buying advice

Artificial Turf The Mystery of the Missing Yard: Why Florida Keys Lawns Aren’t What You Think If you’ve spent any time house hunting in the Florida Keys, you may have noticed something odd.Sure, we’ve got waterfront views, island breezes, and porches that stay dry year-round (thank you, awnings!)—but something is often missing. A lush, green, golf-course-style lawn. Instead, you’ll see gravel, native shrubs, coral rock peeking through, and the occasional valiant […]
buying advice Why Buying a Duplex Is One of the Smartest Moves for Income-Minded Home Buyers Happy Wednesday! A question I hear all the time from buyers is: “Can I buy a house and rent out part of it to help with my mortgage?” It’s a great idea — but the answer isn’t always simple. Many homes in the Florida Keys are built on stilts. Some owners enclose the space under […]
buying advice The 3 Biggest No-No’s Buyers Make After Going Under Contract You’ve found the right home, the seller has said yes, and you’re officially under contract—congratulations! This is one of the most exciting moments in the buying process. It’s also the time when a few simple missteps can cause delays or even put the deal at risk. The good news? These pitfalls are easy to avoid […]
As-Is When a Seller Won’t Provide a Property Disclosure: What Buyers Can Do Seller real property disclosures are a serious subject. In Florida, there is a form sellers can fill out, but it is not mandatory. A seller can choose not to use it. This sometimes surprises buyers. But it does not always signal a hidden problem. Buying a home is exciting. It can also feel overwhelming when […]
buying advice Escrow or No Escrow? How Florida Keys Homeowners Handle Taxes & Insurance Living in the Florida Keys comes with sunshine, salt air… and a few grown-up decisions.One of the biggest is how to pay your property taxes and insurance. When buying a home, most buyers face a choice:Do you roll taxes and insurance into your mortgage, or handle them separately? There’s no right or wrong answer. There’s […]
below flood The Truth About Downstairs Living in the Florida Keys (And Why It’s Not Always What You Think!) If you’ve spent any time house-hunting in the Florida Keys, you’ve probably noticed something right away: we love our downstairs spaces.Porches, storage rooms, workshops, little bonus areas — you name it, we’ve built it. And because our islands are full of homes on stilts, the downstairs level often looks like the perfect spot for a […]
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 […]
Don't Miss Our Next Post
Subscribe Now
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, […]
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 […]