Florida Keys Real Estate News

Florida Keys Local Realtor

REASONS WHY TO USE A FLORIDA KEYS LOCAL REALTOR

When looking for Islamorada real estate or Key Largo real estate, is it important to use "local" Realtor? Yes, and here are my reasons why.

Florida Keys Lifestyle from Claire Johnson on Vimeo.

First lets define a "local" Realtor. A "local" is someone who is full time and owns / rents a home in the Florida Keys for X amount of years. A "true" local is someone who was born in the Keys. Like so many of us though, we are transplants - "came down on vacation and stayed for the duration" a popular phrase! When have transplants earned the right to call themselves "locals?" ~ that could be up for debate... is 10 years, 20 years and so on.

In this article, I am discussing a "local" Realtor. What has prompted me to write this is the presence of mainland Realtors who will drive to the Florida Keys and sell Islamorada real estate and Key Largo real estate. Let me first say that my real estate license gives me the right to sell in the entire state of Florida. In my opinion, it would be a disservice for me to sell real estate in an area I do not know. Every area has their own intricacies, building code regulations, control depths, tidal changes, flood insurance requirements and so on. Why would you entrust such an expensive purchase to someone who is not a seasoned, local Realtor?

When working with a full time, successful Realtor - you will get someone who "will know enough to be dangerous" about many facets of purchasing or selling a Florida Keys home. Building codes, insurances, control depths, bridge heights, subdivisions and what they have to offer, vacation rental policies, able to compare various subdivisions - pros and cons, able to compare condominium complexes - pros and cons, mangroves, and so on. A local Realtor will know who to direct you to to find out more detailed answers.

When consumers are searching for Islamorada real estate or Key Largo real estate, majority will start their search online. Zillow and Trulia will capture many of those inquiries. When you enter your information on those real estate portals, it will be sold to different real estate agents who have paid for those leads - and those Realtors could be located anywhere in the state of Florida. I have had Realtors call me from Tallahassee (9 hours away), Orlando (6 hours away). I would think, one would presume, you are getting a "local" Realtor. Why would you even consider that someone would sell in an area they are not familiar with?

How to avoid working with an out-of-town Realtor -1. Ask questions -such as do you live in the Keys full time? For how long have you lived in the Florida Keys? How long have you been a full time Realtor? 2. Find a "local" Realtors website - As a member of our Board of Realtors, we have the authorization to provide all the listings in the Florida Keys on our website. My website, allows you to save properties that are of interest ~ this gives you the ability to easily track those properties in one location. Upon logging in to my website for the first time - it will remember you for future visits.

Shameless plug - I have been selling real estate in the Florida Keys full time since 2003. I have owned a property in Islamorada (Lower Matecumbe Key) since 1997. Being entrenched in this community has made my career successful. I am at the point where referrals make up a big part of my business. Let my experience and knowledge work for you.

The Florida Keys is an amazing place to live and vacation. When you take away our tourists, we are a small local community. Islamorada has about 8,000 residents and Key Largo - about 12,000 residents. We know each other, we work well with each other and we look out for each other.

I will look forward to your phone call or you creating your own private portal on my website!

Posted in:Florida Keys Real Estate and tagged: islamorada real estate claire johnson florida keys islamorada homes for sale islamorada key largo real estate key largo homes for sale florida keys homes for sale blue water islamorada condo for sale Coastal Realty coastal realty of the florida keys florida keys realtor

Posted by Claire Johnson on August 14th, 2017 11:10 AM

Key Deer, Florida Keys

Key Deer are located mostly on Big Pine Key, Florida Keys. The National Key Deer Refuge is approximately 8,500 acres on Big Pine Key and No Name Key. Key Deer are quite small - weigh up to 75lbs and all of 30" tall. Early writings of the deer where in the 1500's! When exploring Big Pine Key, please obey the speed limits to help protect our deer!

Key Deer, Big Pine Key, Florida Keys from Claire Johnson on Vimeo.

Posted in:Florida Keys Real Estate and tagged: islamorada real estate florida keys islamorada homes for sale key largo real estate key largo homes for sale florida keys homes for sale key largo blue water

Posted by Claire Johnson on June 29th, 2017 9:46 AM

Port Antigua Subdivision Islamorada, Florida Keys

Having lived in Islamorada, Florida Keys for the past twenty years, I can honestly say I never get tired of or take for granted the beauty in which I reside. If I could just float in this water all day, I would! Buying a home in Islamorada or Key Largo is an exciting prospect. Having been engrossed in the real estate market on a full time basis for the past fourteen years, I can help you navigate through the home purchase process. From starting your search, being by your side while previewing properties, pointing out the pros and cons of the different areas, being instrumental in coordinating inspections, being readily available and proceeding to the closing table. Our relationship does not stop there. My customers rely on me for contacts, real estate updates and more. I am an out-of-the box thinker and love a challenge! Continuously learning is empowering and we all know, knowledge is power!

If you are looking for a well seasoned agent and one who will be completely honest with you, whether you want to hear it or not - contact me! I would love to find you a piece of paradise, so you can enjoy the beauty as much as I do!

The attached video is of Port Antigua Beach on Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada, Florida Keys. Homeowner's in the Port Antigua subdivision are able to join the homeowner's association and take advantage of this beautiful area. Hard sandy bottom, beach, tiki's, and boat ramp, easily accessible by a golf cart. Port Antigua is an exclusive community, that boasts high end properties. With over 6' control depth coming into the canal and Channel 5 bridge minutes away with a 65' clearance - allows for the sailboats and off shore fishing vessels to have an area that is accommodating to their size. There are other subdivisions as well that offer the same - call me and I will show you multiple properties that will fit your needs!

Posted in:Islamorada Real Estate and tagged: islamorada real estate florida keys real estate florida keys islamorada homes for sale islamorada florida keys homes for sale blue water port antigua

Posted by Claire Johnson on April 18th, 2016 5:07 PM

Another Stunning Sunset in the Florida Keys

Stunning... Beautiful... Amazing... Breathtaking...Magical...Colorful... Perfect timing... So many words to describe this sunset. And the sailboat - was just a bonus! Living in Islamorada, Florida Keys never gets old. After twenty years, I am still in awe of the sunsets, blue water and crisp air! Being able to boat around with my little girl was spectacular today. From Lower Matecumbe Key, we went to Founder's Park - a little bumpy on the way there but I knew the ride back would be more enjoyable. After stopping at a friend's house and filming this sunset, we headed home. I love my life and my job! When you are ready to make the Florida Keys your home, give me a call!

Posted in:islamorada, Florida Keys and tagged: islamorada real estate florida keys islamorada homes for sale boating islamorada key largo homes for sale key largo sunset blue water

Posted by Claire Johnson on April 11th, 2016 3:54 PM

Florida Keys Real Estate News

Florida Keys Local Realtor

Key Deer, Florida Keys

Port Antigua Subdivision Islamorada, Florida Keys

Another Stunning Sunset in the Florida Keys

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