Florida Keys Real Estate News

Many people here in the Keys are transplants. The story often goes - came on vacation, stayed for the duration. The love of the water is one of the determining factors of why we love the Florida Keys Lifestyle. On this day, my daughter and I took advantage of the light winds and headed out to Alligator Reef. We left our home on Lower Matecumbe Key, cruised up the bayside, navigated through the wheel ditch, under the bridge by Bud-n-Mary's and then straight out to Alligator Reef / Alligator Lighthouse. It was an epic day to enjoy the crystal clear waters. Jumping into the azul waters, enjoying the slight chill upon entering, we enjoyed just being in the moment. No rush to put on snorkel gear, we just wanted to chill. It was like swimming in a pool. We knew with the high tide the crystal clear waters would be amazing at the reef and it did not disappoint. The beauty of the Florida Keys continues to be breathtaking even after 23 years of living here. If you are interested in finding your home here, I would love to help. Having been a full time Realtor here for the past 18 years, I love the sell the Florida Keys lifestyle! Call me and let's start a conversation!


Posted by Claire Johnson on May 11th, 2020 11:39 AM

Having lived in the Keys for about 24 years now, I have accomplished some firsts during the pandemic. Being quarantined in such an amazing place has its advantages! When you live and work here, you don't get to spend as much pleasure time on the water! Truly grateful that Captain Ted Wilson and his wife, Shirley took me on a fishing adventure! The skill, persistence and patience of Capt. Ted Wilson allowed me to catch my first permit and tarpon. Truly grateful for this experience. Ted is one of those guides who will fish from sun up to moon down! He still loves what he does, over 20+ years later. I first met Ted when we both worked at Cheeca Lodge in the late 90's. 

I learned something new on our fishing trip - that off of channel 2 bridge south of Lower Matecumbe Key is "monster alley." This is where you have a great chance of catching BIG tarpon! I also learned that Ted has a few tricks up his sleeve. Although I did not witness this in person, the story was just as captivating. While fishing under Channel 5 bridge with a tarpon on and going under the bridge - Ted tied the rod to a float, let go and let the tarpon drag it under the bridge to where Ted was waiting! Unfortunately, the fish cut the line but the rod was recovered! Many more stories he can tell. You can find out for yourself by booking a trip with him -Captain Ted Wilson 

Posted by Claire Johnson on April 28th, 2020 5:55 PM

Welcome to Coastal Sol! Located on Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada. This home captures the ocean views and prevailing winds. Situated on a canal and at the end of the street, you will be in the Atlantic Ocean within minutes. This home has been tastefully updated and well appointed. The vaulted ceilings showcase the architectural beams and the tongue and groove ceilings. The openness adds for a more spacious feel. With 1800sf of living space, this 3 bedroom / 3 bathroom home offers spacious bedrooms and captures the ocean views from the living area. The pool is situated canal side and was added in 2016. All impact windows and doors, along with a metal roof, a 1 car garage and 75' of dockage.

Posted by Claire Johnson on April 20th, 2020 11:46 AM

Rare opportunity to own a peninsula canal front lot with active building permit; There was a home on this property but has been demolished; this allows the opportunity to build now or later, you can choose. 375' of water frontage with seawall and dock already in place along the entire property. Concrete pool with hot tub already in place, along with 2 boat lifts - 30,000lbs and 8,000lbs. Property is located on Lower Matecumbe with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and Channel 5 Bridge offers access to the Florida Bay.



Posted by Claire Johnson on April 20th, 2020 11:41 AM
Very proud to present my new listing...
The Fish Ranch

Opulent, alluring and meticulously detailed, this Islamorada Estate is where perfection meets the Bay ~ welcome to The Fish Ranch. Located on Plantation Key, The Fish Ranch estate features two (2) single family residences plus a media house, and cabana with outdoor kitchen. World-class designs make this one of the more distinguished estates for the most discriminating buyer. 100' swimming pool with two beach entries, hot tub, 250' of sandy beach, putting green, dockage, architectural designed landscaping with fire pit and lighting throughout. Also included with this property is an additional 19,729sf lot and three (3) building rights, which allows for more houses to be built on The Fish Ranch or transfer them to another parcel of land.

Posted by Claire Johnson on December 13th, 2018 10:36 AM
Your most discriminating Buyers must see this turn key Islamorada home! Every detail in this 3 bedroom/ 3.5 bath home has been meticulously maintained and professionally decorated. CBS construction, impact windows / doors, metal roof, garage, tiki, 70' of dockage with 10,000lb boat lift, 2,234sf of living space, 7,000sf lot, built in 2007. White Marlin Beach on Lower Matecumbe Key offers easy access to the Everglades National Park and the Atlantic Ocean via Channel 5 bridge w/ 65' clearance. Homeowner's Park is located directly on the Bay with beach, tiki's and grills.


Posted by Claire Johnson on December 13th, 2018 10:29 AM
Islamorada is known as the "fishing capital of the world" because of the variety of fish that can be caught in the backcountry and offshore waters.  This town is not only made up of fisherman, there are sailors as well!  Ocean breezes offer many great sailing days.  When you take on the peacefulness of sailing, you soon realize a sailboat is not a fast mode of transportation.  Sailing is a journey that allows you to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.   

This past weekend, we took our sailboat to Cape Sable in the Everglades National Park. The beach stretches on for miles and is only accessible by water.  With the estuaries behind the beach, it is teaming with much wildlife.  This is not an area where one will swim due to the many sharks and alligators / crocodiles.  

As we were pulling up close to the shore to anchor, we snagged some rope around one of our props.  Before my husband dealt with the issue, we decided to go ashore and venture up the beach.  Along our walk, we notice a HUGE alligator swimming by <gulp>.  We talked with a camper on the beach, who proceeded to tell us about a shark feeding frenzy he witnessed that morning.  Nothing was going to stop my husband from freeing the prop so back to the boat we went and formulated a plan.  My husband geared up, quietly slipped into the water, and swiftly cut the line away from the prop.  He literally could not see the hand in front of his face and luckily no incident with any sea creatures.  
  

Cape Sable is about 30 miles from our home on Lower Matecumbe Key ~ it took us about 4 hours to sail there.  The journey did not disappoint ~ saw dolphins, birds, had family fun and just relaxed in the beauty of bay.  

The Florida Keys offers a lifestyle of relaxation, laid back atmosphere and clear blue waters. If you are considering purchasing a home in the Upper Keys, please give me a call.  I have been selling real estate in the Florida Keys since 2003.  Whether you are looking for a direct ocean / bay front home, condo, canal front home, non waterfront home or vacant land - I can help you navigate through the home buying process.  

If you are considering selling your property in the Upper Keys - call me to schedule a meeting to go over my contract management, transaction management and comprehensive marketing plan.  The Upper Keys is experiencing low inventory and a steady increase in property values.  



Posted by Claire Johnson on March 5th, 2018 4:46 PM
Islamorada is packed full of fun things to do. We enjoyed paint night with Mrs. Diana.  She is a wonderful teacher and provides a fun and engaging atmosphere.  Great way to meet new people and to get your craftiness on!  



The Florida Keys has many wonderful events new and seasoned, to keep us busy! Sometimes moving to a new location can be hard getting to meet people.  Take advantage of crafty events such as this one!  Gather your friends or come alone and meet new ones. Adventure does not come to the couch!  I took my daughter to this event and she loved it.  She was the one who took the time lapse video of her and her friend painting.  

If you are looking to relocate, please give me a call.  Having lived here since 1996 and selling real estate since 2003 - I have a great knowledge of the area and am entrenched in the community.  I appreciate any business that comes my way and will handle the transaction from beginning to end!  Many customers turn into friends, it would be a privilege to work with you!  



Posted by Claire Johnson on February 1st, 2018 12:12 PM
Claire Johnson, Coastal Realty of the Florida Keys presents...

A treasure on Lower Matecumbe Key, Islamorada, Florida Key. This home exudes coziness, warmth and relaxation. Well appointed and exquisite use of space. Above flood CBS home with 2 bedrooms / 1 bath and over 300sf of covered open porch.  The porch has been fitted with custom Sunbrella curtains designed with snaps to enclose space if needed.  New metal roof in 2015 w/ gutters, new AC in 2016, windows in 2005 w/ interior Plantation Shutters. 75' of water frontage, kayak ramp, 50amp RV hook-up and accordion shutters. Plenty of storage below house for kayaks, paddle boards and yard maintenance tools. This Keys retreat is located on a private road and is equipped with outside security cameras.



What a privilege to be selected to sell this home.  It has only been on the market for a short time and the activity is tremendous.  Florida Keys real estate is going strong; our inventory is low and the demand is high.  If you are considering purchasing or selling, give me a call 305.731.4602.  Becoming a Realtor in 2003 has given me the knowledge and experience to make this an easy transition for you.  







Posted by Claire Johnson on January 29th, 2018 2:44 PM

  
When I spare the expense of dining out ~ I like to go to restaurants that are consistently good.  Bayside Gourmet is one of those restaurants! I have eaten breakfast, lunch a dinner there and every meal has been delicious.  The food is fresh, the presentation is outstanding and the atmosphere is welcoming.  
Walking into Bayside Gourmet, I am sure to know at least one person.  You will find the seats filled with many locals ~ when the locals frequent a spot, the food is sure to be top notch.  Whether you are passing through Islamorada on your way to Key West, exploring around looking for Islamorada homes for sale or Key Largo homes for sale ~ this is a great local hot spot to eat.  Located at Mile Marker 82.7 bayside ~hence the name Bayside Gourmet.  They share the boat looking building with Otherside Watersports.  You can eat inside or outside.  
 
Posted by Claire Johnson on August 22nd, 2017 2:02 PM
Enjoying a beautiful day on the water on Finally, our cruising catamaran!  We left Lower Matecumbe Key, sailed through the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) to Marker 88 for lunch. This video shows us going through Bowlegs Cut, located close to Lower Matecumbe Key.    
If you are looking for Islamorada real estate, understanding the waterways is just as important as the house purchase.  Not all the canals have the same control depth and not all areas have easy access to tall bridges.  One of the many perks of Islamorada is the easy access to either the Atlantic Ocean or the Florida Bay.  When looking to purchase a home in Islamorada, you will have four islands to choose from - Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key.  Contact me when looking for Islamorada real estate!  Claire Johnson, 305-731-4602 or flkeysclaire@icloud.com

Posted by Claire Johnson on April 19th, 2017 1:52 PM
Whether you like to be on land or on the water, Islamorada offers many activities.  Feeding the tarpon at Robbie's Marina is a great experience for you and your guests.  Are you brave enough to let the tarpon take the fish from your hand or will you get nervous and drop the fish in the water!!  Located at the North end of Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada, Florida Keys - on the bayside at Mile Marker 77.   


compliments of FLA-KEYS.COM/ TV

If you are considering purchasing a home in Islamorada - I can help you located the area and home that will best suite your needs.  There are many factors when looking for Islamorada real estate or Key Largo real estate, let my 14 years of experience help guide you through this process.  It is more than just looking at a home, understanding the waterways is just as important.  I will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear - but ultimately the decision is yours.  


Posted by Claire Johnson on November 16th, 2016 11:10 AM
Founder's Park in Islamorada, Florida Keys held another community event.  Island Fest, an annual Islamorada Chamber of Commerce event, is held in April.  The road parallel to the beach was lined with talented artists selling their masterpieces.   Local musicians filled the air with tunes for every age.  A sand castle was built by a professional and then the children were invited to sculpt their own creations! Lets not forget the tasty treats that the Chefs created from the local restaurants.  The Taste of Islamorada was held on Sunday - mouth watering, appetizer size portions were the talk of the town.  It is astonishing the number of events hosted by these island chains. You can find yourself having a new experience almost every weekend throughout the Florida Keys.  

If you own a home in the Village of Islamorada in the Florida Keys there is no cost to enter the park (unless there is an event being held there charges an entrance fee).  The park has many different aspects - soccer and baseball / soft fields, olympic size swimming pool that is temperature controlled, tennis courts, outdoor work out equipment, the path around the park is exactly one mile, playground, dog park, beach, boat ramp and marina.  To gain entrance to the pool is a small fee.   

Posted by Claire Johnson on April 21st, 2016 5:54 AM
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 by Claire Johnson on April 11th, 2016 3:54 PM
Although the Florida Keys are best known for boating activities, there are some land adventures that just might get you wet!  Theater of the Sea, located on Windley Key in Islamorada, Florida Keys offers an amazing aquatic show.  Theater of the Sea was established in 1946 and is one of the oldest marine mammal facilities in the world!  Its location was originally a rock quarry back in the 1900's, excavated by Henry Flagler to develop his railroad through the Florida Keys.  

When you own a home in Islamorada, having visitors come enjoy your paradise can be a regular occurrence. When you need a break from your loving friends and family, don't hesitate to send them to TOTS. There are a number of activities that can be enjoyed when visiting Theater of the Sea.  You can jump in on the guided tours that run a few times throughout the day - the tour lasts about 2 hours.  You will enjoy a dolphin, sea lion and parrot show as well as learning about various game fish, tropical fish, reptiles and birds.  If you want to get wet, then you can book a swim with the dolphins, sting rays, or sea lion.  It is best to book this activity well in advance to ensure a spot.  
  
Enjoy the dolphin show...

Posted by Claire Johnson on March 31st, 2016 12:39 PM
Islamorada, Florida Keys is known as the fishing capital of the world!  We love to get on and in the water around this island chain.  When we are not on the water, we look for land activities.  Islamorada might be comprised of four small islands and approximately 8,000 full time residents but we have fundraisers, events and festivities on a large scale.  Believe it or not, we can always fill our time.  The residents take advantage of the island resources and we always know how to celebrate.  The Moose Lodge in Islamorada on Upper Matecumbe Key hosted a seafood festival that was abundant with incredible dishes.  The high end restaurants on this 4 mile long island are truly each one of a kind!  The chef's are top notch and the food is mouth watering.  The booths created incredible dishes such as fried hogfish with mango chutney, oyster shooters, shrimp key lime soup... all leaving the tastebuds begging for more.  Once our tastebuds were done dancing, the Junkanoo band paraded down the street and got our feet a-dancing.  Definitely put this on your calendar for next March!  

Posted by Claire Johnson on March 28th, 2016 2:32 PM
I have often been asked, when you live in Paradise - where do you go on vacation?  Most of the time it is visiting family but on this occasion we met up with our friends and went to the hills of Georgia to get dirty!  Durham town is in the mountains and has miles and miles of trails for dirt bikes and Razors!  Saylor and I were in one Razor and my friend Andrea and her boys were in another; the men were on their dirt bikes.  Boy was this fun - we had a blast and got dirty! Although it is great to get off the rock, it is always wonderful to come back home to Islamorada.   


Posted by Claire Johnson on March 21st, 2016 8:26 AM

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