy' face and enjoy your position in life.

Life can be very short and the end sometimes creeps up on you. Don't let this happen. We are all too good to pass. Stay awhile, smell the flowers, put on a happy face, help your buyers buy and your sellers sell.

Be careful out there...

Wild Hog Dilemma

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:21:54 -0500

Has anyone watched this movie.

I'm talking to those of you that are deciding to take the 'money' at 62 or wait til 65. Do we work till we die or do we take that road trip? I am very active in real estate, between selling, yes we are selling things here in the middle Keys, and handlings over 30 vacation rental properties I am a little on the busy side. I'm also staring at the 'money'. Now or later? That decision time is just around the corner. It is like the short timers calender we had in Viet Nam. Color in the ... you know...

My long term good friend just hit 60. So what did he do? He purchased a Goldwing... two months later he purchased a Goldwing... six months later, you guessed it, he purchased a Goldwing. One step he has forgotten to do is sell the first two. Why is he holding on to these extra bikes? He can't ride but one at a time. And he only rides the newest one. Could it be that as we begin to see friends name and picture in the obit that we go a little nuts? I'm not referring to the family that is left on this earth, I'm referring to the departed one.

Are there things that you want to do and see. But gosh if I leave town who will list and sell my properties? Will I miss that call from a qualified buyer and as a result miss the sale? Who will rent out the vacation homes, make sure the pools are clean and that the cleaning crews do a good job? I can't leave...

Or can I? How long do you put off your dream? Til it is TOO late?

I've been to every State in the Union. Plus about 20 foreign countries. My goal is to motorhome till the ol' health takes a dive. Then I want to live equal distance between a Super Wal-Mart and a good hospital. Have some good bourbon and cola around, get an old dog and hang out with the feeling that 'life was good' and 'been there done that'.

So, if you happen to be finished with your 40 foot relatively new Fleetwood Discovery MotorHome or if you are ready to join the 'Wild Hogs' give me a call. I could use the motorhome and I am sure that I can convince my friend to part with one of his Goldwings.

While I await your reply, with bated breath, I think I will go sell a house or two, and check up on my cleaning crew.

As they say, Life goes on...

Hope to see you in the campground...

BATH WATER in Paradise !!!

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:42:46 -0500

No, this is not the joke about throwing out the baby and keeping the bath water... I am referring to the water temperature of the Atlantic Ocean.

Last weekend we sailed out to the reef (Sombrero Light) for a little snorkeling. The waters were clear and inviting. And the temperature of the water was an astonishing 91 degrees. The air temperature was 94 degrees. The water felt like a depervation chamber. You never got the feeling of being cold while in the water and although it was warmer in the air, with the ever present breeze out of the ENE it felt cool when you returned to the boat for a Mimosa and some fried chicken. Yes, Mimosas go with chicken. Actually Mimosas go with just about anything.

I find this to be the PERFECT time to call the Middle Keys home. Traffic is down, no lines at the stores and eateries and everything seems to slow down a notch or three.

Our company, Island Breeze Realty has jumped into vacation rentals. Weekly private home or condo rentals. We have some great homes available for the months of Sept thru Nov. Right on the water, with swimming pools and ample boat dockage. Plus special FALL rates.

Real estate is on the move. Homes are selling though not at the pace of 2004 and 2005 but none the less they are selling. Keep in mind, we have little land left. No large tracts of home will ever be built on our islands. Existing inventory is all we have. We are a niche market. People want to own property here. The lifestyle, the fishing and diving and tropical settings without leaving the USA keeps people coming here. Is it inexpensive to live here? No, it is a little pricey to say the least. But where else can you walk from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic in under 5 minutes. While boating, if it is too choppy on tne Atlantic, scoot under the bridge and fish in the Gulf.

Our homes for sale inventory has dropped from 675 down to 485 homes. Now is the time to jump into the market.

Come get your feet wet.

Sunmertime is here...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:19:30 -0500

We are now in the middle of summer in the keys. The weather is nice and warm and the water temp is in the mid 80's. Great time for diving and snorkeling.

The 4th of July came and went but the memories of the fireworks live on. In little ol' Marathon we had an awesome display right over the beach that lasted for 55 minutes. A very long and beautiful show. It was set to great music and went off without a hitch. The Rotary Club assisted to make this happen. On shore there were hundreds of folks enjoying the show. But, the best vantage point was on the water. Estimates were that over 350 boats came to the beach and anchored to watch the show unfold directly overhead.

An unbelievable sight.

So, give me a call and rent one of our vacation rentals for that week next year. We have over 30 great properties, all on the water waiting for you.

Lobster season is fast approaching. Now is the time to be here and go out on the water and collect your dinner.

Don't flaunt the rules though. It is six per day per person.

Ric

Ric Champlin Florida Keys

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:41:30 -0500

Well, the inevitable has happened. For a year I was the number one in Monroe County. Now an agent in the upper Keys is giving me a run for my money. I think it is great...

Nothing helps you stay on top of your game like having someone nipping at your heals.

The Keys are a great place to be and I look forward to continuing this strive for the top attitude.

Ric

HERE COMES SUMMER !!!

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 11:30:14 -0500

Things are looking up around here. Our summer season is in full swing now with the 4th just around the corner.

I have lived in a number of area in this country and I must say that when it comes to 4th of July fireworks, the ones in Marathon are a 'must see'. I've been in Boston and heard the "Pops", Been in Georgia and watched them at Stone Mountain, I've been to Red Rocks in Denver, but to be on the water with the show directly overhead is a sight to behold.

The festivities are conducted on the beach. The cool part of it is that close to 200 boats anchor off the beach, listen to the radio simulcast and look up into the sky and watch the fireworks cascade down around you. The only thing to worry about is at 10:30pm you have 200 boats trying to pull anchor and go single file out to sea or in through Sisters Creek. Keep in mind, some of these folks have been drinking something other than water since noon... Kinda looks like the 405 at rush hour.

As for real estate, things are moving, closings are happening, it is beginning to look like a real market again.

The legislature is grappling with the property tax issue and have come up with a new and better system which will SAVE everyone some tax dollars. Insurance issues have been resolved somewhat and the cost of insurance has been brought DOWN.

At Island Breeze Realty we have enlarged our Vacation Rental Program and now represent over 35 properties all located in Marathon or Key Colony Beach. Call me or e-mail me for your next vacation rental.

Have a safe holiday.

Beginning of Hurricane Season Approaches...

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Thu, 24 May 2007 10:30:38 -0500

Here we be in the American Caribbean, commonly called the Florida Keys...

Hooked to the mainland by a thread of asphalt.

Should a storm decide it would be 'cool' to come and visit, we can leave early and traffic jamb our way to the mainland, only to have the storm follow us up there, or we can do what many do and hunker down and hope that the 'hurricane party' was in vain. Preperation for a storm goes something like this: Pull in all the lawn furniture, fill the pool to the top, get the boats out of the water or to a safe hurricane hole or tie it out in the middle of the canal to keep it off the dock. Remove sails etc and make sure the insurance premium is paid. Next is the house, again all loose items secured, close all shutters, trim all coconut fronds and nuts, check the generator and make sure you have propane to cook with. Put your car on high ground. Then go help your neighbors and do it all over again. Then check all your listings and do it all over again.

This takes about 12 hours to do. In the past 3 years I have done this no fewer than 14 times. The wind comes, the tide rises and finally you simply drop from exhaustion. Next day, reverse what you did because nothing happened.

So, tune to CNN or the weather channel and they will tell the entire world how bad it is in So Fla. How we are nuts to live here and no one should ever buy any property here. Meanwhile in the Keys we are enjoying the quiet time we have been afforded.

So if this is not bad enough, I am sure that you have all heard via CNN that the water level is on the rise and the Keys will be under water in 10 years... They dropped a "0". NOAA says we will be fine for 100 years. What no one is saying is that if this happens their will not be Miami, parts of Ft Lauderdale, the Everglades, Marco Island nor Naples FL. But they simply hone in on the Keys. It makes for a better story.

All this said, It is a Great place to live. Today it is breezy and temps are in the low 80's. Fish are jumping and the seas are right for sailing.

Real estate is again on the move, just don't get a 100 year mortgage..

May in MARATHON FLORIDA

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:03:17 -0500

Okay, so it is just now the 30th of April, but in another day must head for N.J. for the kids' college graduation. So you get to hear from me a little early. Came across this picture and thought it was hitting the mark as far as our market goes...

No reason to beat around the bush here. We are very slow, but if I am seeing it correctly, our prices are inline, good money is available and working with a professional is really a smart move. Very few folks save money by buying a FSBO. That is a fact.

If it takes several months to move a property that has tons of exposure, signage, advertising, open houses, MLS exposure, great internet views and lots and lots of agents working with buyers, why go any other route?

SO, how long does it take for a home to sell that has very little exposure, rather poor signage and only one person working towards a sale?

Everyone always says that when a market slows down more and more FSBO's crop up. I think that is backwards. In a very hot market it would be easier to FSBO, but in a slow market it is almost impossible.

Did I miss something in my economics classes...

When I get back next week from my trip I will go see all the FSBOs in the area. I know they will still be there.

Ric

Sometimes it is GOOD to move.

Ric Champlin (Marathon Key Real Estate Inc) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:00:07 -0500

I have just made a move to another realty company. Still in the same town, but felt that this new location is just a better fit.

We offer great service and now at my new home we also offer a rental program and are bringing on-line a homeowners service package.

Our market is getting HOTTER and HOTTER, properties are beginning to sell once again.

You can get to me via phone or e-mail. The phone will be answered ISLAND BREEZE REALTY now.