bayfront • boating • financial • Florida Keys • homeownership • Investment • Islamorada • property for sale • real estate • second home • vacation rental • venetian shores • waterfront • December 31, 2010

Neighborhood Spotlight- Venetian Shores in Islamorada, Florida

by Tracy Larson

Venetian Shores – The premiere boating neighborhood in Islamorada, Florida Keys!

This neighborhood’s location on Snake Creek provides boaters with immediate access to either Florida Bay or the Atlantic Ocean.

A good majority of the homes are located on wide, deep canals that accommodate large boats. Many have 100′ of dockage while others have 75′ of dockage.

Home that are not on the “open” canals are on plugged canals, which provide a nice backyard environment for swimming and kayaking for exercise up and down the plugged canals. These canals do not provide access to open water. Many of these homes are members of the Venetian Shores Yachting Association, which provides them with a deeded boat slip at the bayfront marina. These memberships and boat slips are connected to the individual homes and cannot be sold or transferred.

With homes starting in the mid $400’s for the plugged side and extending up to over $2,000,000 on the open side, there is plenty of inventory available in this great neighborhood to choose from. Take a look and find you new Islamorada home.

bayfront • boating • financial • Florida Keys • homeownership • Investment • Islamorada • property for sale • real estate • second home • vacation rental • venetian shores • waterfront • December 31, 2010

Neighborhood Spotlight- Venetian Shores in Islamorada, Florida

by Tracy Larson

Venetian Shores – The premiere boating neighborhood in Islamorada, Florida Keys!

This neighborhood’s location on Snake Creek provides boaters with immediate access to either Florida Bay or the Atlantic Ocean.

A good majority of the homes are located on wide, deep canals that accommodate large boats. Many have 100′ of dockage while others have 75′ of dockage.

Home that are not on the “open” canals are on plugged canals, which provide a nice backyard environment for swimming and kayaking for exercise up and down the plugged canals. These canals do not provide access to open water. Many of these homes are members of the Venetian Shores Yachting Association, which provides them with a deeded boat slip at the bayfront marina. These memberships and boat slips are connected to the individual homes and cannot be sold or transferred.

With homes starting in the mid $400’s for the plugged side and extending up to over $2,000,000 on the open side, there is plenty of inventory available in this great neighborhood to choose from. Take a look and find you new Islamorada home.

contracts • financial • Florida Keys • homeownership • Investment • Islamorada • Key Largo • property for sale • property values • real estate • Tavernier • December 27, 2010

Real Estate Activity for December 18th to December 27th

by Tracy Larson

Here is a summary of activity in the Upper Florida Keys over Christmas week.

18 new listings

4 pending sales

9 closed sales

Click
on any of the links above to view the properties.

If
you’re interested in knowing more about the real estate market or
information on any particular area of the Keys including Key Largo, Tavernier or Islamorada, contact me!

These links will remain active until January 26th, 2011

contracts • financial • Florida Keys • homeownership • Investment • Islamorada • Key Largo • property for sale • property values • real estate • Tavernier • December 27, 2010

Real Estate Activity for December 18th to December 27th

by Tracy Larson

Here is a summary of activity in the Upper Florida Keys over Christmas week.

18 new listings

4 pending sales

9 closed sales

Click
on any of the links above to view the properties.

If
you’re interested in knowing more about the real estate market or
information on any particular area of the Keys including Key Largo, Tavernier or Islamorada, contact me!

These links will remain active until January 26th, 2011

Florida Keys • Green Turtle • History • Islamorada • real estate • December 24, 2010

The Florida Keys Then & Now – The Green Turtle Inn

by Tracy Larson

Originally built in 1928 as OD King’s Rustic Inn, a roadside cafe and inn, this quaint conch cottage has become one of the longest lasting icons in the Florida Keys history.

In 1947 Sid and Roxie Siderious purchased the property and transformed it into the now famous Green Turtle Inn. The “Turtle” soon became a local favorite of fishermen and Keys’ visitors, and was known as a place where you could enjoy great food and a comfortable night’s rest. True to it’s name, the menu included turtle steaks, soups and chowders.

Today, the Turtle is stronger than ever. Transformed once again by a complete remodel, necessitated by Hurricane Wilma, the Turtle retains it’s casual Keys flair, but with a twist of sophistication. Warm, rich woods make up the new interior, with numerous items from Turtle history lining the walls paying homage to the beginnings of The Green Turtle Inn as well as Islamorada itself. There is always something happening at The Turtle. Most evenings include live music from well-known local musicians.

Located in the heart of Islamorada at Mile Marker 81.2, The Green Turtle Inn is a must-stop location on your travels in the Florida Keys. learn more about them by visiting them online at www.greenturtlekeys.com.

Florida Keys • Green Turtle • History • Islamorada • real estate • December 24, 2010

The Florida Keys Then & Now – The Green Turtle Inn

by Tracy Larson

Originally built in 1928 as OD King’s Rustic Inn, a roadside cafe and inn, this quaint conch cottage has become one of the longest lasting icons in the Florida Keys history.

In 1947 Sid and Roxie Siderious purchased the property and transformed it into the now famous Green Turtle Inn. The “Turtle” soon became a local favorite of fishermen and Keys’ visitors, and was known as a place where you could enjoy great food and a comfortable night’s rest. True to it’s name, the menu included turtle steaks, soups and chowders.

Today, the Turtle is stronger than ever. Transformed once again by a complete remodel, necessitated by Hurricane Wilma, the Turtle retains it’s casual Keys flair, but with a twist of sophistication. Warm, rich woods make up the new interior, with numerous items from Turtle history lining the walls paying homage to the beginnings of The Green Turtle Inn as well as Islamorada itself. There is always something happening at The Turtle. Most evenings include live music from well-known local musicians.

Located in the heart of Islamorada at Mile Marker 81.2, The Green Turtle Inn is a must-stop location on your travels in the Florida Keys. learn more about them by visiting them online at www.greenturtlekeys.com.

contracts • financial • Florida Keys • property for sale • real estate • Schwartz Property Sales • December 21, 2010

Real estate commissions – how do they work?

by Tracy Larson

For the first time seller or buyer, real estate commissions can be a confusing thing.

To understand who pays real estate commissions — whether it’s sellers
or buyers or both — we need to look at how real estate offices and their agents are paid, and how they share cooperating commissions.

How Real Estate Commissions Work

* Real estate agents work for a real estate broker/office.

* All commissions paid from a sale pass through the broker/office.

* The real estate broker/office pays their agent a portion of the commissions the office recieves from the sale.

* While sellers usually work with individual agents, the listing agreement is between the seller and the real estate broker/office.

* The most common type of listing agreement between a seller and her agent
gives that agent’s broker the right to exclusively market the home. In
return for bringing a buyer to the table, the seller agrees to pay a
commission to the broker. Typically, this fee is represented as a
percentage of the sales price and is shared between the listing broker
and the broker who brings the buyer.

What is the Actual Commission Rate?

It is important to note that commission rates are not fixed and are negotiable
but generally range from 5% to 7% of the sales price. Real estate commissions and transactions vary from
state to state, broker to broker and even locations within states can
be different.

When you begin to consider the sale of your home, be sure you fully understand the differences between the full services offered by Schwartz Property Sales and the lesser promises advertised by discount real estate brokers.

* Consider the true risks in trusting the sale of your most valued asset to a company that offers anything less than going beyond the expected to provide you with an outstanding full service real estate experience.

* The limited services of discount brokerages could prevent you from selling your home quickly or getting the best possible price for your home.

* Getting the best price often requires the expert negotiating services of a skilled professional who is educated in the intricacies of the most complex real estate transactions – but some discounters expect you to negotiate on your own.

* Schwartz Property Sales monitors the entire process from initial contact through closing, keeping track of all obligations and promptly resolving any issues.

contracts • financial • Florida Keys • property for sale • real estate • Schwartz Property Sales • December 21, 2010

Real estate commissions – how do they work?

by Tracy Larson

For the first time seller or buyer, real estate commissions can be a confusing thing.

To understand who pays real estate commissions — whether it’s sellers
or buyers or both — we need to look at how real estate offices and their agents are paid, and how they share cooperating commissions.

How Real Estate Commissions Work

* Real estate agents work for a real estate broker/office.

* All commissions paid from a sale pass through the broker/office.

* The real estate broker/office pays their agent a portion of the commissions the office recieves from the sale.

* While sellers usually work with individual agents, the listing agreement is between the seller and the real estate broker/office.

* The most common type of listing agreement between a seller and her agent
gives that agent’s broker the right to exclusively market the home. In
return for bringing a buyer to the table, the seller agrees to pay a
commission to the broker. Typically, this fee is represented as a
percentage of the sales price and is shared between the listing broker
and the broker who brings the buyer.

What is the Actual Commission Rate?

It is important to note that commission rates are not fixed and are negotiable
but generally range from 5% to 7% of the sales price. Real estate commissions and transactions vary from
state to state, broker to broker and even locations within states can
be different.

When you begin to consider the sale of your home, be sure you fully understand the differences between the full services offered by Schwartz Property Sales and the lesser promises advertised by discount real estate brokers.

* Consider the true risks in trusting the sale of your most valued asset to a company that offers anything less than going beyond the expected to provide you with an outstanding full service real estate experience.

* The limited services of discount brokerages could prevent you from selling your home quickly or getting the best possible price for your home.

* Getting the best price often requires the expert negotiating services of a skilled professional who is educated in the intricacies of the most complex real estate transactions – but some discounters expect you to negotiate on your own.

* Schwartz Property Sales monitors the entire process from initial contact through closing, keeping track of all obligations and promptly resolving any issues.

American Dream • boating • Florida Keys • Investment • Islamorada • Key Largo • property management • real estate • second home • short term rental • vacation rental • waterfront • December 21, 2010

Tips on choosing a vacation rental investment property

by Tracy Larson

The Florida Keys have long been a favorite vacation destination, so it’s no surprise that many second homeowners choose to utilize their home as a vacation rental while they are not using the property themselves. Unlike other forms of investing, a well planned purchase of a home in the Keys is an investment you can use and share with others while it earns you income.

But to be successful, careful considerations must be made before purchasing. Here are just a few points to consider.

Location is key. The old real estate cliche “location, location, location” holds true when picking out a vacation home. Not only will homes in more desirable neighborhoods rent better, but location within the neighborhood itself is important. Here in the Keys, most vacationers will want easy access to boating for fishing and diving. Having a home that provides quick, easy access to both the Atlantic and Bay side is preferred over a home that requires a long boat ride through a series of canals to reach the open water.

Property history or potential. While looking at possible homes to purchase, find out if the home has ever been used as a vacation rental. If it has, ask for the history of the rental to see how much activity it has generated. If the home has never been used as a vacation rental, find out if it will qualify. Some areas of the Keys have very restrictive property uses, so not all homes are created equal when it comes to using them as a vacation rental property.

Size matters. A lot of vacationers to the Keys that rent a private home over a traditional hotel or resort travel with family or friends. To make things comfortable for everyone, homes that have 3 to 4 bedrooms will book more than homes that have only 1 or 2 bedrooms. Be wary though of going too big. The bigger the house, the higher the rental rate. And just like higher priced homes for sale, high priced vacation homes generate fewer inquiries.

Pay attention to details. The typical vacation renter chooses a private home because they want to have the comfort and convenience of home while on vacation. With this in mind, most travelers are looking for high quality furnishings that match their tastes at home. Fresh linens, ample towels, and comfortable, stylish decor should be provided. Appliances should be of a good quality but not so complicated that they cannot be easily figured out.

Maintenance is a must. The Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay – two things that draw visitors to vacation home – are also two things that will make your home require regular maintenance, along with the inevitable wear from extended use of the home. While it is important to maintain your property, it should not be looked on as a daunting task. A good property manager will pay attention to your home even while it is not being rented to keep you advised when cleaning or repairs are needed to keep your home in tip-top shape.

Owning a second home in the Keys that can help generate income for you can be a great investment. For more details on homes that make good candidates, call or email me today. To get you started, here is a link for condos and homes that will allow short-term rentals (14 days or less).

American Dream • boating • Florida Keys • Investment • Islamorada • Key Largo • property management • real estate • second home • short term rental • vacation rental • waterfront • December 21, 2010

Tips on choosing a vacation rental investment property

by Tracy Larson

The Florida Keys have long been a favorite vacation destination, so it’s no surprise that many second homeowners choose to utilize their home as a vacation rental while they are not using the property themselves. Unlike other forms of investing, a well planned purchase of a home in the Keys is an investment you can use and share with others while it earns you income.

But to be successful, careful considerations must be made before purchasing. Here are just a few points to consider.

Location is key. The old real estate cliche “location, location, location” holds true when picking out a vacation home. Not only will homes in more desirable neighborhoods rent better, but location within the neighborhood itself is important. Here in the Keys, most vacationers will want easy access to boating for fishing and diving. Having a home that provides quick, easy access to both the Atlantic and Bay side is preferred over a home that requires a long boat ride through a series of canals to reach the open water.

Property history or potential. While looking at possible homes to purchase, find out if the home has ever been used as a vacation rental. If it has, ask for the history of the rental to see how much activity it has generated. If the home has never been used as a vacation rental, find out if it will qualify. Some areas of the Keys have very restrictive property uses, so not all homes are created equal when it comes to using them as a vacation rental property.

Size matters. A lot of vacationers to the Keys that rent a private home over a traditional hotel or resort travel with family or friends. To make things comfortable for everyone, homes that have 3 to 4 bedrooms will book more than homes that have only 1 or 2 bedrooms. Be wary though of going too big. The bigger the house, the higher the rental rate. And just like higher priced homes for sale, high priced vacation homes generate fewer inquiries.

Pay attention to details. The typical vacation renter chooses a private home because they want to have the comfort and convenience of home while on vacation. With this in mind, most travelers are looking for high quality furnishings that match their tastes at home. Fresh linens, ample towels, and comfortable, stylish decor should be provided. Appliances should be of a good quality but not so complicated that they cannot be easily figured out.

Maintenance is a must. The Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay – two things that draw visitors to vacation home – are also two things that will make your home require regular maintenance, along with the inevitable wear from extended use of the home. While it is important to maintain your property, it should not be looked on as a daunting task. A good property manager will pay attention to your home even while it is not being rented to keep you advised when cleaning or repairs are needed to keep your home in tip-top shape.

Owning a second home in the Keys that can help generate income for you can be a great investment. For more details on homes that make good candidates, call or email me today. To get you started, here is a link for condos and homes that will allow short-term rentals (14 days or less).

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