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.

Time For A Little Keys Real Estate Stew. A Detectible Bouillabaisse Seasoned by "Bloodline".

Time for a little Keys Real Estate Stew. A Delectable Bouillabaisse.

1. Mix 1 Part Incredible Land and Seascapes created by the Finger of God.
2. Add Unique Homes ranging from waterfront mobile homes to exquisite Oceanfront Estates.
3. Blend in a heaping helping of low interest rates
4. Fold in a record-setting brutal Winter anywhere above the frozen Tundra of Orlando
5. And Sprinkle with International interest fueled by the Netflix series Bloodline.

Let simmer into the perfect blend of Real Estate critical mass.

Serve with an Ice Cold Sandbar Sunday brew from the Islamorada Beer Company or a salty rimmed Margarita.

MMMMM soooo tasty!!!!

The Keys Real Estate Market has been, and continues to be on Fire.  Almost every day I see properties going under contract at a very disproportionate ratio as to those becoming available.  
As cited in my above recipe, there are quite a few variables at play here. That being said, I can not begin to express how Big "Bloodline" has been, and I think, will be in making people DROOL with envy and could be the tipping point as to making people want to visit and eventually buy here in our 127 mile coral rock paradise.

Much like Miami Vice in the 80's, the producers of Bloodline have made a REAL commitment to shoot locally.  Filming in untold local restaurants, resorts, shops, and waterways.  The use very few "sets" and they make the Keys LOOK Amazing!!  And I say this as a local, I can only image how they must look to someone in snow covered who knows where.
If you have not seen the show, I highly recommend you watch it.  Yes,  it moves verrrrrrrry slowly the first1/2 dozen but then it kicks into HIGH gear.  Great acting, especially by Kyle Chandler (who I recently met, super nice) and wow Ben Mendolsohn.  My only criticism ....it rains more in one episode than it does all year!! (Yes, yes, I know its a dramatic metaphor as a bad omen, and bad deeds...but still THAT much rain??? LOL).

Becareful! VERY easy to binge watch.  You may get so engrossed and emerge zonked and looking like some  degenerate stumbling out of  Sloppy Joe's in the wee hours.

It's fun to pick out locales such as the Moorings, Morada Bay, Mrs Macs, Islamorada Tackle, Anne's Beach among others.

All of this beautiful PR is just some great extra seasoning to an already deliciously delirious real estate pot.

Are you Hungry???

Belly up to the table and get your serving of great Keys Real Estate.  Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For more information on the outstanding real estate opportunities that exist in the Keys, call me at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com.

Super Cool Drone Photography of our Mariposa / Papillion Estate

Wow! Check our these fantastic Drone Photography shots of my stunning Mariposa / Papillion Estate
listing that I share with our Broker Joy Martin. Each of these magnificent residencies boasts over 6000 Sq feet and 5 bedrooms /6.1 Baths.

Truly, Livable Works of Art, for those with an affinity for Architecture and Design. Currently available for $5,900,000.
 
Drone Photography is just one of the many Marketing techniques that I use to showcase my listings.
Contact me for more info, or an inspiring, private showing.

 


Oh wait .... You haven't yet learned the full details about this listing have you??? 
Ha, see this was just a juicy teaser!!!

The full blown treatment coming soon.

Mariposa and Papillion... Livable Works of Art.

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.

The Keys Have Gone To The Dogs!! And Aren't We Lucky! Shaggy Chic Dog Boutique Opens in Islamorada.

You've got your Pomeranian, you've got your Shih-Tzu, maybe you're even one of those hipsters that carry a Yorkie in your Purse. Or maybe you like something a little less...feminine?? A Bulldog? Beagle ... Border Collie?

Well whatever your small and midsized breed, the already pet friendly Florida Keys have really gone to the Dogs, with the opening of the Shaggy Chic Dog Boutique, owned and operated by my good friend Lee Ann Naples.  And we are the much Better for it!

Shaggy Chic Dog Boutique is what you get when you combine 30 + years of exceptional dog grooming experience and expertise, great Customer Service, a phenomenal location in the heart of Islamorada, and a fun, low key, Keys-z vibe.

Hell, I'm kind of a hairy guy, I might just stop by and see if they can freshen MY look up!

Located on Upper Matecumbe Key across from the Lor-el-lei , Lee-Ann pampers your four legged friends and gives the Royal Treatment with everything they need to look and smell their very best.  And even though we are super dog friendly here in the Keys, there are few options when it comes to grooming and at that, few are as full service as Shaggy Chic Dog Boutique...even addressing the ...ahem... dreaded anal glands. 

Yeah ...That's Right ... I Look DAMN Good!!

They also carry great pet accessories, toys, and some delicious proprietary doggie treats that looked so good I almost had one as a snack!

So whether you are a Keys full-timer, part-timer, or even just stopping by and you'd like your Rover, Fido, Rex, or Fifi to look Keys Chic, give Lee-Ann a call, and be sure to visit their Face Book Page and website ShaggyChicDog.com.


Shaggy Chic Dog Boutique 
81933 Overseas Highway, Islamorada
Mile Marker 81.9
305.814.5026

Looking for a fantastic Keys Oasis for your four-legged friend and you to call Home??  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.

BIGTIME!! Our Florida Keys Property Listings are featured in a Great Article in the Wall Street Journal!

Start Squeezing the Key Limes and crushing up Graham Crackers, 'cause everyone wants a slice of Our Pie!!

Not quite a secret, our Florida Keys Real Estate Market is the hottest that I have ever seen it, with local, national, and international Buyers itching to drop anchor on our 127 mile stretch of coral paradise.

With the brutal winters that have besieged the North over the last few years, demand has become high from our pasty friends in the Northern Territories (Basically anywhere north of Lake Okeechobee).  This fact has not gone unnoticed by our friends in the media.

Check out this great article, that our listings were featured in, that ran in the Wall Street Journal and on their online portal.

Click On the Photo above to go to this great article.  Photo: Alexia Fodere for The Wall Street Journal

Written by Alina Dizik, it spotlights some of the Larger scale estates and homes that have sold, and that are for sale in the Florida Keys.  In detail, she highlights Film Producer, Jon Landau's Islamorada Estate (That our Firm Sold, and whose Oscar I got to Hold!!) and quotes our Broker Joy Martin quite often.

Well, its March, it's 80 degrees, nice breeze, water's warming up and its almost time for a great spring and Summer.

So grab your Mask, snorkel, fishing gear, SPF, come on down, join, the Pirates, Poets, Lovers, and Dreamers, and call me to see some incredible real estate ready for you to call home!

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.

Gotta Love a Cool Keys Conch House! My Latest Sale $220,000 - The Conchquistador Deal of The Day

You know, the cool thing about the Florida Keys real estate is there there is something for everyone!   And the even cooler part is, quite often you can't tell who owns what.  That Dude in the cut offs, ear ring, and Dolphin Round up T shirt and flip flops?  Yeah, Him...he owns that $2M Estate on Islamorada, and the guy over there at the Bar with the Columbia Fishing shirt? He has the Mobile home at Mile Marker 86. And they both hang out together at the Buoy Bar at Smuggler's Cove.

And the MOST cool part, is that they are Both my customers, as I am privileged to sell property across a broad spectrum to the coolest folks on Earth.  Why?? Because they, like me, LOVE the Keys.

From Waterfront Mobile and Manufactured Homes to Stunning Multi-Acre Oceanfront Estates, our palette is unparallelled.

Today's Deal is a great case in point.  My very cool Buyers used to live in the Keys, moved to California, and missed the Keys so much, that they are Coming Back!!

Ah boy, did we find they a really cool place. A Cozy Conch House, on a Huge lot, in Marathon, steps away from the Water.

Listed by Laura Hutt of Island Breeze Realty, this home made my buyers drool all the way from LA! Though listed as a 1/1, with a very quick and easy modification it will transition nicely into a 2/1.

HUGE DOUBLE LOT

330 63rd Court Gulf, Marathon

1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom

Lot Size:11,071
List Price: $224,000 / Sold Price $220,000
Mile Marker 51

Steps from The Water

Description: This 1949 Conch home was built entirely from Dade County Pine and sits on a large fenced lot with mature trees and landscaping. The house, formerly a duplex, was restored into a single family residence. The metal roof was permitted and installed in June of 2011, and there is plenty of room to put in a pool.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location Here
 
Ready to find a Florida Keys property to make YOU drool??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 For The Relaxed Keys Lifestyle At A Really Relaxed Price?

It's 80 Degrees here in Islamorada Today.  I forgot my hat and think I have a bit of a burn from riding in my convertible with the top DOWN.  In a few hours, I will be on my boat checking to see how many stone crab claws we will have for dinner.

Oh , I'm sorry...are you reading this from upstate New York where it's 25 degrees or even Texas where it is 27? Or maybe even Nashville where it is 32??  Are you shoveling dirty snow?? Why???

Our Florida Keys are beckoning you!! Calling your name!! Head the Sirens' tempting call! Get out of the damn cold and come join us in our Winter paradise!! The Fabulous Florida Keys.

I even have the perfect get-away for you!!

Check out my latest listing In the very cool community of Kawama in Key Largo!

The Property is Ideal for the permanent escape or for seasonal or weekend retreat.  Great potential rental income when you are not using it.

1500 Ocean Bay Drive, P6 - Kawama

3 Bedrooms - 3 Baths Mile Marker 100 List Price: $229,000 Description: Exceptional Opportunity to own a corner townhome in Kawama overlooking the scenic lagoon. 3 Bedrooms /3 Bathrooms + storage. Enjoy as a weekender or full time residence. Income producing opportunities as well with vacation rentals. Great amenities. Guardhouse, Pool, Tennis, Private Beach. Dock space in adjoining Molasses Reef Marina is available for purchase as well.World Class Fishing and Diving are mere minutes away! View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location Here Put your shovel down, get out of the Cold, and come to 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.

Marker 77 ... A Special Location ... A Special Bond ... The Power of Place

Marker 77 ... A Special Location ... A Special Bond ... The Power of Place

In 1970, while driving down US1, our Overseas Highway, in our beige 1968 Ford Falcon (No Air Conditioning.  Roll those Windows down, Baby!) my Father spied a little gravel road leading into the woods and brush just past Marker 77, Oceanside on Lower Matecumbe Key.  As my Father's curiosity was always game, he pulled off the road and followed the trail.  That Moment, that decision, would change both his and my life forever. 

What he found driving the 150 yards off the Highway, and reaching the water was Shang-ri-la! 
Actually, it was a dump.  No, Really, it was a dump.  People used to dump their old appliances, furniture, etc, back here in the woods.  BUT looking beyond the dump, was Paradise!

A Half Mile of natural Sandy Beach, with at that time, only one burnt out house and an Old Hotel at the very end.  Water of multiple hues brimming with so much life, and the loveliness of Indian Key perched just in the near distance.  My Dad had been enjoying the Keys since the mid 50s but this spot was different. It had everything.  Flats that went on forever in low tide, and a coral jetty that bordered a deep channel. In all the years we went there, we never once came back empty handed. SOOOO much Lobster, Conch, and Fish we hauled from those shores

As my parents did not like boating, We would constantly visit this spot for over 20 years. It would become my Dad's favorite place on Earth.  He taught me to snorkel there in 1970 when I was 5. When I was older, he taught me how to catch my first lobster there. This was his escape, his...Happy Place. His de-stress zone. My parents could even be having a raging fight, but when they came here, they would both smile, let their cares ebb away and rejoice in each other and the incredible beauty that was surrounding them.
Yes Marker 77 as we called it then, was for us...Magical.

My Father passed away two weeks ago.  At his burial, I sprinkled fresh ocean water and sand, I had just bottled from Marker 77 the day before, over his casket.  I wanted his to take a piece of our Beloved Keys with him, from his favorite place.  In Know he was smiling.

Though my Father's spirit glides into the Sunset, the Gift he gave to me of the Florida Keys is Indelible.

So much of what I am today, stems from that Magical Strip of land. my love of the Ocean, and snorkeling and fishing.  The whole Keysz lifestyle that I embrace and expound.  It all came from there.  Now, that dump is populated by Multi-Million Estates.  And that Old Hotel?  It is now the spectacular enclave of Luxury Residences that I am now privileged to be marketing and showing for sale, Tarpon Point. But that Magical Essence is still there.

Place is important.  Place is the backdrop of our lives.  The Power of Place can leave an  an indelible stamp on all that we become.  I am so proud and honored to be able to enlighten my Clients to our magnificent Florida Keys and to be able to help them fine not just a Home...but a PLACE that will resonate in their hearts forever.

Let me help you find YOUR PLACE. 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

Welcome to The Florida Keys Real Estate Conchquistador!

What can I say? I just LOVE the Keys! From the incredible waterways to the funkiness of Key West and Fantasy Fest, the Keys are one of this Country’s true treasures. Some of my fondest and earliest precious memories involve dining at the Coral Grill, fishing off the catwalk on the Cardsound Bridge, running in the inaugural 7 mile bridge run, my high school graduation party at the Cheeca Lodge and lobstering off Indian Key (and yes we only kept the legal ones...lol).

Now as an Adult, I am privileged to be able to market and sell stunning waterfront properties in the area that I love most!

Within this Blog, I aim to share with you pertinent real estate info as well as off the wall and irreverent items of interest for both residents and wishful residents of this incredible island chain.

Please visit Property Search Tab for a comprehensive listing of available properties throughout the Keys. There you can view available properties, view photos, see maps and even schedule an appointment to view your next dreamhome.

Thank you for visiting and

Welcome to the Conch Republic!!!

Waterfront Islamorada Home Under $400,000? You Bet!! - Yes Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus, and he LOVES the Florida Keys!!!

Yes Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus, and he LOVES the Florida Keys!!! Though, for the Buyers of this property, he came a little early, wearing Tommy Bahama with Seahorses pulling his sleigh.

Single Family Waterfront Home...Check
CBS Construction... Check
Islamorada Location ...Check
Under $400,000 ... Triple Check!!!

It's not the prettiest and it's definitely not the biggest, but it IS a CBS,  Islamorada Waterfront home in the great neighborhood of Plantation Key Colony.

Recently sold by my friend Dian Fiddes of of RE/MAX Keys Properties, this home with a little polishing is the ideal weekender.

As properties values have continued to rise, the sub-$400K, waterfront home is ebbing like a full moon low tide.

Here are the details:

175 Azalea Street. Plantation Key

2 Bedrooms/ 1 Bath

List Price: $375,000 / Sale Price: $346,000

Mile Marker: 90 Bayside

Description: Calling All Anglers. here is your chance to be on waterfront in Islamorada at an affordable price 40Ft. canalfront. Concrete home with dockage & Boat ramp.

View Detailed Brochure Here

Looking for your own great prided diamond in the rough?? 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.