Team Mullins's Blog

Buyer Etiquette for Real Estate

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 02:48:20 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com #1. Shopping vs Hunting: Understand the difference. Shopping is a pleasurable activity done with no time frame and for one's own enjoyment. Shopping for homes can be done online, through real estate periodicals, or at an Open House. Hunting is goal-oriented and has a time limit. A Realtor will guide you through the hunt and fight to the death (so to speak). #2. Respect others' time and work. Your real estate professional is a busy person who has likely spent at least an entire day setting up a showing schedule for you. This process requires finding homes that meet your criteria (and that you can afford), then either trying to get in touch with the listing agents (who are also busy), or scheduling a time to kick the Sellers (who are also busy) out of their homes so that you can view them. When you ask to see homes you can't afford or have no intention of actually buying, this is an inconvenience and a huge waste of everyone's time. #3. Your Realtor is a professional fighting for you-not your buddy. Your real estate professional is there to get you the best deal possible. Do not be surprised or offended if they give you advice you don't want to hear. It's in your best interest!

How Increased Tourism can Affect Your Vacation Home’s Value

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 00:18:33 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin BibyColdwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040Direct: 305-745-9440Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.netWebsite: www.lowerkeys-homes.com How Increased Tourism can Affect Your Vacation Home’s Value With more tourists come more dollars, and, certain factors come into play. Vacation homes in such prime locations enjoy many benefits and distinct advantages over homes that are further away from the action. Here’s how increased tourism can affect your vacation home’s value: ●More business means more need for housing. As businesses expand, so does the need for employees, who, in-turn, need housing. That spurs new residential developments which go to fund local taxes, offsetting rising land values. ●Increased tourism injects money in the local economy. With more money coming into the local economy, destination spots look to capitalize where possible by expanding. Such expansion means more is offered to visitors, who take advantage. ●As a destination becomes more frequented, property values increase. Property values in localities where tourism is an ever larger source of revenue rise steadily. This means that equity can be built at a faster rate, giving you more leverage for other endeavors. ●The land value of your property will simultaneously rise. Even if your vacation rental isn’t among the top tier, your ace in the hole lies in the land on which the residence sits. As developers watch the dollars roll-in, they have more incentive to offer lucrative purchase deals. ●New commercial developments have a positive impact. If you take time to look at some of the most frequented destination locations, you’ll see an inextricable link between commercial development and home values. The more commercial enterprise, the better for nearby property values. To sum it all up, wherever the tourists are and spending money in the local economy, the higher property values rise. Overall, tourism has not only a positive impact on the local economy, it’s also a very good thing for home values. Fred Mullins, P.A. holds an MBA, B.S., real estate license United States Coast Guard Master Captain's license and commercial pilot's license. With over 20 years of cross functional experience in real estate, international asset management and construction management, Fred's experience places him as one of the top real estate professionals in the Florida Keys.

Do You Want To Sell Your Home Or Rent Your Home?

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:16:17 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin BibyColdwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040Direct: 305-745-9440Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.netWebsite: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Most of the homes in our community are second homes and most of those owners use these properties as investment/vacation homes. It's a win-win situation where the owners are enjoying the extra income, and the renters help cover the costs of ownership. All is well in this scenario- until the owner decides to sell the property. If the property is in a vacation rental program, the tenants are paying good money to be able to enjoy the home and its surroundings without being disturbed. If there is a full-time annual renter, they are in fear of losing their home and having to move. We have had many struggles with tenants not wanting to show the home during their stay. Or worse yet, actually making the home unshowable with piles of dishes, laundry, debris, and clutter lying about, or refusing to leave during a showing and becoming hostile with the Buyers and Realtor. At this point, it comes down to do you want to Rent your home or do you want to Sell your home?

You Have Very Little Time To Make A First Impression

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:14:19 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin BibyColdwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040Direct: 305-745-9440Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.netWebsite: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Both good and bad impressions are developed within seconds of an introduction. From your appearance, your attitude or your professionalism, the importance of a good first impression is paramount to success. The same is true for Buyers looking at a home for the first time. We all know curb appeal is what attracts Buyers to want to take closer look at a home, but be sure the impression is long lasting through the entire home tour. There are couple of crucial things Sellers miss when placing their home on the market. Don’t forget to change your air conditioning filters. A clogged and dirty air conditioning filter may be a sign of poor maintenance and neglect. Changing a filter is so easy to do and is essential during a home inspection. It becomes readily apparent during the initial walk-through of a home if the air conditioning grill is extremely dirty, it probably means the filter has not been changed and could mean trouble for your air conditioning unit. Another easy thing to do which will leave a good impression on perspective Buyers-clean the blades on the ceiling fans. You'd be suprised how big a difference this easily-missed chore can make on a Buyers' impression of your home. Buyers are looking for homes in move-in ready condition. The cleaner and fresher the Seller can make their home, the better the Buyers will like it.

Houseboat Living in Key West

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:11:47 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin BibyColdwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040Direct: 305-745-9440Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.netWebsite: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Being an island community, we have our fair share of residents that choose to live on the water. And then there are some who choose to live in the water-on a houseboat. I can only imagine what an interesting lifestyle that would be. There's the incessant rocking of the boat, which would take forever to get used to, you'd probably drop things in the water on a daily basis, and the maintenance on the boat would be a constant chore. But on the plus side, there is a laundry mat on shore where you can get your clothes cleaned, the sunsets would be incredible (not to mention 4th of July fireworks), and anytime you wanted to take a fishing trip, all you'd have to do is get out of bed and go!

Home Improvements: What's Worth It

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 04:20:37 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin BibyColdwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040Direct: 305-745-9440Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.netWebsite: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Homeowners are opening their wallets. A rebound in the housing market has made homeowners more willing to invest in home improvements that could boost the value of their homes in a rising market. If you’re looking to sell, you should know that not all home improvement projects increase the value of a home. Here are a few tips to help: 1. Consider all buyers. A great example of this is installing a pool. Some buyers may not be willing to take on the expense and hassle of maintaining a swimming pool. Or they may have small children and a swimming pool can be a big safety risk. 2. Don’t ‘over improve’. It’s safe to say that updating your home’s cabinetry and appliances will boost the resale value. You just don’t want to go overboard. Don’t select finishes that go above and beyond what buyers would find in similar homes in your area. It won’t pay off in the end. 3. Make repairs and curb appeal your first priority. Expanding the size of your home or remodeling the kitchen may seem like good ideas when selling your home, but if you need a new roof or to repair window seals, these improvements won’t mean a hill of beans! Repairing things that need fixing in your home may not be as aesthetically pleasing to you, but they make your home easier to sell. 4. Consult an expert. Before moving forward on a home improvement project, consult with a real estate agent or an appraiser who knows your market. Let them know the ideas you have for your home and they should be able to explain how the upgrade could affect the sales price of your home. Information obtained from: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=297366

No Texting While Driving!

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 04:18:34 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin BibyColdwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040Direct: 305-745-9440Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.netWebsite: www.lowerkeys-homes.com This is hardly new news, but it never hurts to have a reminder. A no texting while driving law is now in effect in the Florida Keys. US Highway 1, which runs from Key Largo to Key West, is our main road and is mostly two lanes. It is especially important that drivers not be distracted while driving on this road. 23% of all car accidents every year involve cell phone use while driving which equates to about 1.3 million crashes. So avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the road! Information obtained from: Capt. Gene Thompson District Commander-Lower Keys Monroe County Sherrifs Office http://www.edgarsnyder.com/car-accident/cell-phone/cell-phone-statistics.html

How To Be A Considerate Buyer

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 03:43:07 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin BibyColdwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040Direct: 305-745-9440Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.netWebsite: www.lowerkeys-homes.com #1. Shopping vs Hunting: Understand the difference. Shopping is a pleasurable activity done with no time frame and for one's own enjoyment. Shopping for homes can be done online, through real estate periodicals, or at an Open House. Hunting is goal-oriented and has a time limit. A Realtor will guide you through the hunt and fight to the death (so to speak).#2. Respect others' time and work. Your real estate professional is a busy person who has likely spent at least an entire day setting up a showing schedule for you. This process requires finding homes that meet your criteria (and that you can afford), then either trying to get in touch with the listing agents (who are also busy), or scheduling a time to kick the Sellers (who are also busy) out of their homes so that you can view them. When you ask to see homes you can't afford or have no intention of actually buying, this is an inconvenience and a huge waste of everyone's time.#3. Your Realtor is a professional fighting for you-not your buddy. Your real estate professional is there to get you the best deal possible. Do not be surprised or offended if they give you advice you don't want to hear. It's in your best interest!

Purchasing Waterfront Property: What You Need to Know

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 03:40:35 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com When it comes to luxury living, nothing beats a home on the water. But there’s a lot more to buying a beachfront or ocean front home than just finding one that’s within your budget and has all the creature comforts you’d like included. There are some things you ought to know before you enter into a contract to purchase a waterfront property. Waterfront property is of course, more expensive than comparable homes away from the coast. But cost is only one of many factors that go into choosing a waterfront property. For one, the fact that part of your property might change over time. Waterfront Versus Inland Homes The beach is always in high demand, no matter the real estate market at-large and is therefore more costly. In addition, it’s a real attraction to retailers, restaurateurs, entertainment venues and more. Which means when you live on the waterfront, there will be a lot of nearby places to dine, shop, relax, enjoy the nightlife, and more. Bonus! Inland properties, on the other hand, are generally situated within a community that’s further away from these amenities, and that, combined with being landlocked, make them less expensive, and less desirable. Things You Ought to Know about Waterfront Properties So you’re well aware that waterfront properties have a bigger sticker price. But it’s worth the price because of the view and access to the water. Here are some things you might not know about waterfront properties:The “landscape” will change over time. Beach erosion is an ongoing phenomenon. It occurs because of natural cycles and the exposure to the elements. Not only might you lose a bit of beach, your new home better be up to the challenge of withstanding the forces of Mother Nature. You might not be able to make improvements to your waterfront property. Docks, decks, and other improvements might be prohibited because of what’s known as “riparian rights”. Sure, you might own your home and the property on which it sits, but not have the legal right to make additions which extend into and/or over the water. Speaking of riparian rights, there’s also public access to consider. Some waterfront homes have exclusive rights to the beach, while others do not and the public can visit that strip of land. Look into financing early-on. You’ll need to get your financing in order before you even begin the property search because these types of homes are always in high demand and others might beat you to the punch. Last, but not least, consider insurance. It’s more extensive and costly when your home is on the water.

Advantages To Owning A Condo in Key West

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 02:54:00 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com There are many advantages to owning a condo in Key West. As if the location and recreational activities weren't enough, condo owners have the ability to earn extra income by renting during peak seasons during the year. During winter and early spring, there is high demand for Florida Keys rentals since everyone up north wants to get out of the cold. This is good for people not fully ready to make a permanent move. Owning a condo in Key West also gives you a guaranteed place to stay whenever you need a vacation. Hotels in Key West fill up quickly, and it's nice to know you have somewhere to go should the mood strike for some fun in the sun! If you use the condo as a vacation property, you can write off some expenses. The IRS has provisions for absentee owners. On the flip side, full time residents can apply for homestead exemption, which can save them between $25,000 and $50,000 per year on property taxes. Condo sales in Key West, they are up over 21% from last year. The Condo market in Key West is definitely strong.

Giving Buyers A Competitive Edge in a Seller's Market

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 02:51:35 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com We are seeing a shift in the real estate world: more demand and less supply causing a Seller's market. When this happens, Buyers will find themselves competing with others for one property. Here's a new idea that will give your Buyers a competitive edge when buying their dream home. A buyer profile can be submitted with an offer. This letter should address first and foremost: will the deal close? Included in the letter should be information such as the Buyer's occupation, job security, and, if applicable, children's ages to show the Buyer's commitment. You want to show that the deal will close smoothly, with little complication. In the Buyer profile, the agent should also explain why this property is a perfect match for the Buyer, i.e. an guesthouse to be used as an art studio for the buyer who is an artist, or a large backyard for the Buyer with young children. This Buyer profile will provide something a little extra that not many others will have and will help the Buyers to stand out in a Seller's market. Information obtained from: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=298321

Florida Keys Renting vs. Selling

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 03:35:37 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Most of the homes in our community are second homes and most of those owners use these properties as investment/vacation homes. It's a win-win situation where the owners are enjoying the extra income, and the renters help cover the costs of ownership. All is well in this scenario- until the owner decides to sell the property. If the property is in a vacation rental program, the tenants are paying good money to be able to enjoy the home and its surroundings without being disturbed. If there is a full-time annual renter, they are in fear of losing their home and having to move. We have had many struggles with tenants not wanting to show the home during their stay. Or worse yet, actually making the home unshowable with piles of dishes, laundry, debris, and clutter lying about, or refusing to leave during a showing and becoming hostile with the Buyers and Realtor. At this point, it comes down to do you want to Rent your home or do you want to Sell your home?

It Takes Mere Seconds to Make A First Impression

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 03:33:36 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Both good and bad impressions are developed within seconds of an introduction. From your appearance, your attitude or your professionalism, the importance of a good first impression is paramount to success. The same is true for Buyers looking at a home for the first time. We all know curb appeal is what attracts Buyers to want to take closer look at a home, but be sure the impression is long lasting through the entire home tour. There are couple of crucial things Sellers miss when placing their home on the market. Don’t forget to change your air conditioning filters. A clogged and dirty air conditioning filter may be a sign of poor maintenance and neglect. Changing a filter is so easy to do and is essential during a home inspection. It becomes readily apparent during the initial walk-through of a home if the air conditioning grill is extremely dirty, it probably means the filter has not been changed and could mean trouble for your air conditioning unit. Another easy thing to do which will leave a good impression on perspective Buyers-clean the blades on the ceiling fans. You'd be suprised how big a difference this easily-missed chore can make on a Buyers' impression of your home. Buyers are looking for homes in move-in ready condition. The cleaner and fresher the Seller can make their home, the better the Buyers will like it.

Houseboat Living: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:13:04 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Being an island community, we have our fair share of residents that choose to live on the water. And then there are some who choose to live in the water-on a houseboat. I can only imagine what an interesting lifestyle that would be. There's the incessant rocking of the boat, which would take forever to get used to, you'd probably drop things in the water on a daily basis, and the maintenance on the boat would be a constant chore. But on the plus side, there is a laundry mat on shore where you can get your clothes cleaned, the sunsets would be incredible (not to mention 4th of July fireworks), and anytime you wanted to take a fishing trip, all you'd have to do is get out of bed and go!

Curb Appeal: Don't Forget The Mailbox!

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:10:04 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com It's hard to believe this mailbox sits in front of a million-dollar ocean front property in a multi-million dollar neighborhood. When we think of curb appeal, consider what this would look like to a potential buyer! Buyers who are driving around on their own might see this mailbox and be immediately turned off-even if the interior does look like a million bucks. Most sellers take the time to do necessary repairs, and spruce up the yard, but the mailbox is something so simple that often gets overlooked. Buy a new mailbox, or put a coat of paint over the existing one-it will give your home that finishing touch of curb appeal!

We Like a Little Cuba with Our Coffee

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 01:03:27 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com With Cuba just 90 miles from away, Cuban coffee is a big deal here in Key West. Sandy's Café and The Cuban Coffee Queen are probably the most popular restaurants that serve Cuban coffee, but there are many places to get it on the island. Here are some of the different choices you have when ordering Cuban coffee: My favorite: Café Con Leche (Cuban coffee with steamed milk). It's comparable to a cappuccino or café latte. Cortadito: A Cuban espresso shot topped with steamed milk. In Spanish it means "small cut". Bucci: A Cuban espresso shot. Colada: A double Bucci with cane sugar And consumers beware: Cuban coffee is no joke!

Ask a Professional

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 01:01:21 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com When buying or selling a home, the research required to be properly informed can be daunting. Here are a few things to look for (and then throw away!) when doing your online real estate research. Generic advice: Some real estate websites give information that can apply to any region in the country. They don't give you enough detail to be useful to you. Call a real estate professional from the area you're looking to buy or sell. They will give you all the details you need to be properly informed. Regional Articles: These give information about a large region that can falsely represent a local market. These articles seem legitimate because it includes the region you're interested in, and appears to be a credible source, but again, there isn't enough detailed information about your specific location to be helpful. Misleading Articles: Media reporters write articles on real estate, but that doesn't mean that they are any more informed than you are. They are usually writing for a general audience and that information doesn't necessarily apply to you or the local market you are interested in. The main idea here is to speak with a LOCAL real estate professional. They will have the most accurate and up-to-date information and statistics in your area. Good Luck!

Thinking of Buying a Home? Act Now!

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 00:59:00 -0700

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Property values are on the rise, which means if you buy now, your equity will begin to grow as soon as the papers are signed. In addition to property values, mortgage rates are beginning to inch upward, but are still pretty low. You'll want to get your rate locked in now. Also, if you're looking to build a home, new construction is being built-although not at the rate it was. The cost of new construction will probably only increase as land, materials and labor cost more every day Act NOW and take advantage of this market while it lasts!

One of My Favorite Key West Tourist Activities

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 01:00:01 -0800

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com All Aboard the Key West Express! This is the best way to experience the island of Key West. The Conch Tour Train travels all around the island, and the friendly tour guides entertain while describing the history of Key West. And the island is rich with history. Some of the featured attractions on the tour include Ernest Hemingway's house, in which the writer wrote some of his most memorable books; Truman's Little White House, Harry Truman's winter home in which he held many political meetings while in office; Mallory Square, where Navy ships, warships, and other vessels came to port and cigar makers sold their merchandise; and the famous Southermost Point in the United States- 90 miles to Cuba! What makes the tour isn't purely the education, however; the train is completly open so you can enjoy the beautiful Key West weather, sip on a nice cold beverage, and just r e l a x.

Key West: The Southernmost City

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 01:00:01 -0800

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Key West is the southernmost city in the United States. Presidents Truman and Eisenhower called Key West home as well as world famous Ernest Hemingway. Known for its laid back lifestyle and colorful residents, Key West boasts gorgeous year round weather, stunning sunsets and some of the best offshore fishing in the Country. Don your dive gear and discover North America's only living coral reef with a variety of sea creatures or discover intriguing ship wrecks. Then celebrate the end of another beautiful day in paradise at the Sunset Celebration and find out why Key West is one of the most exciting cities in the country to live.

Florida Keys Wildlife

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 01:00:01 -0800

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Yes, I was really this close! This large, gentle creature was actually seen in the canal behind my Florida Keys home. Manatees swim in warm water areas and need fresh water for survival. They have been known to drink from an unattended water hose in the warm canal waters of neighborhoods in the Florida Keys. This slow moving creature is actually a decedent of the elephant and hundreds are injured each year by boaters causing their near extinction. Fossil remains of manatee ancestors show they have inhabited Florida for about 45 million years. It is a rare treat to see one of these beautiful creatures up close and personal. If you see a Manatee in the wild, remember it is illegal to feed or touch them. Just marvel that these beautiful animals have been around a long time and hopefully for a long time to come.

Kayaking in the Florida Keys

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 01:00:00 -0800

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Kayaking is all about the journey- not the destination. You can travel as quickly or as slowly as you like, while you take in the nature that surrounds you. The backcountry of the lower Florida Keys is the perfect place for kayaking. The backcountry abounds with mangroves which hide within them a plethora of tropical fish and dozens of small crabs. Birds soar overhead looking for their catch, and the warm sun radiates down upon you. Devise your own route through the mangrove trees and explore secret creeks and rivulets, or search for Florida Keys marine life. Bottlenose dolphin jump and play in these waters and sea turtles graze beneath the surface. Bring a picnic lunch and bask in the glorious Florida Keys sunshine. Explore remote islands and enjoy the peace and serenity of this tropical paradise that is the Florida Keys.

"Winter" in the Florida Keys

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 01:00:00 -0800

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com It's winter in the Florida Keys, which means...it's SUMMERTIME! Temperatures will start dropping into the 80's and maybe 70's at night. The beautiful Florida Keys sun pinkens the sky every night as it dips into the horizon...it's a hard life. What am I saying?? This IS the life!!

Neutral Is No Longer Boring

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 01:00:00 -0800

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com Here are some ways to "neutralize" your home without making it boring. Toning down the colors in your home so that it is more universally appealing is a great idea. White paint is unflattering and actually draws attention to cracks and uneven walls. Beige is a better choice because it coordinates well with popular "Keys" colors and comes in many varieties, like latte, cappuccino, and cocoa. Take some things out of the house to reduce clutter and make the home appear bigger, but don't fully strip it of it's personality. You'll want to keep most of your furnishings neutral but keep, for example, a few of your best fishing photographs. Think of your home as a boutique hotel: a very comfortable place to move into right now. Buyers don't want an empty shell. They are looking for homes that are finished but not offensive.

Showing Property in the Florida Keys

Team Mullins (Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.) — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 01:00:02 -0800

Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, & Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 Direct: 305-745-9440 Email: mullinsf@bellsouth.net Website: www.lowerkeys-homes.com One of the greatest parts about selling real estate in the Florida Keys is the unorthodox way we can show property. When you are driving down US Highway 1, most people will agree the Keys are not obvious. They always want to know where people live. Because most of the islands in the Keys are very small and most of our Buyers want to live on the water, we have the unique opportunity to show property by boat. Our Buyers want to know what island living is really like. Showing property by boat allows the Buyer to experience the wonders of our island paradise and the amazing wildlife right in our backyard. They get to see the magnificent colors of the Ocean and enjoy the fresh air and warm sunshine-to see firsthand what makes the Florida Keys such a great place to live. Hidden away from the normal everyday hustle and bustle (let’s face it, we are closer to Cuba than the nearest Walmart), the Florida Keys offers peace and tranquility that people who live here cannot get enough of. To be able to enrich their lives and become one with nature.