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.

Challenges? What Challenges. 230 King Avenue in Key Largo - Just Sold at $350,000.

Challenges, a myriad of Challenges. 
You better be organized, and you better have patience, and you better keep your cool even though you want to slap somebody upside the head.

Yes, practicing Real Estate can be full of challenges, and let's not even talk about practicing real estate here in The Keys!!  Challenges unlike anyplace else!!

So, why does your humble Conchquistador put up with this craziness.  A flawed sense of masochism, perhaps??

No...its the Rewards.  And no, I'm not just talking about the financial (which yes, can be PRETTY good), more, I talking about real rewards.  The Clients and Customers that get IT, and let me do what I do best, to make THEM Happy!! 
The greatest? The greatest is to look over at my Client at the Closing Table and see them smiling and exited, being that they are buying a new home or brushing of the stress of carrying the one I just sold for them.
 
People like my latest Client who bought this really cool, 2006-built home at 230 King in Key Largo.

What made this special is that she was a Repeat Client!  I had had the privilege of selling her property a few years ago, and when it was time to buy, she smoke signaled to the Conchquistdor to find her and her husband their new Oasis.

To the Details!

230 King Avenue, Key Largo
List Price: $360,000 / Sold Price: $350,000
3 Bedrooms/ 2 Baths
Mile Marker: 104.5
Description: 2006 CBS HOME. METAL ROOF, 12 FT. CEILINGS WITH FANS & 8 FT. INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DOORS. GRANITE COUNTER TOPS & WOOD CABINETS THRU-OUT & STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES IN KITCHEN. FRENCH DOORS IN MASTER BDRM & IN DINING RM THAT LEAD TO COVERED PATIO. LARGE LOT HAS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR RV & BOAT & YARD IS PARTIALLY FENCED IN REAR. HOMEOWNER'S PARK HAS BOAT RAMP. 1 HR FROM MIAMI
Listed by Coral Shores Realty.

This deal was fought with a host of challenges, some minor, some pretty significant, but when we were done and the paperwork signed and the Keys given, her smile and gratitude, and Joy, were like oxygen to the Flame that burns my Real Estate Career.

That's why I do this, THAT'S the Reward.

Challenges...What Challenges??

Challenged to find the right Agent to work with?  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 22% Return in 2 Years??? THAT'S Making Your $$$ Work - Keys Style! Just Sold $1,037,000 - Tropical Chic

You COULD buy vending machines... you could play the Stock Market, heck you could put some money down on some ponies in the third race at Hialeah, play the Lottery, or even place some bets at a Cock fight deep in the Everglades...and, I do mean, Roosters.

Yes, there are a myriad of ways to increase your financial stake in this world.  That being said...Real Estate... and Waterfront Real Estate on top of that constantly, offers unmatched, consistent returns. 

Case in Point...my recent sale of 4 North Drive in Key Largo.

A beautiful home with wide open water views, perched on the Bay Side of Key Largo.
The greatest part of this transaction for me was that I was able to work with repeat customers!!
I had the privilege of selling this home in 2013 for $850,000.  
I have just recently Sold is again for $1,037,000!! a 22% return in just two short years!!  
And for the most part in the same excellent condition but with no new upgrades. So very apples to apples.

Our Market has been red hot down here in the Keys, with supply becoming a real challenge for demand.
And why not....when you can buy a beautiful home that offers such Tropical Serenity, and the opportunity for world-class fishing and diving mere minutes from your dock, and the security of owning property in the good 'ole US of A??  And comparatively speaking our Keys prices are dramatically low for comparable properties in other waterfront locations both nationally and internationally.

Well, enough of business and finance..lets talk about this super home!!

4 North Drive
List Price:$1,124,900  
Sold Price: $1,037,000
Description: Tropical Chic! Everything you could want in a Florida Keys Home! Wide Water Views, Exceptional Finishes, Superb Dockage, and Caribbean Elegance. Come home to comfortable living spaces accentuated with Stone-worked bathrooms and a Granite and Stainless Kitchen. Kick back and relax or Entertain, this turnkey 2 bedroom + Studio CBS home is perfectly suited for both. World Class Fishing and Diving are
are mere minutes from your custom built Dock. A quick drive from the Mainland but an entire World Away!

This House just always makes me want to grab a seat outside, open up my dog-eared Hemingway, light up a Partagas, and imbibe a sweet Conch Colada (hit me up for the recipe..its awesome!) and ...soak...the Keys...in.

Get your BEST return!
Contact your REALTOR by the Sea!  Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

The Mangrove Pod, Sediment, And a Whole Lot Of $$$, Its Our Sept Real Estate Resource Report!

(You must read the Following with the voice of Jacques Cousteau in your mind, or if you are too young and don't remember him, think of the voice of the narrator of Sponge Bob Square pants!)

Our Little Hero

The Mangrove seed pod floats atop the water.  
With all the might it can muster ... it finds a way. It finds a way to fight the current, and the tides. It finds a way to get to the right spot, and miraculously dig in its root!!

Now, the mangrove begins to flourish, and as it grows, from underneath the water, to on top, it achingly unfolds new roots that branch out and create a unique web, a unique web that becomes a filter in the water.  A web, that offers protection to juvenile marine life and a web that traps sediment.  

Sediment that now offers new seedlings an opportunity to find their way, to grow and prosper, next to the existing Mangrove.  

And now you have a collection of mangroves collecting sediment. NOW, you have a KEY!!!

And that Key when it grows up may have waterfront parcels worth millions of $$$.

(Ok, you can stop with the voice)

This, my readers, is how are Keys were, and continue to be, Born.  Almost 2000 of them in total,
These seed pods have created one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth, our Florida Keys.

And, as our Real Estate Market reflects, folks just cant get enough.

Please see our Real Estate Resource Report below that shows both a drop in inventory and a dramatic drip in the days on Market.

Let me know if you would like a Monthly Resource Report emailed to you directly!

Work with an Agent who will ... find a way!  Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

The Water is Warm, the Weather is Hot and the Florida Keys Real Estate Market is On Fire!!

The Water is Warm, the Weather is Hot and the Florida Keys Real Estate Market is On Fire!!

Yeah..sure..right..Summer is the SLOW Season ...My @#$ !!!

This Summer has been a barn burner as real estate sales go.  And not just for your Humble Conchquistador.  Many of my associates have been just inundated with business.  Seems our little slice of Key Lime Pie is attracting Buyers from Near and Far.

Buyers are Coming from Near and Far, and they LOVE our Keys!

With new owners coming from as close as 2 Blocks away and, as well, from across the other side of the Planet, we are seeing a surge in property sales that is truly remarkable...especially for Summer, traditionally the quieter time of year for property sales.

And why not??? Combine a perfect storm of such factors as a brutal recent winter up North, a plunging Euro, Cheap interest rates, and some of the best waterfront VALUES in the world and you have a major incentive.  And best of all??? You're in the Good 'Ole USA!!  You would be surprise how many people list that as the tipping point in thier home buying decision when they have been comparing properties in such places as the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Panama, and other tropical ports of call.  The SAFETY of knowing that your investment is SECURE is critical and title is Clean.

So, as for me. I've got my 45 on, my top down, Trop-Rock on the Radio, game face on, and am ready to rock for my clientele! Finding the outstanding values to Buy and getting them top-dollar when they sell.  From Key-Z bungalows to Oceanfront Dream Estates, we've got 'em all.

Below is a selection of just some of the great waterfront opportunities that we have available in our office.

So, enjoy the Water, enjoy the Weather, and capitalize on this Hot Market, and make your Island Dreams, your new Reality!

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.

My Favorite Little Hotel In The Florida Keys Is Available For Sale!!

My Favorite Little Hotel in The Florida Keys is available for Sale!! 
I caught my very first fish off its docks when I was 5 years old. 

Listed by my by friends at Realty World Freewheeler. 

Contact me to make it yours! $5,975,000.

The Drop Anchor! 

Click On the Graphic below for more info

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 Waterfront Living Under $500,000!!!

Florida Keys Waterfront Living under $500,000!!! Super cute and turnkey and on a street called Pirates Drive??? Too Cool. This home listed by my colleague here at American Caribbean, Susan Kay Holler is ready to go!

Listed at $459,000.

 
Contact me for more info and to make it yours!

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.

It's Our Secret OK??? Lobster Crawl

It's our secret OK???

Always one to keep you on the inside track of what's cool and going on in the Florida Keys, your humble Conchquitstador has unearthed the coolest place in quite a long time to come around. 

The Lobster Crawl Bar and Grill, located in the Fiesta Key Campground, is my new hotspot to check out, for relaxing, and enjoying a mouthwatering meal and/or an adult beverage, or two, or three, or ..., in the Florida Keys.

Now, now, now, don't start getting visions of toothless trailer trash walking around cozying up for a beer, and looking for a smoke, and asking if you would like to date his sister-wife.  No, This place is something else all entirely different. Cool with a Capital C, Hot with a capital H, and a Big V for Florida Keys Vibe.

Tiki Dining at its best!

Romantic Table for 2 at the water's edge

Totally refurbished, revamped, and revived and now operated by Restaurateur and Caterer Extraordinaire, Mike Forster, of Mangrove Mike's fame, The Lobster Crawl Bar and Grill is the ideal place to pull up either by car or by boat, chow down on great Florida Keys fair, enjoy a full bar, lots of big screen TVs, Live music, and relaxing fun while taking in sublime open water views with sand between your toes.

Currently open for lunch and dinner, and an ideal spot for Weddings or Vow renewals.

Treat yourself to a great experience. Located just past the SW side of the Channel 5 Bridge (in my opinion, the bridge with the best views), on historic Fiesta Key.

Looking forward to seeing you there for a cold one.

Relaxing at The Lobster Crawl Bar and Grill...The Florida Keys...Conchquistador Style

Work with an agent who's got their finger on the pulse of what's hot in 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.

Memorial Day and The Keys.

Memorial Day, is easily the Grand-Daddy of Holidays here in our Fabulous Florida Keys.

Like bees attracted to the nectar that is Good Times and Memories that only the Keys can deliver, folks come from local and international climes to soak in our magical essence.

Marching ant-style across Jewfish Creek Bridge, the hoards make their way to Islamorada, Key West, and all points between.

Stopping in the Mecca that is the Islamorada Sand Bar, for benedictions and libations.

For me though, this year I am skipping the beloved festivities and enjoying a holiday much closer to its intended meaning.
 
I am spending it with my Dad, United States Air Force Airman 2nd Class, Francis J.
Marinelli...deceased.  I am so proud that he was recently laid to rest at the South Florida National Cemetery.  Just such a moving place... The Reverence...The Honor...The Service...The Pride.

So, when you are out there enjoying all, that our magnificent chain of Islands can provide, please take a moment to remember and thank the ones who kept and keep them free for us all to enjoy.

What Does $13M+ Buy You In The Florida Keys?? American Caribbean Real Estate Sets New Record in The Upper Keys!!

It's Big , It's BEAUTIFUL, it's in Islamorada, it just Sold for $13,125,000, and it's AWESOME!

One of the Florida Keys' most idyllic Estates has just been sold at a record-breaking price for the Upper Keys, and it was sold by my colleague and friend Kelly Shaw, here at American Caribbean Real Estate. I am certain that her Buyers will be very, very, happy indeed.

Palm Harbor

Almost 6 1/2 acres of gorgeous Islamorada waterfront serenity. It truly is Island Living at its finest.  Although it was built in 1996, it retains the feel of Florid Keys Vernacular architecture, yet appointed with current designer finishes, decor, and amenities, 6 Bedrooms / 7.1 Baths and over 11,000 sf  of living area, to bask in total comfort.

The exterior and grounds are a dream..  The property boasts its own private lagoon and yacht basin, powder soft sand overlooking the endless Atlantic Ocean, and inviting black bottom pool.


Hell, even the seawall is LOADED with lobster!!! I must have counted 20 when I recently visited.

This is a property that can rival many on the World Wide stage, and is one for serious consideration for the Buying Elite.

It takes a lot to Wow your Conchquistador, and here, I am thoroughly WOWED.

The property was listed by our Mainland, Christie's International Real Estate Affiliate, EWM and their Agent, Audry Ross.

Contact me today for more Details!!

Photo courtesy of Randy Ely and Nick Malinosky

Work with a Company that has record setting experience and expertise.  Put the 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.

Caribbean Elegance and Tropical Chic.

What is it about the  Keys?
Is it the smell of the salty air?  Is it the elation that erupts in your senses as you traverse the Jewfish Creek Bridge, with a tantalizing view of the Beauty to soon come?  The prospect of tropical libations? Gin clear water? Tight Lines? Tan lines? No Tan lines??

Or Could it be ...  all these and so, so much more that tugs at the heartstrings of the Poet in us all? 

What is the that makes the Keys the sublime elixir to raise your spirits and brighten your soul? Leaving you so much better when you cross that bridge back than when you came??

When it bites you...and it can bite you HARD, that Keys bug can only be fed by having you own, as Jimmy Buffett sang, "Salty Piece of Land".

That's where your humble Conchquistador is at your Service.

As evidence and for your discerning pleasure, I offer my latest listing! A Standout home with spectacular open-water views.  A True tonic for the Soul...Caribbean Elegance and Tropical Chic.

4 North Drive, Key Largo  
Description: Everything you could want in a Florida Keys Home! Wide Water Views, Exceptional Finishes, Superb Dockage, and Caribbean Elegance. Come home to comfortable living spaces accentuated with Stone-worked bathrooms and a Granite and Stainless Kitchen. Kick back and relax or Entertain, this turnkey 2 bedroom + Studio CBS home is perfectly suited for both. World Class Fishing and Diving are mere minutes from your custom built Dock. A quick drive from the Mainland but an entire World Away!

2 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 105
List Price: $1,124,900

View Detailed Brochure with Mapped Location Here

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.