Three Things to Consider Before Buying a Fixer-Upper

Buyers looking for an affordable way to purchase a home often consider buying one that needs updating or possibly even a complete remodel. Before you make that leap into the work of remodeling a home, consider these 3 points.

1 ~ Know the Local Zoning and Building Regulations.  That charming Conch cottage built back in the 40's certainly carries a lot of nostalgia and Keys history, but your dream of expanding it and turning it into a spacious new home won't be easy.  Many of the ground level cottages built in the 40's, 50's and even 60's are built below base flood plain elevation. That will make it difficult, if not totally impossible to add on to it, since you will not be given permits to expand the home at its current elevation.  It may also cost more to insure with flood insurance.


2 ~ Price Building Supplies and Contractors You Will Need Locally.  There's a saying that Paradise isn't cheap. The cost of building supplies and even labor can be quite different than what you may be used to paying back home. The Keys don't have but two Home Depots that serve the entire island chain from Key Largo to Key West. Many areas of the Florida Keys are still completing repairs from Hurricane Irma, and finding contractors can be challenging and expensive.


3 ~ Don't Skip Inspections Because You'll Be Remodeling Anyway.  It may be tempting to skip the inspection period, especially if you're planning on tearing out a kitchen or bathroom. But having an inspection may bring to light issues in areas of the home you weren't planning on changing. You don't want to start taking out a kitchen or bath only to find that the plumbing or electrical systems are inadequate. Having an inspection will look at the whole house, and can help you decide if you plans will even work once you've purchased.

Finding an older home and making it your dream home is possible, but be sure to keep an open mind and work on the project knowing the facts before you purchase.

Condo Spotlight - Ocean Harbour in Islamorada, Florida Keys

Not all condos in the Keys are created alike . . .
 
One of the biggest downside I hear from condo buyers is that many units feel like a box, with limited floorplans.

Not so at Ocean Harbour.  These units have unique floorplans, and are some of the most spacious units in the Upper Keys.  With two bedroom, three bedroom and even four bedroom units, these units break the norm and feel like a luxury home.

But it's not just the units that are so attractive. The grounds are immaculate. The grounds consist of beautiful, lush green spaces, a large free-form swimming pool, a marina and boat ramp, an oceanfront clubhouse, a private gym, large oceanfront tiki with BBQ area and covered parking.


Tucked away in a private and gated community off The Old Road, these units all have endless Ocean views and views of the grounds. They feature large kitchens and master bedrooms with ocean views, a private master bath and a dressing are with walk-in closet.

Located in Islamorada, Ocean Harbour is close to everything you'll need in terms of restaurants, shopping, medical needs, etc.

Learn more about Ocean Harbour at www.OceanHarbourIslamorada.com.

What Can You Purchase in the Florida Keys for Under $250,000?

The Florida Keys have long been known as an ideal destination in South Florida, either as a place to vacation or a place to live full-time.

The perception is that most places to live in the Keys are out of reach for many buyers. While it is true that the Keys are home to some of the most expensive real estate in South Florida, there are also places you can find for under $250,000.

Here is a list of all the properties in the Keys, from Key West to Key Largo. Many of them are condos, but there are also some single family homes.

Which one interests you?

Click Here to View the Properties

Listing of the Day - 903 Lobster Lane, Tavernier, Florida Keys!

This one is priced to sell!

Sure, a lot of ads say that, but I really do believe this one is an excellent value. 

Located in a popular Upper Keys neighborhood, this home has 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths on the upper level and 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on the lower level.

It is nicely updated, has impact windows and doors and a metal roof. Ocean views are yours to enjoy from the covered porch just off the main living area.

As for boating, it is ideal. Just off the ocean for immediate ocean access, and near Tavernier Creek for easy Bay access. There is even your own cut-in boat slip and boat ramp along with davits.

Priced at just $675,000, this home will be under contract soon.  Call today for a showing.

Dream a Little . . . .

It's no secret that the Florida Keys are home to some of the most breathtaking island homes.

The top ten luxury listings in the Florida Keys include open water homes overlooking either the Atlantic Ocean or Florida Bay, private compounds with multiple homes and even a private offshore island.

Here is a list of the top ten luxury homes currently listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). These magnificent estate homes are located throughout the entire island chain, from Key Largo to Key West.

Dream a little . . . . .

Click here to see the listings

Just Reduced $75,000 - 126 West Pippin in Islamorada, Florida

This is a diamond in the rough!

It's almost unheard of to have a home on such a large piece of property in the Upper Florida Keys.  This four bedroom home is sitting on a huge lot with just shy of a half an acre.  The neighborhood has an optional homeowners association that you can join that features a boat ramp, dockage and a private swimming pool.

Built in 1957, this home is concrete with truss roof.  Each level has a fireplace with shared/combined chimney.

The downstairs has terrazzo floors and wall unit air-conditioning, while the upstairs has tile floors, central air and heat an also has a large den that was once a screened porch.

Set just one lot away from the Bay, there is no noise from the highway, making this a peaceful retreat.

There is some work to be down to bring it back to it's former glory, but there really is huge potential here. Other homes in the neighborhood have sold for considerably more, but without the sizable lot or the size of the home itself.

Now priced at $575,000.  Motivated seller and easy to show, call today for an appointment.

First Quarter 2017 VS 2018: How did Hurricane Irma Affect The Real Estate Market?

As a real estate professional, I am asked the same question over and over: How's the real estate market? Most of the time, it is just a curiosity that the person asking the question has about real estate in general.

Post Hurricane Irma, the question has changed: How did Irma affect the real estate market. Most of the time, the person asking the question has a look of caution, appearing to anticipate a grim answer.

The answer may surprise you.  Here is how the first quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018 compare, broken down by property type.

Single Family Homes, Non Waterfront:
2017: 46 sales, with an average sales price of $400,493
2018: 40 sales, with an average sales price of $427,510

Single Family Homes, Canalfront, Lakefront and Plugged Canal:
2017: 36 sales, with an average sales price of $909,694
2018: 41 sales, with an average sales price of $1,063,280

Single Family Homes, Open Water:
2017: 12 sales, with an average sales price of $2,189,583
2018: 14 sales, with an average sales price of $1,978,250

Condos, Townhomes and Condotels:
2017: 32 sales, with an average sales price of $358,806
2018: 41 sales, with an average sales price of $417,558


With the exception of open water homes, most segments of the market saw an increase in average sales price. Open Water homes dropped a little, but more of them sold in the first quarter of 2018 than 2017.

It is important to note that these figures are from the Upper Keys market, from Mile Marker 74 to Mile Marker 106.  This area stretches from north end of Key Largo to the south end of Islamorada.  I've limited it to this area because this is my primary marketplace. Without a doubt, the numbers will be considerably different than in areas harder hit by Irma, such as Cudjoe Key and Big Pine Key. Many areas in the Lower Keys are still in recovery and rebuilding mode.

The next hurricane season is just 49 days away. The season is predicted to be slightly above average, with 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, with 3 hurricanes predicted to be intense.