Wednesday, June 2, 2021

It's Hot! Not The Night, My Cigar or Scotch. It's our Red Hot Florida Keys Real Estate Market!

It's Hot.  No, not the balmy and sweltering June evening here in the Tropics. No, Not the long ash of my Cigar with it's billows of smoke rising elegantly into the night.  No, not the incendiary Muscle Shoals and Stax R&B and Soul pumping through my speakers. And no, not the smooth burn of the 18 year old Macallan in my glass.

It's Hot  ... and it just keeps getting hotter. It's our Florida Keys Real Estate Market .

In my 26+ years of selling waterfront properties in South Florida, I have never seen a Market like this.  And the brakes don't seem to be coming on anytime soon.

In all price strata and between waterfront and non-waterfront properties alike, demand is High and inventory is at a ridiculous low.

So what does that  mean??
Well .... 
If you are a Property owner, you have the greatest degree of leverage I have seen in quite some time.  And when demand is high and supply is low, that means the potential for more $$$ if your property is on the Market. But realize there is a thin line between achieving market high prices and being so overpriced that you are helping to sell the competition's property.

If you are a Buyer, it means you need to come prepared to do battle. This is not a market of deals, but rather a market of acquisition.  Understand that many times properties are selling in days instead of weeks and sometime in hours instead of days. As well, many are selling at and and often above list price. 

Just Sold In Islamorada $1,850,000.  $50K over list price.
The Key to success in both scenarios is to have a smart game plan and work with a professional ( Me!!!) who truly understands the intricate dynamics of both sides of the equation to get you top dollar as a seller, and get you the property (over competing Buyers) at the lowest best price as a Buyer.

A smart agent has tools and strategies to help you come out on top! In a hot market such as this, the idea is to kiss the flame but keep from getting burned. 

Our Florida Keys Real Estate Market is populated by a tropical
cornucopia of unique properties.  Is it any wonder that with all the upheaval over the last year, that more and more people have become enchanted with our lifestyle, security, and inclusive way of life? If you have to work from home, it really makes you reevaluate where home can be.

As we emerge from the confines of the pandemic, it very well may be that individuals who could go back to the office will opt to continue to work from home if they can.  And the Florida Keys are the ideal destination to call...Home.

And though the burn of my scotch may drain from the glass, and my hot cigar turn to ash, our Florida Keys Market will continue to burn for the foreseeable future.

Life is short ... Buy the Keys Home.

Life is short ... get phenomenal $$$ for your Keys Home.

In both cases ... call me.  I can help you handle the Heat.

Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Thursday, December 3, 2020

The Florida Keys Real Estate Market Absorption Report 12-1-2020

If you're a Stat junkie like me, you'll love this Stuff!

This monthly report ( with 5 years of data) focuses on our Florida Keys Real Estate Absorption via hypothetical monthly supply rate.
(Don't worry. there's not a test for you math phobic readers.)
Is it a Buyer's Market? A Seller's Market? Who has the leverage? Take a Look and let me know what you think. I am happy to put my 25+years of experience to work for You!




For a PDF of the above video click here.

Work with an Agent who knows the pulse of the Market. Put the Experience and Expertise of Your Conchquistaor to work for you!


Saturday, August 15, 2020

By Request and Demand, It's the Conchquistador's Recipe for Awesome Lobster Bisque!! It's ALL about The Heads!!

You know, it's funny. Down here in The Florida Keys, we are all Ga Ga for fresh Caribbean Lobster.  Hell, our Local economy practically goes into Dark Black during Mini Season.  Add to that the cost of gear, boats, bully nets...there is a lot of money spent to catch these critters..  We love our tails...yes I said tails.  And THERE is the Rub!! Most people THROW AWAY the tastiest part of the Lobster....The Head!!!

Now don't go getting squeamish on me.  Yes I said Head.  In many animals, the meat and flesh around the head are some of the most FLAVORFUL on the animal.  If you did not know it was "Head Cheese" and had a slice you would probably think it was a fantastic cold cut.  That being said, the HEADS of the Lobster are in my Opinion the Key to a great Lobster Bisque and stock.  I can not tell you how often I see them discarded.  Also a little hint, they make great Chum....more on that later.

So, The Conchquistator's Lobster Bisque:
The first thing to know is that I take the long way around to make my Bisque.  I am sure there are quicker
Getting My Tasty Ingredients Ready
 ways, but for me the Journey is as much fun as the tasty Destination.  Now as my lovely wife will attest, I am not a hard core recipe guy, I have a basic sketch that I flair to taste and quantity, so I will give you my basic, but add or subtract as necessary. You will need about 4 to 6 heads depending on size.

This process from start to finish take about 3 1/2 to 4 Hours. It also helps if you have a tripod Burner that you can use outside to create the stock.

The first step is to separate the tails from the heads and prepare the tail meat to your favorite recipe, but save some for the Bisque at the end.  Now, the Heads, the glorious Heads.. Break off the antennae at the second joint and discard. Then, cut the heads, in half, lengthwise.  Yes it might be messy, but Butch up! With your a knife or spoon, lightly loosen some of the innards, known as tomalley, but do not remove.  Now, place in a large stock pot and cover with water.  Use at least 12 cups of water to cover, if it takes more that is fine but we need 10 cups for this recipe.  Throw in about 1/4 cup of olive oil, key lime halves, and 2 Bay leaves.  Bring to a hard rolling boil, then reduce heat, add in 12 oz of tomato paste and simmer for 1 hour 45 minutes, stirring every so often.  Now kick back have a cocktail and or cigar and let the heads do their magic!

While we are waiting, here are the other ingredients:
20 oz Tomato Paste ( I usually get a  12 oz can and 8 oz can)
2 cups chopped red onion
2 cups chopped celery, if you can, throw in a few leaves
2 cups chopped carrots
2 sprigs Thyme
2 Bay Leaves
1 Key Lime, cut in half
1/2 teaspoon Saffron
6 cups of Heavy Cream
1 Cup of cream Sherry
2 tablespoons for fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup of cornstarch
1/4 cup of Olive oil

OK, now  that you have created some awesome Lobster Stock, lets strain it.  Remove as much of the lobster shells and large pieces as you can with tongs.  If you are a fisherman, keep those parts they make great chum.  Now using a really tight strainer or sieve, drain stock into new pot. I usually double strain, as I want it to be as much pure liquid as possible. OK put this aside, you should have about 10 cups or more of nice red stock.

In a sauce pan, combine the chopped veggies, thyme, saffron, pepper, and 4 cups of your just made stock. Heat on high for 15 minutes, stirring often.  Now add lower heat to simmer and add 8 oz Tomato paste and heat 30 minutes.. This creates some nice earthy veggie flavor.  When complete, strain into original stock.  Then I like to strain the whole batch once more, trying to have pure liquid.

Liquid Gold!!!
OK, now time to start heading to the finish line. Place stock on Medium Heat and whisk in Heavy Cream and Sherry, heat for 30 minutes.  Now mix corn starch and about 1/4 cup of water into the bisque to thicken slightly and heat for about another 20 minutes..

You now have Liquid Gold!!! you can enjoy it now, but what i prefer to do is put it in the refrigerator for 2 days, Then have it.  Letting flavors marinate. You should have about 9-10 cups or more.

When ready heat up bisque and add chunks of tail meat and a little chopped parsley.

Man, I love being in The Keys where such delectable treats are right here off our shores!!

Bon Appetite!

Work with an Agent who will cook you up a great deal. Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Friday, August 2, 2019

Numbers Make The World Go 'Round! - Eye Openning FL Keys Real Estate Stats

To paraphrase Joel Grey in "Cabaret" (love that movie), it isn't Money that makes the World Go 'Round, but rather, Numbers do.

Numbers on money, numbers on phones, numbers on horrid tattoos, numbers on flights, numbers of election results, and numbers on addresses just to name a few, but today, we're talking about the numbers that make up Statistics.

In particular, Florida Keys Property Sales Statistics, focusing on Absorption Rates.

Absorption Rates? You mean Rosie and The Quicker Picker Upper?? (See how many Millennials catch that one). No, but rather the hypothetical hypothesis determining the number of Months of inventory on the Market, at a rate compared to the previous year's sales. It is an exceptional tool to gauge the temperature of a given Market.

Its not exactly E=MC2, but rather like this: 365(Days)/ Number of Previous Year's Sales, Multiply that by the number of Properties Currently Available, then divide that number by 30 (representing the length of the average month).  This gives you a Number that, hypothetically, is how many months it would take to sell out the current inventory, if no new properties came on the market.

For example let's say a community had 20 sales and there are currently 35 on the market. 365/20 = 18.25.  Take this Number and Multiply by 35. So,18.25 x 35 = 638. Divide this number by 30 (Days in Month) 638/30 = 21.2.  Therefore an Absorption Rate of 21.2 months to sell out the inventory. If the average number of months for a community is, let's say, 10 months, then you can see that this means there are wayyyy too many properties on the Market, and Therefore, its a Buyer's Market for that community.

Using the same formula of 20 sales but only 6 on the market, that number would be 3.6 months.  Compared to the average of 10 months, this would be a shortage of properties, and thereby, a Seller's Market.

Yes, Yes I know, It's heady stuff.  And basically, Numbers Porn for a Math Geek like me.  But this is an amazing tool!  Especially when negotiating Contracts.  
In fact, I used this same model twice yesterday on offers.  One, where I was working with a Buyer to substantiate our offer on an over priced listing, and another were I was working with a Seller, to substantiate our price on a very low offer we received. When you have facts on your side it certainly gives you leverage.

Numbers make the World Go 'Round. 

So Lets Take a Look at some current Florida Keys Absorption Rates:
The Current  Par Absorption Rate for properties outside of Key West, for the last 5 years, is between 10-12 months.  Under that, equates to a Seller's Market whereas Above, would indicate a Buyers Market.

The First, is Key Largo and Islamorada Waterfront Homes, as this is my personal primary Market.
The current numbers are 18.6 and 12.4 months for Keys Largo and Islamorada respectively.  You're a bit high Key Largo!  Buyers ...  Now's your Time!!



In the next we break it down by the Three segments of the Keys outside of Key West.  Upper (Key Largo and Islamorada), Middle (Layton thru Marathon), and Lower (South of The 7 Mile Bridge to Stock Island) Keys.  Here, you can see that the Lower and Middle Keys are just below Par, while the Upper Keys, at 15 months, are High.  Again for Buyers, The Upper Keys are looking good for negotiation!



Now, Here is My favorite: Keys Waterfront Homes By Price.  And this is REALLLY eye opening! Again given 10-12 as Par, You can see we have a Glut in certain areas and scarcity in others.  Over $3M has 41 Months of Inventory!! That's almost 3.5 years!  Not as bad as it was at a rate of 5 years, last year, but still wayyy too many.  Buyers, THIS is the time to STRIKE! Now conversely, those under $1M are scarce, at 6 months, so Sellers...Hold your Ground.





Now of course, every home is different and this is just a hypothetical gauge.  BUT, a very effective one.

OK, so now that I have put you to sleep with stats and graphs, Here is a Picture of Lobters!!
Just to wake you back up.

Lobster Season starts Tuesday, and 6 is your legal daily limit ... NUMBER.

Numbers make the World Go 'Round, They Make The World Go 'Round!


Work with an Agent who KNOWS the Numbers.  Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Check out Aero-Largo Bayfront Estate, $3,499,000 - Your Florida Keys Bucket List Opportunity!!

Every so often, Fate reaches out its hand.

You know, Creative Visualization can be really powerful.
A great tool for Dreamers and Poets and those that have a burning Desire, (and maybe a touch of .. madness, LOL).

Yes, yes, I know...a little Granola-y, California, Mulholland Drive, Esoteric stuff.
But your Conchquistador has always been a Dreamer and a Poet, and I have, and still have a burning Desire to succeed in Real Estate.

When I was first starting out in Real Estate, I projected in my mind, that I wanted to cater to the Entertainment Industry movers and shakers, both those on the front line and behind the scenes, for their real estate needs (as I was also in the Entertainment Industry for 15 years, buts that's another sordid story, for another Blog).  
Now, along the 24.5 year way, I have come to enjoy being of Service to a variety of these very folks who were seeking great real estate opportunities in Buying and Selling, and an agent who would/could give them Exemplary Service. 

The thing is, I came to realize, that I enjoyed assisting the average Joe/Jane, first time buyer, $150,000 client, as much as the Multi Million Dollar Ones.

But I still had that ... Vision.
And as stated ... Every So Often ... Fate reaches out it's hand
.
I have been privileged to work with Matt Damon, Julio Iglesias Jr., One of the Top Modeling Agency Owners in the World ( Wow, talk about someone with Vision!!! Thank you, You know who You are), another prominent Miami Beach Agency owner, as well as the premier modeling studio in Miami Beach, Night Club Owners, DJs, Sports figures, even Sophia Vergara's personal manager (What a great family), and a host of others, that I have to keep on the down low.

And Now, out of the ether, comes my favorite property listing of all time.  Aero Largo.


A magical home and location that has been used for countless Modeling shoots and other media ( They were actually doing a photo shoot while we were taking our photos), and owned by a very special client.

This Place IS your Bucket List Home!!!!

Tropical breezes, white sandy beach ( a rare Keys commodity), spectacular open water views, amazing deep water dockage, an awesome pier with THE coolest Tiki at the end, and oh yeah a seaplane dock, sparkling Pool, Pizza Oven, massage Tiki, outdoor Kitchen, all on almost an arce of natural Key Largo hard wood hammock. And that's just the outside!!!

This house is tricked out, the Master Bedroom has jaw dropping views (and Two separate Master Baths!), stainless kitchen with all the Top, Top, Top of the line appliances, office/extra bedroom, and so, so much more.
And did I mention the detached Guest House and the 3-car Garage?? 3-car Garage ... in the Keys??? Hell, it's hard just to find a 1-car garage let alone 3.

So, am I excited ... um Yeah! (On a separate note, you know I never met an ellipse I didn't like).

And the best feature???  The PRICE!!!!
$3,499,000

THIS is opportunity knocking, almost bashing the door in.

THIS is THAT property that you Visualize.... in that granola-y, Califorina, Mulholland Drive, esoteric way.

To the Details:

97240 Overseas Highway, Key Largo

Offered at: $3,499,000
4 Bedroom /4.2 Baths with optional 5th bedroom.

Description:
Phenomenal opportunity! Stunning, stunning, stunning Florida Keys Oasis. ''Aero-Largo''. The setting for countless photo shoots and commercials, this seductive Bayfront Estate is what dreams are made
of. Stroll right into crystal clear water from your own white sandy beach. This is your canvas. Bask in privacy, or entertain like no other. This home offers extreme flexibility. With 3 bedrooms + office in the spacious Main House, gorgeous gourmet Kitchen and Dining Room, and a separate detached Guest Suite. So many amenities! Huge, Deep Dock and Tiki, outdoor grill and pizza oven, outdoor bar, seaplane dock, boatlift, outdoor showers, custom-built pool and fountain, three garage spaces, massage Tiki, all nestled in a gated, estate sized natural hardwood hammock. Best value in its class, and a feast for the senses. Do everything or nothing at all. It's all at your beck and call. Diving, boating, fishing, Jet Ski, kayak, you name it. The Florida Keys Lifestyle is yours 24/7/365. Exceptional Vacation Rental Potential.

Click Here to View Details and Mapped Location. 
Click Here for Drone Video
Click Here for Aero Largo From The Water Video

Fate ... Has unique Hands.

Indulge in the Massage Tiki
Work with an Agent who can help you realize Your Vision.  
Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! 
 For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Hide Your Honey Hole!! It's the 2019 Mini-Lobster Season! They're Out There and They Are BIG!

Tickle Stick...Check...Net ...Check...Gloves ...Check ....Secret GPS Lobster Spots (AKA Honeyholes) Check!
OK! It's time for Mini-Lobster Season!!!  Get The Butter!

Your Conchquistador With Tonight's Dinner!
For 2019 the Bugs are out and they Are Big!!

Yes it's that crazy two days in July here in The Keys where boat gas prices soar, and Johnny Law is just itching to cite violators who don't measure or exceed their catch.

Hoards of marine hunters motor down here boats in tow, like pilgrims to Mecca to hunt for our tasty crustations and catch a post dive buzz at the Tiki Bar.


Come and Get 'Em!!! Photo courtesy of Capt. Matt Bellinger of Bamboo Charters
For the uninitiated, Lobster Mini Season is always the last Wednesday and Thursday in July.  
That gives recreational harvesters an edge on the commercial guys who can't start fishing until August 6th. 

It's time to get out your gloves, masks, nets, gauges and tickle sticks....( Why does Lobster Season sound like bad porn?? Honeyholes and tickle sticks?? Go figure!)  and head out into the briny for your quota of some of the most delectable fare the ocean has to offer.


It's also a great weekend for real estate, as many people, especially mainlanders finally say, "I need a place down here!"  And that, my friends is when your Humble Conchquistador springs into action!  With all the great deals down here, there is something for everyone.

From Mobile and Manufactured homes to Oceanfront Estates, The Florida Keys offer you your own customized Island Oasis.

Everyone Is in Mini-Season Mode!
So come on down, know the rules, grab some bugs (local slang for Lobster), grab a beer, and then call me to grab a slice of paradise.

Oh yeah and since you read this far, I am going to share with you, my faithful reader, one of my favorite spots! Trust me this is a Major Gift, as Spots are super secret!!! But hey...I am a benevolent Conchquistador.
Try Hog Rocks off Key Largo GPS  N24 59.550 W80 27.440.  7-15 feet down under the rocks.

Ready to stop paying for a Hotel during Mini Season and have a place of your very own?? Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Friday, April 12, 2019

It's My Spring Collection! Fantastic FL Keys Properties - A variety To Choose From. Try One On!


The Conchquistador Spring Collection!
It's Springtime and the perfect Season to try one of these super, Florida Keys properties on for size! A Variety of styles to choose from!
Phenomenal Island Opportunities
" Aero Largo" - Bayfront Oasis
Offered at $3,699,000
Click Here for More Information
Villa Morada - Canal Front Home
Offered at $1,175,000
Click Here for More Information
Your Own Tropical Sanctuary
Offered at $674,900
Click Here for More Information
Updated Key Largo Home
Offered at $389,900
Click Here for More Information



It's Time to Turn Your Island Dreams Into Your New Tropical Reality!
If you are considering selling Your Keys Home, I would be delighted to put my High Level of Service, and Unique Marketing to work for YOU.
I do things other agents, Can't, Don't or Wont.


Work with an Agent who can tailor fit a property to YOU!  Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Friday, March 15, 2019

Florida Keys Real Estate Connection Stats  - Take a Peak Into Our Market!

Ok, So if you are a frequest reader of this blog, you KNOW that your Conchquistator is a Stats Freak!!
So, with that, I give you our Latest Florida Keys Connection Stats Report.
Take a Peak at our Exciting Market and some really hot Listings!!
Time to turn your Island Dreams into your new Tropical Reality!




All data is from the 
The Florida Keys Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service - Flex MLS.  
Residential Properties are from MM 65 to 106, Upper Keys only.


NEW TO THE MARKET
Bayfront Keys Oasis
Offered at $3,699,000
Click Here for More Information
Marlin House at Tarpon Point
Offered at $1,995,000
Click Here for More Information
2 Parcels, 2 Docks, 1 House!
Offered at $1,649,000
Click Here for More Information
Stunning Port Antigua Home
Offered at $1,325,000
Click Here for More Information
Islamorada Canalfront
Offered at $1,195,000
Click Here for More Information
Live the Island Dream! 
Offered at $689,000
Click Here for More Information
Your Own Tropical Oasis
Offered at $674,900
Click Here for More Information
Key Largo Bayfront! 
Offered at $659,000
Click Here for More Information
Premier Port Largo
Offered at $659,000
Click Here for More Information
Feel the Ocean Breeze! 
Offered at $543,000
Click Here for More Information
Move In Ready!
Offered at $195,000
Click Here for More Information
Updated and Ready to Go Home
Offered at $389,9000
Click Here for More Information





Our mailing address is:
305-664-4966                          305-451-4078
81800 Overseas Highway        99900 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036                 Key Largo, FL 33037


Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! 
For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that 
exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.