Florida Keys Profanity...Yep, It's That Time of Year!

Below is a post that I wrote a couple of years ago on a June 1st, the dreaded first day of H Season (hate to even mention the word).  Over the years, many of you readers have told your humble Conchquistador that it is one of their favorite posts, So...here we go again!
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Forget George Carlin's 7 dirty words. Forget the F, S, C, P, D, and just about any other A thru Z words....When it comes to June 1st in the Florida Keys, one word is MOST Profane!!!! Wash your mouth out with bad Zest Profane..and that is The H-Word....Hurricane.

Yep, It's THAT Time of Year Again.

Yes, like most of the Eastern states, The Florida Keys once again hold its collective breath as we start another dreaded Hurricane Season. Our little stretch of 118 miles of dust, gravel, and mangroves are prone to these suckers!

The Lovely, yet Somber,
Hurricane Memorial in Islamorada

All joking aside, Hurricanes have had an indelible effect on the Florida Keys. One visit to the lovely, yet somber Hurricane Memorial in Islamorada, quickly paints the image of the power and destructive capability these massive weather phenomena posses.

Who can deny the impact the 1935 Storm had. It virtually and literally collapsed the Overseas Railway. It fueled Hemingway's creative fires for several of his subsequent novels. Most people are not aware that Hemingway was quite an unsung hero of the 1935 storm, providing great assistance in relief efforts aboard his Boat, Pilar.

So, as we break out our shutters and refresh our mooring plans and search for that perfect hurricane hole for our boats. We get ready in true Keys fashion: We throw on Jimmy Buffett's "Tryin' to Reason with Hurricane Season", Mix up a batch of Margaritas, and give the H-word...the F-word.

Ready to find YOUR port in the storm??? 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.

Time To Lay The Smack Down! American Caribbean Dominates First-Quarter Sales!

Time to lay the smack down! American Caribbean dominates first-quarter sales!

Yeah, OK ... being a little full of ourselves, but hey, as I've been told, "It ain't bragging if it's true"!

I am really fortunate to work with, what I believe are the best colleagues in the business here in the Florida Keys. 

Our company, American Caribbean Real Estate, dominated First-Quarter residential real estate sales in the Upper Keys. 

As you'll see in the graph below, and yes, we do need names (mm hmm, that's right), our firm had a commanding lead over all of the other companies. And yes, this includes the huge national companies and franchises.

Click for larger view

I've always preferred to work with locally owned companies. There's just a groundedness I find, and an awareness and an ability to react to the local market, that you just don't get with that huge national real estate firms, like those with blue and white logos, and gold jackets. Wait, did I go there?? Yes, yes I did.

Our firm capitalizes on the great team spirit and intimate and immediate knowledge of each other's property listings.  And though we are a locally owned company our reach is GLOBAL, owing to our phenomenal  affiliation with Christies International Real Estate.  This, List Local/Market Global dynamic is very much the fuel that runs our engine, and its effectiveness can be seen in sales ranging from entry level dry lot homes to magnificent Ocean Estates.

The Florida Keys real estate market is red-hot and your Conquistador is proud to be with a Company that is flaming…mmm ... Wait, let's say ... on fire. 

If you're considering your own Island Oasis or looking to sell your existing Conch Maison, 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.

Florida Keys Profanity-Yep...It's That Time of Year!

Forget George Carlin's 7 dirty words. Forget the F, S, C, P, D, and just about any other A thru Z words....When it comes to June 1st in the Florida Keys, one word is MOST Profane!!!! Wash your mouth out with bad Zest Profane..and that is The H-Word....Hurricane.

Yep, It's THAT Time of Year Again.

Yes, like most of the Eastern states, The Florida Keys once again hold its collective breath as we start another dreaded Hurricane Season. Our little stretch of 118 miles of dust, gravel, and mangroves are prone to these suckers!

The Lovely, yet Somber,
Hurricane Memorial in Islamorada

All joking aside, Hurricanes have had an indelible effect on the Florida Keys. One visit to the lovely, yet somber Hurricane Memorial in Islamorada, quickly paints the image of the power and destructive capability these massive weather phenomena posses.

Who can deny the impact the 1935 Storm had. It virtually and literally collapsed the Overseas Railway. It fueled Hemingway's creative fires for several of his subsequent novels. Most people are not aware that Hemingway was quite an unsung hero of the 1935 storm, providing great assistance in relief efforts aboard his Boat, Pilar.

So, as we break out our shutters and refresh our mooring plans and search for that perfect hurricane hole for our boats. We get ready in true Keys fashion: We throw on Jimmy Buffett's "Tryin' to Reason with Hurricane Season", Mix up a batch of Margaritas, and give the H-word...the F-word.

Ready to find YOUR port in the storm??? 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.

As Per Request, Pet Friendly Establishments in The Florida Keys. Waiter, Can I Get A Bone??

It's funny,
Your Conchquistdor is now taking Blog requests!!

I recently posted in Facebook, that I was enjoying breakfast at Robbie's in Islamorada with my faithful canine, Donatello in tow, and that we were lucky to have so many Pet-Friendly eateries here in the Keys.
This prompted one of my loyal readers to remark that I should do a Blog post with locations of others.
Great Idea!!!
And Here you go:

Keys People love their pets....and they REALLY LOVE their Dogs.  The Florida Keys, in my humble opinion, are the most accepting and in many cases, most welcoming of patrons accompanied by Man's Best Friend.

I have had many transactions that had to take into account how the Buyer's pet(s) would fare in their new surroundings

It is quite common to sit on a patio, at a local eatery, and see several tables that have well behaved dogs aside their Owners..  Many servers will, quite often, bring your dog a doggie bowl with water and even a treat or two.  (  Hmmm you can guess who gets great tips!)

Of course, there are some ground rules.  Dogs must be well behaved, they must be on a leash, and not fed from the table, and so on, and each establishment may have their particulars as well.

Now, we here at American Caribbean are really serious about our love for pets.  Along with our sister real estate company, Marr Properties. we created a charitable arm, called MarrVelous Pet Rescues, whose purpose is to find Forever Homes for distressed rescued pets.  MarrVelous even holds a monthly, "Yappy Hour" on a revolving basis at many of the establishments listed below, where patrons can bring their pet and socialize, and maybe even find a new loving dog to take home.
(I can just imagine two male dogs talking when they get home about a female dog they met and saying "Man, that Bitch was Hot!!" Yes Yes, I know, poor taste, but hey it was just "sitting there")

Below are just some of the Establishments in the Upper Keys that are pet friendly:

Conch House - Key Largo

A Recent 'Yappy Hour" at Snook's in Key Largo

Snapper’s - Key Largo

Pilot House - Key Largo

Sundowner -Key Largo

Sharkey’s - Key Largo
 

Snook's - Key Largo

Island Grille - Windley Key

Marker 88 -Plantation Key

Smuggler’s Cove - Windley Key
 

Hog Heaven - Windley Key

Taster’s - Tavernier

Lorelei - Upper Matecumbe

Postcard Inn – outside - Windley Key

Island Grille at Mandalay - Key Largo

Islamorada Fish Company - Upper Matecumbe

Big Chill – outside -Key Largo

Hungry Tarpon, aka "Robbie's" - Lower Matecumbe

Buzzard’s Roost - Key Largo

Shipwrecks - Key Largo

Gilbert’s - Cross Key on Jewfish Creek

Alabama Jack’s - Card Sound at the foot of the bridge

These are just some of the great establishments that welcome our pets.  Please give them your business when you have your pet in tow.

Gives a whole new meaning to "Doggie Bag"

Thank You Kathleen.  What a great idea for a post!

Work with an Agent who is "Client Friendly".  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.

Your Conchquistador Congratulates My Friend and Colleague Joel Young On Being Named, "REALTOR of The Year",by The FL Keys Board of REALTORS!

Sometimes in Life you are allowed the opportunity to work with one of the "Good Guys".

Let's face it, when some people still think of a Real Estate Agent in South Florida, thoughts of  guys with Pencil Thin mustaches that they twirl at the ends while they impart the wondrous value of swamp land come to mind. And yes... there were those unsavory characters that have sullied our reputation as Real Estate Professions here in South Florida and it has taken a considerable amount of time to turn the tide.

Joel Young being Awarded "REALTOR of  The Year" by The Florida Keys Board of Realtors

But then comes, Joel Young....A Galahadian version of what we, as vessels of our profession, should be!  Joel, has just been named by The Florida Keys Board of Realtors as their "Realtor of The Year", and boy did they get that RIGHT!

I have had the privilege of working with Joel, here at American Caribbean Real Estate for three years, and can personally attest to his work ethic, community involvement, and Heck...Ethics in general!For Joel, There is no other road, than the High One.

Joel, a previous recipient of The Board's "Rookie of The Year' honor, has also served as a member of the MLS Board with me, and now is a member of the Master Board.  As well, he was just named to The Board of Directors for the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce.  Joel's commitment to Community Service is also quite evident here in our little slice of Paradise.

And when it comes to Real Estate, Joel is an Ace.  Having worked with happy clientele with Properties ranging from Multi-Million Dollar Waterfront Estates to Condos and Mobile Homes, Joel's Contract Knowledge, Enthusiasm, and Energy are Second to none...Wait... Not counting yours truly...LOL.

Joel is a Major Component and Asset of our unique Team here at American Caribbean ( Which in includes Past REALTOR of The Year, Bill Belian, and past Rookie of The Year John Vlad), and I am very happy to call him a colleague, but ven more importantly a Friend!

You can contact Joel at 305.432.6610 or visit his website at CJoelYoung.com.

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.

When it Was listed in 2006, it was $1,399,000 - Now Just Sold at $350,000!! The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 12.9.11

202 Johnny Road, Plantation Key, Islamorada
This is a really interesting time in Florida Keys Real Estate.  It's actually a good time for BOTH Buyers AND Sellers!! Usually it's one way or the other.  It's Great for Sellers in that property are Selling.  It's hard to keep good inventory.   For Buyers it's still great because although homes are selling and inventory is lowering, prices are staying lowwwww.

I still do a Double Take when I see some of these prices.

206 Sonny Road

Today' deal is another example.  An Oceanside waterfront home.  A short sale a block from the the open ocean!  $350,000!!!  In 2006 it was listed at $1,399,000!

And as great of a Deal as This one was it can not compare to the deal I JUST listed, one block away, On Sonny Road - Check it out Here: Conch Republic Oasis

202 Johnny Road Plantation Key, Islamorada

List Price: $399,000 / Sold Price: $350,000
2006 List Price: $1,399,000

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 90 Oceanside

Description: Beautiful Cedar 2/2 home on large lot located close to Tavernier Creek for easy ocean/bay access. New updated gourmet kitchen, lots of natural light, tongue and groove oak floors, cathedral ceilings, wrap around porches, impact windows, and observation deck. Surrounded by trees for your privacy. Short sale.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos 

Islamorada Waterfront Homes $300-500K

Islamorada Foreclosures

Work with an agent who KNOWS how to spot 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.

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

Sold in 2005 for $930,000 - Closed Today for $450,000! Super Waterfront Islamorada Location! The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 10.17.2011

112 Captains Court, Plantation Key, Islamorada

It's October, the winds begin to change direction, blowing more from the North, the tides pick up. The days gets shorter. The air is... crisper with the scent of salt. The water...is magnificent. Hues from a palate that only Nature could create. The Kingfish and Mackerel start rolling back in. The Climate is Sublime. It's Fall in The Keys, and there is nowhere else that I would rather be!

While folks up North are breaking out their cold weather attire, we are still sporting floral shirts and relishing the start of Stone Crab Season!

If this cold weather season is anything like last year's. I believe that we will have even more interest in owning property here in The Keys!  Which leads us to Today's Deal.  A Fantastic waterfront coup by the lucky Buyer. Located in Kahiki Harbor, the much sought after neighborhood in the North end of Plantation Key, this Short Sale ( a sale where the purchase price is less than what is owed on the property) was a tremendous deal indeed!

These are the type of deals you pack up your gear from Chicago, or New York, or Boston, or Philly, or.....and get yourself down here for!!!  No Tricks...only Treats!  God I love Fall in the Keys!!

112 Captains Court, Plantation Key, Islamorada

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

List price: $450,000 /
Sold Price: $450,000
 Previous Sale Price 990,000 in 2005

Mile Marker: 90 Bayside

Description: Talk about LOCATION! Just off Tavernier Creek and only minutes from the bay or ocean. Home has 2 bedrooms with 2 baths,large master with walk-in closet, tile floors, high tongue and groove ceiling, screened balcony, wood decks, nice landscaping, ground level storage, brick paver driveway, deep water protected dock with davits. Located on a quiet street. SHORT SALE.Bank approved Amt
View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location

View Available Kahiki Harbor 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.

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!

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location:

Available Venetian Shores Homes

Available Islamorada Waterfront Homes $1-2M

Available Islamorada Foreclosures

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.

For Those of You Who Like It Funky - The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 7/21- Islamorada Waterfront Home - Sold $356,000!

119 Gardenia St Plantation Key, Islamorada

If you like it Funky...and I DO like it Funky...Then this was the property for you!

Located in Islamorada in the Plantation Key Colony neighborhood, this deep water home was Truly unique.

Multiple, Full wall - Hand Painted Key-z Murals, Tiki Huts and a total party vibe, this foreclosed home was one of those Diamonds in the Rough....really rough...lol.  But hey, it sold in a month...Islamorada, Waterfront, Under $400,000, ... Need I say more?

119 Gardenia St Plantation Key, Islamorada

List Price: $379,900 / Sold Price: $356,000

2 bedrooms / 1 Bathroom

Mile Marker 90 Bayside

Description: Bayside House sits on a wide deep canal with a 40ft concrete seawall that is an easy boat ride to the bay or ocean. This Artistic Home has hand painted mural on both the front and back of the house, this 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a nice size family room that leads to the back yard where you can enjoy entertaining from the Tropical Tiki Hut.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location

View Available Plantation Key Colony Homes

View Available Islamorada Waterfront Homes $300-500K

View Available Islamorada Foreclosures

Want an agent that puts the Fun-Key into Funky?  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.