Frequently Asked Questions

Keys Ocean Realty is a boutique, locally owned brokerage based in Marathon, Florida, led by Broker and Owner Mallory Pinto. We help clients buy, sell, and invest from Key Largo to Key West, and we specialize in the Middle Keys, including Marathon, Key Colony Beach, and Duck Key. We also serve Islamorada, Upper Sugarloaf Key, Big Pine Key, Key Largo, and Key West.

Mallory Pinto is the Broker and Owner of Keys Ocean Realty. She works alongside Melany Massaro and Riley Woodstock of Team Simply Sold. Mallory was raised in Marathon and previously represented buyers and sellers with Ocean Sotheby's International Realty before opening her own brokerage.

We offer a full-circle approach to Keys real estate. Keys Ocean Realty handles buying and selling, and our sister company, Keys Ocean Vacation Rentals, supports owners who want to rent their property. Clients work with a small, local team that combines luxury marketing, investment-minded advice, and hands-on hospitality experience.

Yes. Many of our clients live elsewhere and are buying a second or third home in the Keys. We guide out-of-area buyers through the market remotely and in person, and we can help you plan for how the property will be cared for or rented when you are not there.

Our clients search for waterfront and canal-front homes, condominiums, coastal-modern residences, homes with deep-water dockage, vacation homes, land, and investment properties. You can browse current inventory on our Home Search page or ask us to send tailored listings that match your criteria directly to your inbox.

Our Buyer's Guide walks through ten steps: compile your wish list, set your budget, get prequalified, choose your real estate team, find the right home, finalize financing, make an offer, complete the home inspection, obtain the appraisal, and finish the closing paperwork. We support you at each stage and can recommend local lenders and inspectors we have worked with.

Yes. Under industry rules that took effect in August 2024, agents must have a signed written buyer agreement in place before touring homes with you. We will explain exactly what the agreement covers before you sign, so you know how we work together.

We recommend it. Prequalification shows you your likely purchasing power, helps you vet mortgage providers, and can make your offer more competitive when there are multiple offers. Set a budget you are comfortable with first, since a lender may approve you for more than you want to spend.

Beyond price and condition, waterfront buyers should look at flood zone designation, elevation, insurance availability and cost, dock and seawall condition, and any HOA or municipal rules. We recommend requesting insurance quotes and scheduling a thorough inspection early in your due diligence. Rules and costs vary by property, so we help you review the details before you commit.

Many buyers do. Through Keys Ocean Vacation Rentals, owners can have their property professionally managed as a vacation rental. Rental rules and requirements differ by property and by municipality, so we review the rental potential and any restrictions with you before you buy.

Yes. Our approach is investment-minded, and Mallory works with buyers and sellers of investment properties, including rental homes and multi-unit buildings. We can talk through your goals, whether that is long-term income, short-term rental income, or a mix of personal use and rental.

You can browse our vacation rental homes at KeysOceanVacationRentals.com. Our collection includes homes in Marathon and Key Colony Beach, from cottages near Sombrero Beach to large waterfront homes that host bigger family gatherings.

Start with our free Home Valuation tool for an instant estimate, then schedule a consultation for a more accurate picture. A local agent will review comparable sales, current market conditions, and your property's specific features to recommend a pricing strategy.

We build a custom plan for each home. It typically includes professional video tours, social media campaigns, agent-to-agent outreach, traditional media, and search engine visibility. The goal is to drive as much qualified traffic as possible to your listing in the first three weeks on the market.

Pricing starts with your goals, whether you want to maximize profit or sell quickly. We then analyze comparable sales and current market activity. A fair price at the start attracts the most interest, while overpricing can reduce showings and underpricing can leave money on the table.

After you accept an offer, we review the contract terms, including deposit, financing, inspection rights, contingencies, settlement date, and fees. We then coordinate inspections, appraisal, and any repairs, and confirm with the closing company before the closing date so the transaction stays on track.

Call (305) 209-8335 or email [email protected]. Our office is at 12220 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. You can also use the contact form on this site to tell us whether you are buying, selling, or renting, and we will be in touch.