Monday, July 9, 2012

What Wildlife Is In the Water by Your Key West Home?


Owning Key West Real Estate is a fantastic idea. Surrounded by water and friendly people is a perfect way to spend your days. But, do you really know what is in that water? If not, go explore it!

Some of the best reefs int the country are found in the Key West area. The Sand Key is one of the most popular found in the Key West area. Viewable from either snorkeling or scuba diving, this natural beauty is over 10 miles long and varies in depth.  Another area to visit under water is the The Cayman Salvor, a 180 foot buoy tender, made from steel, was originally dropped to create an artificial reef in 1985. With a variety of fish calling this buoy their home, it is a wonder to see. 

While many enjoy the water, some enjoy it more from above, than from underneath. With all the fresh seafood in Key West, it is no surprise that fishing is one of the biggest past times here.  There are all types of fish, not just to catch, but to see swimming in the water.  Surrounded by sand and grass flats some of the most popular fish found here are the Bonefish, Snook, Barracuda, and Tarpon.  Fly fishing is a popular way to catch them.  Deep sea fishing is also found in Key West area. Whether you want to go out with your family, relax and fish, or if you are out to catch dinner for the night, Key West residents always enjoy deep sea fishing. 

For those that are animal lovers, a nice way to spend your days in Key West, is going on a Dolphin Encounter tour. With a variety of tours, taking you to different places, sit back as your tour guide takes you to the most popular areas for dolphin sightings.  This is a great way to educate yourself on your surroundings, and to get a view of these gorgeous creatures swimming in the water right outside your front door.

If you would like any more information on Key West wildlife, or are interested in buying or selling a Key West home, feel free to contact me! I can’t wait to hear from you!

Monday, July 2, 2012

Is An Open House Good For Your Key West Home?


The debate over whether open houses are beneficial has been going on for years now. The real question should be, is your Key West home perfect for an open house?  Some reports show that holding an open house is great for selling your home. However some also say that while it doesn’t hurt the sale of your home, it also does not help it. Here are some ways to make your open house great!

The first thing a buyer sees when walking into your home is the outside. What kind of curb appeal does your home have? Some simple maintenance helps considerably! Make sure your yard is weed free. Also, landscaping your home is great, but make sure there is a clear entry way to the house. Don’t let plants and flowers block a walk way. The quicker a buyer gets into your home, the quicker they will fall in love with it.

The little things matter too. Whether it is a room that has mismatching outlet covers, or a dab of paint on the ceiling, buyers look at these things as flaws. You need to make your home match, and orderly. Usually these fixes can be made quickly and cheaply. 

Make your home more welcoming. Key West real estate is great for anyone, and having a warm feeling in your home will make buyers want to stay longer. A brochure about your home is a great touch, so as they walk from room to room they can read and see all of its features. Also, this will be a great reminder of your home once they leave. For those that come with kids, maybe provide some kid friendly activities! Something that is mess free such as crayons and scratch paper work perfectly.  Another great touch is adding music, usually something classical and on a low volume works best.

Brighten up your home. Opening the blinds in every room will let the sun shine in, and will make your home feel cozy and inviting. Pushing apart the curtains will make the room feel bigger and will accentuate its features.  Another way to brighten your home is to turn lamps on! Having some extra light will show off an area of the room that may be hard to see. 

Overall, hosting an open house can be in your favor, if you take the time and see your Key West home from a buyers point of view.

If you have any questions about Key West real estate, feel free to contact me! I can’t wait to hear from you!