Key Largo Real Estate Information

Easy Tips For Being Your Own Handyman (or Handywoman)

2012-01-17T13:46:00.001-05:00

Choosing to improve a home is quite sensible in several ways. Although it can be overwhelming at times, many home improvement projects can be accomplished by the average do-it-yourself homeowner. The following article will guide you figure out what home improvement jobs you can attempt on your own. They can increase the value of your home or simply make it more livable.

Apply an asphalt sealant to your driveway to keep it from weathering and cracking. Both wet weather and the sun can cause damage to your driveway, especially when water freezes and thaws. Using a sealant creates a protective barrier that extends the longevity of the driveway by keeping it safe from damage caused by the elements.

Use high-quality insulation around your plumbing system to prevent your water from freezing during this coming winter. It's easy to find weatherizing tape or foam insulation to use on on your pipes. When you use weatherizing tape, you will avoid damage to your plumbing due to freezing.

You should put water resistant wall boards in when you are doing plumbing improvements. Commonly known as "green board" in the building industry, water-resistant wall board stands up to increased moisture better than standard board, and most brands are treated to prevent the growth of dangerous mold that can thrive in damp areas.

If you want to save money on heating this winter, it's time to re-caulk your windows. This can help prevent moisture and mold damage, as well as stop cold drafts. If the old caulking is cracked, remove it carefully with a chisel and hammer and replace with fresh caulk.

Completing a home improvement project does not need to be overwhelming. Whether you prefer to hire a contractor or DIY, using these tips will help you complete a variety of home improvement projects.

Plan Your Next Trip With These Great Tips In Mind!

2012-01-17T13:45:00.003-05:00

There are a lot of things that can happen when you travel. Normally, these issues occur when people do not prepare adequately for their vacations. This will not be a problem for you because what you are about to read in this article will help to make sure your vacation is pleasurable.

Try to avoid wrapping the gifts you are taking with you when you travel to reduce the issues that may arise because of them. The TSA sometimes needs to inspect a present, and will have to open your nicely wrapped gifts to do so. Instead, pack sheets of wrapping paper, or buy paper at your destination.

Sometimes the best vacation locations are right around the corner. There are many things to do in your own home state or town. Do your local businesses good by supporting them and staying near home when vacationing. You might be surprised by the attractions that are hidden so close to home.

Stores tend to overcharge for these items, and the space saved is minimal, so save the money. Fold your clothes with a more efficient technique when you are packing them. You may even find some techniques which permit you to pack two or three times as much contents in your bag!

A surprisingly large number of airports have play areas, and they can help your children pass the time between flights. This will help your delay fly by and your entire traveling crew much happier in the process.

Consider packing multiple use clothing when going on a trip. As an example, you can get multiple outfits out of blazers and shoes. This will help you cut back on the amount of clothes and shoes you need to pack for your trip.

Make a packing list. Put together a list of things you must take with you. You can start doing this a couple of months out, but should be finished about a week before your trip. If you get in a rush and have to pack right before you leave, this list will ensure that you have everything that you need, and that you do not forget something.

Always tip the housekeeper and bell station. For these services, a good tip for housekeeping would be from $2-$5 per day, and $1 per bag of luggage. Doing this will not only show that you appreciated the work they did, but it will also foster a good relationship with them.

Before you go on a trip, ensure that you have copies of your important papers. Copies of important papers like your passport, insurance forms, and any other key documentation should travel well-separated from your originals. It is also a good idea to leave a set with a friend or relative in case all the sets you have are lost or stolen.

The fact is that most vacation horror stories you hear about are caused by inadequate planning. This piece includes tips capable of helping you plan sufficiently to ensure a terrific, fun and restful trip.

Buying Real Estate - Advice That Will Keep You From Making Mistakes

2012-01-17T13:45:00.001-05:00

If real estate is a new thing for you, you need to learn a few things before considering buying anything. We offer the following tips to guide you on your way to successful real estate buying.

If you don't live a cold climate, avoid buying a house with a fireplace. Learn more about fireplaces and find out how much getting one cleaned regularly costs before making your decision.

Work to find out the housing market trends in your area. You need to check with certain websites that can tell you about the average prices of foreclosed homes, listings, and backlogs as well. Try to research unemployment rates, local employers and income levels. Very rarely can an extremely nice property outweigh an the impact of an area that has been hit hard by the economy, so be careful.

Study up on rental properties. If you are thinking about buying a rental property, look at the records for this pertaining to the property for a couple years back or more. Make sure you are getting accurate information from the seller about how much money you could make with this property. Your lender will most likely also want to see verification of income before they will issue a purchase loan for the property.

Get a checklist from your realtor. Realtors have checklists for everything, from creating a budget to getting a mortgage. Your Realtor's list will get everything done before you go to closing.

If you're interested in investing in real estate, a good idea is to do so with the assistance of a broker or real estate agent. They have access to many resources that aren't open to the general public. Most commonly, real estate brokers use software designed for quickly searching MLS listings so that they can help you find prospective properties much more easily than you can do on your own. This specialized software makes your search for a new home more efficient and ensures that you don't miss any listings.

Avoid paying extra for a home simply because it has a beautiful view. While you may feel the view is worth the extra expense, if you decide to sell the home down the road your potential buyers may not. Estimate the view as part of the house's total package, try to place a price on it, and find what your magical number is for the house.

As shown in this article, there is a lot to learn about real estate, and it can be intimidating. However, if you put in the effort and use common sense, you will quickly find yourself becoming an expert. Take the tips and suggestions you learned here, and you'll be a more confident and savvy property buyer.

Rental Insurance Is An Important Thing To Have

2012-01-17T13:44:00.001-05:00

Insurance is important because it makes sure that you and your family are taken care of, should a illness, tragedy or accident arise. There are numerous forms of insurance policies available. You can have insurance for your life, home, vehicle, and even your beloved pets. In the event of an accident, insurance will help you pick up the pieces by paying for some, or even all, of the damages. This article will give you information about the various types of insurance available and their benefits to you.

A great way you can land a good deal on a life or health insurance policy is to appear healthier to the insurance companies. And putting down those cigarettes is a great start! Smoking presents many health risks that are worked into calculations used by insurers to determine your premiums for insurance policies. You can cut your policy premiums substantially if you quit.

Have a good credit report to keep your insurance rates low. Many insurance companies include credit history in their calculations when figuring your insurance rates. If credit companies consider you a "high risk" customer, insurance companies may have the same opinion and raise your rates accordingly.

Large national insurance companies may be the best choice when shopping for insurance. Smaller insurance companies simply cannot offer the many coverage options that a larger company can, including that of 24/7 contact possibilities. Your needs are often responded to much more quickly as a result. Nationwide insurance companies also employ large numbers of customer service personnel which means you will not be at the whim of a few local agents as you would be at a small insurance company.

As stated at the beginning of the article, there are many different types of insurance available. Hopefully you have discovered ways you can insure yourself and/or your property that you hadn't thought of before. Having insurance gives you piece of mind that in the unfortunate event of a tragedy, illness, or accident, you and your family will be covered, and a bit more prepared.

Home Sweet Home: Great Home Improvement Tips

2011-12-11T10:51:00.001-05:00

Do you think you know a lot about the world of home improvement? Do you know what you are doing when it comes to properly making repairs? You can become even more knowledgeable by reading these tips.

The sharp edges of furniture can be a hazard for younger children. Pad the corners to prevent any injuries. You can do this with either corner protectors or foam tape. Another thing that you should do is tape down loose wiring that can strangle your child.

When storing supplies for your next project, keep in mind that building supplies of all types are often stolen. You should be sure to secure them when they are not being used. You can keep them in your house or garage. If you have a shed, with a lock, store them in there. If you are unable to secure your materials in the structure, then consider renting a storage container with a good lock on it.

Look for ideas for home improvement projects now. Start planning ahead of time to compare as many different ideas as possible. If you can get rid of the desire to find a right color scheme for your home, you will decrease your stress levels for renovation.

If you're thinking of making some improvements to your home, consider updating your front porch. This is where you make your initial impression to your guests. Clear out any clutter and add personal touches such as flowers, plants, patio furniture. You may also want to add new light fixtures and a nice wood varnish. Fix any obvious issues such as broken boards or unstable steps. These things add value to a house.

A coat rack mounted to the wall can be an elegant way to display your jewelry. Make sure to only hang costume jewelry and nothing of significant value. Displaying your jewelry can make a nice statement in a room and keep it all tangle free. Make sure that the jewelry you tend to wear the most is still handy.

You can give your home a cleaner feeling by getting your carpets cleaned from time to time. Particularly in the places where your family often walks, use shampoo and a deep cleaning treatment. Doing so will engender an atmosphere of freshness and cleanliness throughout your home.

A dormer window in your attic will make it a more functional space. In addition to potentially giving your home more square footage, it will make your home appear nicer. Making your attic useable will increase the value of your home and offer you more living space, all for a small cost.

The bristles in the brush will become warped and your broom will age more rapidly. Your broom will last longer if it is hung in the closet with the bristles off the ground. You want to make sure that your mop is hung so that it can be completely dried, keeping mildew at bay.

Some people may have some skills with home improvement, but true knowledge takes years of work and experience to gain. Be aware that you're never finished learning, and there is always room for improvement. With the previous tips in mind, you are well on your way to becoming great at it.

Make Your Travels Easier Using These Tips

2011-12-11T10:50:00.001-05:00

Traveling is a bigger deal than just going somewhere you haven't been before. You can really get a great experience out of it. Just as there is an endless number of wonderful destinations to choose among for your trip, there are also a lot of different ways to go about planning it. Will there be a once in a lifetime trip waiting for you? Whenever you're ready to start, these tips will assist you with your plans.

TIP! As a woman traveling alone, try to blend in with the culture of the country you travel to. Don't wear flashy clothes and jewelry (even costume jewelry).

Choose your clothes carefully when you are going on a trip. Choose clothing items with multiple potential uses. One blazer or one pair of shoes, for example, can be paired with a skirt and then again with slacks. This will limit the number of things you must take along on your trip.Keep in mind that you are not the only person staying in your hotel. When you are in a hotel, you should always show respect towards your neighbors. Never slam the doors or be extremely loud. You never know who is catching up on some sleep because of jet lag, even if it's in the afternoon. Silence is not required but try to keep the volume down.

TIP! Don't over-schedule your vacation. While it is important to plan some activities, especially ones which require tickets or additional travel, leave yourself plenty of free time.

Do not go to a currency exchange if you can help it. Getting foreign currency can be done in a better way. Use a bank ATM whenever possible. These machines will usually have the best exchange rate available.When traveling by air, do not count on the airline to provide for your needs, even on a long flight. Make sure you bring along a blanket, pillow and if you will use them, headphones. It is also a good idea to pack a few snacks in your carry-on, in case your flight is delayed or they don't serve food you like.

TIP! Minimize your clothes pile when you are packing for a trip. You should easily be able to pack a week of clothes for your travels.

Weather can be a huge factor in your travel plans. Use the Internet to see what the weather will be for the area you plan to visit. Freezing rain on a Florida beach, or unseasonal sunshine on an Aspen ski trip, will ruin the best laid travel plans.You should roll your clothes or use a travel vacuum bag instead of folding them. With this method, you will save a substantial amount of space in your luggage. Once you reach your destination, you can unroll and fold them before placing them into drawers if you wish. This way you can take less luggage with you when you are traveling.

TIP! Constantly take pictures of your children while you are on vacation. Use your phone if possible, and take pictures when you are going in to any activity where there are large crowds and getting lost might be possible.

If you want to adjust faster to a different time zone, try to stay awake until 8pm local time. Even if you are tired, the earlier you go to bed, the more difficult it will be to get settled into your new time zone. Focus on your adjustment to local time, and you will decrease your jet lag quickly.As you can see, traveling is more than an airplane ride and a hotel stay. The vacation experience extends from the early planning stages until you get back home. The previous tips should have provided you with helpful advice.

Sell Your Property Confidently With These Tips

2011-12-11T10:49:00.001-05:00

There are certain tools that you're going to need in the real estate market if you want to succeed. Sellers out there have to contend with stubborn and picky buyers, and only the best in the business are managing to turn a profit. Read this article and find out how you can become a better seller in real estate.

When placing your home on the market, do not price it as a whole price. For example, instead of putting it as $250,000 put it as $249,000. This small difference can actually make your home price more appealing to potential home buyers. Also, do not add cents to your price. For instance, do not make your home $249,000.50.

If you do not have the right real estate agent, then your time in the real estate market may be very difficult and hard. It is important that you treat your meetings with agents like job interviews. You need to hire the agent that is going to help you the best.

If you have found someone who really wants to own your real estate, but the buyer is having a very hard time getting financial support, see if you can assist him or her. One such way could be a lease-to-own option. Important options such as paying for closing fees can be the difference between your house selling or not.

To improve your chances of getting your asking price when selling your house, ensure the house is "staged" for showing potential buyers. The idea behind staging is to arrange the house and its furniture so that a possible buyer could easily envision living there. One technique used in staging is to temporarily remove personal items, like family pictures, from the rooms so that a prospective buyer can easily imagine their own photos there.

Only a lucky few are pushing their properties in today's market. The rest of the homes are just sitting around and collecting dust. If you follow these tips, you can be part of the minority of real estate sellers, who are actually selling and not just sitting around on their hands.

Read This If You Want To Know How To Improve Your Home

2011-12-11T10:47:00.001-05:00

Home improvement will either be very rewarding or a major pain - it is all in the preparation and implementation. This list of tips should put you "in the know"? The following tips should help solve some of your home improvement dilemmas.

Lampshades of simple structure and design are quite a bore. You can use a few stencils and a little paint to liven them up. Using this simple tip can make your whole room appear livelier.

Adding heat to tiled floors is inexpensive and very easy. Before beginning a floor replacement project, consult a knowledgeable sales person. You will be happy that you went ahead and did it; it is wonderful for your feet. This option will also impress future buyers if you should decide to sell your home.

When taking on an involved home improvement project, start with electrical and plumbing projects first. Repairs of this kind usually will have you tearing into the walls of your home, so you should do that before anything else. If you already have your walls opened up for other repairs, why not take care of plumbing and wiring at the same time?

Serious drainage problems can surface during rainy periods if gutters are clogged. A primary cause of water leaking into the basement is clogged gutters that result in rainwater running down along the side of your home. Make sure you clean your gutters before this occurs.

A well-executed landscaping project can make your home and your property more attractive and pleasant. Consider implementing the use of various smooth stones as well as indigenous flowers, plants and shrubs to create a personalized look to your landscape. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and your landscaping does just that to visitors; it also increases home value.

One easy home improvement project that can save you money is caulking your windows. You will make sure that you do not have any wetness of drafts coming in, this will inhibit the growth of mold and help lower heating bills. Cracked old caulking will be costing you money on your heating and cooling bills. Remove the old caulk and re-caulk when necessary.

It should be clear by now that home improvement can be a lot more complicated than you might think. It requires a lot of research and work, but it will be worth it in the end to help enhance your home. The tips laid out in this article will put you on the right path to completing your project successfully.

Deciding to buy home or property in Islamorada

2011-10-05T10:27:00.003-04:00

Anytime you are thinking of buying home and property in theFlorida Keys, buying among numerous island destinationscan certainly be a challenging assignment. Each and every areais attractive and features a great deal to be aware of,but certainly it's unlikely that any considerably more sothan Islamorada. Islamorada is really a area of as few as 6individual island locations, by way of example Lower andupper Matecumbe Key, Plantation Key and more.

for help with Islamorada Real Estate contact Jan keller

But not only is Islamorada property among the most amazingall-around, however the points of interest with the regioncannot be surmounted. Numerous properties belongingto the Florida Keys are particularly remote, some somethinglike forty miles between retail and supply shops or amusement alternatives.Islamorada property is a whole lot more appealing and well-liked becauseof the closeness to an assortment of these basic businesses.

Folks that buy a real estate for sale in Islamorada getaccess to a fantastic diversity of pleasurable and amusementfamily activities. Real estate available on the market inIslamorada can be found in the Sport Angling Capital belongingto the planet. With amazing sportfishing grounds, by way ofexample Northern America's only living coral reef, just offshore, thesportfishing right here belongs to the finest anywhere on earth. As a consequence, the area is teemingwith world-class fishing boat captains leading sportfishing boatcharters to use the astounding marine environments.

for help with Key Largo homes for sale contact Fran Herbenick

Islamorada real-estate locals also visit the Theatre ofthe Sea, an marine recreation area showcasing a selection of categoriesof sea life. In the Theatre of the Sea, guests can offer food totarpon, go swimming with dolphins, and view other creatures.

Vacation Rental Return on your investment and also Amount of Yield

2011-09-08T10:26:00.002-04:00

Typicallythe first 365 days or two of actually owning a getawayin the Keys generally reveals a near break even cashflow. If one vigorously goes after the advertisingon the internet travel internet sites, cash flows canbe transformed into positive actually throughout the firstyear of possession. A positive cashflow with regardsto mortgage versus rentals will most likely revealfollowing the third or fourth year. There are plenty of componentsestablishing Return on your investment, such as are:

The condition of the accommodation Amount of return tenants

Water viewpoint and services Area and comfortof traveling out of the air port

Discover the Best Keys Places and Real estate

If all of the above are favourable, the owner can requestthe highest rents along with the number of returningtourists. All of these properties would be the bestto rent and command the greatest weekly rents. You can alsofind outstanding internet sites to analyze prospectiverentals real estate for purchase.

An excellent starting place to find real estate withinthe Florida Keys is as simple as getting in contact with severalof the top producing real estate agents in Key Largo,Islamorada, Marathon or Key West. Some of the larger realestate property firms also provide listings of homesto rent or purchase that could be some of those whichthey handle directly. With economic types of conditionsbeing what they're currently, a property investment in theKeys is persuasive. If an investor is looking for a greatinvestment which could not only be enjoyed, but couldultimately offer an source of income inside the very shortrun, the Keys is a superb starting point.
For more information about Key Largo property for sale contact Fran Herbenick

Vacation Destination locations such as the Florida Keys are a wonderful adventure

2011-05-14T13:31:00.000-04:00

Destination resort areas such as the keys

A few great examples of destination resort places are Key West and the Florida Keys, just like any ski location What makes the Florida Keysa premier resort area is the fact it provides visitors a year round vacation spot. While the truth is that Nassau, like Key West are cruise destinations, Key West and to a lesser degree, the rest of the Keys have incredible sightseeing year-round.
For Big Pine Key Real Estate check out Ruth Hemp at http://www.lowerkeysagent.com

The Key advantage Key West and the Keys have to offer is they operate year long. The Keys have various periods as far as visitors come to mind but the services can be experienced all year. From June, the summer time kicks in right up until Labour Day. However, if you walked on the pavement of Key West in the ‚Äúoff seasons‚Äù you couldn‚Äôt fail to notice vacationers getting snapshots, sportfishing off the boat dock or enjoying the points of interest and sounds of old Key West. Cruise lines generally make port year round in Key West, probably to a greater degree than even Nassau.

For Summerland Key Real Estate look at Kathleen or Tommy Gomez at http://www.islandpals.com

Other Keys Holiday Resort Areas
For Lower Keys Commercial Real Estate as well as Residential contact RJ Albritton at http://www.lowerkeyshomes4sale.com

Never to be forgotten about are the other Keys locations for example Islamorada, one of the top angling areas on earth. That‚Äôs a one hour drive to your air-port. Key West has a small but quite busy airport accommodating people from across the world. 1 primary benefit that islamorada provides, is it's great water sports of angling and snorkeling.

There are many locations well worth bringing up within the Keys, especially Key Largo, featuring a proximity to Miami, great diving and fishing. Certainly, Marathon and a few of the lesser known Keys are definitely worthwhile considering as investment opportunities which also offers an proprietor a great place to stay while not rented. Key West however remains to be the main desired destination place and also the location everybody want's to see.

Green Tips for selling a Keys home

2011-04-04T13:11:00.000-04:00

What green tips am i able to do for my property?

1. Use cost effective solar exterior lights. Solar power lights doesn't need electric cabling, there aren't any extra costs for your utility bill and you will probably move the lights anywhere needed. Solar lighting greatly enhance the appearance of walk ways, landscape designs and safety.

2. Develop a Environmentally friendly Landscaping. Pesticide sprays, eco-friendly fertilizer, sprinkling and time all take their cost for the natural environment along with your efforts and budget. Growing indigenous vegetation, utilizing reprocessed thick mulch and organic manure or pest management minimizes the period of time and necessary to keep the yard looking great.

3. Use alternate products. Think about all-natural rock, bamboo bedding or any other environmentally friendly floor coverings rather than carpets. It's the same with the exterior of your property, rock along with other environmentally friendly building products frequently need much less upkeep, painting along with other continuing expenses.

4. Set up money saver home appliances. There are other options than ever before with regards to energy-efficient home appliances created to conserve money and time.

5. Weather-proof your property. It makes use of much less heating in winter season and much less ac in summer season to keep comfy.

6. Check plumbing related for leakages yearly. Even little leakages can soon add up to a sizable loss and price , and without knowing it.

7. Use automated electronic timers for the lights, heating and air cooling and hot water heater rather than leaving them on all day or night

Florida Keys Schools-Education

2011-04-04T13:09:00.000-04:00

The Florida Keys Education-Schools
With a population of just over 73,000 residents, the Florida Keys has about 8,300 students in full time attendance. If you’re contemplating a move to the Keys, there is an assortment of schools and programs within the Monroe County area. In the public school sector there are nine K-8 schools and three high schools. Among private schools you can find 27 assorted academies and religious based schools scattered throughout the islands.

The students within the Florida Keys educational system in general, have fared very much better than average on the FCATs (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test - administered to students in grades 3 through 11) and other educational rankings criteria. In fact, the FCAT scores for Florida Keys students were among the very highest within the state.

Additionally, there are three college level institutions: Florida Keys Community College, Barry University (extension campus) and Hodges University (extension campuses) all offering various courses of study located in Key West, Marathon and Key Largo.

The courses of study include one and two year certifications for diplomas, vocational training and up to and including bachelors and masters degree programs. If one is interested in oceanography and diving, what better place to explore and study that science than in the Keys? Among the advanced course of scientific courses studies of study available are: oceanography marine engineering, diving technology and marine technology. For those out of school, there are numerous adult education and extension courses available for those desiring to further their knowledge and education.

The Florida Keys is an exciting place to learn and study for all ages and aptitudes. Certainly, it’s easy to find all kinds of schools throughout the country , but if you have a choice, why not the Florida Keys?

Purchasing a home in the Keys after Foreclosure

2011-04-04T13:07:00.000-04:00

Should I Consider Purchasing a Home After Foreclosure?

Foreclosures on the market are normally available, regardless of the condition of the economy. Buying a foreclosure might or might not end up being a wise plan of action. Following are things to consider before you take the leap into purchasing a foreclosure.

Is it best to buy a foreclosure or delay the process until the bank or mortgage company has completed their process? Typically you will get a better deal, if you make your purchase during foreclosure. However, you could be truly getting the property "as is" with few, if any, guarantees. Making a proposal after a home becomes an REO (real estate owned) of the lender may cost someone a little more, however, the key owner/lender has more then likely spent some funds in repairing some problems and/or giving the home and property a little TLC to make it more saleable.
Is the property truly a great buy?
Many people mistakenly assume that all foreclosures equate to a bargain purchase. Consider that belief a bit. First, most foreclosures take place on real estate where little equity exists. For example, people owning a home worth $250,000, but having only a $100,000 first mortgage will typically never allow the property to be susceptible to foreclosure. They might be throwing away $155,000 in equity.
Contrast that example with another $250,000 home with a first mortgage balance of $245,000. If you could not afford that home, you might be much more likely to let it go to foreclosure since you are losing little money. You, being the buyer, might need to pay near the FMV (fair market value) of $250,000, even if it were a foreclosed property or home.
Are there any expensive repairs that should be completed before you resell or stay in the property or home?
The nature of home loans may make it faster and easier to purchase a house in great condition for a higher price than to request "rehab" or repair dollars to get integrated to the loan. Often, you may be required to fund major repairs out of your own pocket.

You should find MLS (multiple listing service) listings of similar homes for sale in the same neighborhood as your preferred foreclosure home to compare prices. Is the price of the foreclosure substantially lower than current prices for matching homes? When the price is similar, you may be wiser to buy a house from a professional real estate professional. Should the purchase price for the REO be substantially less than typical FMV for that area, you might have an actual bargain.

Diving in the Florida Keys

2011-04-04T13:05:00.002-04:00

Dive Dive, Dive! …But do it in the Keys!
If you’re an outdoors men (or woman) with a love of nature, warm clear waters and sea life in abundance, then the Florida Keys is one of the best and most economical diving vacations that you can experience. The Keys stretches for almost 120 miles into the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico starting at Key Largo (roughly 40 miles from Miami) all the down way to Key West. World class diving is available along the south side of most of the island chain. Whether your preference is snorkeling or SCUBA, the Keys can deliver. Easily accessible by rental boat or any of a number of licensed expert dive operators, there is so much to explore in the under water world of the Keys.

Among the best known areas is Key Largo’s John Pennekamp State park, featuring glass bottom boat rides, snorkeling/SCUBA and incredible sea life. Further to the west is Islamorada offering terrific wreck diving and reefs. Marathon located 50 miles further west has excellent wreck dives plus Sombrero Reef, just off the Sombrero Key lighthouse. Key West has the Inner Reefs, the Outer Reefs and numerous wreck dives, to boot. If you’re a bit more adventurous, you voyage70 miles further west off to the Dry Tortugas (Ft. Jefferson National Monument). There is excellent diving, as well as fishing in the gin clear, pristine waters.

Diving is absolutely breathtaking anywhere on the 120 mile stretch of the keys. You can explore new reefs, maybe find new wrecks, but in the end, you can make the Keys a ‘must go’ dive adventure every year.

Vacationing in the Florida Keys

2011-03-06T10:42:00.002-05:00

A World Away – Vacationing in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys offer many of the same laid back characteristics as the Caribbean, without ever leaving the United States. Amazing sunsets and a free spirited attitude all contribute to the laid back atmosphere of the Keys.

There are many activities to do, like sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, boating, sailing, kayaking and eco-tours. Each island destination has its own special features. These islands are also rich in culture and history with many galleries, restaurants, festivals, music and theater to visit and check out. Of course, just relaxing is always an option throughout the Keys as well.

The Keys span about 120 miles and are connected by bridges and causeways, running south west from Miami. This area has the only living-coral barrier reef in the United Stares and is approximately 5 miles off shore and runs the entire length of the Keys.

The first island in the Florida Keys is Key Largo. Being close to the Everglades National park, there is much wildlife to be seen here. It is a popular destination for kayakers and bird watchers. There are many amazing scuba diving or snorkeling sites in Key Largo as well, with many sunken wrecks in the area. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located here and offers scuba and snorkeling tours, glass bottom boat tours and swimming in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In 2002, the navy ship, the USS Spiegel Grove was sunk to provide a reef here and a sunken wreck for divers to explore.

The next island in the chain is Islamorada. It is comprised of six islands including Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key. This area is well known for its world class sport fishing. There are many fishing tournaments held here each season.

Marathon Key is in the middle of the Florida keys. It is famous for the Seven Mile Bridge, which links it to the Lower Florida Keys. You will find great shopping and many fine restaurants offering fresh seafood. At Crane Point Museum, there is one of the last untouched tropical hardwood hammocks in the Florida Keys.

Big Pine Key is known for its boating tours and for bird watching and fishing. The diving and snorkeling is great here too. It is a quiet region of small resorts, home-style restaurants, vacation homes and untouched natural areas.

The last of the Florida Keys is Key West. There are many festivals, shopping and restaurants. Boat tours provide a great way to view Key West from the water. The snorkeling and diving are renowned here to see a diverse array of marine life. Wrecks and reefs, both artificial and natural coral, are home to hundreds of species of tropical and game fish. Many visitors rent a bicycle or go on walking tours to explore the history and architecture of Old Town Key West.

So if you are into eco-tourism, scuba diving or snorkeling, shopping and dining, or just want to relax in a tropical paradise, the Florida Keys may be the destination for you.

Key Largo Recreation-Fishing for sharks

2011-03-06T10:40:00.001-05:00

Shark Fishing on Reel Chaos Charters in Key Largo

Andrew and his lady joined us aboard the Reel Chaos (www.reelchaoscharters.com) for a day of fishing. Andrew's lovely lady hooked this fish and had a blast brining it in. As usual this fish was CPR'd, Captured, Photographed, and Released.

Key Largo Fishing for Grouper

2011-03-06T10:39:00.003-05:00

Key Largo Cargo - SHALLOW GROUPER

Capt. Blair battles grouper in 3 feet of water with Capt. Tadd Vandemark on this episode of Addictive Fishing. More info: addictivefishing.blogspot.com

Key Largo Fishing

2011-03-06T10:38:00.002-05:00

Key Largo Fishing

Fishing Key Largo with Captain Zane Albury

How can I select a luxury home builder during my area?

2011-02-24T17:55:00.002-05:00

Selecting a luxury home builder to construct your luxury house is one of the most critical decision within the entire process of creating a new home. You will need to obtain references from each potential builder. Call their references to ascertain how well the whole process was handled. Did the builder return calls promptly? Was the builder reasonable about change orders? Did the builder interject ideas about materials and finish products and did he complete on time?

After polling references, it's take a candid consider the builder's workmanship and finished products. Builders have a tendency to adapt a signature design or personality inside their product. Don't expect a builder who favors tile roofs and stucco to create a Georgian mansion. Determine the builder's expertise and stick with his true skill.

Don't be lured to "save money" using a builder who's eager to enter in the luxury home building market. Cutting cost with a brand new builder just isn't advisable. The money you think you are saving costs more in errors and delays.

Finally, new homes need to have a comprehensive inspection performed ahead of finalizing the documentation. Most people consider inspections for previously built homes, but issues with new homes do arise. Use a good inspector even though creating a new luxury home!

How to Attract Customers to Your Home

2011-02-24T17:54:00.002-05:00

You could possibly be one of all those individuals who are considering advertising their property. If this is accurate, this write-up can help call to mind a number of problems that you have to do ahead of you placing your property around the marketplace. Everyone knows that attractive plants are attractive and this is one thing you ought to consider about your property. What are a few issues that that can be done to make the property much more attractive to prospective customers?

Prior to nearly anything else, you have to find out the developments about the real estate in your area. You can usually get a free property evaluation from a real estate broker or an individual on the internet. This gives you to consider a beneficial look at what your property could be well worth. You can also have a look at other listings of houses that have not too long ago sold in the same area. A residence always is much more attractive if you have a price edge that retains it marketplace competitive.
In addition, work to make certain your property is attractive to look at. It has to make a great initial influence so you need to stage this in a way that would certainly makes it most attractive for almost any prospective buyers. To do this, you can even do some re-designing that does not truly cost a lot of money. Even if they're cheap, several remodelling work can really alter the way your house looks. For example, mow the actual lawn, trim the shrubs, and put a few plants at home. This will give it a look associated with freshness and definately will dramatically improve its appearance.
When it comes to the interior of the house, you are able to improve its ambience through putting in new curtains as well as upholstery. Somewhat greenery inside the house if you use indoor plants will really jazz up the whole region. You can also reap the benefits of having good lighting. You do not need to spend a lot of money; just some minor changes might do.

Buying a waterfront home in the Keys

2011-02-04T13:44:00.000-05:00

Buying a waterfront home in the Keys
First off, congratulations at looking to the Keys for a possible vacation home. The good news about the Keys from an investment angle are: There is only so much waterfront or Coastal property available. The Keys have strict environmental laws that affect building permits. This means there are only so many homes and always will be a limited number of homes here. One big reason for this is there is just ONE Highway in and out of the Keys. (US1) If there is an emergency, people need to have the ability to leave quickly and so for this reason alone, the Keys will never be California. The other main environmental consideration is the water quality. The Keys main attraction are water sports and Monroe County is going to make sure that our waters are clean and usable. To consider when purchasing any waterfront vacation home and how the Keys measure up: Is there a view? Views really do matter. An unobstructed Ocean view adds as much as 60% to the value of a home per the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics. Proximity to Golf courses or a park can add as much as 20% to a homes value. This is per an article by a much published author named Soren Anderson, a writer from Manchester College. Consider the recreational activities… The What and the When. For example in a Ski resort area, your options are limited due to weather considerations and the total amount of activities available is definitely less. *In the Keys, about the only thing you cannot do year round are mountain climbing and white water rafting. Boating access and controlling depth Is there direct boating access on the property? If so, how large a boat can you have behind the home? This is determined by what we in the Keys call controlling draft or depth. For example: If a boat is under 30ft in most cases 3 ft draft is OK. Draft means...what is the lowest water depth you have to go through to get to open or deep water.If you have a sailboat or 50 ft boat you will need deeper draft such as 5ft. Now..obviously if you have a 50 ft sailboat behind your home, the canals or waterways have to provide you with turn-around room. If the access is deep draft, then expect prices to go up. If there is no water acess at the home or the draft is for kayaks only, in most cases expect a drop in price. If there is no direct water access...how far is the nearest boat ramp or is there a boat slip available? If so, is it included and what is the draft out of the boat slip. So the boating issue has a very direct effect on pricing here. Neighborhoods with bigger canals and deep draft boating are generally home to the Million dollar and plus homes. Nearby Medical and shopping options These are very important considerations. If there is an accident, how far away is a hospital? In the Upper Keys we have Baptist hospital in Tavernier which is an excellent option. If you need groceries or restaurants, what is nearby? Oftentimes vacation properties can be secluded and don’t offer easy access to the above. At first being remote can seem as desirable, but in the end it can grow old quickly. This also affects home values by the way. If you can have the vacation feel and recreation, yet have amenities nearby, the prices go up. On thing about the upper Keys is that Miami and South Beach are just about an hour away and World famous Key West, 2 hours. How much room do you need? If you own a home with nearby recreation and sightseeing, expect people to come out of the woodwork. Everyone will be your friend. Larger homes, with more bedrooms, a 3/2 and up always rent better. So if you can, get a home with extra space. Type of Construction or is it built to last. The age of the home will determine the building code that it was built to. In the Keys newer homes have to be built to strict specs as to wind handling characteristics. Also, look for low maintenance homes. Lots of homes in the Keys are made of concrete block and have pea-rock for yards and the outside is stucco over concrete or frame. This means lower maintenance, which is very important for an absentee owner. Finding renters Does the home have good rental potential and is there local rental management available? This is a very important consideration, both for long term and short term vacation rentals. Remember, even if you don’t want to rent, this can be an important consideration for a future buyer or if your situation changes. Home maintenance. Are there nearby electricians, plumbers, appliance stores and general contractors. If anything does happen, the prices to have things repaired or replaced will be less if there is competition and service people are nearby. Check with the REALTOR you are talking with to get a Vendor list of who the Real Estate company uses to service their rentals and offices. Rules and Regulations Make sure you are clear on and have copies of any deed restrictions or condo docs as to what is allowed and what is not. Too many rules can be appetizing for some but a turnoff for future buyers. For example if you have children who will want to use the property in the future as a college break, lots of communities can prohibit it. In conclusion, the upper Keys offer good investment potential from an appreciation aspect and income potential from renters. Regarding Appreciation. Because Miami and Ft Lauderdale are a short drive away, people there look to the Keys as a getaway. Think New York and the Jersey shore. We sell a majority of homes to people from these areas. Income potential. About 50% of the vacation renters in the Keys are from Florida. They come here because the Keys are a completely different experience. This means as Florida grows (it is on pace to be the 2nd largest state in the USA by 2010) we will have more people looking to vacation here. This will drive prices up and make rental occupancy rates climb even more.

Getting a desirable mortgage for buying a dream home is what everyone wishes for. A home is like any other product available in the market. So when shopping for a home mortgage prices and terms may be negotiable. When it comes to buying a home, a borrower has to overcome many financial obstacles. This is where home mortgage comes in. For more information visit this site and take help from the specialist here.

Fran Herbenick
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
100430 Overseas Highway,
Key Largo, 33037
Phone Numbers:
305-453-7527
Mobile Number: 305-304-6334
Fax: 305-451-1220

Website

Upper Fl Keys - Key Largo Properties for sale-Real Estate

2011-02-04T13:41:00.002-05:00

Do spectacular sunsets, swaying palm trees,warm weather, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling,diving, biking, sailing, boating, beaches with sparkling sand, beautiful blue ocean water, year round gardening, state parks and island living with a laid back lifestyle appeal to you? If the answer is yes, you might be interested in relocating or investing in The Florida Keys where all these qualities of life exist. You can achieve your dream by purchasing a year round home, a vacation rental property in the form of a single family home, mobile home or condominium or purchasing a second home just for yourself, family and friends to enjoy. Yes, your dream can become a reality.

Fran Herbenick
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
100430 Overseas Highway,
Key Largo, 33037
Phone Numbers:
305-453-7527
Mobile Number: 305-304-6334
Fax: 305-451-1220
Email Me
Website

Key Largo Homes for sale:Fran Herbenick

2011-02-04T13:40:00.002-05:00

Real Estate Investment: Vacation Home or Condo?

With the historic decline in real estate values, many are wondering, “Which is the best investment, a home or condo?” To be sure, in some parts of Florida, the real estate market for condos is not good. But should one still shy away from a condo investment? The answer, believe it or not is, “Absolutely not!”

The Real Advantages of Condo Ownership in Florida
There are several key advantages that one need consider. There is a key qualifier: the following pertains to properties that are located within coastal/vacation areas.

1. Cost/Return on Investment – Vacation condos in coastal areas that are both South of Tampa and Daytona Beach have an almost year round vacation market. Further north and the weather during the winter months is really too cool to attract tourists. Therefore, given the relatively low upfront cost in purchasing a vacation condo versus a single family home, weekly rental rates for condos are often a net positive cash flow, almost from the outset with a real positive return on investment.

2. Market Size – The market for short term condo rentals in the Florida vacation market is much greater than the market for single family vacation home rentals. The rental rates are much lower and the probability of keeping a condo rented on a continuing basis is much greater, because in the current market, fewer can afford the relatively high cost of renting a three or four bedroom home near the beach or waterfront areas.

3. Views – One of the other advantages of a vacation condo is that condominium complexes near the ocean, gulf or in the Florida Keys usually have better views than would a moderately priced single family home in the same area. In other words, it is significantly less expensive to purchase a condo with a “decent” view than a single family home with the same view.

4. Condo House Keeping Cost – Typically, in mid sized to large condominium complexes that are rented to vacationers, it’s relatively simple to find reputable and dependable individuals to perform cleanup services after a one or two week vacation stay. Also, the clean up cost of a typical condo is a fraction of what it might cost to perform the same services on a single family rental home.

5. Facilities – A key advantage of a condominium over a single family home is that because there are so many units sharing the cost of all the facilities (a pool, recreation room, and work out room, etc.) the number and quality of facilities usually far exceeds that which might be found in a typical single family home.

6. Ease of Management – If one buys a condo situated in one of the Florida vacation destinations and the owner is located in Texas or New York, maintenance problems are an absolute annoyance. Even if the owner is only 15 minutes away, it still is an annoyance. With a condo, often there is an on site manager who normally handles a vacationer’s problems, like a jammed toilet or sink. Also, local maintenance companies can be contracted to respond to a problem when summoned by a tenant resolving the problem without ever bothering the owner.

7. Ultimate Sale of a Condominium – As mentioned above the market for vacation condos to purchase is significantly larger than the market for single family vacation homes. When an owner of a condo elects to sell his property after having owned it, it is certainly easier to find buyers with the necessary down payment and financial resources to purchase a condominium as opposed to a much more pricey single family vacation home.

Like anything else, doing the background work in purchasing a condominium is of key importance. A potential investor must research the area, the rental history, the condition and the suitability of purchasing whatever condominium in which he might have an interest. Even in today’s market and perhaps, especially in today’s market, a Florida vacation condominium has so many obvious advantages as an investment.
For more information please see http://www.keylargopropertiesforsale.com/

Why you should consider investing in the Upper Keys Now.

2008-05-24T11:10:00.000-04:00

Why you should consider investing in the Upper Keys Now.

1. Prices in the upper Keys have stabilized and are in fact even better than other destination resort areas in the United States. This includes both residential and commercial Real Estate.

2. Real Estate sales and closings have seen a steady increase in the upper Keys since January 2006. This clearly indicates the buyers are responding to increased inventory choices and competitive pricing.

3. The explosive growth of South Dade County,(just 30 miles away) will definitely benefit Real Estate sales as people look for weekend getaways, (Predictions for the Homestead area and just north are for one million residents by 2010) Think New York and the Jersey shore.

4. Weekenders and potential home buyers from Miami, Ft Lauderdale and Naples will find it even easier and safer to come down weekends for a Keys experience, due to the widening of the 18 mile stretch.

5. The Cost of Living index (stats from Accra) show the Keys now at a better rate then 24 major American markets from the East Coast into California. This means Baby boomers looking for lifestyle changes and/or 1031 and straight investments are finding the Keys competitive and affordable. See the cost of living page

The combination of all this is obvious. The Keys only have so many homes and so much land. Meaning only a small amount of new homes can be built. This is due to the fact there is only one road in or out of here,
Meaning if a hurricane is heading our way, people have to get out.That is why the Keys will never be like California or the Jersey Shore.

As more people move into Southern Florida they definitely use the Keys as a weekend getaway. The majority of our renters are from Florida, who are looking for a Keys experience.

How about going on vacation and never coming back. You know you've had this feeling before. Why don't you consider giving yourself and your family this option. The truth is, if you're going to work, why not do it in the Keys. Having beautiful weather and water and recreational opportunities are not only good for your health but good for you period. Think on it and contact me.

There are affordable options now and renting a home out can be used to help subsidize your payments

PS-I moved here from Oregon 10 years ago. Yes Oregon is beautiful but it rainsssssss all the time. I like waking up to sunshine.

“Remember not making a decision is still a decision!

Florida keys investment opportunities

2008-05-24T11:06:00.000-04:00

Florida Keys Investment opportunities

With all the abundant recreational opportunities mixed in with a great climate the Keys attract people...lots of people.
Tourists in turn need places to stay and people relocating need places to rent either part time or while they close on a home or find an apartment. The Keys are definitely a happening place.
Types of Investments

Aside from commercial investments the two situations most people are looking for in Florida are
• Vacation homes or Condos that can be rented out … Generally a purchase involves a 1031 tax exchange or just someone looking for a second home in an area that he/she or the family will use occasionally.
• A person looking for a home to eventually retire to and rent out in the meantime to help pay the mortgage.
• The best areas to rent are anywhere near the water and the best rents will start at open water locations, followed by homes/condos with a partial view to homes on canals. The neighborhood and the furnishings will also dictate the rent amounts you can get. In the Keys-the best situation was a home at least three bedrooms and up on the Ocean or Gulf with a pool and a boat dock. In some cases these bring as much as $5000.00 per week, depending on the home/area.
• It is very important that you find out early on which residential areas and which condo associations allow weekly rentals-as this will be generally be your best return.
• In some cases you may want to just rent out long term and skip the dealings with handy men and cleaning services.
• In all of this—the most important thing is that you find a qualified agent. He/she can guide you through the process completely—including setting up property management.

As to The Keys and it’s areas-where would the best rentals probably be located?
• *A condo or single family home anywhere on the water-either Ocean or Gulf or a canal and anywhere in the Keys (unless they prohibit vacation rentals. (see below)
• *The rental rates will vary from island to island due to boating depth and neighborhoods, See information below,
• *Key West downtown is seeing strong growth. In short some people are going away from life in the suburbs and opting for closeness to theatre, restaurants and the vitality of a city environment. So, don’t overlook the downtown areas.

Renting your home out as a seasonal (vacation rental)or long term.
Long-term renters are generally easier to find as there is a shortage of homes for rent. So, if you want to buy something for retirement or a vacation home and rent it out to help your payments-this is typically the easiest way. (Long term rentals are considered to be anything over 6 months, as the tenants don't pay the 11.5% Florida tax)

Generally long-term rentals should be unfurnished.

Initially your agent’s company will do a credit check before submitting a lease to you, then with your approval of the lease, they typically collect the first and last months rent plus a security deposit which is typically a months rental amount.

As to utilities-
The tenants generally take the lease to the water, electric, phone and cable people and have the utilities put in their name and of course they pay their own deposits. In most areas of Florida, garbage is included in the tax bill-so there is no separate garbage bill.
• Seasonal rentals.
Most residential areas can only rent monthly or 28 days, meaning the owner can only rent the home out 12 times per year. This means about 5 months of income-Jan-Feb-Mar and July-August. There are some April and June monthlies.
• *Ask your REALTOR if there are any Condos or areas that do allow weekly rentals as this will definitely be your best return.
• As to what is the best rental situation, that is size, which areas, views, pools, how water and boating accessibility affects rental amounts and the typical rental amounts for both long and short term, plus the fees involved, ask your agent.
• As to extra costs and what is necessary to have a Home as a Rental.
• When you rent your home out you generally need to license it through the County. This costs is typically minimal and your agent’s company should be able to handle the paperwork for you.
• The County and the Tax people want the homes licensed so they know where there may be tax dollars coming in. When your home is used as a rental, in effect you are operating the same as a hotel or motel and so they come under their safety guidelines.
• This applies to the Keys but may be the cases statewide:
• Every bedroom and the main living area must have a hardwired smoke detector and there must also be an escape light. This light comes on in case of a power outage-this also must be hardwired. (About $450.00 installed smoke detectors and escape light for a 2/2)
• There also needs to be a professional quality refillable fire extinguisher that is approved by the fire department (about $55.00). This would be the same as you'd find in a restaurant or hotel room. There needs to be a dead bolt on the door that works from the inside and is a different key than the main door. All of these issues help protect your liability in cases of fire/break in.
• When the home complies with all of the above and your agent has a signed contract from you authorizing them as a rental agent, then it can go into the rental pool.

What about Hurricane preparation?

In the event of an impending Hurricane, a handyman or someone else can be hired to put up the storm shutters, bring in the lawn and patio furniture, etc for a fee-most agents have too many homes for them to do it individually.

*This agreement should be set up in advance by the homeowner and the handyman. Your agent can find someone to do this.

What makes a good Vacation Rental
• A clean, well-maintained home on a canal or open water.
• Typically one of the bedrooms should have a set of twin beds if the renters are bringing children.
• Good linens and towels and a backup set. This is especially important for monthly renters.
• The washer, dryer and refrigerator should be newer if possible.
• A good Television hooked up to cable (about $35.00 per month) and a CD or tape stereo system.
• The kitchen must be completely outfitted. A microwave is also very important for renters.
• Patio and/or Lawn-Deck furniture. If there is an upper deck, a table and chairs plus loungers.
• On the waterside, a set of loungers and chairs.

Repeat renters

If the renters have a good experience, they will come back. We see this especially with people that book two to three months a year.

Be sure to check on the Rental laws-what is going on in your area now and what is proposed? These can vary dramatically based on the area.

Always ask your agent!!!!

Buying a waterfront home in the florida keys

2007-07-02T12:52:00.000-04:00

To consider when looking at waterfront property

There is only so much waterfront or Coastal property available.
The Keys have strict environmental laws that affect building permits. This means there are only so many homes and always will be a limited number of homes here. One big reason for this is there is just ONE Highway in and out of the Keys. (US1) If there is an emergency, people need to have the ability to leave quickly and so for this reason alone, the Keys will never be California. The other main environmental consideration is the water quality. The Keys main attraction are water sports and Monroe County is going to make sure that our waters are clean and usable.
To consider when purchasing any waterfront vacation home and how the Keys measure up:

Is there a view?
Views really do matter. An unobstructed Ocean view adds as much as 60% to the value of a home per the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics. Proximity to Golf courses or a park can add as much as 20% to a homes value. This is per an article by a much published author named Soren Anderson, a writer from Manchester College.

Consider the recreational activities…
The What and the When.
For example in a Ski resort area, your options are limited due to weather considerations and the total amount of activities available is definitely less.
*In the Keys, about the only thing you cannot do year round are mountain climbing and white water rafting.

Boating access and controlling depth
Is there direct boating access on the property? If so, how large a boat can you have behind the home? This is determined by what we in the Keys call controlling draft or depth. For example: If a boat is under 30ft in most cases 3 ft draft is OK. Draft means...what is the lowest water depth you have to go through to get to open or deep water.If you have a sailboat or 50 ft boat you will need deeper draft such as 5ft.
Now ..obviously if you have a 50 ft sailboat behind your home, the canals or waterways have to provide you with turn-around room.
If the access is deep draft, then expect prices to go up. If there is no water access at the home or the draft is for kayaks only, in most cases expect a drop in price.
If there is no direct water access...how far is the nearest boat ramp or is there a boat slip available? If so, is it included and what is the draft out of the boat slip.
So the boating issue has a very direct effect on pricing here. Neighborhoods with bigger canals and deep draft boating are generally home to the Million dollar and plus homes.

Nearby Medical and shopping options
These are very important considerations. If there is an accident, how far away is a hospital?
In the Upper Keys we have Baptist hospital in Tavernier which is an excellent option.
If you need groceries or restaurants, what is nearby?
Oftentimes vacation properties can be secluded and don’t offer easy access to the above. At first being remote can seem as desirable, but in the end it can grow old quickly.
This also affects home values by the way. If you can have the vacation feel and recreation, yet have amenities nearby, the prices go up.
On thing about the upper Keys is that Miami and South Beach are just about an hour away and World famous Key West, 2 hours.

How much room do you need?
If you own a home with nearby recreation and sightseeing, expect people to come out of the woodwork. Everyone will be your friend. Larger homes, with more bedrooms, a 3/2 and up always rent better. So if you can, get a home with extra space.

Type of Construction or is it built to last.
The age of the home will determine the building code that it was built to. In the Keys newer homes have to be built to strict specs as to wind handling characteristics.
Also, look for low maintenance homes.
Lots of homes in the Keys are made of concrete block and have pea-rock for yards and the outside is stucco over concrete or frame. This means lower maintenance, which is very important for an absentee owner.

Finding renters
Does the home have good rental potential and is there local rental management available?
This is a very important consideration, both for long term and short term vacation rentals.
Remember, even if you don’t want to rent, this can be an important consideration for a future buyer or if your situation changes.

Home maintenance.
Are there nearby electricians, plumbers, appliance stores and general contractors.
If anything does happen, the prices to have things repaired or replaced will be less if there is competition and service people are nearby.
Check with the REALTOR you are talking with to get a Vendor list of who the Real Estate company uses to service their rentals and offices.

Rules and Regulations
Make sure you are clear on and have copies of any deed restrictions or condo docs as to what is allowed and what is not. Too many rules can be appetizing for some but a turnoff for future buyers. For example if you have children who will want to use the property in the future as a college break, lots of communities can prohibit it.

In conclusion, the upper Keys offer good investment potential from an appreciation aspect and income potential from renters.
Regarding Appreciation.
Because Miami and Ft Lauderdale are a short drive away, people there look to the Keys as a getaway. Think New York and the Jersey shore. We sell a majority of homes to people from these areas.
Income potential.
About 50% of the vacation renters in the Keys are from Florida. They come here because the Keys are a completely different experience. This means as Florida grows (it is on pace to be the 2nd largest state in the USA by 2010) we will have more people looking to vacation here. This will drive prices up and make rental occupancy rates climb even more.

Insurance relief for the Keys

2007-01-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

Lawmakers wrangle more Citizens rate relief

TALLAHASSEE – Jan. 22, 2007 – Lawmakers turned their attention to Citizens Property Insurance Corp. on Sunday, wringing some additional rate relief for customers in the state pool after reaching a broader agreement over the weekend to roll back private homeowners’ insurance rates.
A House-Senate compromise bill goes to the full Legislature today, the last day of the special session tackling runaway rates. It then goes to Gov. Charlie Crist, who on Sunday expressed optimism but didn’t tip his hand as to whether he intended to sign or veto the bill.

A breakthrough in negotiations late Saturday brought a deal indicating that Floridians can expect to pay roughly 25 percent less on their insurance bills beginning this summer, although the amount could vary widely depending on location and which company provides the coverage. A cross-section of sample companies that the state Office of Insurance Regulation tested with provisions of the new legislation reported that rates would fall anywhere from single digits to more than 30 percent.

When it appeared Sunday that Citizens’ customers wouldn’t do as well, lawmakers went back at the legislation and tweaked the bill to provide a rollback of about 20 percent for those in the state pool.
“We’ve delivered very, very substantial rate relief – higher rate relief than any of us thought possible a month ago,” said state Sen. Steven Geller, D-Hallandale Beach, an architect of the Senate bill.Late-night and weekend arm-twisting settled a key provision of the bill – expanding the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund to provide more and cheaper state-backed reinsurance. The cost of reinsurance in the private markets had been identified as a key driver in Florida’s soaring rates.Lawmakers were clearly pleased with the outcome of the special session.

What to consider in buying a waterfront vacation home

2007-01-04T14:46:00.000-05:00

Things to consider when buying any waterfront vacation home.

First off, congratulations at looking to the Keys for a possible vacation home. The good news about the Keys from an investment angle are:

1. There is only so much waterfront or Coastal property available.
2. The Keys have strict environmental laws that affect building permits. This means there are only so many homes and always will be a limited number of homes here. One big reason for this is there is just ONE Highway in and out of the Keys. (US1) If there is an emergency, people need to have the ability to leave quickly and so for this reason alone, the Keys will never be California. The other main environmental consideration is the water quality. The Keys main attraction are water sports and Monroe County is going to make sure that our waters are clean and usable.

To consider when purchasing any waterfront vacation home and how the Keys measure up:

Is there a view?
Views really do matter. An unobstructed Ocean view adds as much as 60% to the value of a home per the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics. Proximity to Golf courses or a park can add as much as 20% to a homes value. This is per an article by a much published author named Soren Anderson, a writer from Manchester College.

Consider the recreational activities…
The What and the When.
For example in a Ski resort area, your options are limited due to weather considerations and the total amount of activities available is definitely less.
*In the Keys, about the only thing you cannot do year round are mountain climbing and white water rafting.

Nearby Medical and shopping options
These are very important considerations. If there is an accident, how far away is a hospital?
In the Upper Keys we have Baptist hospital in Tavernier which is an excellent option.
If you need groceries or restaurants, what is nearby?
Oftentimes vacation properties can be secluded and don’t offer easy access to the above. At first being remote can seem as desirable, but in the end it can grow old quickly.
This also affects home values by the way. If you can have the vacation feel and recreation, yet have amenities nearby, the prices go up.
On thing about the upper Keys is that Miami and South Beach are just about an hour away and World famous Key West, 2 hours.

How much room do you need?
If you own a home with nearby recreation and sightseeing, expect people to come out of the woodwork. Everyone will be your friend. Larger homes, with more bedrooms, a 3/2 and up always rent better. So if you can, get a home with extra space.

Type of Construction or is it built to last.
The age of the home will determine the building code that it was built to. In the Keys newer homes have to be built to strict specs as to wind handling characteristics.
Also, look for low maintenance homes.
Lots of homes in the Keys are made of concrete block and have pea-rock for yards and the outside is stucco over concrete or frame. This means lower maintenance, which is very important for an absentee owner.

Finding renters
Does the home have good rental potential and is there local rental management available?
This is a very important consideration, both for long term and short term vacation rentals.
Remember, even if you don’t want to rent, this can be an important consideration for a future buyer or if your situation changes.

Home maintenance.
Are there nearby electricians, plumbers, appliance stores and general contractors.
If anything does happen, the prices to have things repaired or replaced will be less if there is competition and service people are nearby.
Check with the REALTOR you are talking with to get a Vendor list of who the Real Estate company uses to service their rentals and offices.

Rules and Regulations
Make sure you are clear on and have copies of any deed restrictions or condo docs as to what is allowed and what is not. Too many rules can be appetizing for some but a turnoff for future buyers. For example if you have children who will want to use the property in the future as a college break, lots of communities can prohibit it.

In conclusion, the upper Keys offer good investment potential from an appreciation aspect and income potential from renters.
Regarding Appreciation.
Because Miami and Ft Lauderdale are a short drive away, people there look to the Keys as a getaway. Think New York and the Jersey shore. We sell a majority of homes to people from these areas.
Income potential.
About 50% of the vacation renters in the Keys are from Florida. They come here because the Keys are a completely different experience. This means as Florida grows (it is on pace to be the 2nd largest state in the USA by 2010) we will have more people looking to vacation here. This will drive prices up and make rental occupancy rates climb even more.

Another overview on the Florida keys

2006-11-09T13:36:00.000-05:00

I'm going to the Florida Keys! People all over the world love to say that.
The Florida Keys is one of the most desirable areas in the world to visit and Florida Keys real estate is some of the most desirable real estate in the world. The Florida Keys are a unique American landscape. They are not even like the rest of the Florida. Called by some Americas Caribbean, they are reminiscent of the Bahamas or the Caymans or the Netherlands Antilles. They are low-lying dots on an azure sea that separates Cuba from the U.S., strung 130 miles in a long narrow corridor athwart the Gulf Stream, and bordered by one of the world’s principal coral reefs that was the scourge of pirates and the Spanish fleet nearly 500 years ago but beckons divers, fishermen, and boaters today.

Florida Keys Starting A Business

2006-10-14T10:03:00.000-04:00

Florida Keys Starting A Business
The Keys and the adjoining areas welcome new business. With increased tourism and residents the region offers constant expansion, incredible opportunities and a great lifestyle.

Whether you’re considering relocating a company or starting a business from scratch, The Keys wants your business.
Since we are a destination point for tourists from all over the world, meaning substantial money flows through the area, there are opportunities for expansion of existing and/or startup of niche businesses. The Tourists wants and needs plus the lifestyle of the locals make for unique opportunities..
The good news is that from a marketing standpoint it hasn't all been said and done here--it's not like launching a business in New York City--there's still plenty of room here.

Florida Keys Arts and Culture

2006-09-28T15:54:00.000-04:00

Key Largo...Tavernier...Islamorada...Upper Keys Real Estate

Florida Keys Arts and Culture

Florida Keys and Monroe County Arts
The Keys are made up of small towns and communities. However, due to the strong economy from our tourist base, the Arts are a primary part of our culture. Most weekends bring festivals and street parties throughout the Keys and especially in Key West. Photography of wildlife here is also great. Check out www.dhphotoart.com

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts does a great job in supporting Art in the Keys http://www.keysarts.com/
Also see the Key West Arts and historical society http://www.kwahs.com/

Music
• The Keys Community Concert Band. Susan Bazin 451-4530.
• Keys Chamber Orchestra. Call Inga-Lisa Wright, 305-744-0508
• The Key West Pops, Inc. - 305 293-7658, P.O. Box 6206
• Note to musicians-There are about a zillion Tiki bars etc, that have live music. The times range from the afternoon through the evening. The pay is generally better than you'll find working in a regular club in the rest of the country. In addition to that most outdoor venues shut their nusic down about 11-so the hours are shorter.

Museums and Culture
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - 305 294-1136, 907 Whitehead St., Key West FL
• Flagler's Station Historeum®-901 Caroline St., 1-305-295-3562.
• Key West East Martello Museum - 305 296-3913, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
• Key West Lighthouse Museum - 305 294-0012, 938 Whitehead Street
• Key West Museum of Art & History - 305 295-6616
• Key West Shipwreck Historeum - 305 292-8990, 1 Whitehead Street
• Little White House Museum - 305 294-9911
• Lofton B. Sands African Bahamian Museum - 305 293-9692,
• Wrecker's Museum - 322 Duval St., 294-9502.

Theater/dance
• Middle Florida Keys
• Marathon Community Theatre, 5101 O/S Hwy.....305 743-0994
• Key West Theatre
• Island Opera Theatre.....305 296-1520
• Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St (Rear).....305 296-9911
• Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Square.....305 294-5015

Art Galleries/ Visual Arts
• Over 90 galleries throughout the Keys
• Note to Artists; regardless of the medium, ther is a place for you in the Keys. The Keys strongly support resident artists.

Writers groups in all genres (from screenwriting to novels) are spread throughout the Keys. There is definitely a reason so many world class writers and Play-rights have made and do make the Keys their home. Especially Key West.(“Ernest Hemingway” ) The musician and actor community here is strong.

Florida Keys health

2006-08-23T12:33:00.000-04:00

Flordia Keys Health
The Florida Keys demand good healthcare facilities. Although the total population is less than 90,000, due to the influx of tourists, good healthcare has to be available. In addition Miami and its world class Baptist hospital and all the other facilities, is just hours away.
Healthcare Facilities in the Keys:

* Hospitals, 4
* Assisted living, 3
* Health Care clinics, 8
* Skilled Nursing facility, 3

For more information (other facilities and their address) see http://facilitylocator.floridahealthstat.com/
See the health department Web site http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdcollier/services/services.html

Another great site that has all the local resources for Monroe Colunty is at
http://www.aidshelp.cc/html/local_resources.html

Hospitals

* DEPOO HOSPITAL
* 1200 KENNEDY DRIVE
* KEY WEST , FL 33040
* TELEPHONE#:305 294-9200

* FISHERMEN'S HOSPITAL
* 3301 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY
* MARATHON, FL 33050
* TELEPHONE#:305 743-5533
* http://www.fishermenshospital.com/

* LOWER KEYS MEDICAL CENTER
* 5900 COLLEGE ROAD
* KEY WEST , FL 33041-9107 TELEPHONE#:305 294-9200

* MARINERS HOSPITAL
* 91500 OVERSEAS HWY
* TAVERNIER, FL 33070 TELEPHONE#:305 434-1582
* OWNER: BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA
****This is an excellent facility!!!!

A list of Services for people with disabilities
http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/Pages/MonroeCoFL_CommServ/guide

For names and numbers of physicians in the Keys go to http://www.mcms.org/contents/refserv/referralservice.htm
In addition to local facilities, the world class health facilities of Miami are 3 hours away from Key West.

More Keys recreation

2006-07-23T09:58:00.000-04:00

Miles of oceanfront and Gulf front access await you in the Keys.
Recreational opportunities in the outdoors are the most important assets of the Keys.
The fishing and boating here is incredible-both in the Ocean and the back-country (the Gulf). There is something to catch year round and our weather lets you do it. If you like the water, this is the place
Recreational Opportunities:
• 47 Marinas
• 13 Parks,
• 3 Golf Courses
• 10 Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks
• 13 public Tennis Courts
• 18 Boat Ramps
•
• To see a complete list of parks and recreational opportunities see
• the sites below
• http://www.floridastateparks.org/FndaParkRegion.cfm?Dist=Southeast
Things to do outdoors:
• Fishing-saltwater, freshwater-Ocean, lakes and the Everglades
• Boating-Ocean, Gulf or Bay
• Diving
• Hiking
• Tennis
• Bike riding
• Birding
• Photography and Wildlife watching
• Kayaking—canoes-there are good rental locations and lots of places to launch.
• Air boating into the Everglades
• Windsurfing the flats

Key Largo Recreation

2006-06-30T10:42:00.000-04:00

Recreational Options

You can’t really get bored here, unless you just don’t like the water.
• Dive: If you snorkel or dive, Key Largo is a terrific place to live. Long considered the sport diving capital of the world, Key Largo is home to John Pennekamp State Park, the world’s first underwater park. I used to camp and snorkel there on weekends with my kids. And I’ve also had some great times diving wrecks and exploring the surrounding waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. There are lots of dive shops for folks at all skill and preference levels.
• Fish: If you like to fish, Key Largo is (if that’s possible) an even better place to live. Stretching down to Islamorada, the bonefishing capital of the world, there is a fabulous “backcountry” – Florida Bay – and offshore you’ve got the Gulf Stream and every kind of pelagic sports fish you can imagine. If you’ve got your own boat, great; if you don’t, you’ll find one of the largest fishing fleets per square mile in the world, between Key Largo and Islamorada.
• Boats and Toys: See above. There is every possible sea thing to rent and enjoy. In fact, Key Largo and the rest of the Upper Keys, including Islamorada, are much better this way than the Middle Keys or Lower Keys with the exception of Key West.
• Kayaking, Canoeing, Photography and Birding: These don’t all necessarily go together. My friend and I did a lot of fishing from our kayaks before it became the latest craze. But if you want to explore shallow-water backcountry to enjoy birds and wildlife, and want to consider paddleboating as opposed to motorboating as the way to do it, then this part of the Keys will likely please you more than areas farther south and west.
• If you’re a private pilot, there’s a basic airstrip for small planes on Tavernier, and you can even live next to the runway.

Building a home and lot values

2006-06-11T19:12:00.000-04:00

Building a Home in the Florida Keys
Buying a lot and building your dream home may be the way to go. The cost of building will vary widely from $50.00 per square to $300.00 and up.
Basically lots in Florida as far as price goes will run as follows.
Most expensive
• Open-water—Atlantic or Gulf
• Open-water Inter-Coastal or other Rivers-Lakes
• Canal Homes with Open water views (Bay or Atlantic-Gulf)
• Canal homes-Boat able and quick access to open-water
• Dry Lots—price widely varies based on the community and area.

*As to canal lots and how boat ability affects prices.
If the depth of the canal and the width allows for a 50ft boat or sailboat-it will be more expensive than a lot on a canal that is shallow and usually not as wide. The bigger the boat, the more room needed to turn around.

*Access to open water is another factor that influences prices.

If you’re only minutes (half hour) to good fishing-diving, expect to pay more.
Also homes on shorter canals will generally have better water quality. In the Keys we call these swimming canals. The tides flush them out easier and the water is clear.

Monroe County exempt from new wind insurance rates

2006-06-05T09:15:00.000-04:00

MONROE EXEMPT FROM APPROVED WIND RATES

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty on Friday did what he said he was going to do: Exclude Monroe County in approving Citizens Property Insurance Corp.'s rate filing.

The rate includes two filings: actuarial and top-of-market, the latter being higher than the average of the top 20 companies. The state's insurer of last resort must charge higher rates so it doesn't compete against private insurers.

Monroe County is in a pilot project that limits rates to an actuarial filing, since the state found it has no competition.

After experiencing eight major hurricanes during the last two years, Citizens accumulated a $1.7 billion deficit. The Legislature appropriated $715 million to cover the deficit, which Citizens usually covers with an assessment it charges private insurers, as required by state law. Private insurers pass that cost on to customers through a surcharge on premiums, which are expected to decrease 20 percent, to a 3.5 percent levy, thanks to the legislative bailout.

"I am very pleased that the Legislature allocated a portion of the sales tax revenue surplus to provide rate relief to all Florida policyholders," McCarty said. "However, we still need to take strong measures to ensure that Citizens' rates are actuarially sound to minimize future assessments."

Citizens made its top 20 filing in December and actuarial filing in January.

"Our actuarial staff has rigorously examined these rates, and I am confident the approved adjustments achieve adequate rates given the risks involved," McCarty said.

McCarty's order approved combined average rate increases for homeowner's policies of 16.1 percent on a statewide basis; 6.7 percent for mobile home policies; no increase for condominium unit policies; and 21.5 percent for dwelling fire policies.

What makes a good Vacation Rental

2006-06-03T10:47:00.000-04:00

What makes a good Vacation Rental
• A clean, well-maintained home on a canal or open water.
• Typically one of the bedrooms should have a set of twin beds if the renters are bringing children.
• Good linens and towels and a backup set. This is especially important for monthly renters.
• The washer, dryer and refrigerator should be newer if possible.
• A good Television hooked up to cable (about $35.00 per month) and a CD or tape stereo system.
• The kitchen must be completely outfitted. A microwave is also very important for renters.
• Patio and/or Lawn-Deck furniture. If there is an upper deck, a table and chairs plus loungers.
• On the waterside, a set of loungers and chairs.

Renting your Keys home out as a seasonal (vacation rental)or long term.

2006-05-27T08:32:00.000-04:00

Renting your home out as a seasonal (vacation rental)or long term.
Long-term renters are generally easier to find as there is a shortage of homes for rent. So, if you want to buy something for retirement or a vacation home and rent it out to help your payments-this is typically the easiest way. (Long term rentals are considered to be anything over 6 months, as the tenants don't pay the 11.5% Florida tax)

Generally long-term rentals should be unfurnished.

Initially your agent’s company will do a credit check before submitting a lease to you, then with your approval of the lease, they typically collect the first and last months rent plus a security deposit which is typically a months rental amount.

More about Key largo and the upper Keys

2006-05-21T10:41:00.000-04:00

If you’re looking to relocate here, there are homes as of Sept 2005 listed from $269,000. Of course as of 2006, they go up from there: the least expensive single family home now you'll find is about$399,000. (To get an idea on how prices work, look under the investment page for the Florida Keys.)
• The Key Largo housing market is diverse and eclectic, and includes everything from ultra-modern big new houses and condos to just plain old-Florida funky, and everything in between. It is a complex market, and will take the buyer or investor some time to comprehend.
• The market also covers a lot of physical territory: Key Largo itself, the largest and longest of the Florida Keys, stretches for 30 miles from the resort yachting community of Ocean Reef at the island’s north end (which exits to the Mainland by a separate bridge over Card Sound) to the community of Tavernier at its southern tip
• Moreover, another part of the diverse Upper Keys real Estate market is Islamorada, the 17-mile long, half-mile wide, often handsomely groomed municipality that picks up where Key Largo leaves off and is comprised of Plantation Key, Windley Key, and Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys

Key Largo and the upper Keys overview

2006-05-21T10:34:00.000-04:00

Once you leave civilization at Florida City, Key largo is the first town and first island you come to as you travel down US 1 -- across a dozen plus miles of beautiful and still totally pristine Everglades country, then along a narrow strip of mangrove splitting Barnes Sound from Blackwater Sound and Florida Bay, now across the old swing bridge at Jewfish Creek, finally over Lake Surprise. And there it is: Key Largo, the stuff of myth, located some 55 miles and about an hour south of Miami International Airport and just 24 miles south of Homestead. You are now on a different planet.

Since 1948, when it was the setting for the movie, "Key Largo," starring Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson and Lauren Bacall, the name Key Largo has become world famous. In fact, Key Largo is one of the oldest place names on early maps of the North American continent, dating back to the sixteenth century when the Spanish explored the area looking for riches to take back to Spain. Today it is Miami’s Cape Cod -- and for the rest of us it is the Gateway to the American Caribbean.

The climate is subtropical and foliage is lush. Temperatures have only a few degrees day-night fluctuation, compared with much of the rest of Florida. There’s a steady sea breeze, and rain tends to be passing showers

Key Largo has become synonymous with the laid-back Keys lifestyle. Yet Key Largo is also a particularly vibrant community due to it’s being close to Miami. On the weekends, it is an easy drive for people to visit the Keys and their unique ambience. For investors it means great occupancy rates, for 2nd homeowners a quick and easy getaway. If you want to make this your home, well, Key largo was ranked No. 11 of the 50 Best Places to Live list by Men's Journal Magazine in 2002.

Key largo. Paradise found

2006-05-21T10:15:00.000-04:00

You Can Live in Paradise
Incredible Sunsets, Tropical Weather, lots of sun, Palm trees, Balmy Nights with Soft Tropical Breezes. How about a unique array of colors: for instance, shades of Greens you never knew existed? How about, world-class fishing and diving within minutes of your home? How about year round citrus, vegetables, gardens and really fresh seafood? How about clean air, beaches and pure nature and all of this mixed in with a laid-back Island attitude?
If all this sounds (too!) good, consider this--since we only spend a small percentage of our lifetimes outdoors, why not make the most of it?
The Florida Keys are a unique American landscape. They are not even like the rest of the Florida. Called by some “America’s Caribbean,” they are reminiscent of the Bahamas or the Caymans or the Netherlands Antilles. They are low-lying dots on an azure sea that separates Cuba from the U.S., strung 130 miles in a long narrow corridor athwart the Gulf Stream, and bordered by one of the world’s principal coral reefs that was the scourge of pirates and the Spanish fleet nearly 500 years ago but beckons divers, fishermen, and boaters today.
How about going on vacation and never going home?