Florida Keys Profanity

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 out mooring plans and search for that perfect hurricane hole for out 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.

Yes, I know it's now the Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle and yes the renovations have been outstanding, but it will always be The Holiday Isle to me.
This locale was the sight of so many of my Sunday afternoons. At the Tiki  Bar, at The Sand Bar, at The Float up Pool Bar....hmmm lot of bars...lol  A ritual really.  A Keys-z somewhat debauched detachment from reality.  All for the price of a Rum Runner.

And the man who really MADE Holiday Isle that great escape was Joe Roth Jr.  I saw this article today from the FreePress and was delighted to see that The bridge will be in his honor.  Very well deserved indeed!

Joe Roth’s name to be added to Islamorada’s Whale Harbor Bridge

BY ROBERT SILK Free Press Staff rsilk@keysnews.com
During the 1980s and ’90s, Joe Roth Jr. transformed Holiday Isle Resort from a quaint but struggling hotel into an Upper Keys icon that drew revelers from around the region and beyond.
This week, nearly two years after Roth’s death, the Village Council is slated to take one of the final steps in getting the bridge at Holiday Isle’s doorstep marked in his honor.
Under a bill passed by the Florida Legislature this year, the Whale Harbor Bridge is already slated to become the Whale Harbor Joe Roth Jr. Bridge when the fiscal year begins on July 1. The passage of that formal commemoration of Roth was the culmination of an effort that started at the urging of the Village Council in late 2010 and was then championed in Tallahassee by state Sen. Larcenia Bullard, D-Miami, and state Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Key West.
Now the process circles back to the Village Council. On Thursday, May 24, the council will vote on a formal resolution calling on the Florida Department of Transportation to erect the Roth sign.

Whale Harbor Sand Bar right off the Holiday Isle

Assuming passage, the sign would likely go up in about eight weeks, said FDOT spokesman Brian Rick.
Roth’s son, Joe III, said the family is excited that the marker could soon become a reality.
“I think it is a fitting honor for him, given that he brought so much to the community, and he brought so much to that area of Islamorada, and he gave so much back to the community,” Roth III said Monday.
Roth Jr., who was 63 when he succumbed to cancer, was part of a three-man partnership that purchased Holiday Isle at a courthouse auction in 1983. In the decade-and-a-half that followed, his gregarious ways and flair for promotion helped make the Coney Island-motifed Windley Key lady a South Florida icon.
Roth tripled the size of the Isle’s World Famous Tiki Bar, developed the concept for the Rum Runners cabana bar and saw the potential of Bartenders’ Bash, the late spring party for hospitality workers that would go on to both bedevil and enthrall Islamorada for many years.

Its Time Once Again for the Annual Hammer Point, Key Largo, Dolphin Derby!!

Its time once again for the annual Hammer Point Dolphin Derby!!  The Dolphin are running and it's a great time to hook up with the fish with three names...(Dolphin, Mahi, Dorado)

This is always guaranteed to be lots of fun and a great way to connect with your Hammer Point neighbors. 

Work with an agent who can put you on the Real Estate Catch!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 Board of Realtors Scholarship Program Inspires Other Boards

Something real cool just happened at the Florida Keys Board of Realtors office. A broker from Texas, who saw our High School Scholarship Ad in the Free Press, stopped by to ask how our program worked, and was interested in taking our program back to her Association of 6000 members to help in her community. Way to go FKBR Members!!!

For Those of you that are now aware we have a great scholarship program.  Contact  me for details!


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 .

Michael Trixx Hi-Energy Rock Magic at it's Best!!! Keys Style.

I LOVE MAGIC!!!

Photo from Michael Trixx Facebook page

And down here in the Keys, we have one of the very best Magicians I have seen in quite sometime.
Michael Trixx features his hi-energy Rock/Magic show at a variety of venues here in the Upper Keys, with a standing gig at Gilbet's, sundown on Saturdays.  He is definitely someone to keep your eye on.

Tuedays, he is at the Lor e Lei in  Islamorada.  If you are down here on those days, take my advice and check him out, and enjoy the show, so you can say I saw him when....

Ready to make some real estate disappear???
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 $1.250,000 now Closed at $825,000!! The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 5/5/2012

74862 Overseas Highway, Islamorada  
As is commonly said, "A Bad day in The Keys beats a Good Day just about any place else."

And you can just Image how great a Great Day is!!
Wow, Yesterday was a Chamber of Commerce day for sure, and I can say that being a member of the Chamber!

Beautiful Skies, light breeze, easy seas....our American Paradise, our American Caribbean.

With this the first weekend of Grouper season and with a Corona in hand ( I had to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo! ), we were on our boat the Conch-Keys-Tador, hunting my favorite quarry, but alas, to no avail.  Rather we did hook up with a some mighty nice shark action.

It was so nice to take some time and enjoy the very virtues and surroundings that I extol to my clients.  As this Market has really kept me hopping, it was nice to have a quick opportunity to enjoy my Keys, your Keys...our Keys.

I mention these things above because today's Deal is all about enjoying The Keys!! With its waterfront Islamorada Location, custom pool, and tropical vibe, this home is perfect for the Jimmy Buffett in all of us.

Congrats to my colleagues, Leslie Leopold and John Vlad for working with the Buyers on this really great deal!

74862 Overseas Highway, Islamorada

List Price: $990,000 / Sold Price:$825,000
17% Ratio

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 75

Description: WATERFRONT ISLAMORADA 3/2 POOL HOME with DOCKAGE all set on a PRIVATE PENINSULA... this is Florida Keys living at its finest! This home includes the ULTIMATE TROPICAL POOL encompassing an entire residential lot, plus dockage with easy bay to ocean access for an incomparable island lifestyle. Located across from protected Sea Oats Beach with its own maintained bike path & elegantly gated driveway.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location

View Available Islamorada Waterfront Homes $750K - $1M

Work with an Agent with a Passion for 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 .

Upper Keys Real Estate Stats Report for April With Some VERY INTERESTING Numbers!

Hello my name is Mykael ....and I am a Stataholic.  I had been without stats for about a month, but now I am back head first!!!
My deepest apologies to friends of Bill W, but  I wanted to farcically demonstrate how much I LOVVVVE stats.  The story they tell...the truths they emit, and falsities they dispel.  The Numbers as they say, don't lie, and often buck Conventional wisdom.  And we have some very interesting (in my best Artie Johnson voice), numbers for the month of April, as we have been following a definite Trend.
That a look at the our monthly Report for the Upper Keys ( mile markers 70 thru 108), and I will break it down below.

Ok, Some important Bullet Points for you to be aware of:

• Sales Volume is Down  7.7% from 2011 because there were 19.5% fewer New Listings!
• The Absorption Rate for 2011 was a respectable 74.7% meaning the ration between New Listings and Sold Properties. for  the same time in 2012 it was a staggering 116% !!! that means more properties sold than came on the market.  Can you say supply and Demand??
• List Prices were up 4.6%
• Sale prices were up a health 6.8%
• Time on the Market was 15% less

The bottom line and story that these numbers tell is that  this is the best time in several years put your property on the Market, and if you are a buyer...act NOW.

If you would like a full sized PDF version of this report, I would be happy to email it to you.
 
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.

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

Oceanfront Living In Islamorada!! Was Listed at $1,300,000 now Closed at $855,000! - The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 4.30.2012

114 Columbus Drive, Islamorada

WOW Do I know the waters in front of this Property!!! When I was a kid, before this home was even built, I learned to snorkel right where this home sits.  The waters were plentiful with spiky Purple Sea Urchins, Delectable Spiny Lobster and the most beautifully regal Queen Conch!! Thus my love affair with Conch began at this very stretch of water.  And now it is today's Deal.

This very lucky buyer will be enjoying unparalleled ocean front views and Caribbean sea breezes. The ideal Beach House, this Islamorada residence was a really great deal.
Originally Listed at $1,300,000, it has now sold for just $855,000!!

Wow, great snorkeling and lobster at your footsteps ...yes...a great deal, a great deal indeed.

114 Columbus Drive, Islamorada
List Price: $975,000 / Sold Price: $855,000
Original Price: $1,300,000

2 Bedrooms ? 2 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 76

Description:  Tropical living at its finest! Beautiful gated entry opens onto picturesque gardens, leading to charming oceanfront retreat. Living area and beautiful master suite have vaulted ceilings and overlooks the large porch onto the new swimming pool and magnificent ocean vistas! 80' of ocean frontage, dockage and davits


View Detailed Brochure with Photos
View Mapped Location
View Available Islamorada Waterfront Homes $750,000 to $1,000,000

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 Conch Republic : 30 Years Strong!!! We Seceded Where Others Failed! An Insider's Perspective.

 The Keys declared their independence from the U.S. calling themselves the 'Conch Republic' in: 

           1982                              

What prompted the Keys secession from the U.S.?

           Border Patrol roadblocks and inspection points

After secession from the U.S., the president of the Conch Republic requested: 
           One billion dollars in foreign aid from the US

I remember it like it was yesterday, 1982, the Mariel boatlift had just recently transported almost 100,000 Cuban dissidents and prisoners onto our shores, and square grouper was pouring in just as fast. 

Money and Blood flowed as freely as the new Rum Runners at Holiday Isle. A new type of buccaneer had emerged hauling Mary Jane and Cocaine from Cuba to Key West, and not to mention people.

It was painfully obvious what was going on. Hell, they would flaunt it at places like the Tiki Bar where they would drive up in their Maserati's to the Holiday Isle, climb into their forty footer, Cigarettes, start the roaring engines and smile like peacocks, as the gentry would wonder.."How many bales would fit in there???.

Still from the new documentary Square Grouper. 

It was seductive to watch these new Buccaneers, getting rich quick.  The first song I ever wrote was at 15 called "Modern Day Pirate" and some of the very lyrics are contained in the 3 preceding paragraphs. (Ah  Didn't know the Conchquistador was a songwriter??

But we the people were not the ONLY ones watching.. So was THE MAN!!
And in 1982, The Man decided to throw up road blocks in Florida City at the entry to the Keys...really pissing off our individualistic Conchs!!!

Search and seizure was the name of the game, and like the piratey rebels that we are ...protest soon followed...in the form of secession from the United State of America!!! Yes we became a sovereign nation...The Conch Republic!  Somewhat in jest, and tongue in cheek, yet still with some bite.  They were squeezing the gentry in order to flush out the bad guys.

Backups that lasted hours soon ensued, and the MAN did not think our ploy was funny ...AT All.

So now, here we are 30 years later and the Conch Republic is now just a state of mind and a flag and trinkets sell to tourists to take home to Kansas.

But 30 years ago it was a big FU and proudly hoisted Middle Finger to the Federal Government, that epitomized the soul and character of this 130 mile island chain.

Yes....I remember it well....

Work with an agent who was part of the Original Conch Republic.  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: Conchhomes.com .

Just Closed in Venetian Shores...Premium. Originally $2.5M now Closed at $1.7M! The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 4/21.

138 Valencia Dr Plantation Key 

I was recently discussing premium neighborhoods with a Buyer yesterday and educated her that there are really 6 premium neighborhoods in the Upper Keys.  Stillwright Point, Bayside in Key Largo at Mile Marker 106, Port Largo, Oceanside at Mile Marker 99, Buccaneer Point, Bayside at Mile Marker 98, The Port Antigua/Safety Harbor area, Bayside at Mile Marker 74, Millionaire's Row. Oceanside, at Mile Marker 89, and my Favorite, Venetian Shores, Bayside at Mile Marker 86.

Each has it's own distinct character and I sure that there are areas that I omitted that some would believe should be there and some that shouldn't, but over time, these are the areas that have gravitated to the consistent higher prices, larger homes and offer features that affluent buyers are seeking here in the Keys.  Deep water dockage, wider canals, larger homes, larger lots, consistency of the neighborhood, finishes, and open water views, are just some of the variables that most of these neighborhoods posses.

Today's deal is one of those very special homes in Venetian Shores such a coveted community.  Superbly finished with abundant charm and super location.  World Class fishing and diving are mere minutes away!!

Like most things though Price is Key.  Originally listed at $2,500,000 it took almost 2 years to sell until it was priced more aggressively at $1,895,000 to sell at $1,700,000

138 Valencia Dr Plantation Key
 
List Price;$1,895,000 / Sold Price: $1,700,000
Original List Price $2,500,000

4 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 86

Description: Prestigious custom pool home in Venetian Shores, offering 4 bedrooms, 5 full baths. Private master suites and 1 guest suite upstairs and 2 guest suites downstairs, interior staircase with elevator, gourmet kitchen, laundry room, garage, 100’ concrete dock, boat davits and beautiful professional landscaping. Easy access to Bay and Ocean.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location


View Available Venetian Shores Homes


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 .

How Many Islands Make Up the Florida Keys?

How many islands make up the Florida Keys?
         1,700

Although it may be hard to believe, there are actually 1700 islands that make up the Florida Keys!


From huge Key Largo at over 27 miles long to small Keys that are not much more than a few mangroves and some limestone (and maybe an old lost square grouper from the 70s), our 145 +/- stretch of islands is one of the most remarkable places in our Country. Each has its own character and charm. Only a small percentage are habitable. 


Many of these islands lie in the Everglades National Park. With its protected status, this only enhances their natural beauty, insuring enjoyment for generations to come.


As most of our Keys are accessible only by boat, do yourself a major favor and get out on the water and visit these natural and National Treasures, and if you don't contact me.  I'd be happy to be your guide, on my boat The Conch-Keys-Tador!


For More Keys-z trivia head to my Keys Trivia Page!


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 .

Century-Old African Queen to Cruise Again in Key Largo

What a Film!  What a Cast! What a Boat!! 
Now, get me some Gin!!

The iconic original vessel from John Huston's classic 1951 film "The African Queen," starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, soon is to ply Key Largo's nearshore waters again. An April 12 "re-launch" party is scheduled featuring Stephen Bogart, son of film star Humphrey Bogart, to take place dockside at the Holiday Inn Key Largo, MM 100. Nostalgia seekers and film devotees are welcome to attend.

Something about Bogart is just so damn cool.

Read more about it here.
 http://www.fla-keys.com/news/news.cfm?sid=8380

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.

Getting Springtime Philosophical Down Here in The Keys

For those of us down here in The Keys, this part of Spring gets pretty introspective.  Though enjoying and respecting the sea, is itself somewhat of a religion,  Christians celebrating Easter, Jews remembering the traditions of Passover, and even Pagans commemorating the Vernal Equinox, all add to a certain Philosophical gumbo that permeates the salty air down here this time of year.

Whatever your devotional delicacy, we've gotcha covered in our own unique laissez-faire Key's attitude.

That being said, Easter down here in the Keys has always been special for me.  Sunrise Service and off to Harriet's for breakfast, was a ritual for some time when I was young.  And then, off to some snorkeling in what is now Sea Oats Beach...back in the Day, my folks did not have a boat, but you could sill see hoards of Conch, Lobster, Sea Urchins and tropical fish right off shore.  Yes there is nothing like the feeling of renewal and being here amongst Earth and Sky here in the Keys, to give you a sense of The Divine.

This year there are a couple of fun events going on that should delight young and old alike and help to create new memories to last a lifetime.

The Underwater Easter Bunny Strike Again!!

Being the Keys..you' got to try THE UNDERWATER EGG HUNT!!! go here for details http://www.captainslate.com/newsletter.html

Latest News at Captain Slate's Atlantis Dive Center

captainslate.com

Check out the latest news, diving and snorkeling specials at Captain Slate's Atlantis Dive Center in Key Largo, 

and

Also at Holiday Isle Kid's Day Easter Egg Hunt!
April 7th is the Postcard Inn's Kid's Day Easter Egg Hunt! The event will be held at the Beach Pavilion at the Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle at 11:00 am on April 7th. There will be a Petting Zoo, Pony Rides and refreshments, as well as an Easter Egg Hunt : )
Contact: 305-664-2321

 

So get on out.come to The Keys and make a Spring Holiday of your own.

 

And Happy Easter, Happy Passover and Happy..... um ...what DO you say for Vernal Equinox????

Work with an Agent who will put some Keys Spring in YOUR step.  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 Our Clients We Are Holding Our First , Reel Appreciation Invitational - Family Fun Fishing Tournament In The Florida Keys! A Tournament, a Party and Most Importantly A Thank You!

A Tournament, a Party and Most Importantly A Thank You

The Reel Appreciation Tournament is an exclusive invitation-only event open to  American Caribbean and Marr Property Buyers and Sellers and their family. 

This is an Upper Keys Event.

Our goal is to extend our appreciation to all of our clients. Our business success depends on you. The Florida Keys is a special place filled with special people. We aim to have fun while enjoying the waters of the fabulous Florida Keys

Let's get fishing!

Two event filled days starting with Friday night's Captain's Meeting and Cocktail Party complete with a cooking demonstration by Chef Ben of the the famous Ziggie & Mad Dog's restaurant featuring delicious and easy preparation of local fishes of the Florida Keys.

A fun filled day of fishing for everyone in the family. Head out for the day into the Florida Keys Bay Backcountry or the Atlantic's Offshore, fishing for your favorite species. Earn tournament points with the fish that you catch for the day.

Saturday night's Award Dinner will give you the chance to socialize and relax with the choice of cooking your own catch or enjoying a delicious paella dinner. Either way, enjoy the day and the fabulous Florida Keys.

Meet our family of agents at American Caribbean and Marr Properties and allow us to show our thanks to you, our clients.

This is gonna be a blast!!!

Work with an agent who appreciates his clients!! 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 .

Your Conchquistador is Now a Rotarian!! A Proud Member of The Upper Keys Rotary Club.

Today, your Conchquistador had the distinct Honor to have been inducted into the Upper Keys Rotary Club.

A unique honor for sure, having been invited, sponsored and finally brought into the fold.  It gives me great pride to be associated with some of the most distinguished professionals and community leaders in all of the Florida Keys.

Now, Groucho Marx once said, "I wouldn't   part of any club that would have me as a member", but here I must disagree.  Rotary is an International Club of individuals who to seek to give back to their communities.  In our Club's case, we put a very high emphasis and  focus on Education, helping those, both young and old, to better themselves by enriching their minds and spirits so that they too may one day give back to their community, and around and around it goes.  Our club is known for its generous scholarship giving.

The other thing our club is well known for is the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market!!! That buzzing Bazaar of Maritime trinkets, vessel goods, and fishing ammo sure to help you land the big ones,  held in Islamorada every year right after the Miami Boat Show.  This mammoth production is the feather in our club's cap, providing a fantastic treasure trove of funds to share with our community. All organized and produced by our Club's volunteers.

So, I look forward to jumping in, as the delicate bull in the china factory that your's truly is, and offering my insights, opinions, and efforts and service to continue to make this outstanding group the best that it can be.  The Club meets every Tuesday for Lunch at Craig's Restaurant in Islamorada

I must as well give a special Thank You to Bette Brown of First State Bank for being my Sponsor.

Now, if I can only someone will teach me the secret handshake.
What??? There's no secret handshake???
Groucho!!!!!!

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 .

As The Who Sang: "I can see for Miles and Miles...", Waterfront? We Got Your Waterfront! The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 3.23.2012

34 North Dr, Key Largo
It's funny, I was having a conversation with a Buyer recently and was explaining the uniqueness of the Keys' real estate market.

As The Who sang: "I can see for Miles and Miles..."

Never has the cliche, " Location, Location, Location" been so critical to value. Far greater than any other criteria.
Updates and Finishes...whatever, pool...ok, bedroom count...as long as we have enough space, garage...yeah right.

But...turn the conversation to Ocean or Bayside?  Water depth?? Boat Ramp?  Key Largo vs Islamorada vs Marathon, then their eyes light up and dialite like like a drunken pirate finding his chest of buried treasure!!

Today's Deal is one of those eye bulging property deals.  Located in Prestigious Stillwright Point, the first upscale community as you get into the Keys, the owners of this property actually owned the land before they built the house in 1975, and you can see,with these stunning views, why,they have owned it for so long.

34 North Dr, Key Largo

List Price: $679,000 / Sold Price: $610,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

Days on the Market: 17

Mile Marker: 105 Bayside

Description:  Bay Front opportunity! Spectacular open water views in an upscale neighborhood. Well preserved Sheffield (steel and frame) home on large lot. New metal roof & railing, large legal garage/work space down and hooked up to the sewer. Cut-in boat slip has been covered by decking, but remains. Livable as is, but view and location are worth the cost of updating!

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location

View Available Stillwright Home Properties

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 Sea Turtle Hospital - Public, Sea Turtle Release - If This Does Not Make You Smile you are a Cold Hearted Soul!!

The Sea Turtle Hospital in Marathon, here in the Keys is a wonderful facility, bringing care and rehabilitaion to injured sea turtles throughout the Florida Keys.  They even have their own Sea Turtle ambulance!!

They are having a very special event coming up soon that will surely warm the heart as much as it educates the mind.

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 .

Take a One-Minute Break from your World and Escape to the Beauty an serenity of the underwater world of the Florida Keys

Take a one-minute break from your world and escape to the beauty and serenity of the underwater world of the Florida Keys. Then click "like" if you were glad you did..


Recorded in 2011, the incredible underwater world of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Key Largo videographer Frazier Nivens shot this footage in high-definition in July. More information on the Florida Keys at www.fla-keys.com.


The Underwater World of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 
 
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 .

Want to Own Your Own Island?? Now you Can ...for $12 Million!!! East Sisiter Rock in The Florida Keys is Now for Sale!!

Who hasn’t dreamed of owning their own island? Well, now you can, and it’s in our very own backyard.  The Iconic East Sister Rock Island in the Florida Keys is now for sale.

Iconic Sister Rock Island, now Available for $12M

I could really get my Hemingway on, in this exotic retreat, long a landmark or shall I say seamark, as you navigate into Marathon and Key Vaca.

It's been getting a lot of hype and press, since coming on the Market a few days ago, and why shouldn't it??  The 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is situated on 1.4 acres and is about a quarter mile off the shore of Marathon, here in the Keys. It boasts over 5000 sq ft of living area, with about 2700 sq ft of veranda, helicopter pad, a pool and two docks.

Reachable only by boat or helicopter, the Island is nestled amongst a coral reef, making it great for impromptu snorkeling and fishing. Perfectly situated 2 hours from Miami and about 45 minutes from Key West, and a quick boat ride to Marathon for provisions. The house has a multitude of sliding glass doors and also features a veranda which wraps around the entire house, providing views and sublime sea breezes all the way around.

Klaus Meckler built the island by digging a moat from the coral rock and making a plateau that rises 15 feet. The house was concrete poured and rests on 75 pilings drilled into the coral rock. The current owners - who bought the island in 1995 from Meckler, made the island green by installing a wind turbine and solar panels. Water is taken from rainwater that is filtered and stored for use.

Imagine watching the sun rise from the veranda, snorkeling and fishing all day and winding down with a glass of wine or your favorite Caribbean libation, some stone crabs and lobster that you caught mere hours ago right THERE at the Island, and watching the sun set from the hammocks swaying among the trees. I have motored by in my boat many times…it’s worth the hype!  It is one of just 9 private islands in the Keys.

A long time rental property, the estate, is now available for purchase, and is listed for $12 million.

Talk about Your Island in the Stream!!! OK yes I know, another shameless Hemingway Plug...what can I say... I work next door to the Pilar and visit it almost every day. Hemingway is THE Apex preditor when it comes to Keys writers and he would have LOVED this place!

Let me help you navigate to your own Island!  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 .

Holding An Oscar ...In the Keys...and Watching a Really Deserving Family Get a Home... Does It Get Any Better???

I'd like to thank the Academy, my Agent, and Harvey Weinstein....

With Producer Jon Landau's Oscar for Best Picture, Titanic.

OK, OK...so it's not MY Oscar but it IS Jon Landau's Best Picture Oscar for Titanic!!

Talk about a great evening!
Saturday was the Habitat for Humanity of The Upper Keys' Annual Cocktail and Fundraising Party, this year hosted by Uber Film Producer Jon Landau (Titanic, Avatar, True Lies), at his exquisite Oceanfront Islamorada Estate.

Our firm is extremely active in Habitat, with one of our agents on the Executive Board for Habitat, and our firm co-sponsoring this event.

The Conchquitador's favorite First Mate, Michelle with  Producer Jon Landau

Jon was kind enough to let me pose with his Oscar when he gave my wife and I a private tour of his home to show us the renovations that he recently completed.  What a Super Guy,  and a very valued addition to our local community.

Jon also served as guest auctioneer auctioning off several items that really added to the coffers $$$!

The Food was fantastic, donated and catered by several of our local restaurants such as Tasters, Mangrove Mikes, and Braza Lena. And of course this being The Keys, Alcohol DID flow...and flow...and flow....lol.
Add to this a Beautiful, balmy Keys evening with a hint of a breeze and superb live music.

The real highlight of the evening though, was the extraordinarily gracious thank you given by the Bautista Family who are the recipients of  the first Habitat House to be located in Islamorada.

The Bautistas' New Home!!!

What a story...a hard working family of four who where living in a rental property that had toxic black mold and a landlord who couldn't seem to care less. Their son was consistently ill and times became very tough.
These folks applied to Habitat, went though the screening process, met the criteria, and were offered the opportunity to invest "Sweat Equity" to earn themselves a home. "Sweat Equity" meaning an investment of time, effort and HARD WORK in contributing to the building of this and other Habitat homes.

Now, Habitat has minimum guidelines on how much time, hours and effort are needed to qualify to earn a home.
The Bautistas invested 5 Times the minimum of Hours!!!! Almost 2500 hours!!!  Talk about grateful, and most of all, talk about DESERVING!!!

So yes, a wonderful evening indeed, with a fantastic feeling of giving back!

So again, I would like to thank the Academy, My Producer Jon Landau, My Agent American Caribbean, Habitat for Humanity of The Upper Keys, and most of all ...The Bautistas.

I'm The King Of the World!!

Work with an Award Winning Agent .  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 .

Just Closed in Prestigious Venetian Shores - Waterfront Home Originally listed at $1.4M now Closed at $950,000!

I Love Venetian Shores. 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!

 

As, a Venetian Shores Specialist, I enjoy keeping my clients up to date with the latest available properties and real estate news, as well as recently closed properties.

As one of Islamorada's most in demand communities, Venetian Shores is always tops on everyone's list. Only minutes from Miami, yet a world away.

 

Now finding a sub- 1 Million Dollar property in Venetian Shores is becoming increasingly difficult.  That being said today's property is a very good catch indeed.  Originally listed for $1,400,000 and now Closed at $950,000!

112 Stromboli Drive, Islamorada

List Price: $1,100,000 / Sold Price: $950,000

Original List Price: $1,400,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 86 Bayside

Description: OUTSTANDING WATERFRONT FAMILY HOME! This spacious & completely remodeled home offers living space for a large family with a 2 bdrm, 2 bthrm, apartment downstairs and 2 bdrms & 2 bthrms upstairs. Outstanding entertaining back yard with a tiki hut and 70 ft. of concrete dockage w/davits, fish cleaning station, & a 2 car garage. Located in beautiful Venetian Shores with direct bay and ocean access.

View Detailed Brochure With Photos

View Mapped Location

View Available Venetian Shores Homes

View Available Islamorada Waterfront Homes $750K -1M

Work with one of the only agents to actually sell Property in Venetian Shores Last Year!  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 .

Hollywood Comes to The Keys for Charity! Producer Jon Landau Opens His Exquisite Home for Habitat Cocktail Party.

WOW, This is exciting!! I am so Very Excited to be going to this event!!

This Friday Night, March 2nd, Mr. Jon Landau, One of Hollywood's  all time most successful film producers and Keys resident is opening his very own Keys Estate to host the 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.  And I must say he is just one of the most down to Earth Guys you will ever meet, and has become a very active Keys Resident.

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 Governator'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.

It's Time for Stats!!! February's Numbers are in, Upper Keys Sales and Listing Figures

So, as we close the books on February, some interesting numbers come to light for The Upper Keys.
In comparing last years' numbers to this February's we find that though the quantity of sales went down slightly, the average sales price went up 26.2% !!!
We also see that the quantity of listing that came on is up dramatically meaning more inventory and that the average list price has jumped  15.7%.
This should certainly answer the "have we hit bottom yet?" question. Yes, yes we have, some while back.
And like gas prices, property prices are going UP!! Buy em now while you still can!

Work with an Agent who KNOWS how to interpret 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.

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

Originally Listed at $2,399,000 and Now Just Closed at $706,000 as a Short Sale!!! Amazing Deal!! The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 3.1.2012

225 Bristol Court, Key Largo

Hammer Point is quickly becoming one of the most in demand communities in the Upper Keys.
Originally developed as a mobile home community in the 70s is currently a hybrid f mobile home, manufactured homes and solid single family homes and transitioning into purely single family homes I believe in the very near future.  As older mobiles are purchased they are developed into single family homes.

With Old English street names such as Aberdeen, Bristol, and Westminster, Hammer point has a unique charm and an exceptional location, just north of the Tavernier section of Key Largo.

Today's deal is situated at the end of a cul de sac and offers spectacular waterfront views.  It sold as a short sale but was originally on the market for $2,399,000 and has now sold at $706,000!!!  A deal?  Yes a deal indeed!

I actually do a a walk several times a month through hammer point in the morning and wow is it pleasant.  Nice neighbors, beautiful views and 3.7 miles.

225 Bristol Court, Key Largo

List Price: $1,599,000 / Sold Price: $706,000
Original List Price: $2,399,000

3 Bedrooms / 2.1 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 93 Bayside

Description: SHORT SALE/ Elegant concrete home located directly on the Florida Bay with 62 feet of concrete dockage and 117 feet of rough beach! This gated property is surrounded by water views and features a huge master suite and a guest room on the main level and a lofted 2nd master suite on the 3rd floor; all with full bay views. Open living, soaring ceilings, granite, travertine,lifts & close to Tav Creek.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos 


View Mapped Location

View Available Hammer Point Properties 


View Available Waterfront Key Largo Homes $500-750K


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 .