buying advice

buying advice The Realities Behind Paradise: What to Know About Living in the Florida Keys Most people picture the Florida Keys as sunshine, turquoise water, and endless island breezes — and they’re right. But living in paradise comes with a few realities that set island life apart from the mainland. These aren’t deal-breakers; they’re simply part of the Keys lifestyle. When you know what to expect, it’s easy to see […]
buying advice The Only Frost-Free Place in the Continental U.S.: Life in the Florida Keys If you’ve ever wondered whether paradise exists inside the continental United States, look no further than the Florida Keys — the only frost-free region in the Lower 48. Not “mostly frost-free.” Not “once in a while it dips to sweater weather.” Truly frost-free. Our tropical-jungle-meets-island-lifestyle climate is something the rest of the country both admires […]
above flood Flood Zones & Elevation Certificates: What Every Florida Keys Buyer Should Know Buying a home in the Florida Keys often means sunshine, ocean breezes, and dreams of living by the water. But along with all that paradise comes something buyers need to keep in mind—flood zones and elevation certificates. These two things can make a big difference in how much your home will actually cost you each […]
buying advice Florida Keys Luxury Living: Single-Family Homes with Elevators When most people picture the Florida Keys, they think of turquoise water, swaying palms, and wide porches catching the sea breeze. But inside some of the Keys’ most elegant homes, you’ll find another surprise: private elevators. In the islands, many homes sit on pilings for storm protection. That means lots of stairs. An elevator changes […]
buying advice Buying a Vacation Rental Property in the Florida Keys: What to Know About Regulations If you’ve been dreaming of owning a piece of paradise in the Florida Keys, chances are you’ve also thought about renting it out as a vacation rental when you’re not using it. After all, what could be better than a home that not only pays for itself but also welcomes you back to the island […]
Atlantic Ocean Dock Talk: Choosing the Right Waterfront for Your Florida Keys Lifestyle In the Florida Keys, a dock isn’t just a place to park your boat — it’s the launch pad to your lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing mahi in the Atlantic, watching the sunset over the bay, or sipping coffee while the water ripples in your backyard, the view from your dock can define your days. But […]
buying advice Conch Life Cautions: What to Know Before You Invest in a Florida Keys Fixer-Upper Dreaming of a little slice of paradise with a rusty tin roof and mango tree in the yard? You’re not alone. Florida Keys fixer-uppers have a certain charm—and for many buyers, the idea of restoring a conch cottage or canal-front bungalow is irresistible. But before you grab a hammer and head south, there are a […]
buying advice Top 7 Florida Keys Local Secrets You Won’t Find in the Tourist Guides The Florida Keys are famous for sun-soaked beaches, turquoise waters, and Jimmy Buffett songs. But if you live here—or want to—you’ll quickly discover that there’s a whole other side to island life that tourists never see. These are the hidden gems, local hacks, and lifestyle perks that make the Keys not just a vacation spot, […]
Don't Miss Our Next Post
Subscribe Now
Buying 50 New Listings Hit the Market—Here’s What That Means for Buyers (and Sellers) If you’ve been waiting for fresh inventory in the Florida Keys, now’s your chance. Over the past week, 50 new residential listings came on the market—stretching from Key Largo to Key West. That’s a big wave of opportunity for buyers. Whether you’re looking for a cozy condo, a canal-front home, or a luxury oceanfront estate, […]
boating The Harborage – A Peaceful Waterfront Community in Key Largo If you’re looking for a peaceful, close-knit waterfront neighborhood in Key Largo, The Harborage might just be your perfect match. Tucked away at Mile Marker 97.5, this charming two-street community is known for its deep-water access, well-kept homes, and laid-back island lifestyle. What makes The Harborage stand out is the combination of natural beauty and […]
buying advice 75 New Listings in the Florida Keys! Is Your Dream Home Among Them? If you’re thinking about buying in the Florida Keys, now’s a great time to start looking. 75 new homes came on the market just last week! From canal-front homes to island cottages, there’s a wide mix out there. Some are ready to move in. Others are perfect for fixing up just the way you like. […]
American Dream 5 Essential Tips for Buying Property in the Florida Keys Buying property in the Florida Keys is a dream for many. Between the turquoise water, laid-back lifestyle, and year-round sunshine, it’s easy to see why. But before you jump into the island market, there are some important things to keep in mind. As a longtime Realtor and Keys resident, I’ve helped buyers navigate the ins […]
Buying 8 Costly Mistakes Florida Keys Homeowners Make Without Realizing It Thinking about buying a home in the Florida Keys? The laid-back lifestyle and waterfront views are unbeatable—but before you make that dream purchase, it’s important to know the local rules. Many buyers are surprised to learn what they can’t legally do with their new property. From rental restrictions to protected mangroves, here are a few […]
Buying The Final Walkthrough: What to Watch for Before Closing on Your Florida Keys Home As you approach the finish line in your Florida Keys home buying journey, there’s one last important step before closing—the final walkthrough. While this might feel like a simple formality, it’s your opportunity to make sure everything is as agreed before the keys are handed over. Here are a few common issues that can pop […]
American Dream How to Pay Down Your Mortgage Faster—Without Financial Strain Smart strategies for second-homeowners and primary residents alike Paying off your mortgage ahead of schedule can save you thousands in interest and bring peace of mind. However, it’s important to approach early repayment in a way that won’t stretch your budget too thin—especially if the property in question is a second home, as is often […]
buyers market Are We Seeing a Shift in the Florida Keys Real Estate Market? For years, the Florida Keys real estate market has followed predictable seasonal trends, with the winter and early spring months bringing an influx of new listings as sellers look to take advantage of high demand. However, this year, something feels a little different. If you’ve been watching the market closely, you may have noticed that […]
buying advice Florida Real Estate and Rising Insurance Costs: What Homeowners Need to Know Home insurance costs in Florida are skyrocketing, creating major challenges for homeowners and buyers alike. As insurance rates climb, they impact affordability, property values, and the overall housing market. Why Are Insurance Rates So High? Florida homeowners now pay an average of $5,531 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage—142% higher than the national average. […]
buying advice 71 New Listings in the Florida Keys Last Week – What’s Holding Some Sellers Back? Last week, 71 new real estate listings hit the market in the Florida Keys. While that’s still a solid number, it’s slightly lower than in previous weeks—especially considering we’re in the middle of our peak selling season. So, why might some homeowners be hesitant to list right now? A few key factors could be at […]
above flood Understanding Legal Non-Conforming Properties in the Florida Keys: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know In the Florida Keys real estate market, “legal non-conforming” refers to a property, structure, or use that was legally established under previous zoning or land-use regulations but does not conform to current rules. This designation allows the property to continue being used as it is, despite changes in local codes or regulations, as long as […]
above flood Understanding “Above Flood” vs. “Below Flood” Homes in the Florida Keys When buying or selling a home in the Florida Keys, one of the most significant factors to consider is whether a property is “above flood” or “below flood.” This distinction doesn’t just impact the structure of the home—it also plays a crucial role in determining insurance costs and resale value. What Does “Above Flood” and […]