Monday, February 28, 2011

The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 2/15 -Peaceful, Easy, and Waterfront, Closed at $390,000

853 Ellen Drive, Key Largo OK, so we have been having INCREDIBLE Chamber of Commerce Weather...and I should know as I AM a member of the Chamber of Commerce!!! While others are still toiling in the snow, we are enjoying temps in the 80's.  Many of the resorts are booked, the bars, are full, and vitality is in the air.  Everyone loves the Keys when they get here!!!
Many...are deciding that they want a Piece of our paradise....and we are here to help them!!!
Today's Deal is another in a nice list of recent navigable waterfront properties selling under $400,000.   Peaceful and easy, and located with close proximity to Adam's Cut , the connection in mid Key Largo between Oceanside and Bayside for we boating enthusiasts.  This home is the PERFECT Weekend of it's new owners!
853 Ellen Drive, Key Largo
List Price: $434,900 / Sold Price: $390,000
2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 103 Bayside

Description: Beautifully maintained solid concrete waterfront home in one of the best water access neighborhoods in the upper Keys. Oversized lot, dock with davits,boat ramp, wide canal, excellent access to Adams Cut, Bay and Ocean! Renovated kitchen, metal roof accordion shutters,  full Legal downstairs apartment, workshop carport.Sip a drink and relax in your freshwater splash pool. Keys living at it's best.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos
View Mapped Location

Ready to Grab YOUR slice of our Key Lime Pie??? Put the expertise and experience 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, February 25, 2011

Hollywood Comes to The Keys for Charity!

WOW, This is exciting!!

Tonight, Mr. Jon Landau, One of Hollywood's  all time most successful film producers and new Keys resident is the featured speaker at tonight's Habitat for Humanity's Cocktail Benefit, co-sponsored by our firm American Caribbean Real Estate.
Mr. Landau is partners with uber film director James Cameron, and has won Academy Awards and Golden Globes for the films, Titanic and Avatar, two of the most successful films of all time.
Our firm, American Caribbean Real Estate, recently sold him the beautiful Bali High Estate on Plantation Key. 

He apparently fell in love with the Keys while filming Arnold the Govenator's film, True Lies, wherein Jaime Leigh Curtis had that famous Helicopter scene off the old 7-Mile Bridge.

Tickets are still available and proceeds go to a great cause.  So come out, and hang with Hollywood Elite!!

Ready to be treated like a star??? 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.

The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 2/24 - 2005 Built Navigable Waterfront Home SOLD under $375,0000!

614 Santa Anita Lane, Key Largo
WOW!  Very nice indeed!  TURNKEY!
Today's deal was built in 2005, so a relatively newer home that even felt brand new.  This property had it all.  Very good location, on the bayside very close to Adams Cut, providing quick access to both Ocean and Bay fun, very nice finishes, and perfect for full-time living or week-end retreat.  Close to Miami but a World away.
This was a MOVE IN , WATERFRONT HOME that SOLD Under $375,000!! 

614 Santa Anita Lane, Key
List Price: $417,000 / Sold Price: $371,437
3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 103 Bayside

Description: Beautiful and immaculate waterfront home in Cross Keys, one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Key Largo. Interior legal foyer and stairway. Elevator ready. Beautiful wood cabinetry in kitchen, soaring ceilings, recessed lighting, lovely views of the wide turning basin, perfect concrete dock w/davits and custom fish station. Finished entertainment area ground level.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos
View Mapped Location

Ready for YOUR escape?? 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, February 24, 2011

It's This Weekend: The 16th Annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market in Islamorada!

This is VERY Dangerous...Very Dangerous Indeed! 
I just got a very nice commission check yesterday and NOW comes one of my Favorite Events in The Keys!!
If you like Boating, Fishing, Diving , Snorkeling, or just hanging out by or in the water, The 16th Annual Upper Keys Rotary Gigantic Nautical Flea Market is for you!!!
From second hand rods and reels to brand new Boats, there is something for everyone, and bargains to be found. 
Located at Founder's Park on Plantation Key in Islamorada, this Saturday and Sunday, February 27-28.
The event is free, and they even have an all you can eat breakfast for $5.
In fact many of the vendors who just took booths at last week's Miami Boat Show stay an extra week just to be part of this event.
For more info visit: GignaticNauticalFleaMarket.org.
Remember for year-round Nautical Bargains check out my friends at Mother Ocean Nauticak Consignments in Key Largo at Mile Marker 98
Now, what new toys do I need for my boat the
Conch-Keys-Tador????
As I said Very Dangerous Indeed.

Ready to find YOUR bargain?? 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, February 18, 2011

Today's Real Estate Market, Conventional Wisdom vs Reality

One of the greatest challenges and most overlooked aspects of being a true Real Estate Professional is the aspect of EDUCATING your clients, both Buyers and Sellers about the Reality of the current Market.
This becomes increasingly challenging when the Conventional Wisdom is at odds with the Current Reality of the Market.
On any given night, you can turn on the evening news in just about any Market in the US, and you will hear tales of woe regarding the Real Estate Market.  Rampant Foreclosures!!! Hoards of Short Sales!!!! Properties selling for Pennies on the Dollar, IF selling at all!!!! Doom, Despair, The Apocalypse.   REM singing "The End of The World As we Know it"!
Bull**&%!
OLD News.
Yes, in certain Markets this may be the case, but remember Real Estate is Local Intensive!!! But when consumers see this, it becomes Conventional Wisdom.

Now for some Reality
Of my last 3 Deals, Two SOLD OVER LIST PRICE, with MULTIPLE offers on each, and the third SOLD OVER appraised value!
Of course, I would like to take credit for this as my ego, always needs stroking, but the reality was ... that they were priced right,  to the Market.  These properties were not give-aways but, just good homes well priced. Oh, and each sold in less than 2 weeks!!!
So, as a buyer, LEARN the specific attributes of a particular Market.  Don't  Just watch the news and think that you can offer 1/2 price for a well priced home, just because of Conventional Wisdom.  You will only make your competitors' offers look that much better.
Our Market here in the Keys is brisk, and if it continues at this pace, our product will become limited and do not be surprised to start seeing prices actually rise.
Then, as my Yiddish friends like to say, "Oy Vey".
It will be time to Educate the Sellers NOT to Have a big head and price it to high.
Conventional Wisdom vs Reality ...the everlasting battle.

Ready for some Real Estate Wisdom??? 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

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Morada Bay Now Does Breakfast!!!!

As they say Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I Love Breakfast!  In the Keys, we are fortunate to have some great places to start your day.  From Funky to Chic, there is someplace comfortable for everyone to "get their grub on".
Morada Bay Cafe Breakfast Menu
Some of my personal favorites, and I tend to lean more towards a "locals'" place are:
The Hiddenout Restaurant ( Formerly The Hide Out) Key Largo
Key Largo Conch House, Key Largo
Doc's Diner, Key Largo
Made 2 Order, Plantation Key, Islamorada
and The Hungry Tarpon, Lower Matecumbe Key, Islamorada.

Now, let's add a new one into my Favorites List - Morada Bay Cafe in Islamorada!
Long a lunch favorite of mine, they are now, due to popular demand, serving Breakfast., and WOW what a view to start your day (recommend the Lobster Benedict, Heaven on a plate!)!!  Come by Boat or Car!

Morada Bay Beach Café offers guests a beautiful view from bayside tables, a casual surfing and sailboard interior and an eclectic bistro style menu.   Created to evoke the feel of a beach café where the Hawaiian and Californian surfers and sailboarders would relax after a day on the water, The Café is an outdoor Mediterranean bistro set in the sand, with inside and outside bars, unique live entertainment, a large child-friendly beach with giant Adirondack chairs, and renowned Full-Moon Parties every month.


Ready to eat up some real estate?? Put the expertise and experience 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, February 15, 2011

The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 2/15 - From $2,250,000 to $850,000 !

Port Antigua on Lower Matecumbe Key is one of  Islamorada's desirable Luxury Communities with waterfront homes that offer easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.  World-class fishing and diving are mere minutes away! Only minutes from Miami, yet a world away. 
As a Port Antigua Area Specialist and as the Port Antigua Community Sponsor On ActiveRain.com, I enjoy keeping my clients up to date with the latest available properties and real estate news, as well as recently closed properties.

101 Buena Vista Court, Lower Matecumbe, Islamorada
This home had originally been listed at $2,250,000 and has now sold at $850,000.  Are there deals in the Keys???  Oh yes there are!!

Description -A true contemporary beauty! This meticulously maintained CBS home in prestigious Port Antigua features spacious rooms flooded with light. Dramatic high ceilings, walls of glass and views of the bay accent the open floor plan. 103 ft of deep water dockage with boat lift, davits, power, water and fish cleaning station. Community boat ramp and gated homeowner's park with white sugar sand beach.

List Price: $950,000 / Sold price: $850,000
3 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 74 Bayside
View Detailed Brochure with Photos




Ready for Your 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, February 4, 2011

Tropical Serenity in the Keys just $274,900!!!

Can you really put a price tag on serenity???  I did not think so, but then I took this property as my newest listing and realized wow you can!!! And for a REALLY great price.  Even the street name is cool  Coconut Row.

Tropical Serenity in Key Largo!
This is a very, very cool place.  Nestled in a mature hammock of Gumbo Limbos, Royal Poincianas, and Palms.  Ideal as a Vacation Villa or even a primary residence.  3- Bedrooms, each with their own bath.  Plenty of room to park your boat(s).  Heck, it even has a white picket fence!!!
Fully furnished and ready to move in, this home needs nothing, except ...you.

136 Coconut Row, Tavernier, Key Largo

Enjoy Martinis and relaxed Florida Keys living with ocean views. FYI this photo was taken on a 77 degree February day while most of the nation was snowed in!
Description: Close to everything and yet a world away. Your private, ideal Florida Keys Oasis awaits.  Perfect as a main home or Keys get-a-way, this furnished home offers tropical serenity coupled with ideal features such as a hot tub on the Veranda, coral wall fireplace, soaring ceilings, & rooftop terrace with ocean view.  Ready to move in! One minute to Tavernier Town Shopping. 1 Mile to Live Bait Shop and 2.5 miles to free public boat ramp.  Minutes by boat to Tavernier Creek, connecting the Atlantic to Florida Bay/Gulf of Mexico. This is what Keys Living is all about!

Enjoy a relaxing alfresco breakfast on the Veranda!
List Price $ 274,900
3 Bedrooms/ 3 Baths
Single Family Home
9000+ sf Lot

View a Slide Show of The Property
View a Detailed Brochure with Photos
View Mapped Location


Relaxing Spa Amongst the Treetops

Rooftop Terrace atop Widows Watch,
offers 320 degree ocean Views
 
High wood-beamed ceilings and fireplace
make for an inviting living room



Ready for YOUR slice of Tropical Serenity?? 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.

The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 2/4 - Waterfront Venetian Shores Steal $850,000

129 Villabella Drive , Islamorada
So welcome to February in The Keys!!! 78 Degrees with an Easterly Caribbean breeze as my Northern friends are shoveling snow.   It's an exciting time to move to the Keys!  With so many festivals, fishing tournaments, and general goings on, you can always find something to do, or do what we do Best....Nothing at all!!!

Today's Deal is a Great place to Do Nothing At All, and was something of a steel for the Buyers.
Located in Venetian shoes, Islamorada's most in demand luxury waterfront community, this home went under contract in just 45 days.  Venetian Shores is really hot these days and not just the temperatures.  Prices have dropped considerably and currently there are about 40 of the 399 existing homes for sale with an average price of about $1,500,000.


Fantastic Location with immediate acces to Snake Creek
 129 Villabella Drive , Islamorada

Description: AWESOME LOCATION IN VENETIAN SHORES! One house in from Snake Creek offering 100' of brand new concrete deep water dockage and nice water views! Spacious all concrete home with legal living downstairs which includes game room, bedroom/kitchenette, bath and workshop. Covered parking, plenty of room for pool and immediate ocean/bay access!

List Price: $975,000 - Sold Price: $850,000
3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 86

View a Detailed Brochure with Photos
View Mapped Location

Ready to enjoy Winters in the Keys?? Put the expertise and experience 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.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Conchquistador Conquers Key Largo!!! Ranked #1 On Active Rain.com for Key Largo

In my ongoing quest for Florida Keys Real Estate Dominance (Hence Conchquistador), I am proud to announce that I have achieved the status of  # 1 ranking Real Estate Professional in Key Largo and 8th in the Keys overall, on the very powerful 200,000+ member, ActiveRain.com.
So, what is ActiveRain.com and what does being ranked #1 mean??? Aside from and incredible boost to my ego, lol, it is a very proud distinction and offers my clients great benefits, as well.

ActiveRain Real Estate Social Network
Click on Logo to Visit Site
ActiveRain.com was started several years ago and has now swelled to over 200,000 members and is primarily geared to Real Estate Professionals but is open to the general public as well.  It is a dynamic international referral network where we are able to share listings, market strategies, and discuss the conditions of our various markets and interact globally, proving great exposure for our clients.  Based upon your market knowledge and involvement and interaction within the site, a profession is able to rise withing their respected community, the benefit of rising to number 1 is that as #1 your contact info is prominently displayed and thusly you become the go-to professional for that community.  For me it has proven to be an excellent source for referrals, as I have been on since its inception.

Click Photo to Link to Key Largo on ActiveRain.com
  This membership and involvement benefits my sellers, as I give them instant, international exposure to over 200,000 Active Rain addicts.
As well, on the site, I sponsor several Keys Sub-Communities:  Venetian Shores and Port Antigua, and Safety Harbor  in Islamorada, and Largo Sound, Hammer Point, and Stillwright Point in Key Largo.  By Sponsoring a Community ( a Premium Service) I am able to be the sole featured Professional for that community
Please Visit sometime soon!!  There are some incredible professionals on this site and great opportunities to learn more about the market and buying and selling strategies.
Currently, there are several hundred agents in the Keys that participate.

Ready to work with #1???  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.