Derrick Johnson, P.A., Realtor / Coco Plum Real Estate Florida Keys

06/15/2026

Homestead exemptions are a MAJOR benefit to homeowners here. The number of homesteaded properties is surprisingly lower than expected.

Monroe County Homestead Data (as of June 1, 2026)

Recent figures for Monroe County show that out of 44,049 properties eligible for a homestead exemption, 16,259 currently have one, representing 36.91% overall.

Monroe County contains approximately 89,581 parcels, but only 44,049 properties are currently eligible for a homestead exemption, highlighting that many parcels are vacant land, commercial properties, government-owned properties, or otherwise ineligible for homestead status.

Breakdown by jurisdiction:

🐚Key West: 8,800 eligible | 3,517 with exemption (39.97%)
⚓Marathon: 5,023 eligible | 1,610 with exemption (32.05%)
🌴Key Colony Beach: 1,429 eligible | 261 with exemption (18.26%)
🦈Layton: 146 eligible | 51 with exemption (34.93%)
🎣Village of Islamorada: 5,259 eligible | 1,840 with exemption (34.99%)
🏝 Unincorporated Monroe: 23,392 eligible | 8,980 with exemption (38.39%)

These figures reflect differences in homestead exemption participation across the county’s municipalities and unincorporated areas.

06/01/2026

This is a very good tip for Hurricane season. I have one and my whole family does as well.

Do you have a bin packed with everything you need if you have to evacuate? If not, check out FIRM's website for some tips about evacuation preparedness. Oh, and maybe a storm is headed for the Keys maybe it isn't, just go ahead and fill up your gas tank. Don't ask me how I know this is a good idea. 🫤

firmkeys.org

06/01/2026

After a year or more of rates coming down, things have changed. And lately, mortgage rates have been climbing again.

And if that's made you wonder whether you should delay your move until they drop, you're not the only one.

The honest truth is that rates probably won't come down much until inflation cools off and some of the global uncertainty settles. And no one knows exactly when that'll be.

But what most headlines won't tell you is that rates aren't the only thing that affects affordability. Sure, they’re a big factor, but not all of the affordability news is bad.

Wages, home prices, and inventory are all trending in a direction that could still help make your move possible.

Want to know what that actually looks like for your situation? Drop a comment or send me a DM.

Because even though rates are higher, there are pockets of opportunity in any market, if you know where to look.



Got Questions? Give me a call to discuss!

05/29/2026

A lot of people have been waiting for rates to drop or prices to come down before making a move. But the reality is, sometimes life changes before the market does.
A growing family.
An empty nest.
A new job.
Retirement.
Needing to be closer to loved ones.

Those are the real reasons 1 in 5 buyers last year said they felt like they had to move, no matter the market. Because life doesn't wait for the timing to be perfect.

And if that’s where you are right now, you can still move. You may even have more options than you think. You just need someone who can help you find them.



Got Questions? Give me a call to discuss!

05/28/2026

Tempted to price your house high just to see what happens? You should know, overpriced homes generally don’t sell right away, they sit. And that delay will cost you.

The longer a house is on the market without any offers, typically the lower the eventual sale price.

So, how do you know that right number to list at? You lean on a pro.

The best list price depends on your neighborhood, and what buyers are actually paying right now. That’s where I can help.

DM me and let’s talk about a realistic strategy that’ll get your house sold for as much as possible (and as quickly as possible). Because overpricing may actually leave money on the table.



Got Questions? Give me a call to discuss!

05/25/2026

You’ve probably heard of the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan. But do you know what it offers?

In a recent survey, 68% of Veterans didn’t know they may be able to buy a home with zero money down. 77% didn’t know PMI isn’t always required.

Many also have no idea they may be able to count their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) as income.

Any of those VA loan benefits could make homeownership more achievable than you realize.

If you’ve served (or know someone who has), get in touch with a trusted lender for more information on VA home loan options and what you may qualify for.



Got Questions? Give me a call to discuss!

05/22/2026

Now might be a smart time to look at newly built homes.

Builders are motivated to keep their inventory moving, so they’re offering incentives like mortgage rate buydowns and closing cost help to draw in buyers.

It also means they may be more flexible on price. In fact, the median price for newly built homes just hit a five-year low for this exact reason.

Builder perks and lower prices? That’s a combo worth paying attention to.

DM me to talk through what’s available in our area and which builders are offering the best incentives today.



Got Questions? Give me a call to discuss!

05/21/2026

Wondering if buyers ever catch a break in this market? Look at this. 39% of sellers say they expect to make concessions this year. That’s up from 30% in 2025. So, you may have more room to negotiate than you think. Want to know what you can ask for as a buyer? Let’s chat.



Got Questions? Give me a call to discuss!

05/20/2026

2 bed, 1 bath furnished canal front home for rent. $3,300/mo.

Property Features:
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Waterfront Living: Screened-in lanai overlooking the canal
Dock Access: 24-foot dock with 6-8' depth, 20-25 min to open water
Pet-Friendly: Fully fenced (except dockside), pet policy applies
Parking: 2 spaces + trailer parking available
Kitchen: Fully equipped with stainless steel appliances
Entertainment: Smart TVs in the living room & master bedroom.

Located in a quiet neighborhood, yet close to shopping, dining, and local attractions, this home offers the perfect mix of privacy and convenience. Available for a 12-month lease. First, last and $1,500 security to move in. Available June 15th. Available to show starting June 1st.
Interested?

Applications at

563 49th St house in Marathon,FL, is available for rent. This house rental unit is available on Apartments.com, starting at $3300 monthly.

05/19/2026

Nearly 40% of potential sellers say they're planning to offer concessions this year – up from 30% in 2025.

That increase means you could see more flexibility on things like sellers covering your closing costs, adjusting the price, or making repairs.

But what’s worth asking for and what’s a long shot will vary depending on where you’re looking. That’s where I can help.

DM me and let's talk about what concessions make sense in our market. Because, for buyers, the right ask could save you thousands.



Got Questions? Give me a call to discuss!