25 Things You NEED to Know When Buying a Home In the Keys!

1. Winter-warming south-facing porch overlooking the water

2. West-facing canal to keep seagrass out & best water quality

3. Solid-built concrete structure for strength

4. Solid concrete floors for termite-proof subfloor

5. Fenced-in lot to keep deer out of tropical vegetation or garden

6. Metal roof instead of shingles

7. Gravel lot instead of grass to minimize maintenance

8. South-facing operable telescoping glass wall for tropical breeze

9. Screened-in porches with "no-see-um" screens

10. Deep & wide canal for clean water & easy boat parking

11. Concrete seawall vs. wood

12. Davits to lift your boat. Keeps boat bottom clean

13. Tiki hut and rope swing hammocks for entertaining

14. Storage and shop next to canal for fishing/diving gear

15. Ground level apartment for mother-in-law or extended guests

16. Stucco exterior for low maintenance

17. Hurricane shutters on all windows and doors

18. Stoarge shed for tools and gardening equipment

19. Tropical furniture included

20. Close proximity to shopping but far enough from US1 to reduce highway noise

21. Best subdivision on the island for resale

22. No house directly across canal for privacy

23. Step-down seawall for easy access into boat or swimming

24. Concrete steps vs. wood maintenance

25. Great neighbors