The Witch is Dead!! The Witch is Dead!! Um... I mean it's the end of Hurricane Season.

Phewwww!  And good riddance!! I always get a little tingle in my step on November 30ths.   A busy season quantity wise, but luckily for us most of the storms had little, if no, direct impact on us this year. So, I guess it's time to stop humming my favorite Jimmy Buffet song, Trying to Reason With Hurricane Season (check out the nice video I found on YouTube..be sure to pause the music playlist on the lower left of this page before you play, so you don't have 2 things at once), put the generator in storage and use all my batteries for Holiday presents.



Hurricane Memorial in Islamorada

 I get asked quite a bit by Buyers about the effects of Hurricanes on our market here in the Keys.  My response is...they are a fact of life here. They are wound into the very DNA of Keys Living.  From the storms that ravaged to Spanish Fleet in the 1700's to the tragic Labor Day Storm of 1935 to recent tempests such a Wilma, Hurricanes are, and will be a fact of life here.  That being said...advances in storm preparation, communication, prognostication, and building materials and zoning have made living with these menaces...manageable.   So to my Buyers I always advise to be proactive!  Preparation, a good plan, strong shutters/impact windows....and great insurance, all help in keeping your property and sanity together.
I lived in California for 10 years and was in the 1989 Earthquake, and like here, those shakers are just a fact of life.  At least Hurricanes, generally, have some forewarning.
So, until at least June 1st, let's say goodbye to the Hurricane parties, the crazed weather reporters outside in 100 mph winds and rains...looking like complete idiots, (no offense Julie Durda and Christina Loren, who both read this blog, but what is up with that???), and our tracking charts and get ready for some real craziness...The Holiday Season!!

Ready to find YOUR Port in the Storm???  Put 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.

Thanksgiving ...Keys Style

What a Great Day!!! With all the rest of family in Tampa this Holiday, my wife and I needed to stay in town for her business, so we celebrated Thanksgiving..Keys Style. 
First of let me say how Thankful The Conchquistador is to be part of this Great Country and especially to be here in the American Caribbean...the Fabulous Florida Keys!

Thanksgiving...Keys-Style!!

We spent the morning getting shells and trinkets to decorate our Christmas Tree from Shell World, in Key Largo,what a great selection!!  We then meandered to my favorite new shop Mother Ocean, the marine consignment shop with a world of treasures.  Mrs. Conchquistador found some neat trinkets...Thank you Rubin and Lisa for staying Open!!!! You must stop by this cool little shop when you are in Key Largo.  
From there we previewed some properties in Wynken, Blynken & Nod Estates on Tweetie Pie Terrace (yes, there is such a place) and a quick stop by the office in Islamorada to drop off some paperwork from last night's listing appointment and off to World Wide Sportsman to pick up some items for tomorrow's Grouper hunting excursion on our boat, the Conch-Keys-Tador.  A quick snack at The Islamorada Fish Company next door led to our meeting a lovely vacationing couple where I got to give them and insider's lay of the land with local info.
From there it way off to the Big FEAST at Gilbert's!!! Thanksgiving at Gilbert's is something unique and a whole lot of fun.. A German take on Thanksgiving fare with Sauerbraten, Lamb Shank, Goulash, Turkey, a million sides and the PHENOMENAL PUMPKIN SOUP!!!  Gilbert's is located just before you get into Key Largo on Jewfish Creek with a wonderful location overlooking Blackwater Sound.
Be sure to click on the links to get more info on these fun local businesses.
So..yes a wonderful Thanksgiving indeed.....the only thing missing was our brave soldiers stationed world wide keeping us safe.

Ready to feast on some tasty real estate?? Put 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 Conchquistador Deal of The Day 11/22

128 4th Lane Key Largo

Today's deal was just closed by my friends Terry Canto and Mike Diaz from our sister firm Marr Properties in Key Largo.
A quick jump on the water from this stunning home brings you to the Pennecamp Channel and out to the Atlantic for World-Class Diving and Fishing, or thru the nearby Adams Cut to Florida Bay and off to fantastic flats flishing.
Super finishes...this buyer will be quite content indeed. 
We see a lot of press down here about how bad our real estate market is, but the funny thing is ...they forgot to tell us!!! Things ARE popping down here.  Yes values are down (Great for Buyers), but well priced homes ARE moving.

List Price:$795,000  - Sold Price: $740,000
4-Bedrooms - 2.1 Baths
Mile Marker 102 - Year Built 1997

Description: GORGEOUS MEDITERRANEAN STYLE WATERFRONT HOME! Newly built concrete block structure w/metal roof. Exquisite attention to detail w/spacious open floor plan, generous size rooms, tray ceilings, great kitchen w/granite countertops & Stainless steel appliances. Total of 3 bedrooms + den, 2.5 baths, 2800 SF under air. Private 3rd floor master w/private open veranda overlooking canal. Protected 60' dock

Click Here for Detailed Brochure

Click Here for Mapped View

Ready to Drop YOUR Anchor??? Put 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.

BayJama Reggae Fest in Islamorada !!!

Prior to my career in Real Estate, I spent 15 years in the Music Industry.  From musician to record company exec to studio owner, music has always been in my blood and I LOVE live music!!
If you happen to be down here in the Fabulous Florida Keys and Love music...then.....Don't miss the second annual BayJama Reggae Fest at Islamorada Founders Park on Saturday, November 27. 
Click here for BayJama News release with complete details.

Headlining will be last year's crowd favorite Kevens, rising star Jahfe, plus special surprise guests, and 4th Dimension, Baga Tricks, 20 WT, Mixed Culture, and Kulchashok's Lance-O will M.C. and D.J. Music starts at 2 and goes till 10. Tickets are $25 at the gate.

Ready for your own Island Groove?? Put 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.

Cool New Shop in Key Largo! Mother Ocean Marine Consignment!

For those of you that know me personally, you know I love to find great deals...be they real estate or rods and reels.  I love consignment shops and knick knack places like those guys on American Pickers, and boy have I found a new place to have some fun!  I had been driving by this cool little shop the last couple of days and its glass balls and beacon lights have been beckoning me, and as I had been wanting to stop by, today... I did.

Just opened this month, Mother Ocean Key Largo, US1 at mile marker 98.9 Bayside, is a treasure lovers delight!  From Marine Consignment ( a really nice gently used canon downrigger..$90, 7 ft rod and sturdy conventional reel $45, a myriad of marine supplies and tools) to Keyzy home decor artifacts and local nautical art, to....Boats!!  This place has something for everyone.
Inventory changes daily and deals are there to be found! And if they don't have it...they'll help you find it!
Stop by Thursdays thru Sundays .....you'll be glad you did.
motheroceankeylargo@gmail.com

Looking for a hard to find real estate treasure? Put 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 Conchquistador Deal of The Day 11/18

135 Ocean Shores Dr, Key Largo

Navigable Waterfront Home in the Keys ...$400,000.  Navigable Waterfront Home in the Keys ...$400,000. Navigable Waterfront Home in the Keys ...$400,000.  Yes Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus and Yes, these deals do exist!!!  And we are not talking about a mobile or manufactured home, but rather a CBS 3-bedroom home, with dock, davits, pool and spa, and easy access to open water!

I know that I must seem like Howard Beal from Network, sweating profusely and half mad pointing out the obvious, but as your Real Estate Conchquistador it is my DUTY to evangelize the opportunities that exist down here in our own slice of Paradise, our American Caribbean.....The Fabulous Florida Keys!!!

List Price: $500,000  - Sold Price: $400,000

3- Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms (Plus Possible 1/1 downstairs)

Mile Marker 100

Days on the Market: 25 days

This property previously sold for $974,500 in 2006!

Description: Enjoy the Keys! CBS home with 3BR/2BA up and possible non-conforming 1BR/1BA down. Large fenced lot with L-shaped water frontage. Two sheds for storage. Dock with davits and fish-cleaning station. Beautiful waterfront pool with hot tub. Come take a look... This one won't last long! Bank-Owned.

Click here for a Detailed Brochure with Photos
Click here for Mapped Location

Want your own slice of Paradise?  Work with an Expert at navigating real estate's choppy seas. Put 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 Conchquistador Deal of The Day 11/16

817 Oceana Drive, Key Largo

It's funny how many people just don't "get it" when you bump Conventional Wisdom and zig when everyone else is zagging.  When I told people that I was going to focus my practice full time in the Keys, many people thought I was as crazy as the King in Monty Python's Holy Grail who builds his castle in a swamp ( obscure reference I know)  The key is though, that, as those of you who know me will attest, I am very thorough in my analysis and research and determining where the Market will most likely head, and wow was it ever the right move at the right time.
The are sooo many incredible opportunities in the Keys right now and there are savvy buyers who are making moves and picking up treasures and many smart sellers who understand the Market and are pricing properties to Sell!

817 Oceana Drive

This brings me to today's Deal.

This property is the essence of location.  As many of you know, I love the Largo Sound area, for several reasons: it's quaint neighborhoods and its setting right near the Cut, and South Sound Creek Channel, its protection by El Radabob Key from the hard surf of the Ocean, and its proximity to the mainland.

This picturesque waterfront property that just Closed is the essence of Keys Living at a price that was a great opportunity for the new owners!
List Price: $899,000 - Sold Price: $800,000
Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 2
Mile Marker: 104
Description:


Serenity at its Best!



OCEANA WATERFRONT! Gorgeous open water views of beautiful Largo Sound from this delightful home in the private area of Oceana. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, CBS construction. Beautiful wood floors & vaulted ceiling in living area. Open kitchen with sit-up bar & additional dining area. Spa tub in master. Concrete dock with wood deck, hot tub & outdoor bar; fenced & landscaped for privacy. A true hidden gem!

Click Here for a detailed Brochure with additional photos.

Click here for mapped view.

Put 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.

Congratulating my colleague Bill Belian on REALTOR of the Year!!

One of the reasons that I decided to put my license with American Caribbean Real Estate was the company wide focus and commitment to excellence.

Bill Belian- FL Keys Board of REALTORS'  - REALTOR of the Year

Professionalism and community service are,and have been, the hallmarks of our firm, and nowhere is that more exemplified than in the efforts of my colleague Bill Belian.

Bill, was just awarded the distinguished title of the Florida Keys Board of Realtors', REALTOR of the Year!

Congratulations Bill!

Put 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.

Get Hooked!!



December 2 thru December 5

 Always a spectacular event!!
Put 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 Conchquistador Deal of The Day 11/8

136 San Marco Drive

Properties are popping here in the Keys!! As with most real estate in the Country, but especially down here, the are two types of Sellers...those that get it and those...that don't.

In today's value driven market, savvy Buyers are very attuned to market value, and of course want to pay lower, but IF a Seller "gets it" and prices their property at market value, THAT is a property that will most likely have the opportunity of moving from Available to Sold.

Too many Sellers are still testing the Market and pricing to high...these are the properties that sit on the market and become stale and, in essence, help to sell other properties that are bringing more VALUE to the table.

In today's Market, premium features do not necessarily translate to higher price, but rather add VALUE to Market price, making them far more competitive and appealing to potential Buyers.

Here is an example of a Seller who "got it".  My colleague, Jayme Roberts, here at American Caribbean Real Estate, worked with Sellers who just Closed on this sale in Venetian Shores (one of my Favorite Communities), in Islamorada on Plantation Key,

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms
Built in 1997
Mile marker 86
List Price: $ 649,000 /Sold Price: $655,000 (Yes Above List Price!)

Description: VENETIAN SHORES TRI-LEVEL! TROPICAL HOME INCLUDES DEEP WATER DOCKAGE BOAT SLIP #17 LOCATED NEARBY AT BAYFRONT MARINA WHICH OFFERS CONVENIENT ACCESS TO THE BAY AND OCEAN. SPACIOUS HOME OFFERS 2/2 UP AND 1/1 DOWNSTAIRS,FINISHED GARAGE AND BEAUTIFUL CANAL VIEWS

Click Here for a Detailed Brochure.

Click Here for Mapped View

Need an expert to guide you through the murky waters of real estate??

Put 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 Fishing Tournament Schedule

It's Tournament Time in Islamorada!!!   Below are some selected exciting tournaments that are sure to get the blood racing, reels spinning, and fish biting!



It's Tournament Time!!

November

Islamorada/ November 5th to 7th

Redbone Celebrity Tournament

Contact: Gary Ellis 305.664.2002

Islamorada/November 27th to 28th

Islamorada Fishing Club Junior Derby

Contact: Jim Trice  305.664.3864

December

Islamorada/December 2nd to December 5th

47th Annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament

The first leg of the triple-crown Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series is limited to 25 boats and characterized by high-flying sail action, conservation and sportsmanship.  It's also the only tournament in the Gold Cup series to offer a junior division for anglers age 16 and younger.

Contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305.852.2102

Islamorada/December 8th to December 9th

Islamorada Fishing Club Captain's Cup Sailfish Tournament

Contact: Dianne Harbaugh 305.852.2102

Islamorada/December 10th to December 12th

Captain Don Gurgiolo Sailfish Classic

Now part of the acclaimed Redbone at Large series of tournaments, this all-release boat team tournament awards the boat accumulating the most release points, the winning title. Tournament winners qualify for the 2011 International Game Fish Association Offshore Championship to be held in Islamorada.  Up to four anglers can fish per boat.

Contact: Tammy Gurgiolo 305.240.9337

Islamorada/December 17th to December 19th

Islamorada Junior Sailfish Tournament

Teen recreation in the Florida Keys often involves learning to tie a bimini or getting ballyhoo-rigging lessons from experienced local captains and mates.  One weekend each year, anglers age 16 and younger can put such lessons to use by competing in this tournament, now in its 45th year.

Contact: Tammy Gurgiolo 305.240.9337

As my friend local guide and radio host Captain Matt Bellinger of Bamboo Charters says, "Get Out on the Water, Go Fish!"

Fishing for a real estate deal in the Florida Keys?? Call the Conchquistador at 305.439.7730 or email me at DropAnchor@TheRealEstateConch.com .

American Caribbean Real Estate Leads In Upper Keys Luxury Sales!

One of the Main reasons that I decided to join American Caribbean Real Estate was for their prominence in the field of Luxury Sales.  I became aware of the company as far back as 1997 when I was with Wimbish -Riteway ( The then DOMINANT!!! Luxury brokerage in Dade County- and I was proud to be on it's Top Producing Team!!  But that's for another post...).  Both of our companies were at that time affiliates of Sotheby's and I began to notice their impressive track record of Keys Sales.  American Caribbean, since that time parted ways with Sotheby's and has become the Keys' Exclusive Affiliate of Christie's Great Estates ( a VERY Smart Move!), providing even greater services to both Buyers and Sellers of Luxury Properties, especially Waterfront Properties.  As Luxury Waterfront Properties are my specialty... a great fit.....

Here is a report that shows Upper Keys Residential sales over $2,000,000 from 2007 to 2010, and you can see that American Caribbean together with our sister company Marr Properties has a commanding top presence in both quantity of properties sold and $ volume.  So, I am in the perfect enviornment, and with a great team to offer my clients the pinnacle of service when it comes to their real estate needs.   As our motto says, " From the Affordable to the Fabulous."

To put the Conchquistador to work for you, or 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.