Come to The Florida Keys and Revel In Our Breathtaking Sunsets!

Living in the Florida Keys is a delight for the senses...The smell of salt in the air....the hint of the afternoon breeze caressing your skin....the sounds of albatross flying overhead...the tarte taste of key limes.. but it is the sights...the sights that overwhelm you.
One of the most glorious sights in the Florida Keys are our renowned sunsets, as evidenced by two shots of tonight's sunset in Key Largo!

Tonight's Sunset in Key Largo

Tonight's Sunset in Key Largo

So, Come to the Keys..and let your senses...go...wild!!

Ready to enjoy our sunsets on a permanent basis???
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.

I Love Being an Ambassador for The Florida Keys!

As your Florida Keys Real Estate Conchquistador, one of my favorite aspects of doing what I do, is being an ambassador for all things Florida Keys.

Yesterday, I had some very nice clients from Dallas that are moving here, and I had the privilege of showing them The Keys from a Conch's perspective (For those of you who do not know, besides being a delicious mollusk a Conch is a nickname for people from the Keys).

Though they had previously been to the Keys, mostly Key West, it was a true delight to turn them onto some of our local charm.  Like, how if you turn your radio to one of our local stations between 6-7pm on weeknights there is always a local live remote from one of our famous restaurants like Green Turtle, or Snapper's offering great specials that evening and lots of local fun.

Casual Waterfront Dining at Made 2 Order

Seeing their eyes light up as we fed the Tarpon at Robbies's, and having a fabulous waterfront lunch of Mahi fajitas at Made2Order, while going over fishing, snorkeling, our breath taking reefs, Keys History, and the lifestyle in general.  Seeing them ... get-it. 

I cannot tell you how many times I will be with people who are new to visiting the Keys and they don't quite get it....at first (  Where are the beaches???).  And then...it slowly, magically creeps up on them. Their watches come off, their hair comes down and they breath ...it...in.  They have arrived...and it slowly sinks in, what our lifestyle is all about.

As a member of The Matecumbe Historical Trust, and Patron of The Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys, and life long Keys enthusiast, I love imparting my passion for this great location and its history and lore to my clients and new friends.

There really is no place like our 108-mile chain of Islands called the Florida Keys.  The Beauty...The History, The Lifestyle...The Multi-Hued Water...The Essence...The Essence of The Fabulous Florida Keys.  This is what I really sell.

Ready to Drop Anchor???  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.

Port Largo Coup - From $1,249,000 to Sold at $775,00 - The Conchquistador Deal of the Day 5/23

374 Bahia Avenue,  Key Largo



Port Largo

 Well, it seems that Port Largo has the Hot Hand right now!  Lately, a couple of really nice deals have been going on in this stalwart of Key Largo Waterfront luxury homes.
It's funny, Port Largo actually has an almost cult-like following and devotion.  And why shouldn't it??? Beautiful Waterfront Homes,  quick access to world class reef fishing and diving and just minutes from the mainland!
Add to this, prices that we have not seen in quite some time.  This one was originally listed at $1,249,000 and has now sold at $775,000!!
Aces High...Port Largo has the Hot Hand!

374 Bahia Avenue,  Key Largo

4 Bedrooms / 3 bathrooms

List Price: $899,000 / Sold Price: $775,000

Mile Marker 100 Oceanside

Description: PORT LARGO PERFECTION! Large 4 bedroom, 3 bath 3-story CBS home in desirable Port Largo. Over 3,300 square feet of immaculately-maintained living space. 3/2 up and spacious and legal 1/1 down. 7-person outdoor spa & concrete dock with davits & fish-cleaning station. Spacious porch on main level; private balcony off master. Plenty of storage plus separate shed. Pristine condition inside & out.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Map

View Available Port Largo Properties

Ready to deal yourself in???  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.

Was Listed for $2,150,000 in 2008, Now, Just Sold for $915,000 in 2011! The Conchquistador Deal of the Day 5/22

58417 Morton Street, Grassy Key

Yes, I know that I sound like a broken record or even John the Baptist ranting about Baptism, but I cannot evangelize enough, about how great the deals are right now here in The American Caribbean...The Fabulous Florida Keys!!!! Can I get an Amen???!!!

From $2,150,000 to $915,000!

In all seriousness, today's deal takes us to Grassy Key, at the Northern end of the Marathon Island Chain, and again is an exquisite example of the current values.  This property had previously been on the Market in 2008, and was listed at $2,150,000.  It just closed this week at $915,000, when it was listed at $999,000. Basically 58% Less!! So, in just 3 short years, like many other properties, this is selling for 1/2 of it's 2008 price.  And that is not even when the market was crazy like 2005-2006.

58% off???!!!  Gimme a Hallelujah...a Contract...and Amen!!!

Paradise!

58417 Morton Street, Grassy Key

List Price: $999,000 / Sold Price: $915,000
2008 List Price: $2,150,000

3 Bedrooms / 3.1 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 58 Bayside

Description: Private, main house 2 bedrooms plus loft, 3 porches, downstairs enclosure, vaulted ceilings over looking the open gulf,pool, 150' BIG boat dock with 16,000lb davits, boat ramp, protected jetty for smaller vessels,hot tub,lots of trees. Guest conch cottage 1 bedroom 1 bath plus a glass florida room could be 2nd bedroom also a screen porch.

Come on In! The Water is Great!

View Detailed Brochure With Photos

View Mapped Location

Marathon Waterfront Homes Under $500K

Marathon Waterfront Homes $500K - $1M

Marathon Waterfront Homes $1M+

Praying for a great deal 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.

It's The 3rd Annual Key Largo Original Music Festival!!! May 19-21, 2011

OK...so I have not ALWAYS been the Conchquistador.  In my previous life (before Real Estate), I was actually a successful Recording Industry Executive and Studio owner (think a kinder but still as critical Simon Cowell) and...Songwriter.  Though my stuff never hit the top of the charts...(what you don't know "Oil in The Harbor", "Modern Day Pirate", or even "Key West Queen"?????) I love the craft of songwriting and this event is really going to be fun!

Multiple music happenings are to set the stage for music lovers during the third annual Key Largo Original Music Festival, featuring live and original performances Many performers are among an elite group of musicians helping shape the music industry today, excelling in genres that include pop, rock, blues, jazz and country.

From Nashville audiences can enjoy tuneful offerings including the Christian pop influences of Jamie Morgan, Justin Halpin's foot-tapping Johnny Cash-esque acoustic guitar and the stylings of Indie-pop artist Brandon Young, who has shared the stage with stars such as Dave Matthews, Emmylou Harris and Alison Krauss. Young country artist Megan Conner, described as "a firecracker with Southern class and Northern sass," is to perform on the heels of a new album release.

Also from Nashville the Saints of Havana bring their own twist to the stage. They combine rocking guitars, tight and beautiful harmonies and commercial, melody driven songs with a stage show reminiscent of the great 70's rock bands.

Returning to the Festival for her second year Miami's Pamela Rose will wow audiences again with her powerful voice and original vibe. Recipient of a Premio Estrella Music Award for her song "To Be Free". Pamela Rose is currently recording her sophomore EP album.

Many local singer songwriter favorites will also be appearing including Bryant Diersing, Dennis Garrett , the Steve Venini Band, Billy Davidson, Joe Mama, Rob Sweet, Liz O'Connor, Jimmy Hawkins, Keith McCurdy, Scott Youngberg, Jess Atkins, Devonshire, Micah, McCurdy and Adrienne.

Download Key Largo Unplugged Here

Want me to sing about great real estate deals 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.

Come Out to the 1st Annual Islamorada Fishing Film Festival for Charity!

OK, so a combo of two of my favorite things...Fishing...and Movies. This should be fun!  Funny,  we get an A-List Hollywood Heavyweight in Producer Jon Landau, as a local neighbor and now we are having film festivals!! Gotta Love it! And the best part is it is for charity as all proceeds benefit the United Way of the  Florida Keys.

You are invited to the 1st Annual Fishing Film Festival dedicated to the memory of Billy Pate

on Sunday, May 22 at 6:30pm in Founders Park (MM87).  The gates open at 6:30pm and the

films start at 8pm.  Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the gate. 

   

For more information call 305-735-1929 .

.

The Conchquistador Deal of the Day...Wow!!! Key Largo Foreclosure just Closed at $100,000

11 Snapper Avenue, Key Largo

Largo Sound Homeowner's Park

It's not pretty...it's not big...but it IS a GREAT deal!  This foreclosure actually sold Above list price.   The  deals in the Keys right now are phenomenal.

Those of you who follow my blog know that I am a big Fan of the Largo Sound Area, in Key Largo.  Largo Sound is a fantastic little area only minutes from Miami, yet a world away.

With it's proximity to Adams Cut, the mid Key Largo opening between Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Largo Sound Area is ideal for Boaters who want the best of Both Worlds!!  With its community park and boat ramp...the water is yours!

Exceptional back country fishing in the Bay and world class blue water fishing and diving in the Atlantic is mere minutes away.

11 Snapper Avenue, Key Largo

List Price: $79,900 / Sold Price: $100,000

This property had previously been on the market for $369,000.

2 Bedrooms 1 bathrooms

Mile Marker 103 Oceanside

Description:  Nice conch home close to private park with sandy beach, bathrooms and boat ramp. Bank owned property-two bedrooms one bathroom; enclosed carport and fenced yard.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location

Available Largo Sound Properties


Ready to call The Fabulous Florida Keys, 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.

Stone Crab Season Comes to an End With Full Pots.

Prepping Our Boat Conch-Keys-Tador
for the last haul of the Season

May 15 is not one of my favorite days....Why, you ask???  Because, it marks the end of Stone Crab Season!  I really can't complain though, as we had a really good haul this year.
This year, I switched up my game and moved my pots ( pretentious fishermen talk for traps) to a new location, just north of Garden Cove, stretching about 2 miles, just offshore of the unpopulated part of Key Largo in about 7-10 feet of water.  Bonanza!!!   Great Hauls with Big crab with LARGE Original Claws!!  This is an out of the way area that gets little attention and therefore, these crabs for the most part have never been previously caught.  But hey!...This place is Our little secret ..OK?!



Stone Crab trap (Pot)

A quick note about stone crabbing.  You can ONLY harvest the claws (yes you can take both), the crab itself is not to be killed and replaced back into the water.   Stone crabs regenerate their claws..like a lizard with it's tail.  This way it remains a sustainable fishery.  The drawback though, is sometimes you can catch a large crab, only to see that he is growing back a new claw or claws that are too small to take.  Keeper claws must measure at least 2 3/4 inches from the knuckle to the tip of the bottom pincher.  Each person with a valid fishing license is allowed 5 crab pots, and the best bait, hard to believe is Pig's Feet.

My Favorite First Mate with some
Tasty Treats.

Now...getting the crabs out of the traps is a science in and of itself and can at first be quite intimidating for novices as those claws CAN do some damage! But with practice you learn how to do it safely, and keep fingers

Yesterday, it was time to pull our pots for the last go round, and we struck Gold!! So tonight, you can guess what's on the menu!


It just Doesn't get any better than this!

Now, we just have to wait until October 15, when we can start all over again.  At least Grouper Season just openned up May 1st!!

Fishing for YOUR place here 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.

The Conchquistador Deal of The Day - Stunning Port Largo Retreat - Just Sold at $1,125,000!

134 Marina Avenue, Key Largo

Port Largo has always been a mainstay of Key Largo Luxury Properties.  With its finger peninsulas and central location Port Largo is ideal for those who look for luxury AND proximity.  Historically this area was known as Rock Harbor for many years until Bogie's movie "Key Largo" thrust the area into the National spotlight and the Port largo Area came to be known as the center of Key Largo.

Today's deal is right in the heart of this storied area.

134 Marina Avenue, Key Largo

List Price: $1,290,000 / Sold Price: $1,125,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 100 Oceanside

Description: Prestigious Port Largo 2007 custom built 3 story pool home w deepwater dockage for your yacht or sailboat.  Spectacular ocean view rooftop deck.  Grand entrance, open floor plan, soaring ceilings, impact windows, 3 zone ac, garage, chef's kitchen, legal downstairs.  Enjoy heated pool, spa, tiki hut, 50 amps at dock. Meticulously maintained home is perfect for the most discerning tastes.

View Detailed Brochure With Photos

View Mapped Location

Available Port Largo Properties

Ready to create your own Keys History?  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 5/9- Waterfront Home -"The Preacher's House" on Historic Conch Key - Sold $385,000.

73 N Conch Avenue, Conch Key

Lobster fisherman on Conch Key

One of my Favorite of all the Florida Keys is tiny Conch Key.  Being The Conchquistador, it would have to be right???!!

Just south of Islamorada and north of Duck Key, is historic, Conch Key, one of the last Keys that makes you feel like you stepped back in time.  Conch Key still maintains its quaint fishing village feel, resplendent with gorgeous sunsets over the vast Gulf, the smell of salt in the air, and the sites of graceful tarpon gently rolling in the Long Key Channel.

If you are looking for "Old Time Keys Living"..This is the Place!
Today's Deal, affectionately known as "The Preacher's House",  looks like its right out of a 1930's Come to The Keys Brochure!

73 N Conch Avenue, Conch Key

List Price: $499,000 / Sold Price: $385,000
Original Price: $799,000

3 Bedrooms / 1.1 Bathrooms

Mile Marker: 62 / Bayside

Description: Step back in time to 1933 when the Florida Keys was a quaint fishing village. This cottage by the sea has been updated while keeping its original charm, down to the picket fence and tin lamps. Dade County pine throughout with tons of originality. 1,300 s/f with 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath and laundry room. Direct gulf access from the 50' dock at your back door. This house is known as ''The Preachers House".

View Detailed Brochure with Photos 

Available Conch Key Homes


Another Picturesque Sunset In Conch Key


Ready for Your slice of the Old Time 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.

Multi-Million Dollar Oceanfront Short Sale - Was $ 6,595,000 - Now Just Closed at $2,500,000!

95551 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

Can You Believe this is a Short Sale?

WOW!!!  Probably one of the Best Keys Deals...EVER!! 
Short Sales even affect the wealthy ... as is evidenced by this recently closed sale in Key Largo at Mile Marker 95!

Recently there have been some Big price drops in some huge properties like the recently oceanfront  foreclosure sale in Islamorada for $2,150,000.  This creates some fantastic opportunities for some big ticket Keys buyers, as these prices greatly impact other property values for comparable properties. 

This property was originally listed at $6,595,000 and previously sold at $4,400,000.

So, what does $2.5M get you theses days???  2 Acres on the Water, a 5-bedroom, 2003 built 9,000+ sq ft home., with stunning finishes and a pier with boat lift. 

These are some unbelievable prices at are part of a 3-part perfect storm created by : Low Prices, Cheap Money (Mortgage Rates are still ridiculously low), and a wealth of quality inventory. NOW is the perfect time to buy in the Keys!
Now, the details:

95551 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo

List Price: $3,495,000 / Sold Price $2,500,000
Original Price: $6,595,000

5 Bedrooms /5.1 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 95

Description: MAGNIFICENT KEY LARGO OCEANFRONT ESTATE Nestled on a private & gated 2 acre hardwood hammock w/abundant tropical landscape! 5BR 5.5BA w/the finest custom craftsmanship & state of the art design. Grand foyer w/private staircase & elevator; Gourmet kitchen w/isl & the finest appliances; Wet bar; Loft & sun deck; GRAND MASTER BR/BA; Custom cherry wood & natural stone floors; Pool/spa; 4CG;Dock w/lift

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location

Available Key Largo Waterfront Homes Over $1,000,000

Available Islamorada Waterfront Homes Over $2M

Marathon Waterfront Homes $1M+

Ready to step up to Luxury Keys Living??? 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 - Just Closed In Port Antigua Area, Islamorada - Previously Sold for $875K, Now Sold at $375K!!

WOW! What a deal!! Although definitely NOT pretty, I think the actual term is Fugly, this waterfront home was actually a steal, having previously sold for $875K just a few years ago, and just went under contract in less than a week.

Are there still deals on waterfront homes in the Keys??? ABSOLUTELY!

They call me The Florida Keys Real Estate Conchquistador. and as a Port Antigua Area Specialist, I enjoy keeping my clients up to date with the latest available properties and real estate news, as well as recently closed properties.

The Port Antigua Area is a fantastic little area in Islamorada, on Lower Matecumbe Key, only minutes from Miami, yet a world away. Minutes to World Class Fishing and Diving.

171 Nautilus Drive, Lower Matecumbe Key, Islamorada 

Description: Priced to sell! 2/2 solid CBS home with concrete roof, 70 ft canal frontage with concrete dock and boat ramp. Dock your boat at this Islamorada home in the Florida Keys. Easy boating access to open water. Home offered "As-Is" needs updates and priced accordingly.

This great deal was brokered by my friends and collegues here at American Caribbean Real Estate, Carolyn Amber and Vanessa Chamizo.

List Price: $384,000 / Sold Price $375,000

Previously Sold for $875,000 in 2005

Days On Market: 7

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 74

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location

View Available Lower Matecume Key, Islamorada Homes:
Lower Matecumbe Key Homes
Port Antigua Homes
Safety Harbor Homes
Toll Gate Shores Homes

Ready to Drop Anchor 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. For a quick Search of available Properties in the Florida Keys, click here: Keys MLS Search.

New Conch Shell Blowing World Record in Key Largo

When I was a teenager, back when it was legal to catch local Conch, I used to take such delight in making my own Conch Horns.  I actually had a nice little business selling them to friends and classmates, as they were great noisemakers at football games!

At one Point, I actually had a whole octave of horns.  And might I say the conch salad, from those was awesome!
Recently, a world-record attempt was held at Sundowner's in Key Largo.

Showcasing their spirit and pucker power, 142 conch shell blowers gathered at a Florida Keys bayfront eatery to beat a world record attempt of the most people simultaneously blowing a conch shell.

The group surpassed a previous record set in 2009 of 127 simultaneous conch honkers that was sanctioned by the World Records Academy, one of several organizations that certify world records. Although the 2011 effort featured many more participants, the record is not official until the WRA certifies it.

The late Friday afternoon event at Sundowner’s Restaurant was part of this weekend’s Key Largo Conch Republic Days commemorating the mock secession of the Keys from the U.S. to protest a ludicrous1982 Border Patrol blockade at the top of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.

The conch shell is a symbol of the Florida Keys. Blowing it has been a tradition since the early 1800s, when seafaring settlers used it as a maritime signaling device.

View Video of the event below.  (Put the Conchquistador Soundtrack to the left in Pause first)

Ready to Blow your own Horn 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.