11February2010

Fl Keys Investment Opportunities

Posted by admin under: Fl Keys Investment opportunities.

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 adent. 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.

KAREN ANGLE
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
11050 Overseas Highway
Marathon Fl, 33050
(305) 289-6504 Business
(305) 731-6219 Cell
(305) 743-7012 Fax
1-800 366-5181 Ext 6504
E-MAIL
www.allfloridakeysrealestate.com

11February2010

Marathon Fl Recreation

Posted by admin under: Marathon Fl Recreation; Middle Keys information.

The Marathon area is primarily an outdoor community; there’s no reason to relocate here, in my opinion, if you don’t love the water, either for play or for work, whether on weekdays or weekends, since you can’t get away from it even if you wanted to, and if you work you’re going to drive across a lot of it whether headed up or down the Keys.

And Marathon thrives on its central Keys, watery environment. Marathon has excelent swimming beaches (not common in the Keys), and good diving and snorkeling, from novice to experts, at all water depths. Some divers think that some of the best parts of the coral reef along the Keys are right here. The Sombrero Key Lighthouse area is an example.

Fishing can be either oceanside or Backcountry (gulfside), with your own boat, on party boats, or with a personal guide. There’s plenty of flats fishing, as in the rest of the Keys, but oceanside offshore fishing (excelent) prevails, since there’s not quite the same extensive range of backcountry options as elsewhere in the Keys, given there’s fewer islands and the area isn’t quite as wild as having Everglades National Park for your backdoor neighbor (like Key Largo).

Boating in general is a little different here. Most boating is fairly open water or along the Overseas Highway and Keys chain; there aren’t as many protected areas (think multiple islands for kayaking or canoeing) as there are in either the Upper Keys or the Lower Keys or Key West. And waters seem to have more of a chop more of the time here, too. On both sides the water gets deeper faster.

But if you want to be on a canal with a big boat tied up at your back door, this is a good part of the Keys to be in: lots of deep canals, and easy Ocean access. (Most of the deep canals and good big boating access is on the south, or Oceanside, part of the islands.) It’s also one of the few spots in the Keys where you can easily get a big boat or a sailboat back and forth from Bay to Ocean.

In addition to these water-based sporting activities, there’s 9-hole Par 3 golf at Key Colony Beach, plenty of tennis, some nightlife particularly at the resort hotels, and a variety of restaurants where you can eat outside under the sun or indoors in air-conditioned comfort. There’s also Islamorada and Big Pine just short drives away for variety.

11February2010

MIDDLE KEYS AND MARATHON MAIN OVERVIEW

Posted by admin under: Middle Keys information.

Geographically, the Middle Keys stretch from the southern tip of Islamorada at the high-rise Channel 5 bridge – which has, in both directions, perhaps the most beautiful and stunning views in the Keys – to Marathon’s improbable, spectacular Seven Mile Bridge connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys. Most of us have seen this famous 7 mile bridge in movies (True Lies) or television commercials. It neatly divides the Atlantic Ocean on the East from the Gulf of Mexico to the West, a mere thread of concrete across the 75-100 square miles of azure and green seas and “flats” and islands that your eyes encompass simultaneously.

As a practical matter, the Middle Keys basically refer to the “large” incorporated town and bustling commercial center of Marathon and the nearby expensive housing areas of Hawks Key (Duck Key), Key Colony Beach, and Long Key. The other islands in the Marathon region are Boot Key, Knight Key, Hog Key, Vaca Key, Stirrup Key, Crawl and Little Crawl Key, East and West Sister’s Island, Deer Key and Fat Deer Key, Long Pine Key and Grassy Key. Marathon’s metro area sits between mile markers 48 and 55 and has a non-tourist residential population of more than 13,000 (it feels bigger than that), with a median age of 44.

Marathon is centrally located 80 miles south of mainland Florida and more or less just 50 from Key Largo and 48 from Key West. Marathon is served by bus lines to Key West and the Mainland, and by the sleek Marathon airport offering connections to Miami and Ft Lauderdale and from there to anywhere in the world.

Employment
The primary industries here are:

Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services
Retail trade
Educational,health and social services
Construction

The Marathon area is definitely a destination point and has hundreds of small and medium size business to support it. It is fairly self-contained, too. It’s not necessary to go anywhere else, because everything you really need is right there, including shopping and services, police and fire, healthcare facilities including a modern full service hospital, all the usual municipal functions, and outdoor recreational activities like boating, fishing, and diving.

If you want to work in the Keys in the construction trades or certain kinds of services or consulting, Marathon can be a good location, because it is centrally located – jobs and commissions from Key Largo to Key West are pretty easily reached on a within-day commuting basis.

This sense of Marathon as a sort of “hub” for the whole middle section of the Keys, including the edges of the Upper Keys and Lower Keys, goes back a long ways. In the early 20^th century Henry Flagler built a large work camp and supply base at Marathon while constructing his “railroad that went to sea”.

11February2010

Marathon Fl Short Sale

Posted by admin under: Fl Keys Short Sales; Marathon Fl Short Sales.

Short Sale. Bring offers. This cute conch home has been updated with tile, marble, brick pavers, metal roof, etc. Larger than appears from outside. Large back yard completely fenced in for privacy.

547958 Residential Active $199,000

11January2010

Fl Keys Investment Opportunities

Posted by admin under: Fl Keys Investment opportunities; Using a Keys home as a rental.

Using your Home as a rental

Renting your home out as a seasonal(vacation rental)or long Long term renters are easy to find as there is a shortage of homes for • Generally long term rentals should be unfurnished.
• Initially we do a credit check before submitting a lease to you, then • As to utilities- The tenants take the lease to the water, electric, • Seasonal rentals. Currently we can only rent monthly or 28 days, meaning • As to finding people to rent for the rest of the time! I deal a lot • As to what is the best rental situation , that is size, which areas, • When you rent your home out you need to license it through the County. • Every bedroom and the main living area must have a hardwired smoke • There also needs to be a professional quality refillable fire extinguisher • When the home complies with all of the above and we have the signed 1 Coldwell Banker agrees to manage the home for a period of one year 2 Our fee for vacation rentals is 20%—what is really important here • There are no hidden fees-such as credit card charges etc.
• We typically send you the money within 2 weeks of receiving it÷we do • There are no charges for going up on our Web sites÷5 in all.
• There are no charges for the pictures that are taken.
• There are no charges for any specific flyers, brochures or ads that • Please go to www.rentalsfloridakeys.com
• We actively and aggressively manage your home. Meaning we get the best • All of the computers in the 6 Coldwell Banker Schmitt offices throughout • We have Handymen, Electrical, Plumbing, Landscaping, Pest control and This is very simple. You would call the rental manager and have him block How are emergency repairs handled?
• We have handymen available that can take care of small emergencies • In the event of an impending Hurricane, the handyman or someone else • 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 • Good linens and towels and a backup set. This is especially important • The washer, dryer and refrigerator should be newer if possible.
• A good Television hooked up to cable (about $35.00 per month) and a • The kitchen must be completely outfitted. A microwave is also very • Patio and/or Lawn-Deck furniture. If there is an upper deck, a table • On the water side, below a set of loungers and chairs.We get a lot • If you’re reading this on my web site you have the answer. If not most • www.dennishanda.com www.floridakeysrealestate.com www.rentalsfloridakeys.com • All of our sites are linked to Key West or www.flakeys.com which averages • The balance come through National Advertising placed in magazines such • Also all of our computers are networked meaning if someone is looking • All of our offices have a dedicated rental manager whose job is to • There are Duplexes throughout the lower Keys and a few 3-4 unit complexes. DUPLEXOn the water generally start at $600,000. Nicer ones (maintained-updated • In Key West, these can be good, especially if it’s located in Old Town • These type of situations run from about $850,000 and up. In Marathon • These are generally found in upper keys, Marathon and of course Key term.
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)
with your approval of the lease, we collect the first and last months rent plus a security deposit which is typically a months rental amount. We are very proactive in this area and I assure you the home is handled professionally.
phone and cable people and have the utilities put in their name and of course they pay their own deposits. Garbage down here is included in your tax bill-so there is no garbage bill.
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.
with navy transfers÷they generally need something for 2-3 months while they sell their home and buy another. So if it is the off season, I try to fill your home up this way. Another way to fill in the gaps is to Companies that come down here. Most of the major government and private building projects are done by outside firms. Their management people will generally want a nicer situation so they will generally rent homes at better than average rates.
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, please contact me. As to extra costs and what is necessary to have a Home as a Rental.
This costs $25.00 and we handle the paperwork for you. The County and the Tax people want the home 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 come under their safety guidelines.
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 $350.00 installed smoke detectors and escape light for a 2/2)
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.
contract, then it can go into the rental pool.SPECIFICS OF THE AGREEMENT
with the contract automatically renewing unless either side gives 90 day notice.
are the following points.
NOT hold it until the first of each month or split it out each month. We always collect cashiers checks from the renters so when the money is received, it is quickly processed through our main office and sent to you.
we run on our rental properties.
customers (qualified) We play by the 2 people per bedroom limit, and we work to keep it filled other than your personal usage
the Keys are linked. If a customer inquires about a home, it will show up on the rental agents computers.
appliance people that respond when there is an emergency.BOOKING THE HOME FOR THE OWNER.
out the home when you want to use it. We don’t charge a fee for any of that. Generally you would have us arrange for the home to be cleaned after you leave.FLORIDA BED TAX Florida charges a 11.5% tax on all hotel, motel, home rentals. We collect the money from the tenant and disperse it to the tax agency.CLEANING SERVICE The tenants pay this fee which varies based on the size of the home. On average a 2/2 is $100 and a 3/2 is $125.00.PETS AND SMOKING If the home is no smoking, that is put in the rental file and the tenants are informed before they book the home. If the home allows pets, we collect a pet deposit which is added to the standard security deposit of $500
or updates, as the owner requires. Since our company manages over 300 rentals, we also have a good working relationship with Plumbing, Electrical, Appliance and Carpet, Tile people.What about Hurricane preparation?
can be hired to put up the storm shutters, bring in the lawn and patio furniture, etc for a fee-as we have too many homes for us to do them individually. This agreement should be set up in advance by the homeowner and the handyman. We will help you find someone to do this.What makes a good Vacation Rental
renters are bringing children.
for monthly renters.
CD or tape stereo system.
important for renters.
and chairs plus loungers.
of 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.Where do we get the renters
of our renters come through the Internet and one of our 4 sites.
www.fkren.com
over 500,000 views per month. Basically if anyone looks at Key West they find our sites.
as Island Living, Florida Sportsmen, Salt Water fishing and Dive magazines as well as regional publications and our own buyers guide.
for a specific situation such as open water it will show up on the computer immediately as to area, availability and price plus all other details.Who handles the renters?
rent the homes. In conclusion, there is a lot to discuss on rentals and this is used to just get you information regarding the main issues.BUYING RENTAL UNITS-DUPLEX-OR MORE UNITS
The 3 to 4 units are generally in Key West or Marathon.In looking at the return, generally it runs around 10% in the Keys÷this includes the large guesthouses. When a return of 14% or more comes up they generally go very quickly.
appliances-tile) go for $775,000 and up. A dry lot duplex can start at about $550,000. These generally have the best return percentage.3 TO 4 UNITSGenerally in Key West or Marathon.
and one or more of the units has a transient license, meaning it can legally rent weekly.
from about $750,000 and up.MOTELS-MULTIPLE UNITS
West. The more affordable ones ( one to two Million dollars) are generally from Marathon north to Key Largo. See Commercial section of my site. If there is a specific situation you want please let me know.

11January2010

Fl Keys Home Pricing Tips

Posted by admin under: Fl Keys Pricing Tips; Selling a Home in the FL Keys.

Pricing your Marathon-Fl Keys Real Estate to sell

Professional appraisers sum up their entire body of knowledge in three words – “Buyers Make Value.”
As your real estate agent, I can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms, and condition of competing properties.

When listing your property for sale, require your agent to be candid with you. Most agents simply don’t want to tell the seller the true value of their home, if it’s obvious the seller wants more than it’s worth. By allowing your agent to be completely honest with you, you’ll save time and money. Consider the market analysis carefully with your agent…The numbers should make just as much sense to you as they do to your agent, the appraiser, and most importantly potential buyers.

Remember! Your home is worth as much as a buyer is willing to pay for it. Sometimes the home is simply worth more to the seller than it is to the buying public. If the property has been on the market for more than 4-5 weeks, with few prospects coming to see it or those that have seen your home do not make a second or third visit and no offers have been submitted, you’ve been given a clear message that the property may not be worth what you’re asking for it. What you do at that point depends on whether you really need to sell, and whether you’re working with a time limit.

If you’re not really motivated to move soon, you can always wait – years if necessary – and hope inflation will catch up with the price you want. The problem is that in that time, your home begins to feel shopworn. Buyers become suspicious of a house that has been for sale for a long time. If, however, you really do need to sell, your Coldwell Banker Schmitt agent understands the marketplace and how to price it right. There’s no point in saying, “We simply can’t sell our house.” It will sell when the price is right.

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.
Fax #: (305)743-7012
Mobile: (305)731-6219
Office Phone: (305)289-6504
Toll-Free: (800)366-5181 ext. 6504
11050 Overseas Highway
Marathon,FL 33050
karen.angle@cbschmitt.com
http://www.allfloridakeysrealestate.com

11January2010

The Fl Keys Buying Process

Posted by admin under: Buying a Home in the Fl Keys.

The Florida keys buying process

Information unique to buying a home in the Florida Keys:
As you may be aware, the environment that makes the Keys so attractive to thousands of people is a fragile environment the requires considerable attention to protect its health and beauty. This fact has created a requirement for close management of all activities that have or might have negative impact on the environment now or in the foreseeable future. The result is a number of “unique to the Keys” regulations and procedures concerning property ownership. They are provided for information purposes to broaden your understanding of what is important when purchasing property in the Keys.

Flood Insurance:
The buyer must determine the insurability of the property against flood damage by seeking the advice of a qualified insurance agent. Structures built before January 1, 1975 (pre-firm) are subject to rules governing substantial and non-substantial improvements to pre-firm structures which may
limit the reconstruction, rehabilitation or addition to the pre-firm structure. Structures built after January 1, 1975 that have enclosures below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) are typically not habitable. The existence of habitable space below the BFE may require demolition or an increase in insurance premium. Buyers should contact the Monroe County Federal Emergency Management Coordinator or the City of Key West, City of Key Colony Beach, City of Layton, City of Islamorada and City of Marathon to ascertain how these rules may impact on the property of interest.

Coastal Barrier Resources System Act (CBRS):
Certain properties in Monroe County may be affected by the Federal Coastal Barrier Resources System Act or proposed amendments. For information contact the United States Department of the Interior, the Monroe County Planning Department or your legal representative. Property so designated is not eligible for federally subsidized flood insurance as well as other benefits.

Land Use Disclosure:
Due to the unpredictable and constantly changing status of the municipal, county and state regulations for property developments in Monroe County each buyer should contact the appropriate local government department(s) to determine how the subject property may be affected by the Comprehensive Plan and the action necessary to ensure compliance with the plan. Additionally, a property may be affected by restrictive covenants in the form of deed restrictions, Homeowners Association Rules & Restrictions, etc. Every Buyer needs to inquire about them. They also should inquire into state and local governmental zoning and land use regulations and restrictive covenants to determine whether the subject property is in compliance with all state and local government laws, codes and ordinances, and restrictive covenants.

Monroe County Growth Management Division, 305-289-2500
Key Colony Beach Building & Zoning, 305-289-0247
City of Key West, 305-295-1000
City of Layton, 305-664-4667
City of Islamorada 305-664-2345
City of Marathon, 305-289-2501

Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan:
The use of the property may be affected by the Land Use Plan, enacted September 15, 1986, revised January/1996, with subsequent revisions due every five (5) years hence or the availability of utilities and sewage disposal now or in the future. The transient rental of single-family residences in I.S. districts has been questioned by Monroe County and regulation by Local or State government may restrict such rentals in certain areas. Properly functioning septic tanks are the minimum permissible on site sewage disposal systems (OSDS). An allocation ordinance exists which limits the number of building permits issued for residential dwelling units. Prior to signing a contract, seek legal counsel or consult with the Monroe County Planning and Zoning Departments. Monroe County is an area of State Critical Concern that heightens the degree of regulation by the State of Florida.

City of Key West Land Use:
The City of Key West has debated the definition of vacation rentals and implementation of legislation to regulate, license, permit or prohibits within the City limits of Key West. If a Buyer is considering renting their property they should discuss the status of this issue with the Key West Planning Dept. to understand its impacts on the Buyer’s proposed use of the property.

Non-Conformities:
Structures and uses that do not conform to uses provided for in the land use category that the property or use is located in are considered non-conforming. Such uses and structures are currently allowed to continue but they are not allowed to be expanded, enlarged or continued if substantially destroyed (more than 50% of the value of the structure). Zoning together with the uses provided there under which do not conform to the future Land Use Designations are considered non-conforming. Furthermore, non-conformities are jeopardized if abandoned. Buyers should seek legal counsel or consult with the Monroe County Planning and Zoning Department to determine whether a property is non-conforming today or may be in the future.

Radon Gas:
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when it has accumulated in a building in sufficient quantities, may present health risks to persons who are exposed to it over time. Levels of radon that exceed federal and state guidelines have been found in buildings in Florida. Additional information regarding radon and radon testing may be obtained from your county public health unit. Pursuant to 404.056(8), Florida Statutes.

Energy Efficiency Rating:
The Purchaser may have the Energy Efficiency Rating of the building determined at buyers expense by a person certified by the Department of Community Affairs.

Concrete Disclosure:
Various concrete structures in the Keys have been found to contain excessive levels of Chloride. This has caused a condition known as spalling which results from the rusting and expansion of steel rebar which reinforces the concrete.

Sewage Disclosure Form:
The City of Marathon and unincorporated Monroe County have taken steps to upgrade to central sewer systems. For questions regarding the timing of the upgrades or estimated hook-up fees, contact:
Monroe County Health Department
3333 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 289-2450 -OR-City of Marathon
10045-55 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
(305) 743-0033

Lead Base Paint Warning:
For homes, apartments or condominiums built prior to 1978. Every purchaser of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was built prior to 1978 is notified that such property may present exposure to lead from lead-based paint that may place young children at risk of developing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced intelligent quotient, behavioral problems and impaired memory. Lead poisoning also poses a particular risk to pregnant women. The seller of any interest in residential real property is required to provide the buyer with any information on lead-based paint hazards from risk assessments or inspections in the seller’s possession and notify the buyer of any known lead-based paint. A risk assessment or inspection for possible lead-based paint hazards is reconverted prior to purchase

Provided as a courtesy of

Karen L. Angle

11January2010

Marathon Fl Short Sale Home-just $199,000

Posted by admin under: Marathon Fl Homes for sale; Marathon Fl Short Sales.

Short Sale. Bring offers. This cute conch home has been updated with tile, marble, brick pavers, metal roof, etc. Larger than appears from outside. Large back yard completely fenced in for privacy.

547958 Residential Active $199,000

15December2009

The importance of Pre-qualifying for a Fl Keys Real Estate loan

Posted by admin under: Fl Keys mortgage information.

The importance of Pre-qualifying for a Fl Keys Real Estate loan

Should you talk to a mortgage professional before house hunting?

Absolutely! Even if you haven’t so much as picked out houses to visit yet, it’s important to see your mortgage professional first. Why? What can we do for you if you haven’t negotiated a price, and don’t know how much you want to borrow?

When we pre-qualify you, we help you determine how much of a monthly mortgage payment you can afford, and how much we can loan you. We do this by considering your income and debts, your employment and residence situations, your available funds for down payment and required reserves, and some other things. It’s short and to the point, and we keep the paperwork to a minimum!

Once you qualify, we give you what’s called a Pre-Qualification Letter (your real estate agent might call it a “pre-qual”), which says that we are working with you to find the best loan to meet your needs and that we’re confident you’ll qualify for a loan for a certain amount.

When you find a house that catches your eye, and you decide to make an offer, being pre-qualified for a mortgage will do a couple of things. First, it lets you know how much you can offer. Your real estate agent will help you decide on an appropriate offer, but being pre-qualified gives you the confidence to know you can follow through.

More importantly, to a home seller, your being pre-qualified is like you walked into their house with a suitcase full of cash to make the deal! They won’t have to wonder if they’re wasting their time because you’ll never qualify for a mortgage to finance the amount you’re offering for the home. You have the clout of a buyer ready to make the deal right now!

You can always use the calculators available on our site to get an idea of how much mortgage you can afford — but it’s important to meet with us. For one thing, you’ll need a Pre-Qualification Letter! For another thing, we may be able to find a different mortgage program that fits your needs better.

Courtesy of http://www.equityoptionscorp.com/WhentogetQualified

15December2009

Fl Keys Schools -Education

Posted by admin under: Living in the Middle Keys.

Fl Keys Schools

Complete Details for 2008-2009 Fl Keys Elementary Schools

See article at the bottom showing Monroe was at the top of the list with a 3.92 GPA; the second-highest, Brevard County, had a 3.87 GPA.

Monroe County is totally dedicated to good education. The school district offers a first class educational system to all its residents. With over 1500 employees
To see the Monroe County mission statement and for more particulars go to http://www.monroe.k12.fl.us/
Schools listing
• ASD 275828-Public Big Pine Key Neighborhood School Big Pine Key Monroe 33043
• ASD 9902- Public Coral Shores High School Tavernier Monroe 3307o
• ASD 144250 Public Gerald Adams Elementary School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 144249 Public Glynn Archer Elementary School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 123786 Private Grace Lutheran School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 39184 Public Horace O’Bryant Middle School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 123787 Private Island Christian School Islamorada Monroe 33036
• ASD 9972 Public Key Largo School Key Largo Monroe 33037
• ASD 9981 Public Key West High School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 123788 Private Little Lambs Preschool & Childcare Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 44232 Public Marathon Junior Senior High School Marathon Monroe 33050
• ASD 9983 Catholic Mary Immaculate Star Of The Sea School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 144254 Public Plantation Key School Tavernier Monroe 33070
• ASD 9982 Public Poinciana Elementary School Key West Monroe 33040
• ASD 140995 Public Sigsbee Elementary School Key West Monroe
• 33040 144253 Public Stanley Switlick Elementary School Marathon Monroe 33050
• ASD 144251 Public Sugarloaf Elementary Middle School Summerland Key Monroe 33042

Private schools
• ACADEMY AT OCEAN REEF, 2 Dockside Lane N, Key Largo, 305-367-2409
• ISLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, MM 83.2, Islamorada, 305-664-2781
• ISLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL-SOUTH, 14 125th St., Gulf, Marathon, 305-743-2200
• MARATHON LUTHERAN SCHOOL, 325 122nd St., Gulf, Marathon, 305-289-0700
• MARY IMMACULATE STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL, 700 Truman, Key West, 305-294-1031 Pre schools and kindergarten
• ABC DAY SCHOOL, 6630 65th St. Ocean, Marathon, 305-743-3521
• COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL, 550 122nd St., Marathon, 303-743-3517
• EASTER SEALS FLORIDA, 5220 W. Junior College Rd., Key West, 305-294-1089
• FREDERICK DOUGLASS CHILD CARE CENTER, 103 Olivia, Key West, 305-294-3934
• GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL, 2713 Flagler Ave., Key West, 305-296-6262
• GROUPER LANE PRESCHOOL, 735 Grouper Lane, Key Largo, 305-852-9520
• HAPPY APPLE PRESCHOOL, 12350 O/S Hwy., Marathon, 305-743-9020
• ISLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL-SOUTH, 14 125th St., Gulf, Marathon, 305-743-2200
• ISLAND PRE-SCHOOL, 5 Transylvania Ave., Key Largo, 305-451-1181
• KEYS ACADEMY AT ST. JUSTIN, MM 105.5, Key Largo, 305-451-6415
• KEY WEST PRESCHOOL CO-OP, 2610 Flagler Ave., Key West, 305-296-4749
• KREATIVE KIDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, 4711 O/S Hwy., Marathon, 305-743-7165
• LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, 5580 MacDonald Ave., Key West, 305-292-5582
• LITTLE BEARS PRE-SCHOOL & DAYCARE, MM.100.4, Key Largo, 305-451-0755
• LITTLE SEAHORSE ACADEMY, MM.104.9, Key Largo, 305-451-6045
• MONROE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT, 241 Trumbo Rd., Key West, 305-293-1400
• MONTESSORI IN KEY LARGO, MM. 99.5, Key Largo, 305-453-3939
• MONTESSORI ISLAND SCHOOL, MM 92.3 Oceanside, Tavernier, 305-852-3438
• ST JAMES CHILDREN’S CENTER, MM 87.5, Plantation Key, 305-852-2161
• TEMPLE CHRISTIAN PRE-SCHOOL, 5727 2nd Ave., Stock Island, Key West, 305-294-2775
• VINEYARD EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER, County Rd., Big Pine Key, 305-872-3404
• WESLEY HOUSE CHILD CARE CENTER, 1100 Varela, Key West, 305-296-5231 Universities and colleges
• FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Upper Keys, Tavernier, 305-852-8007
• FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Middle Keys, Marathon, 305-743-2133
• FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Main Office, Key West, 305-296-9081
• GOSHEN COLLEGE MARINE BIOLOGY LABORATORY, Layton Dr, Layton, 305-664-5454
• NATIONAL UNDERSEA RESEARCH CENTER, 515 Caribbean Dr, Key Largo, 305-451-0233
• SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY, 718 Boca Chica Naval Air Station, Key West, 305-293-284 Junior/Community Colleges:
• Florida Keys community College and Adult education

Monroe tops in its class
Board: Schools should exceed state standards
BY JOHN L. GUERRA Citizen Staff

Monroe County schools this year collectively earned the highest grade point average in the state, besting more than 65 other school districts, Schools Superintendent Randy Acevedo said. Educators, however, think it’s time to compare county student achievement with other scores nationally.

Monroe was at the top of the list with a 3.92 GPA; the second-highest, Brevard County, had a 3.87 GPA.
Monroe’s score shows that of the 13 schools rated, 12 received an “A” rating. Key West High School received a “B.” Three schools — Coral Shores High School, Horace O’Bryant Middle School and Marathon High School — improved one letter grade.

“When you look at the grades in a GPA format, we had the best performance statewide this past year,” Acevedo said. “I am very proud of our staff, students, parents and community — it takes a team and a village.”

It’s the latest indication that county schoolchildren are performing well on standardized tests and improving scores; recent Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) results reflected higher scores in reading, writing, math and science. Third-graders, for instance, showed increases as high as 32 points at some schools in reading and math; 81 percent of the county’s third-graders were reading at or above grade level. Upper grades also showed increases in test scores, with some schools showing more improvement than others.

The high scores have renewed calls by School Board members to take students to the next step by comparing Monroe County scores nationally, not just in-state.

“We have had discussions at the board table that these Florida standards are not stringent enough,” member Debra Walker said, “and that we should compare our progress to national and international standards. Now we are free to set new goals based on even tougher criteria.”

The scores in the Florida school report card program and FCAT results often clash with the federal government’s annual yearly progress measurement under No Child Left Behind. That is the level of improvement each schoolchild is expected to reach year to year in reading, math and other subjects.

Though Florida may rate schools as “A” performers, the federal Education Department designates those same schools as “F” performers for failing to reach annual yearly progress under No Child Left Behind. In 2006, 712 schools that Florida considered “A” performers were listed as “F” schools.

Though Standard & Poor’s education analysts rate Monroe students’ reading proficiency in 2008 at 62.5 percent and writing proficiency at 67.7 percent, the county still isn’t meeting annual yearly progress targets under federal No Child Left Behind requirements, S&P reports.

As in other states, Florida has a student testing regime — FCAT — that’s similar to the one mandated by No Child Left Behind. Under the federal program, “F”-rated schools that don’t improve over several years can be closed or turned into charter schools or put under a state’s direct control.

The FCAT testing regime launched under former Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002 in effect puts Florida schools out of the federal government’s reach. FCAT also is a better measure of Florida student success, the former governor has said.

Still, Monroe’s “A” school ratings are nothing to sneeze at, said School Board member John Dick.

“It is great news for our schools and district,” Dick said. “It is a job well-done by all the personnel involved, and of course, our students.”

Being at the top of the state school GPA scorecard gives the county some financial rewards, Dick said.

“The state has what is called school recognition funds, and “A”-rated schools receive $85 per student as a bonus,” he said. “Schools have discretion with how they use the money, but [most schools] use it to give staff members a bonus.”

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