Where Do Old Florida Keys Fishing Guides Go After They've Made Their Last Cast?

Down here in The Florida Keys, the Fishing Guide Community is very tight knit.  Even though these hearty Men and Ladies of the Sea are fiercely competitive to garner business, there is a strong mutual respect and admiration among these, some of the best in the World, Salt Water Guides.

Rightly so, these Guys and ... Gals, are truly the bedrock of our Community, providing key, life-memory, moments, services to both our locals and visitors alike.  

Many of our Guides here started learning their craft as Kids and have now graduated to finding just the right spots for piscatorial pursuits (as my friend Capt.Matt Bellinger of Bamboo Charters likes to say), for their often repeat clientele.

But sadly, as is the course of life, we have to say Good-Bye to some of our cherished guides, after they've made their last great cast.

Memorial at Buchanan Bank ( Photo Courtesy of Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation)

 
Below is an blurb posted on Facebook on the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation's Page highlighting the revered location where many of our Guide friends have chosen to have their mortal coil flow amongst the tides.


"Where do old Florida Keys fishing guides go after they've made their last cast? Buchanan Bank. The ashes of some legendary fishing guides have been spread at this favorite tarpon hole including those of Jimmie Albright, Cecil Keith, and Billy Pate."
Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation 

Buchanan Bank.  Click on image to see larger

Work with an Agent with the utmost respect for our esteemed Fishing Guides and Captains.  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!

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.

It Was Hawaii or The Keys ...And The Keys It Is!! On Shark Key, My Latest Sale $1,850,000

OK
Very cool story.

My Clients had never visited the Florida Keys before and were considering purchasing a property in Hawaii, which they had
previously visited.  They were told some great things about the Keys and contacted Your Conchquistador to fill them in on our Keys Real Estate options

Shark Key. Named so not because of sharks there, instead because of its SHAPE

Dangerous move!!!  

Well, long story short: They came on their first visit, and in Three Days, under your Conchquistador's spell, looking at properties from Key West to Islamorada, they had a gorgeous estate on super cool Shark Key under contract and have now Closed! 

How could they resist?? The Florida are such a siren song. And as lovely as Hawaii is, it is so much simpler to get to the Keys.  Don't get me wrong. I've been to Hawaii and I loved it, but like so many, so much more enjoy the prettier and more temperate waters of the Atlantic/Caribbean over the Pacific. 

Robbie's Trailer Trash Bloody Mary.  Photo courtesy of Tim Rahn Photography

Plus, working with yours truly, they got to visit some unique spots, like Robbie's to feed the Tarpon and enjoy a Trailer Trash Bloody Mary, and heard about more Keys history than they ever wanted to hear (LOL).  And at the end of the Day.. They "got it".  I love that moment, when I get to see folks unfamiliar with our Island Chain suddenly "get it"... and fall in love.  It is the most rewarding part of what I do (as I really cant call this a "job").


Now, Shark Key, In my opinion, is one of the absolute coolest of our Keys.  A Super private enclave of only about 60 gorgeous estate homes, just 11 miles from the heart of Key West.  It is an oasis within as oasis, with intoxicating miles-long vistas of ever changing water hues, punctuated with verdant green drops of unpopulated mangrove islands.

Check out my detailed page dedicated to Shark Key by clicking the tab above.

And this property, their new home, is incredible!

51 Cannon Royal Drive, Shark Key
List Price: $1,995,000 / Sold Price: $1,850,000
3 Bedrooms / 3.1 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 11

Description:  Breathtaking masterpiece located in the gated waterfront community of Shark Key...Spectacular, Unspoiled & Private....Soaring ceilings & walls of glass are the perfect complement to the incredible open water views of the Gulf of Mexico. Custom designed 3 BR/3.5 BA for the ultimate in one floor living, Living area opens up through glass doors to a large porch overlooking the turquoise waters of the gulf, enjoy gorgeous sunrises from your master suite, huge state of the art kitchen & Breakfast room overlooking the water, walk-in pantry, porcelain floors, custom designed baths, fine fixtures, full laundry room with top of the line washer & dryer, sink & cabinets, multiple carport, enclosed storage room, copper roof & plenty of room for a pool. Amenities include inland swimming lagoon & beach.

View Detailed Brochure and Mapped Location Here
View available Shark Key Properties Here

It was such a privilege to work with such great buyers!!
And this was one of the smoothest transactions in over 21 years of practise.  It was also great to work with other dedicated professionals like Joanne Allen of Prudential who worked with the Seller, and Mendy Alden from First International Title, who was the Closing Agent.

So great when everyone plays nice and gets the job ...DONE!

Let me put a Florida Keys Spell on 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.

WOW. As Much Art, As It Is A Home. Mariposa, My Newest Keys Listing - $2,999,000

Its easy to get complacent in life.  Develop a, been there, done that attitude. Sometimes, the shine can dull and the luster fade.  Sometimes, life goes on, long after the thrill, of livin' it is gone.  

DAMN!!! Oh No, I'm quoting friggin' John Mellencamp Cougar Mellencamp Cougar Mellencamp!!

Anyway, the sentiments of Jack and Diane not withstanding, after so many trips around the Sun, it can be hard to be impressed.

And THEN, it happens...The spark, the unique... The WOW.

And when I say WOW, I mean W...O...W
Architecture meeting Art.
Design, Thought, and Concentration to detail, on a most impressive scale, all cleverly shrouded in a minimalist vibe.
Both subliminal...and Sublime.

So what is it that has my juices flowing and created some intense pep in my proverbial step?
In a Word?
Mariposa.

Mariposa, the Spanish word for Butterfly. A creature of immense beauty and the inspiration for the design of my latest Florida Keys Listing, that I share with our Broker, Joy Martin.

Perched on 120 feet of Ocean, beachfront magnificence, this Gossamer, rises from the sand like a Babylonian tower, clad in an exterior of coral rock, and resting on almost an acre and a half of the best of Grassy Key.

Evoking a super Zen vibe, this home is huge by Keys standards, at over 5100 sq ft of interior living space, and has a multitude of bells and whistles, some of which you can see, and quite a few that you purposely don't.

Each of its 5 bedrooms has its own en suite bathroom. Doors cascade and pocket.  
The Master Bedroom is a study of Light and Sea.
In fact, the whole concept of the Home is to bring the visual of the Ocean, the Water, the Sea, INTO the Home.
This is achieved through a multitude of floor to ceiling windows and industrial French Doors, that offer light, light , and more light.

Floating Staircases, Glass Wine Room, pivoting multi-ton doors, an awesome Summer Kitchen, imported stone, and the infinity pool of infinity pools are just some of the, "Oh yeah, they went there", amenities.

The Architecture, Construction, and Design Elements are so distinctive, that the owner, who is also the mastermind and builder behind this creation,was featured on a nationally televised program highlighting this home.  Yes, it's that cool.

Now, the details:

58418 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key
List price:$2,999,000
5 Bedrooms / 6.1 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 58
Description: Discover Mariposa: Unparalleled and unique, this stunning Florida Keys estate is remarkable in every way The spectacular architecture inspired the name of this magnificent oceanfront estate that spans 120 ft. along the beach on Grassy Key in the beautiful Florida Keys. Secluded behind a privacy gate, this Bali influenced contemporary home was painstakingly built and designed by the owner to standards in which only the absolute best of everything would do. Floor to ceiling impact windows and doors invite you into this 5 bdrm Contemporary residence on the glorious multi-hued waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Elegant, minimalist architecture, high-quality and designer finishes give a Zen vibe of "Cool"


View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location Here

"Butterflies are self-propelled flowers."
                    - Robert A Heinlien

Let your Real Estate Dreams take flight.  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.

A Shack by The Sea, He Said...$2.2M Later.....My Most Challenging Sale Yet.

I Love Paradoxes.  So much so, that in my previous life, many moons ago, in the far off land of California, my Band's name was Paradox.
A self negating statement that is somehow true, a walking contradiction.  A deafening Silence, the deaf musician, the Entertainment Industry Executive who doesn't want flashy but simplicity, by the water... a Shack by The Sea.

Yes... "A Shack By The Sea", these were his words.  And being your humble Conchquistador, I HAD to find it for him, and it is my latest sale, one full of Paradoxes and unique challenges (Always a recipe that wets my whistle).

We looked at quite a few properties, but my clients, both, Entertainment Industry Executives, and some of the nicest and coolest clients I have had the privilege to work with (again, another Paradox: Nice Entertainment Industry Executives) saw this property and fell instantly in love.

They wanted simple, and open water, and we found it. 
And what a Jewel!  
1.5 Acres of mature native hardwoods, that open up to a magnificent bay vista. Stunning pool and cabana area, covered boathouse, boat basin and lagoon, wetbar tiki hut, the COOLEST Keys BBQ Station, and oh Yeah... a delightful, simple, unassuming 1960s flat roof Conch House and separate guest house, both very nicely updated.

Yes, this place was Cool, and Conch-y, and oh so Awesome.  It reeks of Hemingway, and Ziggy; Manny and Isa, and a simpler time when water came to the Keys in a tube from the Mainland.

But, to say that it was a bumpy coral road to get to the Closing Table is an understatement.
We walked away from the deal twice.
The Seller insisted on his price, which to many of our local agents, appraisers, and people with any sense was way to high.  $2.29M for a small little 60s house on an acre and a half??  
But my Buyers HAD to have it!!
So with heated negotiations, we settled on $2.2M.  
And the fun began
The bank had serious misgivings about the value and the seller, (a Commercial Real Estate Broker, who wanted to cut away half of the standard provisions in the contract!) gave us no wiggle room on financing.  We HAD to close no matter what, on Closing Date, regardless of appraisal, anything to do with the bank or insurance,  or anything other than inspections, putting my Buyers $100K deposit at risk, and we had a very truncated time to get financing.

And then, right in the middle, we found a 22 year old open permit, that the bank insisted we get closed before closing date.  A permit that had been difficult to close for almost a 1/4 century?? Well time for your Conchquistador to roll up his big boy sleeves and get it DONE!  What others could not get done in 23 years, I got done in 2 weeks.  Gotta love experience!

Next Hurdle... Appraisal.  The Big one.  Prior to our executing the contract my Buyer wanted me to contact several appraisers to get their rough guesstimate on value. Of the several that I contacted, none went higher than $1.7M.  Houston, we have a problem.  
My Colleagues scoffed at me that I let my Buyer Offer that much, when they clearly thought it wasn't worth it, To which the Sellers response was...I don't care.  So, it was time to Charm, cajole, plead, and Educate, the Appraiser (one that I had previously queried, whose value was $1.7M) as to why this property should appraise at $2.2 with the lack of directly evident comparables.  We got creative, I had her think out of the standard value box, and lo and behold Sweet Jesus!!! A $2.2M Value!!! (Appraiser thinking outside the box =Paradox!)

I could go on and on about a myriad of challenges, challenges that utilized, many of my very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a 20 year career, skills that make me a nightmare for difficult transactions like this one (Nod to Liam Neeson), ( Last minute Insurance woes, and a 5 Hour Closing among them) but my character count is almost up.  

The bottom line is, and to add to Alec Baldwin's monologue in Glen Garry, Glen Ross, you need more that just Brass Balls to succeed in Real Estate. You need Creativity, Belief, and an unmitigated sense of SERVICE and DUTY to your Client (MY ego wanted me to tell the Seller to STICK it, and walk away countless times), to see to it that THEIR Dream is Realized.  Whether its a mobile home, a Magnificent Estate, or... A Shack by the Sea.

The Details:  
95370 Overseas Highway, Key Largo
List Price:$2,290,000 / Sold Price:$2,200,000
Mile Marker 95
1.5 Acres on the Bay Description: TRIPLE MINT CONDITION 3/2 WITH A PRIVATE 1/1 GUEST HOUSE... Enjoy this 1.55 Acre Estate located in the heart of Key Largo, FL. Impact resistant floor-to-ceiling glass windows encase the sunny living room and dining room. This home’s spectacular water views will leave you speechless.
Featuring a completely renovated open kitchen with granite counter tops, central heating/cooling, swimming pool, tiki bar, and wooden deck overlooking the ocean. Social outdoor lounge with a fire pit, hot tub, grill, sheltered concrete dock, and boat ramp.
Listed by Bravo and Partners Real Estate.

The Best Part?  The Best Part was at the Closing Table and hearing them saying that they were So Very Happy. 
That's really why I do this.  It really isn't for the $$, it's bringing Joy to people, in the best way that I can . (Real Estate Agent in this for other people's Joy vs $$$? Big Time Paradox indeed!)
 
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.

This Blog is On Fire!! Best Two-Months In Hits Since We Began!

Smokin' Hot!!!

Careful!! This Blog is Red Hot!

Like a mouth full of Sriracha, this Blog has been on fire over the last few months, cranking out a continuing string of hits.

Seems Nationally and Internationally, folks like you are enjoying my skewed bent on Keys Real Estate and our easy going, slightly eccentric lifestyle here in America's Caribbean, the Fabulous Florida Keys.

March and April's numbers have been the best since this Blog started in 2008, and almost 400 posts ago.

And the Hits just Keep on Comin'!

This Blog is a labor of Love, so much so that I can't, in good conscience, call it...Labor!

Shaded are just some of the Home Countires of Visters who dig you Conquistador!

I am humbled that some of the Countries that enjoy the Blog are:


The United States, France, Russia, Germany, Canada, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Brazil, Turkey, and Poland among others.

We are now in syndication, as well, through multiple outlets, all itchin' for some Key Lime Pie!

So grab a Rum Runner, Margarita, or an Ice Cold, Sand Bar Sunday from the Islamorada Beer Company, turn your speakers up, rub in some 45, slip on your bathing suit or bikini, or hell..go au natural, and soak in the Vibe!

Your Conchquistador will keep on dishin' out that spicy Chowder that is our unique Island Charm.

Ready to have your Home get phenomenal exposure?? 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.