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
Coastal Realty of the Florida Keys is proud to be affiliated with Military on the Move (MOM). There is never enough "thank you's" to give to our Military, a group that sacrifices more than we can ever imagine.  Coastal Realty of the Florida Keys is owned by a veteran, my parents met in the military and I have family who still continue to serve.  I truly appreciated my freedom every single day and would be honored to give back to someone who has given so much for our country!  


Posted by Claire Johnson on December 13th, 2018 10:42 AM
Thank you Shevaun Shamon with Beauty Counter for bringing us a safe beauty product. Beauty Counter is taking cosmetics to the next level and promoting using safe products on our bodies for men, women and children.  


Posted by Claire Johnson on December 13th, 2018 10:33 AM
Florida Keys Real Estate Market Update 

Florida Keys real estate continues to be a sellers market.  Inventory is increasing compared to last year, which gives Buyers more options.  If you are considering purchasing a Florida Keys home, now is a great time to look at property.  Being in our slowest season, give Buyers an opportunity to potentially make an offer on a property with little competition.  But don't expect prices to adjust during this time.  If you are a Seller - know is a great time to start preparing your home for going on the market in the next couple of months.  Enjoy the dolphin show!  



Posted by Claire Johnson on October 8th, 2018 5:57 PM
The real estate market in the Florida Keys is maintaining a steady growth.  Our market values continue to increase and we remain in a Seller's market.  If you are considering purchasing a home in the Florida Keys, now is a great time to begin your search.  You can create your own private portal to receive updates of properties that fit your parameters.  This will ensure you don't miss any properties that are new to the  market.  I am always available to chat about real estate in the Florida Keys - so please give me a call - 305-731-4602.


Posted by Claire Johnson on August 17th, 2018 11:25 AM
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
The Florida Keys is an island chain that loves to share the beauty of what is in our surrounding waters.  One of the many great water activities in the Florida Keys is getting into the Atlantic Ocean and enjoying the largest living coral reef in North America! Sometimes the weather does not permit such activities to take place; or maybe you are not a fan of becoming one with nature! The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounter allows you the best of both worlds.  You can get wet in the tank and swim with the fish, sharks, moray eel OR ou can stand on the sidelines and enjoy them from the dry side of the glass!  Which ever you choose, it will be a blast.  Great place to take family and friends to give them an experience they will talk about for years to come.  

When selling property in the Florida Keys, I am also selling a lifestyle! Many gravitate to this laid back island chain - where our #1 love is of the water.  An immediate bond with people from all over the Unites States! 

If you enjoy my blog, find my website useful and want to work with a Top Producer in the Florida Keys - please contact me so we can work together on finding you your piece of paradise!  I have been selling full time since 2003 - I have seen the high and lows of the Florida Keys real estate market.  

Create your own private portal to save the properties that are of interest.  This will allow you to easily follow the homes you like.  Your information is NEVER sold.  



Posted by Claire Johnson on January 16th, 2018 11:23 AM
Islamorada Yacht Basin offers a great opportunity to purchase a boat slip in the heart of Islamorada.  Islamorada Yacht Basin is adjacent to the notorious Lorelei Restaurant / Cabana Bar ~ a place where people gather to wind down the day ~ enjoying libations, music and sunsets.  


If you have found an Islamorada home for sale that does not have dockage or if you want to invest in Islamorada real estate ~ purchasing a boat slip could be great opportunity.  Boat slip #23 is currently for sale ~ 45' slip, metered water and electric and located in front of the newly constructed owner's building ~which offers bathrooms, showers, laundry facility and ice.  An Islamorada boat slip offers an opportunity to rent the slip when it is not in use by the owner; or live aboard your own boat.  


The Lorelei is easy to locate ~ just look for the iconic Mermaid.  


Posted by Claire Johnson on August 30th, 2017 8:27 AM
Florida Keys Flood Zones

The "bell" of the street - 124 Villa Bella Dr. Venetian Shores Islamorada, Florida Keys from Claire Johnson on Vimeo.  This house is ALL above flood - owners went thru great lengths to raise the lower levels - all was done with permits!


When searching for Florida Keys real estate there are a number of factors to consider - one of them being flood zones.  The entire Florida Keys is located in a flood zone; there are limited areas in the Florida Keys that flood insurance is not required ~that is the X flood zone.   There are three flood zones in the Florida Keys - X, AE, and VE.  
X flood zones do not require flood insurance because by standing on the ground, you are already above flood.  If you do opt to purchase flood insurance, it is very minimal.   It is somewhat safe to say that any ground level home built in 1975 and onward, is above flood. But not all of these homes are going to be in an X flood zone. There are some ground levels homes, that are above flood, that are in an AE flood zone.  

AE and VE flood zones will have a number associated with it (i.e. - AE 8) - the number will signify how high the home has to be above the flood zone.  The "E" in the flood zones denotes that this flood zone has an elevation requirement (has a base flood elevation - "E" for short).  An elevation certificate will determine how high the property is above flood by just standing on the ground.  Once that number is determined, then you know how high to elevate the home.  Most homes are elevated higher than necessary to utilize the parking / storage underneath.  For example, I live in an AE 8 - the land my house is built on is 4' above the flood zone, my house was built on 4' of fill - which gets me the 8' needed to be built above flood.  AE flood zone is inland from the coastline.  

VE flood zones are located on the coastline - your direct ocean and bay front homes.  "V" stand for Velocity.  Homes that are located in the VE zone - flood insurance will be Very Expensive.  It is only if the home is located in this zone, not the land.  You could have a property that is located in multiple flood zones.  

If you want to work with a true "local" Realtor, contact me.  I have been selling Florida Keys real estate full time since 2003.  Let me experience and knowledge work for you!  



Posted by Claire Johnson on August 16th, 2017 6:43 AM
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 by Claire Johnson on August 14th, 2017 11:10 AM
The "BELL" of the street
124 Villa Bella Dr.  Venetian Shores
Islamorada, Florida Keys
listed at $2,950,000


124 Villa Bella Dr. in prestigious Venetian Shores is the perfect home for entertaining.  It's all about the outdoor living space in Islamorada, Florida Keys.  Outdoor kitchen has 2 refrigerators, grill, ice machine, dishwasher, starboard cabinets, TV, granite countertops and electric roll down shutters to enclose the entire kitchen.   Enjoy the ambiance of your gas fire pit, sit under the tiki or swim in the heated / chilled pool with hot tub.  Your friends will have their own space in the 2 bedroom / 2 bath guest quarters with their own washer and dryer.  All is permitted and above flood.  
If you ever feel the need to adventure beyond the "outdoor oasis," you can navigate to the higher levels either via stairs or elevators.  Each floor has porches / decks.  The very top deck will give you a peak of the ocean or bay.  This 4,000sf home has a total of 5 bedrooms / 5.5 bathrooms plus an office.  An abundance of options for everyone to find their own space if they need some quiet time.  Three lots in from Snake Creek, which offers easy access to the ocean via the draw bridge or to the bay.  
This Islamorada home for sale is located on Plantation Key, close to the schools, grocery store and hospital.  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  


  


Posted by Claire Johnson on July 3rd, 2017 3:47 PM

We make "welcome home" a possibility
Tavernier Home for Sale
$399,000
Come enjoy the Florida Keys Lifestyle

Well maintained home near Harry Harris Park, on the south end of Key Largo. Built in 2007, above flood, 3 bedrooms / 2 baths in this 1500sf home.  CBS construction with concrete roof, ALL impact windows and doors, stainless steel appliances, indoor laundry room, privacy fence surrounds backyard. 

This Tavernier home is conveniently located to the grocery store, hospital, movie theater, Plantation Key Elementary School and Coral Shores High School.  

Harry Harris Park offers boat ramp, beach, swimming lagoon, bathrooms and ball fields.  Free to Monroe County residents!  


  

      

  

     

  

   

     


Posted by Claire Johnson on July 3rd, 2017 12:06 PM
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 by Claire Johnson on June 29th, 2017 9:46 AM
Sailing on our 39' catamaran is one of our passions!  Here we are sailing under the Channel 5 bridge just south of Lower Matecumbe Key, Islamorada, Florida Keys.  Channel 5 has a 65' clearance.  Easy access for the offshore fishing boat / sailboats to navigate to the Atlantic Ocean.  Homes in Port Antigua, Safety Harbor and Tollgate Shores can accommodate boats with deeper drafts.  The entrance to the canals in these subdivisions offer at least a 5.5' control depth.  When selling homes in the Florida Keys it is important to team up with a Realtor who understands the waters.  Having my captain's license for 18 years, gives me an advantage.  


TimeLapseChannel5IMG_0186 from Claire Johnson on Vimeo.

Posted by Claire Johnson on June 26th, 2017 4:36 PM
So proud to live in the United States of America.  Thank you to the Veterans and Military service men and women for protecting our Freedom!  This is one of my all time favorite songs!  


Posted by Claire Johnson on May 29th, 2017 1:21 PM
Palatial Port Largo
$1,150,000.00
397 Laguna Ave, Key Largo, Florida Keys? 

Three floors encompass this spacious home. Children can play endless games of hide-n-seek, adults can escape to a quiet place, or all gather together to create memories. Immense outdoor living space for all to enjoy!  Screened porch houses the hot tub and overlooks the pool, which is surrounded by a privacy fence;  75’ concrete dock is just steps away and over 5’ control depth at canal entrance.   As you enter into the foyer, this first level (with over 1600sf of enclosed space) encompasses permitted storage, locker room and playroom, which overlooks the pool and canal.  The interior staircase leads you to the enormous main living part of the house, with 2,992 sf of spacious living - 4 bedrooms / 3.5 bathrooms.  A generous size kitchen, dining room and living room - all three rooms open onto another screened porch. This porch hosts a bar and more views looking down on the pool and canal.  The 3rd level is all Master suite, with its own private balcony and sauna.  Enjoying the outdoors is pivotal for the Keys lifestyle. Conveniently located to the Key Largo Park with more outdoor activities - Pirate Ship pool, diving boards, tennis courts, ball fields, jogging trail and much more.  This home is perfect for entertaining or to use as a vacation rental.  You can do so much with this house - your imagination is your only limitation! Come down and make it yours.




Port Largo is located at Mile Marker 100 in Key Largo, Florida Keys.  This subdivision is known for its deep control depth at the entrance of the canal - approximately 6'.  Many canals entrances average about 4'. Port Largo's canal system exits directly into the Atlantic Ocean - within minutes you are cruising at full speed to reach your destination.  


Posted by Claire Johnson on November 1st, 2016 5:19 AM
Just listed this top floor, corner unit in Coral Harbour Condo.  Nestled among 10 acres of beautifully manicured lawns, this updated unit has breathtaking ocean views.  The ocean views can be enjoyed from the living room, master bedroom and screened in porch.  The unit has 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms, 1330 sf of living space, washer /dryer in unit, and located on Plantation Key in Islamorada, Florida Keys.  Coral Harbour has wonderful amenities - marina that offers fuel and ice, 2 lighted tennis courts, heated pool, club house with many social activities during the season, covered parking, car washing station, gated complex, and a point directly on the ocean to relax and enjoy the prevailing winds and the forever ocean views!  

Being offered at $499,000 - this unit is turn key.  Contact me for your private showing.  


Posted by Claire Johnson on October 4th, 2016 10:05 AM
Just listed this unit in Plantation by the Sea!  Incredible ocean views to enjoy from your private balcony.  Wonderful ocean breezes, remodeled unit, covered parking, storage unit on ground floor, washer and dryer in unit.  The complex offers a heated swimming pool, fishing pier (no dockage), gated, clubhouse and work out room.  Being offered at $369,000.00

Plantation by the Sea is located within walking distance to Founder's Park and Marker 88 restaurant.  Marina's are close by to store your boat.  Islamorada is known as the SPORT FISHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD because of the variety of fish that can be caught in this area.  You can enjoy deep sea fishing or backcountry fishing in the Everglades National Park.  

Posted by Claire Johnson on September 15th, 2016 11:57 AM
Think of first impressions when deciding to sell your Islamorada home or Key Largo home. Exterior aesthetics should be considered and well thought out.  Coastal Living has some fantastic ideas for front doors.  A front door with its own color will pop, drawing attention to the house, making a prospect curious as to what the rest of the house looks like.  Coastal Living has wonderful ideas to bring nature into your home.   Selling a home in Islamorada or selling a home in Key Largo is an exciting step with a new adventure on the horizon.  Having been a full time Realtor for the past fourteen years, I can help guide you through this process.  I don't tell you what you want to hear, I tell you what you need to hear.  Give me a call and let's get this process started. 

Posted by Claire Johnson on July 2nd, 2016 4:21 PM
Buying a home in Islamorada gets you one step closer to easy living and a laid back lifestyle. It is a place for family and friends to gather and create lifelong memories. Sometimes it it not about having a spacious house but providing a retreat that can house many guests.  Coastal Living has provided some fantastic ideas for bunk bed rooms.  When searching for Islamorada real estate and Key Largo real estate imagine the possibilities of a home and make it happen.  We are in a Seller's market; properties are limited and can sell quickly.  If you find something you like, it is best to move sooner rather than later.  I have been a full time Realtor for the past 14 years.  I can help you find your piece of paradise.  


Coastal Living
Posted by Claire Johnson on June 21st, 2016 8:29 AM
Thinking of purchasing a home in the Florida Keys? Wondering what activities are available on a chain of small islands?  Here are some great activities to keep in mind when exploring around the island chain.  When teaming up with a Realtor, you will be guided through the process of determining which area of the Florida Keys will work for you and your family. Whether you are looking for Key West real estate, Lower Keys real estate, Marathon real estate, Islamorada real estate or Key Largo real estate - I can help you narrow your search and find that perfect piece of paradise!  My 14 years of experience in selling real estate in the Florida Keys will be used to your advantage.  Thinking outside the box, pointing out the pros and cons of an area or a home is what sets me apart.  My job is to understand and look out for your best interest.  



Video by FloridaKeys.TV and Fla-Keys.com 
Posted by Claire Johnson on June 20th, 2016 9:38 AM
The Florida Keys are a chain of islands that stretches over 100 miles.  Whether looking for Key Largo real estate, Islamorada real estate, Marathon real estate, Lower Keys real estate or Key West real estate - every area has there own nuances.  What is consistent about the Florida Keys is the beauty and laid back atmosphere.  We love our crystal clear waters and every opportunity is taken to enjoy our surroundings.  We are a small community that hosts a great deal of events and activities.  The annual Lower Keys underwater music festival is one of the many events.  FLA-Keys.com is a great source of information for all events taking place throughout the island chain.    


Video from FloridaKeys.TV

Posted by Claire Johnson on June 17th, 2016 3:17 PM
Staying alert when navigating the waters around the Florida Keys is a must.  Although most areas are marked with channel markers, there are areas that require local knowledge.  The tidal difference between high and low are a couple of feet.  Except for twice a month, when there is a new moon or a full moon - then the tidal difference is known as an extreme high tide or low tide - which could add another 6' - 12' on top of the normal tide.  Here is a little rhyme to help you navigate the waters - 

Brown, brown run aground
White, white you just might
Blue, blue cruise on through

In my opinion, Islamorada has the best boating!  There are a number of bridges which offer cut throughs from ocean side to bay side.  To navigate from one side to the other is only a matter of minutes no matter where you are.  Where Islamorada has 4 habitable islands, that are approximately 4 miles long each, Key Largo offers a different scenario. The island of Key Largo is approximately 16 miles long.  There are 3 cut throughs - Jewfish Creek on the North end, Adams Cut located at mile marker 103 and Tavernier Creek on the South end. When looking for Key Largo real estate keep in mind the boating time to get from ocean to bay side or vice versa.  Call me to help you navigate through the home buying process.  

Posted by Claire Johnson on June 7th, 2016 9:28 AM
The Florida Keys is a chain of islands that is surrounded by the Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.  Being able to traverse from one side to the other is a great feature of living in the Florida Keys.  Tavernier Creek is one of many cut throughs.  If you are considering buying a home in the Florida Keys, this is something you want to pay attention too.  Islamorada is a chain of 4 islands - Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key.  It stretches from mile marker 90 to mile marker 74.  Tavernier Creek is located at the North end of Plantation Key, at mile marker 90.   There is a bridge that will limit the height of a boat.  If you have a vessel of great height, such as an offshore fishing boat or a sailboat, Snake Creek can accommodate with its draw bridge.  If you are buying a home in Tavernier or buying a home in Islamorada, take a look at this waterway.  There are many intricacies to know in the Florida Keys.  Give me a call and I can help you navigate through the home buying or home selling process.  

Posted by Claire Johnson on May 17th, 2016 4:01 PM
Being able to get out on the water in the Florida Keys is always a treat.  After two decades of living here, I am still mesmerized by its beauty.  On this particular day, my daughter and I were heading up to Plantation Key.  Since our home is on Lower Matecumbe Key, we travel through the wheel ditch and pass along Tea Table, which is where I shot this video. Although it was a little bumpy as the day progressed the wind laid down and the ride home was beautiful.  

What makes boating around Islamorada the best?  There are four inhabitable islands in the Village of Islamorada - Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower Matecumbe Key.  The islands are four to five miles long, which gives way to a lot of bridges.  In my opinion, Islamorada has the BEST boating in the Keys because of the easy access to the Atlantic Ocean or the Florida Bay.  There are two options for offshore fishing boats and sailboats to go from one side to the other - there is Snake Creek drawbridge, located at MM 86, and Channel 5 bridge with a 65' clearance, located at MM 73.  The ICW runs along the bay side, which will provide deep water for the larger draft boats.  

When you are considering buying a home in the Florida Keys, take into consideration the size of the boat you have or the one you will eventually be purchasing.  Knowing the control depths, bridge heights and your water activities are important to help decide which island location will fit your needs best. 

Posted by Claire Johnson on April 27th, 2016 11:17 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
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 by Claire Johnson on April 18th, 2016 5:07 PM

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