Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Get Your Grub On!! Holiday Isle Presents a Tasty, Food Truck Invasion!!

I Love the whole Food Truck concept that is sweeping the country lately.  Though for those that grew up outside or traveled outside the States, street food is actually pretty common and usually cheap and incredibly tasty!!

I love watching Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmer as they make their way through various ports of call, sampling the local delicacies.

Well now you can do that here in The Keys!!  Get your grub on!!

Our friends at the Holiday isle are having another Gourmet Food Truck Invasion! 

Trucks announced: Kitchan Kabab, Mac'n Food Truck, The Pork Shop, Red Koi Thai and Sushi, El Rey De La Paella and Mucho Nacho!


Ready for an agent who is hungry to help 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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Conchquistador deal of the Day 8/30 - Was $749,000 in the Hey Day of The Market...Now, Just Sold at $285,000!!

29072 Cedar Drive, Big Pine Key

Lately, I have been doing a lot more business in the Lower Keys, and I am very impressed with the Deals and dynamic values (ie ; Bangs for YOUR Bucks!) that are coming out of these wayward Western Keys.  Nice Waterfront homes selling for what nasty land locked dry fixer uppers used to sell for!

Today's Deal is a perfect example.  In the Hey Day it was listed at $749,000! Super Cute, with a huge lot for Keys Standards...Sold now $285,000!!! $285,000 for f#$@& Waterfront???!!! WOW

29072 Cedar Drive, Big Pine Key

List Price: $310,000 / Sold Price: $285,000

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 29 Bayside

Description: This 2 bedroom,2 bath canal front homes sits on 10,000 sqft of land. Located on a boating canal, this home has s 55' permitted wood dock, boat basin and tropical hand painted murals through out the home. Do not underestimate the potential this home has to offer!



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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Friday, August 26, 2011

My Latest Sale - Prestigious Venetian Shores Waterfront in Islamorada - Just Sold at $415,000!!!

147 Palermo Drive, Plantation Key, Islamorada

Man, sometimes great clients just fall into your lap and wow, I have been fortunate to work with some fantastic Buyers on some of my latest sales! And they have been reaping some fantastic rewards with these properties. Prices that are still in a whole other realm from just a few short years ago. My latest sale is a perfect example.

Located in prestigious Venetian Shores, with its peninsular fingers that stretch thirstily into Snake Creek Channel, this really cool waterfront property was a Steal at $415,000!!  $415,000 For Venetian Shores!!!

Super Cool Buyers Susan, Jack, and their girls are going to love it!!  Now I just need to find them a Boat!!!

Easy access to the Atlantic and Florida Bay/Gulf of Mexico through Snake Creek, fabulous diving and Snorkeling at Hens and Chickens Reef is mere minutes away.

147 Palermo Drive, Plantation Key, Islamorada 

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

List Price $450,000 / Sold Price: $415,000

Mile Marker 86 Bayside

Description: Simplicity at it's finest! Updated, easy, neat and clean concrete home with beautifully landscaped backyard oasis and 35' of dockage. Turn-key, you'll love this.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos


View Available Venetian Shores Homes

View Available Islamorada Waterfront Homes $300-500K

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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Live Filming in Islamorada for Sun Sports' "Florida Insider Fishing Report" television show, 8/31 !!

I am really excited for this one!!! I am a big fan, and avid watcher of Sun Sports' "Florida Insider Fishing Report" television show.  I cannot tell you how many angling tips I have picked up watching the show, and I know the fish hate me for it.

Now, they are going to film a live segment at Bud n Mary's Marina on August 31st.  You know that you can count me there!!

The folling is from the "Florida Keys and Key West" website:

Captain Rick Murphy hosts "Florida Insider Fishing Report."
"ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys - For the third time during its 2011 broadcast season, Sun Sports' "Florida Insider Fishing Report" television show is to feature the Florida Keys with a live-to-tape broadcast set for Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Bud N' Mary's Fishing Marina, mile marker 80 oceanside, in Islamorada.
Activities associated with the broadcast are to begin at 7 p.m. and the public is invited.

FIFR host Captain Rick Murphy is to anchor segments from Bud N' Mary's and fans of the show can meet him prior to the scheduled 7:45 p.m. start of the broadcast.
Prizes as well as light food and refreshments are to be available.

Bud N' Mary's in Islamorada is to be the venue
for an Aug. 31 television taping of Insider.
The Aug. 31 taping in Islamorada, coincides with the show's theme species focus on swordfish. Several Bud N' Mary's-based captains are well known for their efforts in pioneering techniques for daytime swordfishing off the Florida Keys.
The grand prize is a daytime swordfishing trip on the Bn'M, skippered by Captain Nick Stanczyk, from the marina.

The Florida Keys & Key West is a sponsor of the show that airs at least three times a week providing fishing reports from regional captains. They compile a summary of the best angling action in their respective areas.
Florida Keys Captain Randy Towe reports on the Keys region and is to be present for the broadcast. "

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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

The Conchquistador Deal of the day 8.25.2011 - Phenominal Deal for Navigable Waterfront Home - Sold at $300,000!!

22928 Long Ben Lane, Cudjoe Key

Wow!  It is amazing what you can get in The Keys these days, especially when you go the extra miles down to the Lower Keys. A Navigable, Waterfront Home for $300K!!  Not a Short sale nor Foreclosure.   I had recently shown this Home to an out of town, heck out of the Country really, Buyer and they really loved it, but loved something else just a little bit more.  He was quite taken with the differences between the Keys areas as I showed he and his lovely wife properties from Cudjoe Key at Mile Marker 20 to Key Largo at Mile Marker 100.

I explained that there are really 4 sections to the Keys, each with their own unique character and personality.  Keys West, The Lower Keys (Stock Island to Ohio Key just South of the 7-mile Bridge), The Middle Keys (Craig Key, Long Key, and The Islands of Marathon), and The Upper Keys (Key Largo and The Village of Islamorada).  They were stricken by the quiet remoteness of The Lower Keys and how peacefull it was at this property, which turned out to be a steal!!  It was the lowest priced home in all the Keys with a wide water view. And what a view it was, from the second level deck you were one home away from Cudjoe Bay.  A Happy Buyer is going to enjoy this for sure!!

22928 Long Ben Lane, Cudjoe Key
Open View to Cudjoe Bay

List Price: $349,000  / Sold Price: $300,000

2 Bedrooms/ 2 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 23 Oceanside

Description: OPEN WATER VIEWS, Location Location Location, this 2 bedroom 2 bath home with newer metal roof, boat ramp, a must see home.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location

Available Lower Keys Waterfront Homes Under $500K

Want an Agent who KNOWS the Character of The Keys?? 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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The Conchquistador Deal Of The Day - 8.23.2011 - Super, Venetian Shores Waterfront -$1,250,000!!

152 Severino Dr Plantation Key, Islamorada

I Love Venetian Shores. Located at Mile Marker 86 in Islamorada, it's one of my favorite Keys Communities. With its 11 peninsulas reaching out into Snake Creek, like fingers thirsty to drink in the sea, it offers hardcore boaters deep water dockage and quick access to Islamorada's famed fishing grounds through the Keys' last Draw Bridge.  If you have a Hatteras or other large boat this is the community for you!

Today's deal was listed by my colleague at American Caribbean, Amanda Moates, and what a very cool property!  Originally listed at $1,500,000, this home that sold for $1,250,000 is  great catch for the, I am certain, Happy Buyer!

152 Severino Dr Plantation Key, Islamorada

List price: $1,399,000 / Sold Price: $1,250,000

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 86 Bayside


Description: Situated on a deep-water canal w/100’ of concrete dock w 100amp shore power. Easily accommodates multiple boats. Enjoy the fine finishes in this completely remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath home. Great room boasts a vaulted ceiling w/ sliding doors to the expansive screened porch featuring additional dining & seating area with spectacular views.

It's ALWAYS 5 O'clock here!





Work with an Agent who specializes in Venetian Shores!  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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Conchquistador Deal of the Day 8.16.2011 - Stunning Waterfront Home on Adam's Cut

446 Barracuda Blvd, Key Largo

When I'm on our boat, Conch-Keys-Tador, one of the things I love doing, is cruising through Adams Cut.  Now, a good deal of people, in going thru the cut, think it a bit of drudgery, but I love it.

For those of you who do not know, Adam's cut is the man-made channel the cuts across Key Largo and provides quick passage from the Bayside at Blackwater sound to the Oceanside at Largo Sound. On either side of the half mile channel are beautiful homes.

Drop the boat down to idle/slow, kick back and enjoy the 7-10 minute passage. Crack a beer, listen to some tunes and enjoy the slower pace 'till you're ready to rev up again on the other side.

I have always enjoyed looking at the homes on either side of the Cut and waving hello to the owners.

Today's Deal is one of those very homes and was just sold by my friend, colleague, and broker of our firm, Joy Martin. A stunning home that sold for a very very nice price for the Buyers that was negotiated down 16% from and already aggressive List Price!

446 Barracuda Blvd, Key Largo

List price $1,300,000 / Sold Price $1,100,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 103 Oceanside

Description: Exquisite Island Estate located on Adam's Waterway. Designed concept presents open space, airy and light Island Tranquility. Estate features 4 Bedrooms 3 Baths, Grand Living Room w/ 20 ft High Pine Ceilings, 110ft of water frontage w/ cut in Boat Slip and Lift, Thick Slate Flooring throughout, spacious loft/ game room, Wrap-around Privacy Wall w/ electric gates, 2 Car Garage, built w/ Superior finishes.


View Mapped Location

Available Largo Sound Properties

Available Key Largo Waterfront Homes Over $1,000,000

Available Key Largo Foreclosures


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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Don't Miss the Morada Way Art District's Third Thursday Walkabout 8/18 !

Don't miss the Morada Way Art District's Third Thursday Walkabout on August 18, 2011 (and every month on the third thursday) ... featuring: Pat Anderson, Pasta Pantaleo  and other great artists!!!
It has grown to become a very popular stroll ...  a very fun event that's great for the whole family! Come and enjoy the Islamorada evening air, great Art, and great people!!

And be sure to stick around for the Green Turtle Jams afterwards at 10pm until 1:00. Dave Feder will be there with other performances by local musicians who just show up and jam.
Ready for an Agent who knows the Art of Real Estate???
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.

Want to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Cheeca Lodge Sells for $100M

Some of my Fondest Keys memories involve the iconic Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada.  Having an office directly across the street has only helped to create even more great memories.

Established originally as a fishing camp, Cheeca has grove to become an internationally renowned luxury oasis.  For many years it hosted former President George Bush (the first), numerous celebrities, countless weddings, and of course photo shoots highlighting it's stunning pier that stretched on forever.
The fire, that closed the resort for almost a year, a few years back took some wind out of the sails for a bit, but it has rallied back to true form! 

Now, it is reported that the Cheeca has sold to a New York based company.  Let's hope that they keep it as magical as it has been all of these years!!

Below is an article for Keysnews.com:

"Cheeca Lodge sells for $100M
Cheeca Lodge Spa, Islamorada's largest hotel, and among its most prestigious, was sold Monday for slightly more than $100 million, said the attorney who represented Wyoming-based seller Cheeca Holdings in the transaction.


The buyer, said Sunrise attorney Andrew Mann, is NWCL, which was formed in June by principals of New York-based Northwood Investors. Northwood also owns hotels, retail centers and other types of commercial properties in eight other cities around the United States as well as one in Europe, according to its website.

Cheeca Lodge, which markets the upscale yet relaxed attitude it likes to project as "Barefoot Elegance," is a pillar of the Islamorada tourist industry. It has hosted a range of dignitaries and celebrities, including former President George Herbert Walker Bush, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker.

Its 214 rooms accounted for approximately 30 percent of the $2.05 million in bed tax revenues brought in by the Islamorada district of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council last year, Director Harold Wheeler estimates.
A catastrophic fire gutted the lodge's main building on New Year's Eve 2009, closing it for nearly a year.

Wheeler praised the former owners for the job they did in refurbishing the 27-acre property, and said he hopes the purchase won't bring major changes.

"The management there has done a real good job of bringing it back, hopefully that will continue on," he said.

Gary Clermont, who runs the tennis program at the resort, said that at least as far is he is concerned, things are going forward in the same fashion as before the sale.  It's business as usual," he said.

Cheeca Holdings acquired the lodge for $33 million in 2003, according to a deed recorded in county records. Monday's sale didn't include 97 units that the company has since sold off as hotel-condominiums, Mann said. He stressed that in addition to dealing with the fire, Cheeca Holdings invested a lot of money in the property over its nearly a decade of ownership.  "The place has been totally renovated over the years. A tremendous amount of money went into bringing it up to the standard it is now," Mann said."

Work with an Agent who has personally seen the Keys changes and Growth.  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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Don't Let Trailering Woes Ruin Your Day!! Great Company in The Keys to Add to Your Phonelist! Free Trailer Inspection.

Don't Let THIS Happen to You!
Picture this....you are driving down to your favorite ramp in the Keys with your boat in tow and all of a sudden you hear a horrible screeching sound like nails on a blackboard and your trailer lists to one side and you realize in the pit of your stomach that your trailer bearings have froze and you are stuck!!!
Been There...Done that...in 100 degree heat and mosquitoes!!!

With over 120 mile of Florida Keys,  trailering your boat is quite often a necessity as there are times when the Middle or Lower Keys are calling your name or vice versa and you've got to hook up and go. And NOTHING kills the day worse than trailer issues. 

Now, I always insist that my friends and clients purchase a  sea towing and trailer towing assistance package from West Marine serviced by Tow Boat US.  The $160 or so yearly investment  will pay for itself many many times over.  Now that just covers a tow back to your home or port.  Sometimes you need a quick FIX to get you back on the road.

That is where my new friends at AAA Trailer Repair come in very, very handy.  Located at Mile marker 98 Bayside in Key Largo and offering  24 hour roadside trailer assistance in the Upper Keys, these guys are great and extremely reasonable in price.  They also offer all types of trailer accessories and maintenance.

Do your self a HUGE favor and stop by and have they inspect your trailer to make sure all is good.  You will thank yourself later, because the LAST thing you want is to be stuck on the 7-mile bridge with busted bearings or a busted axle!!!

Call Damian at 305-735-2121 or visit AAATrailerRepair.com  for a free trailer inspection, and let him and his crew keep your trailer running smooth and safe.

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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

What Does $1,700,000 get you in the Florida Keys?? Just Closed in Stillwright Point.

Stillwright Point (Originally Stellrecht Point)  is a great community that rests on a natural peninsula positioned perfectly in Key Largo on picturesque Blackwater Sound.  45 minutes from Miami...But an entire World away.  It is a premiere community made up of sumptuous waterfront estates with breathtaking open-water views.

Now, $1.7M is a lot of money for sure, but in perspective...this stellar estate with views, views, and more views, was originally listed for almost $3M and a few years ago was worth considerably more.
My point being, accessibility in the Market has touched all aspects of the Market.. from bungalows to estates such as these.  Yes our economy is shaky, but smart people have been coming to the Keys and taking advantage of our price phase shift.  The most interesting aspect?  Many, of the are International Buyers.

Stillwright Point6 North Drive, Key Largo
Description: Own this Magnificent Bay-front Home below recently appraised value.Each of the 3 stories offers a complete living area.Brown & Crebbin designed landscaping with Beachside lighting.Monitored CCTV security system w/infrared beam detectors.Toto toilets,5,000 gals.cistern,generator,amazing roof-top deck for year-round sunsets.Boat lift & usable boat ramp.Separate inlaw quarters,garage,sandy beach,more

Stillwright Point
4 Bedrooms /4.1 Bathrooms
List Price: $1,850,000 / Sold price $1,700,000
Original List Price: $2,900,000
Mile Marker 105 Bayside

View Detailed Brochure with Photos
View Mapped Location
Available Stillwright Point Homes
Available Key Largo Waterfront Homes Over $1M
Available Key Largo Foreclosures



*** Waterfront Specialist
*** Exclusive Florida Keys Affiliate of Christie's Great Estates
*** Recognized by Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate
*** Proud member of the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce
*** Patron Sponsor of the Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys
*** Member of The Matecumbe Historical Trust
*** Native South Floridian 
*** Real Estate Cyber Specialist Designee


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.
Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

From Listed at $1,700,000 to Sold at $1,270,000 - Just Closed in Port Antigua, Islamorada - The Florida Keys

Port Antigua on Lower Matecumbe Key is Islamorada's desirable Luxury community with waterfront homes that Port Antiguaoffer 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, I enjoy keeping my clients up to date with the latest available properties and real estate news, as well as recently closed properties.

This Corner-lot home was sold by my friend and colleague Nancy Brown.  The deals keep coming! This property was originally listed at $1,700,000 and has now SOLD at $1,270,000.  Quite the deal indeed!

126 Court Contessa, Lower Matecumbe, Islamorada
Waterfront View from Veranda
Description: Incredible modern 4 bedroom + den (could be 5th bedroom) pool home, 3 stop elevator, high ceilings, corian kitchens & baths, 2 roof top balconies one offering ocean view, cul de sac location, private HOA beach/park and ramp in one of Islamorada's premier waterfront communities Port Antigua. Over 3600 sqft of gracious living space to enjoy the keys lifestyle. 

4 Bedrooms / 4.1 bathrooms
List Price: $1,485,000 / Sold Price: $1,270,000
Original List Price: $1,700,000
Mile Marker: 74 Bayside


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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Time to Decant Some Fun! It's the Key Largo Food & Wine Festival!

Napa...Sonoma...Bordeaux....these are probably the areas that you think of when you hear about wine tastings.
Now you need to add another region to the mix...Key Largo!!!

It's The Key Largo Food & Wine Festival.
Over a week of fun festivities that culminates in a Grand Tasting Saturday, August 6.

The Conchquistador is somewhat of a wine aficionado, so you can be sure that I will be sampling some of the great combinations of Keys fare with the juice of the Gods!!
Tonight for example, is a Night in Argentina, featuring Argentinean Beef and Seafood paired with great wines, at The Key Largo Conch House.

Calypso's, Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill, Senor Frijoles, Sundowners, Taster's Grill, The Key Largo Conch House, Snapper's, The Pilot House, Ballyhoo's, and coconut's are just some of the participating local restaurants.  So is you mouth watering yet???


Be sure to visit KeylargoFoodandWineFestival.com  for all the great details.

Looking for a great Keys retreat to house you and your wine collection??? 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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.