Lisa Frins

for all of the Christmas Bazaars and Festivals that kick off the Holiday season this weekend. The annual Island Christian School Christmas Festival and Auction takes place Saturday, Nov 22nd at 7am. This is a great family event with plenty for the kids to do from rock climbing to giant slides. You can also get a start on gift shopping at the arts & crafts fair. Founders Park is holding a parks & roadways green & clean program. Volunteers will join staff to pick up roadside trash and clean the embankments at Whale Harbor Bridge.

Next weekend the Keys Community Concert Band will be hosting a free outdoor concert at the Founders Park amphitheater. The concert titled "American Celebration" starts at 4pm. Paradise Ballet Theatre will be performing the Nutcracker Key West at the Tennesse Williams Theatre starting on November 28th. Abate will also be holding the first toys for tots run on November 30th - look out for motorcycles carrying Santa and his elves!!

For more information on local events and news visit keysnet.com

For all your Florida Keys real estate needs contact Lisa at 305-522-1479 or visit florida-keys-homes.com

It is hard to believe October is quickly coming to close and we will begin the holiday season shortly. Last weekend marked the end of another sucessful Fantasy Fest in Key West and several local organizations held costume parties to raise funds for scholarship, and aid programs. Below is a picture of our group before we left to attend the "Monster Ball".

As parents prepare for tonight's big trick or treat event in thier area remember to check younger children's costumes for trip, vision and visibility hazards. Shorten skirts/pants so they do not drag on the ground, use face paint or make sure masks have openings large enough so vision and breathing is not impaired, and for darker costumes add reflective tape or glow sticks. Older children should be given times to check in regularly as well as a curfew and parents should know where and with whom the kids will be with.

Hope everyone has a safe and happily scary halloween .......

The outcome of the upcoming elections will be one of the most pivotal seen in this country. Confidence in elected officials is at an all time low and the economy...... well, we all know how dire it is. If you have not done this already, now is the time to do your own research on the canididates and issues on the ballot in your area. "Joe the Plumber" said it best on GMA this morning - do your own research, form your own opinion, do not just listen to the media and others regarding this most important voting process.

There are plenty of resources available on-line, in local libraries and from private parties. Get informed on the issues, policies and other political arenas that interest you. Find out where candidates stand, how new legislature will affect you and then cast an informed vote on election day. You can even cast your vote early by submitting an absentee ballot or going to early polling stations (usually local elections offices) - this way you can vote at a time that is conveniant for you and avoid the pressure of lines and waiting.

Nineteen days and counting!!! I'm sure we will all be glad to see this election season end.

For information on property available in the Keys contact Lisa at 305-522-1479 or

visit www.florida-keys-homes.com

In today's "buyers market" individuals selling thier property have to go that extra mile to insure thier property is placed on the consideration list. While we all know prospective buyers usually do not cherish photos and drawing placed upon the fridge it is sometimes difficult to get home sellers to "remove the distractions" so thier home can be seen. But if you or the seller watch enough of the shows on television, such as House Hunters or Designed to Sell, you will quickly realize distractions, such as non-neutral colors, overwhelming furniture or crowded countertops turn off prospective buyers. So when thinking about putting your home on the market, consider finding a storage space for potential distractions and a fresh coat of paint to cover up the cardinal red walls in the bedroom. Think "Model Home".

Whenever developers are trying to sell homes they usually build at least one model home to showcase thier product. The home decor showcases the home's floorplan and highlights features. Individuals can incorporate "model home" ideas when preparing thier property for sale. The process is known as staging. By re-painting interiors, removing personal items, putting seldom used kitchen appliances - blenders, toasters, etc - into cabinets and rearranging furniture to showcase features or visually increase space a seller can improve thier chances of having thier home in the "final three" under consideration by buyers.

Sellers should also consider the first impression the home makes from the outside. Most buyers drive by listings to see if the property might be one they would want to make an appointment to tour. Having a well-maintained landscape and exterior lets a prospective buyer know the property is cared for. It provides a sense of being move in ready and helps to get the buyer's "foot in the door". Once the buyer is in the door a home that lets them visualize themselves living in the space has a better chance of "Sold" being placed on the realtor sign.

To see properties available in the Florida Keys, visit www.florida-keys-homes.com

Living in the community that encompasses the Florida Keys is truly unique. October is one month that showcases the community spirit and diversity that makes the Keys a wonderful place to live. One of the big events held annually in Key West around the time of Halloween is Fantasy Fest. This year the event is being held from October 17-26 and the theme is "Pirates, Pundits, & Political Party Animals". While there are some events held early in the week, such as the animal costume contest, Fantasy Fest is an adult event with elaborate costume contests, parades and general debauchery.

Other events taking place in the Upper Keys (Islamorada thru Key Largo) are the Pirates Fest, Oct. 17-19. This festival includes a Pirate parada, costume contest, rum tasting, booty hunt, thieves market and fireworks. Holiday Isle is hosting an all ages event on October 18th the Island Rock Festival. This event opens its' gates at 4:30pm and will feature bands such as Slow Ride which includes the founding member of Foghat - Tony Stevens, and many local favorites including The Regs. We even have a country event taking place on October 17. The Diamonds and Spurs dinner and auction hosted by the Florida Keys Board of Realtors. Country singer Tom Jackson and his band are scheduled to perform.

And of course there are various events for children and adults alike celebrating Halloween. There is the Monster Ball being held at the Elks Lodge on Oct 25 and various venues for costume contests on the 31st. The Plantation Key Colony neighborhood is gearing up for all of the trick or treaters that will be visiting from different areas in the Keys.

October is the start of the fall season here in the Keys - and the arrival of cooler breezes early in the month seems to indicate our winter will be absolutely glorious with high temperatures in the 70's. Just right to put everyone in the mood for Christmas shopping.

Interested in learning more about the Keys? Visit www.florida-keys-homes.com