Margarita Villoch of Island Group Realty has lived in Key West for over 30 years and in that time has amassed a wealth of local knowledge and information. Below you’ll find news and articles ranging from historical information about local Key West and Lower Keys landmarks and upcoming festivals and events, to current national real estate news and happening.
Use the buttons below to sort articles by category and please contact us for questions about any of the information listed within.
Mortgage rates are still a hot topic – and for good reason. After the most recent jobs report came out weaker than expected, the bond market reacted almost instantly. And, as a result, in early August mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point so far...
If you’ve been skipping over newly built homes in your search, you might be doing so based on outdated assumptions. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths, so you don’t miss out on a solid opportunity.Myth 1: New Homes Are More ExpensiveIt’s...
Some HighlightsNow that there are more homes for sale, buyers have more options. And sellers need to be more flexible to close the deal.That's why almost half of homeowners are making some type of concession. This can include covering closing costs, paying for repairs, or...
Believe it or not, there are clear signs buyer interest is heating up again.Let’s talk about what’s really going on behind the scenes, and why the housing market might not be as quiet out there as it seems. Buyers Are Looking, and Search Trends Prove ItOne...
Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth.Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one.That gap is pretty hard to...
Are you wondering if you’re on track to retire someday?According to Intuit, 69% of people say today’s financial environment makes it tough to plan for the future, and 68% aren’t sure they’ll ever be able to retire. That’s why many people are exploring new ways...
Some HighlightsPrices, rates, and finding the right home are three of the biggest challenges for buyers today. You may find better luck with all 3 if you look at newly built homes.There are more available. Builders are more flexible on prices right now. And people...
Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in.“I’ll never save enough.”“I need a small fortune just to get started.”“I guess I’ll just rent forever.”Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out...
When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it's a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp.The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If...
According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they overestimate the minimum needed.Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they actually do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make...