Relocation to Key West and Florida Keys Area

Temporary Housing in Key West & Lower Florida keys

Most relocations include a period of "in-between time," when you initially move to your new town and begin the process of settling in and looking for a place to lease or purchase. If you are planning on leasing, or if you've made several preview trips and have contracted on a new home, this interim period may only be a couple of weeks. In this case, a hotel or suite-hotel usually works best. As a local Key West Real Estate Brokerage we can assist you with any information needed. Please call our real estate office at 305.296.6501 or visit us in Key West!

However, if your interim period is going to be close to 30 days or longer, you will probably want to opt for temporary "corporate or vacation housing." Corporate or vacation housing is a property that comes fully-furnished with room suites of furniture, cookware, linens/towels, small appliances such as coffeemakers, irons & alarm clocks, major appliances like microwaves, refrigerator, stove and washer/dryer, plants & pictures, accessories, maid service and all utilities included, even local telephone service and cable TV.  Vacation homes are much more common in Key West than corporate housing.  In addition, our community is host to the Key West Naval Air Station where the Navy has limited temporary housing for active-duty military.

Apartment and Real Estate Renting in Key West & Lower Florida keys

While renting has always been and continues to be an interim option during the home purchase process of a relocation, more and more it is becoming a long-term preference. Frequent moves, greater flexibility, rising ownership costs and amenities available through renting are great advantages. People today are renting in greater numbers, not just as a temporary step on the way to home ownership, but for the lifestyle they enjoy through renting. Apartment or house renting is a part of our Key West Real Estate Service. Please call our real estate office at 305.296.6501 or visit us in Key West!

Some of the factors to consider when deciding whether to rent or buy are:

•   your job situation and likelihood of moving again

•   initial and monthly costs of both options

•   tax savings and advantages

•   the availability, lifestyle and desirability of properties to rent or buy

•   current interest rates and mortgages available

The cost, availability and variety of rental housing possibilities will vary tremendously from other parts of the country.  Vacancy rates for real estate in the Key West depend on many factors including the season of the year.  Our Real Estate office has a complete property management department that can help with long- or short-term rentals.

Initial costs on a rental real estate property usually include one month's rent security deposit, additional deposits if you have a pet (many rentals do not allow pets), first month's rent and/or last month's rent, and an application fee of generally $20-75. Be sure and get renter's insurance; if you don't, your personal belongings will not be protected in the event of a burglary, fire or any other loss. Please call our real estate office at 305.296.6501 for current update.

Read apartment or real estate lease agreements thoroughly, as they can vary greatly between states and even individual landlords. It is wise to have an attorney review leases. Be sure you understand what you and the landlord are each responsible for when it comes to utilities, maintenance and repairs. Although the most typical lease term in the U.S. is 1 year, this can be negotiable in Key West. Know what your liabilities are if you have to break your lease early. Please contact our real estate office for assistance.

Moving to Key West & Lower Florida keys solutions

Careful consideration is needed when deciding whether to hire a moving company or do it yourself. Many factors are involved, such as the distance of the move, the size of your household, the time factor involved and the budget or company reimbursement you have for this expense. As a long term, local Key West Real Estate office we can help you find you the best solution to your moving needs! Please call our real estate office at 305.296.6501 or visit us in Key West!

• On the web: Key West local moving companies

• East Coast Van Lines (800) 472-0902 Moving Service in whole East Coast

• BMQ Movers  (800) 856-71-96, Moving Service in Key West and whole Florida.

• Sunset Moving & Storage (305) 292-2139, Key West Movers

• DRN Moving Inc. (305) 872-2575, Moving Service in Florida keys and Key West

Career Assistance

Here are some steps you may want to take to ensure results and a positive relocation:

• Search Online Job Databases - thousands of jobs searchable by occupation or location.

• Ever consider career as Key West real estate agent? Call or real estate office today or visit us in Key West!

• On the web: careerbuilder.com | craigslist.org | monster.com | hotjobs.yahoo.com

• Contact friends and acquaintances both in your desired field of work and the area you are moving to, regardless of their field. Even people in a different industry know the city and can give you ideas on what companies to approach & to avoid; as well, they may know someone in your field and be willing to refer you.

• Subscribe to the Sunday newspaper in the town you are moving to. Not only should you research want ads, but read the business section as well.

• Newspapers consider as a local in Key West :  

  "Key West Citizen"

   "L’Attitudes"            

     "Miami Herald"         

•  If one spouse's company is responsible for the move, check with their human resources department to see if they have trailing spouse assistance.

• Contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce. Most have lists of the top businesses in the area.                                On the web @  www.keywestchamber.org

• Join local business, civic and networking clubs

• Contact the State Employment Commission.

• Make appointments with executive recruiters and employment agencies. Be sure to find out if you or the employer is charged, if they negotiate the hiring contract, if you would actually work for the agency or for the client employer, and carefully review any contract or have an attorney look it over before signing.

• Sign up with a temporary agency. This can provide you with a job and income while you continue your search; in addition, many temp jobs lead to permanent employment.

• Consider your own business, as either a part-time or interim business, or as a whole new career direction!