Shopping for a Key Largo condo from out of state and want a real look at the slip and boating access before you fly in? You are not alone. Many second-home buyers start and finish their search virtually. In this guide, you will learn exactly how a video-first tour with Tiffany works, what to look for in boat slips, and how to move from live video to a confident remote closing. Let’s dive in.
Why Key Largo waterfront condos
Key Largo is the largest island in the Upper Florida Keys and a true gateway to the marine lifestyle. Waterfront condos here are a niche market that attracts boat owners and second-home buyers. Inventory for quality units with deeded or dedicated slips is limited, so the best options can move quickly. Understanding slip type, boating access, and association rules helps you act with confidence when the right condo appears.
Key Largo boating access at a glance
Before you book a tour, it helps to understand local boating basics:
- Type of waterfront: canal, bay, or direct ocean access can shape your boating routes and ride quality.
- Channel depth and tides: draft and tidal swings affect which boats can pass at low water.
- Known obstructions: bridges, flats, and narrow channels may limit height or beam.
- Transit time to open water: some canals feed quickly to the bay or Atlantic, others take longer.
- Services nearby: note proximity to fuel docks, boat repair, ramps, hurricane hauling, and storage.
- Building and marina scale: most developments are low to mid-rise, with marina size varying by community.
Schedule with Calendly
Tiffany’s calendar shows live availability in your time zone, so you do not have to do any math. A few simple guardrails keep the process smooth for everyone on site.
How to book in minutes
- Choose a date and time that fits your schedule. Your view auto-adjusts to your time zone.
- Share your goals, boat details, and ideal budget in the form.
- Upload proof of funds or a lender pre-approval for second-visit or offer-ready tours.
- Receive an instant confirmation with the live video link and a pre-show packet.
Built-in buffers allow time to travel between properties and coordinate with on-site staff. You will also see how long the tour runs and which platform we will use, such as FaceTime or Zoom.
What you will see live
Tiffany’s virtual tours are video-first and boat-focused. You will see:
- Exterior approach: street, building entrance, parking, and path to the dock.
- Full interior: a steady walkthrough at walking speed, with context and scale.
- Slip and dock: the exact slip, path from unit to dock, pilings, cleats, surface condition, water and power hookups, and any lift equipment.
- Depth and fit: slip length and width, and known depth at mean low water when available.
- Boat access: nearby channels and markers, nearest bridges, and route to open water.
- Mechanicals and storage: elevator access, storage, meter locations, and utility panels.
- Hurricane readiness: shutters, building elevation cues, seawall condition, and visible wind-mitigation features.
You can ask for close-ups of anything, from fasteners to finishes. If lighting or glare is a factor, we aim for the best time of day and may provide drone footage where allowed to show overall boating access and neighborhood context.
The pre-show packet
Before your tour, you receive a concise digital packet:
- Property summary: square footage, bed/bath count, slip type and dimensions, HOA and marina fees.
- Association rules: relevant condo declaration excerpts for slips and rentals.
- County references: recent assessment information and recorded documents, when provided by the seller or association.
- Boating and seasonal overview: quick notes on local boating conditions and hurricane season timing.
- Live tour checklist: suggested questions about insurance, slip transfer, rental rules, and assessments.
After the tour, you receive a recording link and written answers to open questions. Sensitive items are redacted or shared securely.
Boat slips explained
Not all slips are equal. The type of ownership or use affects value, financing, and resale.
- Deeded slip: A slip conveyed as real property and described on a deed or plat. It transfers with the unit and appears in public records. Title search should reference the slip’s legal description.
- Assigned slip: The association assigns a slip to a unit by rule or internal records rather than by deed. Assignment rules vary and may be revocable or subject to reassignment.
- Leased slip: The slip is leased from a marina or association. Terms, renewals, and transfer rules are set by the lease, which can affect financing and resale.
Other formats include wet slips, dry stack storage, and lifts or davits. These influence use, maintenance, and insurance.
Why slip type matters
- Transferability: Confirm if the slip transfers with title or must be reassigned by the association.
- Title and recorded instruments: Deeded slips appear in public records. For assigned or leased slips, request the recorded instrument or documented assignment.
- Rules and restrictions: Review boat size limits, rental policies, transient dockage rules, and guest usage.
- Costs and maintenance: Understand HOA or marina fees, any dredging or dock assessments, and dock insurance requirements.
- Insurance: Some insurers require documented slip ownership or a lease to bind coverage.
What to verify
- Deed and legal description that references the slip.
- Title commitment showing the slip and any marina agreements.
- Association declaration, bylaws, and any marina usage agreements.
- Recorded plat or survey showing the dock and slip location.
- Slip dimensions, depth at mean low water, and any stated limits on boat length or draft.
- How slips transfer at sale and whether marina or board approval is required.
From tour to offer
After your virtual showing, you will receive a next-steps packet that includes disclosures, association documents, and a request for pre-approval or proof of funds. Tiffany manages a digital, offer-ready path:
- Strategy call to review comps and micro-market context.
- Offer terms that reflect slip value, inspections, and any association approvals.
- Digital signatures and remote notarization options where available.
- Coordination with a Florida title company experienced in marina and slip matters.
Financing and insurance basics
Many buyers use second-home financing. Lenders often require stronger credit, larger down payments, and tight debt-to-income ratios compared with primary homes. If you are a foreign national, expect additional documentation and potentially different terms. Work with a lender that understands Florida condos and marina elements.
Insurance planning is essential in the Keys:
- Master policy vs. HO-6: Know what the association covers and what you cover in your unit.
- Flood insurance: Lenders often require it in coastal flood zones, and it is wise even when not required.
- Boat insurance: Some policies require proof of slip ownership or a lease and may specify the boat’s stored location.
Remote closing steps
Florida closings often run through title companies, and remote online notarization is widely available. Here is the typical path:
- Inspections: General home, pest, and a dedicated marine or dock inspection.
- Survey: Obtain a survey or recorded plat that shows dock and slip boundaries.
- Title commitment: Review early for easements and marina agreements.
- Closing and escrow: Digital signatures and, if allowed, e-notary and e-recording.
- Wire safety: Always verify wiring instructions by phone with the title company using known numbers.
- Post-closing: Set up utilities, complete association registration, and obtain keys, fobs, and marina introductions.
What Tiffany prepares for every tour
- High-quality camera and mic, with a gimbal for stable video.
- Backup hotspot, since cellular reception can vary around the Keys.
- Battery backups for devices, and planned lighting to limit water glare.
- Drone footage where permitted to show boating routes and context.
Buyer checklist
- Request the initial virtual packet with deed or title excerpts, HOA and slip documents.
- Provide proof of funds or lender pre-approval before an offer-ready tour.
- Record the live walkthrough and focus on slip fit, depth, and route to open water.
- Order an elevation certificate and flood determination early.
- Hire a marine or dock inspector for a dedicated dock review.
- Confirm that the title commitment references the slip and review exceptions.
- Get home and boat insurance quotes before finalizing offer terms.
- Verify wire instructions by phone before sending any funds.
Ready to tour Key Largo condos?
If you want a clear, boat-focused view of a property before you step on a plane, Tiffany’s video-first approach makes it easy to move from discovery to a confident offer. Schedule your virtual appointment with Tiffany Alana today.
FAQs
How do virtual condo tours in Key Largo work for out-of-state buyers?
- You book via Calendly, receive a pre-show packet, join a live FaceTime or Zoom tour focused on the unit and slip, then get a recording and next steps for an offer-ready path.
What proof of funds do I need for a remote, offer-ready tour?
- Cash buyers provide a current proof-of-funds letter; financed buyers provide a lender pre-approval tailored to second-home or investment underwriting.
How can I confirm slip ownership for a Key Largo condo?
- Request the deed or title commitment showing the slip for deeded slips, or the association’s assignment or lease documents with recorded instruments for assigned or leased slips.
How do flood zones affect insurance for Keys condos?
- Many buildings sit in coastal flood areas; lenders often require flood insurance and insurers may use an elevation certificate to price coverage for your unit.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Key Largo condo communities?
- Rules vary by association and local ordinance; review the condo declaration and Monroe County rules before relying on rental income.
What is a typical remote closing timeline for a Keys condo?
- Timelines vary by contract, but expect time for inspections, title, association approvals, and remote notarization; many steps can be completed fully online.
What boat size will typical Key Largo condo slips fit?
- Slip length, width, and depth vary by community; verify dimensions, depth at mean low water, and any size limits stated in association documents.
Can I close on a Key Largo condo without traveling to Florida?
- Yes, many buyers close remotely using electronic signatures and remote online notarization, coordinated by the title company and your agent.