The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 1/31 - From $940,000 to Sold at $525,000!

260 S Coconut Palm Blvd, Plantation Key, Islamorada
And the Deals just keep on Coming!!!
I was asked today, by a colleague of mine from REMAX in New Jersey, who follows my reprints of this Blog in ActiveRain.com, a 200,000+ member Real Estate Professional Network, of which I am very actively involved (and am the #1 ranked Real Estate Agent in Key Largo), what, I thought about the Keys Market in 2011.  As I told her, The Keys are in a great position to Increase the volume of Sales as the worst of the bleeding has been evidenced to be behind us, and sales are defiantly picking up.  Two factors will greatly impact our market, once Buyers see that bottom has been reached, especially on waterfront property, there will be a run to gram 'em before prices escalate and the extraordinarily HARSH Winter that the rest of the Nation has endured, has people saying,"Get Me Out of Here, I'm Moving to the Keys!!"
Today's deal is another in a long list of fantastic deals that Buyers have made, and was sold by my friend and colleague Stephanie Clark, of our sister firm Marr Properties.
Originally Listed at $940,000, this foreclosure sold for $525,000! Navigable waterfront in a premium community!

260 S Coconut Palm Blvd, Plantation Key, Islamorada
Description: Bank Owned! This 3 bedroom/2 bath CBS home is in move-in condition! There is a screened-in porch overlooking the canal as well as a wrap-around porch with access to all windows and accordion shutters. The grounds are well maintained. Close to schools and shopping with great boating access.!

3 Bedrooms / 2 bathrooms
List Price: $534,000 / Sold Price: $525,000
Original List Price:$940,000
Mile Marker 90
Click Here for Detailed Brochure With Photos
Click Here for Mapped View

Grab your Slice of Paradise before the prices go up!!! 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 Stone Crabs!!!

STONE CRABS!!!!!!  Down here in the Keys we love 'em. 
In fact tomorrow I am going out on the water to see if my crab traps are full.  Each licensed angler is permitted to have up to 5 traps, and we can only harvest the claw, which must be a minimum if size.  This way the little critters get to survive and grow some new ones.  The best bait is Pigs feet and you leave traps soaking for about a week or so.
This week is the Key Largo Stone Crab and Seafood festival and is always a lot of fun.


So, not to rub it in... we will be enjoying fresh stone crab while folks up North are.....shoveling snow!!!
Time for you to move on down!!!!


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.

2010 Sales Figures for the Upper Keys...The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Yes, I know it's odd but one of my favorite times of the year is the latter part of January, as that is when I am able to accurately compile the previous year's sales statistics.  I love numbers...and the stories that they tell, the impartial, matter-of-fact, in-your-face, veracity.  Good or Bad.
So, what do last year's numbers tell us?? 
Well the most resounding message is that prices have tumbled and that it's a great time to make a move on Florida Keys Real Estate!  Both Waterfront and Non Waterfront properties are a great opportunity, with the Upper Keys' median price for a non waterfront home being $ 230,000, and a Waterfront Home being $550,000.  Not great news for Sellers, though better than 2009 when very little was selling.
Below are Figures for Upper Keys Waterfront and Non Waterfront 2010 MLS Sales


Double Click on the Chart for Larger View



Double Click on Chart for Larger View

Ready to join the Chart with YOUR purchase?? 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

2010 Sales Figures for the Middle Keys...The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Yes, I know it's odd but one of my favorite times of the year is the latter part of January, as that is when I am able to accurately compile the previous year's sales statistics.  I love numbers...and the stories that they tell, the impartial, matter-of-fact, in-your-face, veracity.  Good or Bad.
So, what do last year's numbers tell us?? 
Well the most resounding message is that prices have tumbled and that it's a great time to make a move on Florida Keys Real Estate!  Both Waterfront and Non Waterfront properties are a great opportunity, with the Middle Keys' median price for a non waterfront home being $ 204,500, and a Waterfront Home being $550,000.  Not great news for Sellers, though better than 2009 when very little was selling.
Below are Figures for Middle Keys Waterfront and Non Waterfront 2010 MLS Sales



Click on Chart for Larger View




Click on Chart for larger View




Ready to get on the chart with YOUR Purchase? 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.

2010 Sales Figures for the Lower Keys...The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Yes, I know it's odd but one of my favorite times of the year is the latter part of January, as that is when I am able to accurately compile the previous year's sales statistics.  I love numbers...and the stories that they tell, the impartial, matter-of-fact, in-your-face, veracity.  Good or Bad.
So, what do last year's numbers tell us?? 
Well the most resounding message is that prices have tumbled and that it's a great time to make a move on Florida Keys Real Estate!  Both Waterfront and Non Waterfront properties are a great opportunity, with the median price for a non waterfront home being $ 210,000, and a Waterfront Home being $390,000.  Not great news for Sellers, though better than 2009 when very little was selling.
Below are Figures for Lower Keys Waterfront and Non Waterfront 2010 MLS Sales

Click on Graph for Larger View

Click on Graph for Larger View

Ready to get on the chart??? 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 Conchquistador Deal of The Day 1/20 - Navigable Waterfront Home from $1,495,000 to $370,000!

210 Gulfview Drive, Lower Matecumbe, Islamorada
As a Port Antigua Area Specialist and as the Port Antigua Community Sponsor on ActiveRain.com, I enjoy keeping my clients up to date with the latest available properties and real estate news, as well as recently closed properties.  Port Antigua, on Lower Matecumbe Key is one of Islamorada's desirable luxury communities, with waterfront homes that offer easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.  World-class fishing and diving are mere minutes away! Only minutes from Miami, yet a world away.

210 Gulfview Dr Lower Matecumbe, Islamorada
Are there deals, down there????  I get asked this question all the time from my mainland colleagues and clients, and the answer is Yes!!! Oh yes! .... Hell YES!!
Today's deal is a great example.  Located in the Port Antigua Area of Lower Matecumber Key in Islamorada, in the White Marlin Beach Community, this home is in a very desirable area of the Keys.
Some of these prices that we are now seeing are truly mind blowing, and present incredible opportunities to own your own slice of the American Caribbean.
Originally listed at $1,495,000, this property went through a series of reductions over time until it finally sold for just $370,000!  That is a fantastic price for a navigable waterfront home in Islamorada!

Description: All concrete 2 bedroom and 2 bath upstairs and storage down with a one car garage located on a canal in Lower Matecumbe with dockage and a boat ramp on property for your boating access to the bay. Make this home your own - it is a true handyman special in a fantastic location. Subdivision has a private community beach area.
Mile Marker 74
List Price: $389,000 / Sold Price:$370,000

Click Here for Detailed Brochure with Photos
Click Here for Mapped View

Ready for YOUR slice of the pie?? 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 Sponsors Scholarship Essay Contest for High School Seniors

How Cool is this???
Florida REALTORS are sponsoring their 2011/2011 Scholarship Essay Contest for High School Seniors.
This year high school seniors living in the state may receive up to $28,000 in college scholarship funding!
Entering the contest is easy.  Students must write a typed, double spaces essay - 500 words or less on  the topic, "How does a REALTOR Professional Benefit the Community?"
All essays, accompanied by an official essay cover form, must be postmarked no later than February 9, 2011. FAR sends copies of the 2010-2011 scholarship essay contest application kit and other materials to senior high schools' guidance offices throughout Florida.  The materials are also available online at http://media.floridarealtors.org/scholarshipinfo.htm

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 1/17

Today, we celebrate and remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, a man who...dared to DREAM.  We celebrate diversity, equality, and opportunity. We are one of the few countries in the world that promotes home ownership. The opportunity to own your own domain, regardless of color or creed.  Now to some, that might not seem like much, but time travel back 60 or 70 years to a time before Dr. King, and that opportunity was not so easily achieved for many of our citizens, based solely on the color of their skin.  Dr. King's influence on our society is, to me, incalculable, and we are a better nation for it.

Today's deal is located in the Stillwright Point community (originally Stellrecht Point), a fantastic location in Key Largo that is a peninsula jutting out into Blackwater Sound, and was listed and sold by our Broker, Joy Martin, of American Carribean and Marr Properties.
Originally on the Market for $1,349,000, the buyer was able to purchase this bayfront home for $887,000. A discount of over 34% !

22 North Dr Key Largo, Key Largo, FL
List Price: $ 999,000 / Sold price: $887,000
Original List Price: $1,349,000
3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 105

Description: STILLWRIGHT BAYFRONT! Gorgeous open views & superior dockage are hallmarks of this concrete bayfront home in desirable Stillwright Point. All concrete including roof. 80 feet of deep-water dockage with 2 boat lifts. Exterior features dual carports and beautifully landscaped tiki entertainment area overlooking the bay. Interior boasts chef-style kitchen with granite counters & spacious master suite.

Click here for Detailed Brochure with Photos.
Click Here for mapped View

Ready to enjoy YOUR opportunity?? 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.

What's a Conch???

It's funny how sometimes you can take things for granted until you see them from someone else's perspective.
Recently, I met with client who was relocating  from the Northeast to The Keys and as she sat at my desk, she saw my logo with the address TheRealEstateConch.com.   She asked...What's a Conch?

One of the humorous things we Keys Folk get a kick out of, is the way tourists say "Conch" with the ch  sounding like the ch in cheetah. 
Conch...Pronounced like KONK is a wonderful mollusk that I many other Keys Folk have an incredible affinity for.

For centuries the Native American and subsequently the Anglo settlers in the Keys came to rely on this relative of the snail for its high protein as a mainstay staple on their tables.
They were as well prized for their beautiful shells.
As time went on native Key Westers and eventually Keys residents in general were nick-named Conchs

In the 80's when The Keys sarcastically seceded from the Union, we were called "The Conch Republic" before we rejoined the Union (I sometimes wonder if we would should have stayed independent!!)
When boiled, Conch can be chewy like octopus or calamari, but when tenderized it can be just wonderful, breaded and fried with a bit of lemon (Cracked Conch). 
Because of over harvesting, native Conch are no longer allowed to be taken, but as a kid, when they were legal, I used to snorkel for them, for their shells and even made Conch horns that I would sell to my friends (great noise maker at a football game).

My mom and I would get the meat out and she would sometimes make the best ceviche (raw conch cooked only by the acid of Lime juice , with peppers, onions, celery, tomatoes, and spices...ummm mmm) or conch fritters.

Yes we are Conchs...proud custodians of these magical isles...the Fabulous Florida Keys!

So now you know what a Conch is and why I am the CONCHquistador.

Ready for sage advise from a Conch??  Put the 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 Conchquistador Deal of The Day 1/5 - Executive Bay Club

87200 Overseas Hwy L 1, Plantation Key

I know that here on The Florida Keys Real Estate Conchquistador, we do not often feature Condos or Townhomes in our Deal of The Day posts, but today's deal is an exception.

Executive Bay Club, on the Bay side of Plantation Key in Islamorada is a very nice Townhome Community walking distance to Founders Park (Site of the old Plantation Yacht Club) and by water, close to both Snake and Tavernier Creeks offering easy access to the Atlantic.  The community is entry priced for seasonals and weekenders alike and makes a perfect year round residence as well.  With amenities such as a sparkling pool, beachfront, guardhouse, and easy, open, first come first serve dockage, it's no wonder that Executive Bay Club is a favorite of part timers and Conchs alike.

Today's Deal was brokered by my friends and associates here at American Caribbean Real Estate: Vanessa Chamizo and Bert Jimenez and the sold it in just weeks.  Great Job guys!

87200 Overseas Hwy L 1, Plantation Key

Description: Beautifully appointed & partially furnished private end unit with waterviews from patio. Over 1,300 sq. ft. of living space including 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms & finished loft. Located in prestigious Islamorada with all the amenities of resort living including a bay front white sand beach, dockage, pool, tennis courts, club house & gated entrance. Best location & price

List Price: $239,900 Sold Price: $265,000

2- Bedrooms / 2.1 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 87
Click here for Detailed Brochure with photos
Click Here for Mapped Location

Ready to join the Club?? Put the 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 Conchquistador Deal of The Day 1/4 New Year - New Opportunities

819 Bonita Lane, Key Largo
2011... a New Year filled with new opportunities.  Could this be the year YOU make the move down to our Fabulous Florida Keys???  Is a seasonal residence or weekend getaway on your horizon?  Or are you ready to take Life the B....I mean are you ready to savor life full time in the Keys???
2011 is going to be a very interesting year in how it shakes out.   The magic question being where is the Market going??? My crystal ball says that we will see a great deal of sales activity, but prices will remain stable, neither declining nor appreciating even with the increased activity.  A plateau of sorts.  I will soon publish year end sales figures which are sure to tantalze, delight, and awe...OK maybe you don't get into this stuff like I do...but that's why you read my blog!!! Your Conchquistador is ever vigil, ready for the heat of real estate battle.  

819 Bonita Lane, Key Largo

Today's deal is a Waterfront Property in a very nice part of Key Largo, just North of Tavernier.
819 Bonita Lane, Key Largo
List Price: $579,000 - Sold Price: $490,000
4 Bedrooms / 3 Baths
Mile Marker 95
Description: Enjoy your boating access at this cut in concrete dock, with minutes to the ocean. Beautiful terrazzo floors with ''Dade County Pine'' ceilings accenting the water views from the abundant windows and sliding glass doors. Pretty gardens surrounding this special home.
Click Here For Detailed Brochure with photos
Click Here For Mapped Location

Ready to Start the New Year with a property in America's Caribbean???  Put the 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.