Living on Island Time

For the last 15 years, Laura Lynne Kennedy has been helping change the lives of hundreds of people—one home at a time.

Kennedy, who has been a licensed REALTOR® since 2002, has spent the entirety of her real estate career specializing in South Florida’s luxury home market. And her knowledge and understanding of the area is showcased through her innate ability for locating and matching real estate with her clients’ requests. In other words, it’s about more than buying and selling houses. For her, it’s about building relationships with her clients.

“Clients can count on me to be by their sides, keeping them informed throughout every step of the process,” says Kennedy. “My clients know I’m always here for them—even after the sale.”

In fact, many of Kennedy’s former clients continue to stay in touch with her, sending photos of their home renovations or simply checking in to say hello. That’s also why her client base is largely comprised of repeat buyers and sellers as well as their referrals.

The Florida Keys Difference

As someone who has spent years in the Florida Keys, Kennedy has many reasons why she loves calling this island chain home.

“The Florida Keys are the only tropical island chain in the continental United States,” says Kennedy, who understands the transitions many of her clients experience when they first move to South Florida. “Whether it’s the sunny weather or the crystal blue waters, you can’t get better island scenery without having to get on an airplane.”

And while there’s a multitude of benefits to living in the Florida Keys, here are some of Kennedy’s top reasons:

1) Amazing Weather

Say goodbye to your winter coat. The Florida Keys’ unique location means its perfectly situated to take advantage of the Atlantic breeze, which helps keep the area maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. Because the average temperature ranges between 73-83 degrees throughout the year, the Keys are ideal for outdoor activities. Even though an afternoon rain shower in the summer isn’t uncommon, it’s usually gone just as quickly as it arrived. (BONUS: All that Florida sunshine helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone development and helps reduce the risk of certain diseases.)

2) Three Words: Key Lime Pie

Whether you consider yourself a full-fledged foodie or someone who simply enjoys local cuisine, the Florida Keys offer unforgettable dining experiences for everyone. The Keys’ most famous fare is Key Lime Pie, but many restaurants in the area have their own versions of this creamy, indulgent dessert. These little yellow limes are best known for making pie, but many local chefs use Key limes to enhance the flavor of their dishes. And while it’s perfectly acceptable to start your meal with dessert, the main courses served throughout this island chain aren’t worth missing. The Keys offer an impressive array of fresh fish and seafood from surrounding waters—including pink shrimp, mollusk conch, stone crabs, snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, and more.

3) A Storied History

In addition to beautiful beaches and coastal views, the Florida Keys are rich in history, culture, and tradition.

Places to visit include Ernest Hemingway’s home Best of Key West, the Key West Lighthouse Museum & Keeper’s Quarters, and the the Key West Aquarium, just to name a few. And not only are the Florida Keys easily accessible by car, they’re also close to places such as Disney World, Miami Beach, and the Everglades.

4) Water Activities

The Keys’ warm climate means you can enjoy being outdoors regardless of the season.

So whether it’s sport fishing and scuba diving or sea kayaking and swimming, there’s plenty of water activities to keep you busy. The Florida Keys also are home to some of the world’s most gorgeous coral reefs and marine life, which you can experience firsthand while snorkeling.

Learn More and Get In Touch

As a REALTOR® at Coldwell Banker Schmitt Realty Company in Islamorada, Florida, Laura Lynne Kennedy is licensed in both Florida and Missouri, is a graduate of the Real Estate Institute, participates in the At Home With Diversity® program, and is a certified Resort & Second Home Specialist. In 2014, she served as president of the Florida Keys Board of Realtors and was also honored as the Florida Keys Realtor of the Year. Kennedy is just as committed to her community as she is to her clients. In addition to rescuing four—yes four—dogs, she’s a huge supporter of the Florida Keys SPCA.

To learn more about buying a home in the Florida Keys, email Laura Lynne Kennedy or call her at (305) 289-6616.