In our world of technology there are many websites to find real estate for sale. This isn't one of those. This site is designed for you to get to know your agents. Choosing the right agent and brokerage to represent you in such an important endeavor, full of laws and paperwork, is extremely critical. You should hire an agent with the same criteria you would hire an employee. In fact, we do work for you. So treat this site like the first step in an interview process. Get to know who we are, what we like to do, our background, experience and community involvement. Get a glimpse into our personalities and sense of humor. And if you think we'd be a good fit to represent and fight for you in your real estate dealings, than lets get to work!
- Eric and Grace Billips
Commercial and Residential
It takes a team
Residential and Design
Originally from Michigan, Eric attended Ferris St Univ. where he was a 4 year rugby captain and graduated with honors in Construction Management. He went on to excel in the construction industry as an estimator for a large custom home builder in Vail Colorado. Missing home he moved back to Michigan and proceeded to work in the construction business developing large communities. He also, trained police officers and firemen underwater rescue, ice diving recovery, and swift water rescue in Michigan as a side job. And thats when he decided scuba diving was his calling. So he packed up his dive gear and moved to the scuba diving capital of the nation, the Florida Keys.
He worked as an instructor and captain for a few years, and realized he could offer a better experience in the dive industry if he opened his own shop. So he did! In 2012 he opened Islamorada Dive Center. The shop was an instant success so he decided he needed another one. So he purchased Florida Keys Dive Center. So obviously scuba diving is a big hobby of his, but he also enjoys spearfishing and has actually written a book and a certifying class on the subject. Eric is heavily involved in the community. He donates a lot of time for fund raisers, takes all the schools out diving and helps coach his sons baseball, soccer and basketball teams. With both shops running smoothly Eric than decided to get back into the real estate business. He watched agents sell the homes he developed in Michigan and had always wanted to be a part of that industry. Eric wanted to work for a private real estate company that was owned locally, dedicated to the community, and willing to go above and beyond the "real estate" norm to get deals done. He interviewed numerous real estate companies, but only one checked off all those boxes. Coastal Realty of the Florida Keys. With Erics knowledge of construction, his community involvement and his Keys lifestyle, you not only get excellent real estate agent but a construction advisor and a Florida Keys tour guide as well. Plus you can dive whenever you want, Score!
Grace is also from the great state of Michigan. Born and raised in Wolverine country of Ann Arbor.
Her family lineage though runs through Islamorada Fl. Her grandfather was heavily involved in Islamorada's identity. He owned ocean front property next to the Cheeca lodge where he built a vacation home in the early 60's. This home was known as the houseboat home. The houseboat was the "honeymoon suite" at The Cheeca Lodge. Grandpa always bugged the owner that he wanted to buy it, but to no avail. Until hurricane Donna came by. After the hurricane the owner of Cheeca Lodge called Grace's Grandfather and asked' "Do you still want that houseboat?" Grandpa said "of course!" Cheeca's owner said "Good come get it, its in the middle of the street". It seems hurricane Donna had repositioned her. So Grandpa moved the houseboat onto his property and added a second story and decks. The houseboat became a famous place to stay and housed numerous celebrities including frequent guests President's Harry Truman, and George H. Bush.
He was also, part owner of "The Green Turtle Inn" and "The World Wide Sportsman" in Islamorada.
Graces mom, her aunt and uncles and now her and her brother all spent there childhood at the houseboat and running around Islamorada. After her first year of college Grace decided to return to Islamorada to do an internship at a dive shop. Her entire family had been diving with Eric for years and advised her to go to Islamorada Dive Center. She did, and the rest, as the say, is history. 6 years later Grace and Eric married on the shores of Bimini Island in the Bahamas. Grace not only comes from Islamorada royalty on her moms side but also gets real estate royalty from her Dads side. Her late father was a successful real estate developer in Ann Arbor and brought his commercial real estate experience to Islamorada. He started "Florida Keys Commercial Investments". Because of this, it was a natural transition for her from scuba instructor to real estate agent. Grace still loves to dive, especially with large sharks, but her passion now is real estate. She has an incredible eye for design and with her Islamorada connections, she's a great choice to represent you.
The easiest way to "Get to know" Coastal Realty is to describe how we are different. Coastal is independently owned. We aren't part of nation wide chain. We are owned by local Keys residents who have been involved in this community their entire lives. Because of this, our real estate company is much more involved and intimate with every one of our clients. You become a member of the Coastal family not just another statistic too boost ratings. The people that make up our Coastal Team are not just colleagues, but are true friends that will assist each other rather than compete. Real estate is local, so our company’s independent ownership and distinctive culture are well-aligned with the needs of our community. Our brand is rooted in the areas in which our clients live, so we possess deep local knowledge that will help you make smarter, better informed real estate decisions.
Eric and his mini
Nervous about your property adventure? Don’t be. Whether you're getting ready to buy or sell, in the middle of it, or just looking for some answers, our top-notch skills ensure you get the best experience possible. It’s what we love to do.
If you have questions about affordability, credit, legal matters, or income, trust us to find you what you need fast. We make sure you feel confident and educated every step of the way.
From our family to yours, thank you for taking the time to "get to know" us. We hope we could make this important decision of choosing a brokerage agency and an agent, a little easier. Whatever route you go we wish the best.
-The Billips's
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: Closed
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