Key West Homes for sale by Tina Masters:Your Key West Agent

1. Not Understanding the importance of  controlling Depth.

When buying waterfront property, both the actual value of the property and it’s usefulness as to boating are governed by controlling depth.

What is controlling depth?

It is the depth at which your boat can safely get to open water at average low tide. Another way to look at it is boating draft.

For example, most sailboats have at minimum a 4 foot draft—meaning they need at least 4ft of water to safely navigate without running aground.

So-If you own a sailboat or are ever considering the purchase of one, the waterfront property you buy has to have at least 4 feet of controlling depth.

How does this affect value?

People that own 50 ft boats and larger sailboats, that require 4 to 5 foot draft, will find that neighborhoods have  controlling depths of 4-5 feet or more are typically more expensive as to real estate prices.

To Consider.

Even if you don’t own a boat, you may want to buy one in the future or will possibly have friends coming to visit that do have a larger boat. So first and foremost take Controlling depth into consideration.

2. Not knowing what types of Boats are allowed.

Generally there is no problem with pleasure craft, however jet skis and commercial fishing boats can be a problem based on neighborhood (subdivision) restrictions (if any)

For example: Many boating communities frown upon Jet Skis due to the noise. If you plan on using jet skis or having friends that use them, look into any restrictions.

The same thing goes for commercial boats.

3. Not paying attention to Flood Zones.

What type of Flood zone is the home you are buying?

For example flood insurance for a home in a VE will be triple that of a home in an AE zone. So one of the first things to find out is the Flood zone and then check with a local insurance company as to costs.

4. Using outside of the area lenders.

If you are buying waterfront property in Florida and are considering a lender in Colorado, you can have a problem.  Why?

Because lenders outside of the state can place prohibitive restrictions on a property.

For example, some lenders will feel that any waterfront home bought in Florida needs to be constructed of Concrete block as opposed to wood frame, due to potential hurricane damage.

Be sure to talk to Local (at least State) lenders, as they will be familiar with the area.

5. Not determining area (county or subdivision) rental Laws.

If you are considering using your waterfront home as a rental, look into the area or subdivision zoning laws as to rental periods allowed.

For example-can you only rent monthly-every 6 months or are weekly rentals allowed. Whatever the law, it will make a big difference in both ease of renting and your potential income.

These are just some of the most important issues to seriously look into. As your Agent, I will help guide you through all of this.

Tina Masters
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
Real Estate Co
1201 White Street #101
Key West, FL 33040
305.292.7440 direct line
305.923.0062 cell

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Old Town Waterfront with 55′ Boat Slip! This 2,973 sq. ft. home on Eisenhower Drive is in an exclusive private waterfront neighborhood. The home features a 2 car garage, private elevator, huge master suite, over sized guest rooms, high ceilings, state of the art kitchen, spacious dining area, and a third floor bedroom/library/game room. The yards feature a pool and landscaping foliage designed with water conservation in mind. This is Key West living not only at its best but as never before.

Price: $2,150,000

Listing courtesy of

Tina Masters
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
Real Estate Co
1201 White Street #101
Key West, FL 33040
305.292.7440 direct line
305.923.0062 cell

Ocean View Penthouse In Key West! Featuring an excellent ocean view, vaulted ceilings & a 40′ tiled terrace. You will notice the quality of craftmanship and the attention to detail in this completely renovated 2 BR & 2 BA penthouse unit. The designer kitchen has custom cabinetry with granite counter tops & stainless steel appliances. Baths have travertine marble floors/surrounds w/ top of the line Kohler fixtures. A full body Hans Grohe stainless steel shower tower highlights the master bath. Plantation shutters & accordian shutters in place. 1800 Atlantic, located on Smather’s Beach, offers lots of amenities that include 3 tennis courts, an olympic sized swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, garage parking & 400′ of private beach. Price: $775,000

Tina Masters
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Schmitt
Real Estate Co
1201 White Street #101
Key West, FL 33040
305.292.7440 direct line
305.923.0062 cell

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