Dutch Harbor Meets Islamorada! Deadliest Catch's Captain Wild Bill Meets Your Conchquistador!

As extremes go, Islamorada, here in The Fabulous Florida Keys and Dutch Harbor, Alaska are about as opposite as you can get here in the US geographically.  But we are definitely in unison when it comes to our love of fishing.

Why do I bring up Dutch Harbor??? Well for those uninitiated, Dutch, as they call it, is home base for the Alaskan King Crab Fishing Fleet and center stage for those stalwart mariners on my favorite TV show, Deadliest Catch.  Let me tell you, fishing in the Bering Sea is BRUTAL!!!! These guys are BAD ASSES!!  And I just got the great opportunity to meet one of the baddest, Captain Wild Bill Wichrowski of The Kodiak.

Bill was down here enjoying our much much calmer waters and partaking in the recent.Islamorada Sailfish Tournament.  Your Humble Conchquistador met up with Bill at Wahoo's after the weigh in, where we had the chance to chat about what else...Fishing!!  What a great Guy.  Big, Rugged and Burly...the kinda guy Hemingway would have wanted to hang with.

Bill, as far as I am concerned you are now an Honorary Conch!  

Work with an Agent who is no Green Horn when it comes to waterfront properties!  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.

Thanksgiving in The Keys...You KNOW I Am Thankful!!!

As we once again come onto Thanksgiving here in the Fabulous Florida Keys, I  like to take pause to consider all that I am Thankful for during these tumultuous times.
Of course after Happy and Healthy Family and Friends, some of the things that I am thankful for include:

• Being able to have the Greatest Job in the World in The Greatest Place in Earth!!  I am Blessed to be able to impart my LOVE of this Fabulous Island Chain and its magnificent waters and reefs to my new Clients as they consider a new residence in our tropical oasis, and the opportunity to work with my Sellers as well, to find new enthusiastic caretakers of their beloved homes.
• Being able to share my off kiltered observations with you my readers.  I love hearing your feedback about the Real Estate Market and our fun, funky lifestyle.
• Of course I am Thankful and Grateful for all of our brave men and women thought the World in our Armed Forces.  These are our true heroes and one of my proudest moments this year was being able to assist one of these great individuals find a new home for he and his family.
• Our Great Country.  When I look around the world and see all of the tumult that currently exists, both economical and political, I am comforted that we still have the greatest nation on earth and even with our own differences we are able to rise above and maintain a safe haven.  So much so that we continually see foreign investors sinking their $$$ here in our shores.
• The phenomenal ecosystem that we have here in The Keys.  The rich and close combination of Everglades, estuaries, bays, reefs, keys, deep water and Gulf Stream, make up one of the most unique and diverse ecosystems on the Planet.  This System is truly the backbone of our Keys economy, the honey that draws tourists to visit and ultimately to become locals. May we continue our best efforts to keep it clean and pure.

These are but a few of the things that I am Thankful for, not just on Thanksgiving, but everyday that I have the opportunity and privilege to enjoy our 127 mile stretch of limestone.

I wish You and yours a Joyous Thanksgiving!!

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.

Fall Is In The Air and Our Real Estate Market Is Strong. It's Time For Season!

Falls in the air, here in the Keys.
The oppressive heat melts back and soothing breezes come byway of the North and Northeast.
The fisheries change, the mackerel start to put a hit on, and life...life is pretty good.
Our Northern Brethren are making their way back to our 127-mile Oasis between the Gulf and Atlantic.
Actually, our Northern folks and International folks in particular are lapping up our "special sauce" like crazy!

As you will see, in my Real Estate Resource Report below, property sales have once again been on the incline in the Upper Keys.  Property sales are up 13.5% from October 2011 vs October 2012.  This represented sales in a broad spectrum of Oceanfront and Bayfront Properties, Canalfront, Non Waterfront Homes, Mobiles and Condo and Townhomes.

The average Sale Price for these properties was $388,805, from $304,627, up over 27.6%!!  The $388,905 number accounts for a good chunk of non waterfront home sales this period.

In terms of new available properties our number has remained pretty constant and the List Price for all new properties now averages out at $652,972 up a very healthy 24.7 %.

So, the picture these details reveal is a nice healthy real estate market that still allows Buyers to grab a slice of our pie at a very reasonable price, while also allowing property owners to see some upward movement on their investment.

Click to enlarge

All in all, Fall is in the air and we are heading into Season with a good head of steam with benefits of being on either side of the Buyer/Seller Coin.  Just remember to work with LOCAL Professionals.  Monroe County is it's own particular universe and has unique laws and restrictions.  Insist on working with LOCAL Experienced REALTORS, Title Agents, Inspectors, and Appraisers.  Benefit from their knowledge and expertise.
 
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.

Fantastic Florida Keys Real Estate Opportunities

 Take a look at some of the fantastic properties that I currently have available for purchase.  There is something for everyone.  Open Waterfront homes to incredible investment opportunities to Waterfront Townhomes.

I also have a great selection of dock slips available a well, and raw land to build your custom Keys dream home.

Now, is a great time to buy in The Keys.  Prices are still low and money is cheap, and the water and lifestyle beckon you. Opportunity is knocking, are you going to answer??

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.

Introducing the "Conchtails Radio Show" Live from the Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle Sponsored by Your Humble Conchquistador!!!

I am  soooo Freaking Jazzed!!

It's Conchtails Time at  The Holiday Isle!

As the old saying goes, "The more things Change, the more they remain the same."  Never have truer words been spoken, especially for me.
As a kid, Sunday's at the Holiday Isle, now Postcard Inn, were a tradition.  After a typical day of snorkeling the turquoise and indigo waters around Indian Key, my parents yearned for a late afternoon cocktail and The Holiday Isle was THE place to go.
We had our own routine wherein we would get there right as the Charter Boats would come in with their quarry.  We would Ohh and ahh over their catch and then make our way to the Tiki Bar.

What a sight to behold for a young impressionable Conchquistador!  Beautiful women, gorgeous boats, great music and an incredible vibe. Everything was in excess,  the boats, the boobs, the lounge lizards...the money.  To me THIS was Disney World!!  Remember, this was the late 70s, the heyday of square grouper.  I loved this essence so much, it became the setting for the very first song that I ever wrote, called Modern Day Pirate.

Fast forward way too many years and a lifetime later, and I find myself back at the Tiki Bar once again!!  I am very proud to announce that I will be sponsoring the new "Conchtails Radio Show".  Starting November 7th, hosted by my friends Joey Naples and Captain Matt Bellinger, and airing live from the Tike Bar, Wednesdays from 6-7PM on Sun 103.1 locally and worldwide on iHeart radio at Sun103.1, this is sure to be a fun and entertaining hour and I look forward to joining in as their resident Keys real estate expert.

So make Conchtails a regular part of your Wednesday Routine.  Come on Down or Listen Live.

In the Key of A with a tropical beat, a sample of my very first song written at age 16 in 1981

Drives up in His Maserati to The Holiday Isle
Climbs into his 40 footer and gives all the girls a smile 
Orders a Margarita from a cute Senorita and gives her a 5 buck tip for a 2.50 drink

He's a
Modern Day Pirate
Cruisin' the Sea in his fast as @#$% Cigarette
A Modern Day Pirate 
Haulin' Mary Jane and Cocaine from Cuba to Key West 

Modern Day Pirate 
When it comes to haulin'
He's undoubtedly the Best!

So the circle is complete and I find myself doing the greatest job in the world in the most wonderful place on Earth, the fabulous Florida Keys.  It's Conchtails Time!!!

 Work with an Agent whose properties get worldwide multimedia 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.

Congratulating My Colleague, John Vlad on Being Named our Board's Rookie Of The Year!

John Vlad

It's really great when you have an opportunity to work with real professionals.
People who know the direction that they want to go in, and ...go there.  People who are motivated, and at the same time educated and ethical.

I am super proud to say that my office, American Caribbean Real Estate, is populated with these types of Individuals. And one of these key Individuals is John Vlad.

John recently had the honor of being named the Florida Keys Board of Realtors', "Rookie of The Year".

Sands Of Islamorada Resort recently sold by John Vlad

Though a rookie to real estate, John is no rookie to Business, having owned and operated award winning businesses for over 3 Decades.  John brings business savvy and know how to each of his transactions and is already the consummate pro and is now well versed in Residential and Commercial transactions, as evidenced by his recent sale of the Sands of Islamorada Resort.

Respected by his peers within and outside of our firm, John is certainly a professional who is sure to have a distinguished career filled with further accolades.

Ok Guys, Break Out Your Eyeliner, Dandy Clothes, Bad @#$ Attitude, and Get Your Inner Pirate On, Because It's Pirate Fest in the Keys!

Black Caesar

Ok Guys, break out your eyeliner, dandy clothes, bad ass attitude, and get your inner Pirate on because its Pirate Fest in the Keys!!!

Time to channel your inner Black Beard, Black Caesar, Captain Morgan or even Jack Sparrow. 

Always one of the coolest events in the Keys, and the ramp up to Fantasy Fest that debauched bacchanal in Key West, Pirates Fest is a lot more PG and a whole lot of fun!  4 Days of fun and mayhem.

This year we celebrate my favorite Pirate and local homeboy Black Caesar, who actually roamed our waters in the 18^th century and was buddies with Black Beard.

So Avast Ye and steer your Cutter to our thieves market and visit KeyLargoPiratesFest.com for more info and this weekend's schedule of events.

Presented by The Upper Keys Business Group.

Work with a Swashbuckling Agent!! 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.

High End Listings Get a Boost

The number of $1 million-plus properties in New York City with asking prices that were boosted over the previous 12 months rose to 436 in August from 266 during the same period in 2010, A Real Estate source reports.

Water's Edge offered by American Caribbean Real Estate $3,299,000

The number of these properties climbed to 5 percent from 2.3 percent of high-end listings in Miami-Fort Lauderdale over the same time span.

Experts say high-end sellers are feeling more confident these days due to record sales prices paid by affluent overseas buyers, but brokers say pricing at this end of the market is often subjective due to the lack of comparable sales. Moreover, the listings generally take longer to sell, and rarely does hiking the asking price boost the final sales price.

But in the Keys...
“Unless it’s a unique property, it signals to the market the seller is not serious,” says New York-based broker Donna Olshan, who adds that homes whose prices have been increased either languish on the market or see significant price reductions.

Still, some real estate pros believe the strategy can attract international buyers searching for trophy properties; and it could prompt a perception among some buyers of increased demand for the property.

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 October 15th ... Lets Get Stoned!!!! Stone Crab Season Starts Today!!

October 15th...one of my favorite days of the year.  Why? you ask?....Well it's time to get stoned....   No, no, no, put down your smokeless hitters and step away from the bong and turn down the Jack Johnson songs ....we're not talking 420, but Stone Crabs!!

October is my favorite time of year here in the Keys.  The obsessive heat has dulled its edge and the Northern breezes start to glide in, making it, to me, one of the greatest places to be, especially when you are out on the water.

Turn up the Buffett, crack open a Key West Sunset Ale, light up a Partagas, and steer your craft through the turquoise and indigo hued waters to the bounty that lies within your traps.  Sometimes, I just like to take it slow and troll while I go from trap to trap, usually snagging a Mackerel or two...and ponder..yes dinner is gonna be good tonight.

The breeze picks up and the smell of the salt fills you with each breath, you look around and see land to your port and open water to your starboard and realize that God must have been stoned when he created the Keys....Nothing could be this beautiful and serene that was created straight.

All I can say is that if you have never experienced Fall in the Keys, you do not know what you are missing.   Keep your falling leaves, keep your chilly temperatures, and for all means keep your Snow!!!

So break out the melted butter, break out the remoulade, break out the mallets and break out a Lifestyle.  It's October 15th in the Keys and the BEST part of the Season has just begun!

Let me help you lead the Lifestyle that you have dreamed about.

Work with an Agent that will show you how to live the Lifestyle!  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.

Just Closed on Adam's Cut - $850,000!! The Conchquistador Deal of the Day - 10.15.12

One of my favorite places to be in Key Largo is Adam’s Cut. Just pull the throttle back to cruise at about 5 knots, crack open a beer, turn on some Jimmy Buffett and just sit back and chill for what seems to be about a half mile or so of  easy coasting. The “Cut”, as it is known by, was built back in the 50s as a swath of a passageway cut through incredibly hard-coral that has now left a basic canyon that is a thoroughfare from the Bayside the Oceanside.

Prior to the Cut’s construction, seafarers had to go either all the way up to Angelfish Creek just north of Ocean Reef Club, or all the way down to Tavernier Creek which made getting from side to side a rather difficult and lonnnnng passage. This now makes it a really easy passageway from Blackwater Sound on the Bayside to Largo Sound on the Oceanside.

As you cross Adams Cut you get to glimpse some really marvelous homes that reside right on the Cut and one of those homes just sold, and I have to congratulate my friends and colleagues Bill Belian and Joel Young represented the Buyer in this transaction.

Here are the Details:

457 Barracuda Blvd. Key Largo

List price: $989,500 / Sold Price $850,000 

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 104

Description: Own on Millionaire's Row in Key Largo!! Beautiful 4BR/3BA, CBS pool home w/marble flooring and screened in porch. Privacy wall w/Gate surrounds almost 1/2 acre of privacy. Easy access to Ocean or Bay. Catch Fish, Shrimp or Blue Crabs from your 100ft concrete dock w/davits. Ultimate living at it's finest!!

View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location

View Available Largo Sound Area Properties

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.

Holy @#$% !! Look What's Happening in Our Market! The Latest Numbers Are Out.

Holy @#$% !!

Water's Edge - One of Our Estates Currently for Sale

Look what's happening in our Market.  The latest numbers are certainly eye opening that is for sure.
In a comparison of transactions in September 2011 and September 2012, we see a dramatic surge in Sales Prices of 34.7%, Days on The Market decrease of 25% , while the quantity of sales remained pretty much constant. Our Average List Price has, as well, leaped a staggering 53%!!!  Open up your wallets ...Momma needs a new pair of Shoes!!

Now some of these numbers are a bit skewed by a run of High Priced $2M Sales, but even with that taken into account, our Market is Smoking!!!

View from our Listing at 4 North Drive in Key Largo

What does this mean?  Well, a couple of things.  First it's a great time for Sellers as properties are selling, and at the highest prices and at a pace that we have not seen since the real estate bubble burst several years ago. So, an ideal time to put your home on the Market.

Paradoxically, this is as well still a great time for Buyers!!  Yes prices have gone up from last year....but money is so damn cheap right now, that if you are borrowing, a good deal of these increases are offset, AND you are still getting homes at a dramatic discount from the Hey Day.

The key, regardless of what side of the transaction that you are on is being armed with the best information regarding today's volatile market.  Work with a LOCAL real estate professional who really knows the market, work with a LOCAL lender if you are financing, INSIST on LOCAL appraisers.  Get to know the Numbers and look at the Comparables.  As Clothier. Sy Syms used to say in his commercials, "An Educated Consumer is Our Best Customer".

Below is my Monthly Market Recap:

Double Click Image to enlarge

Work with an Agent who KNOWS the numbers.  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.
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Nostalgic Hotel Signs and The Shoestrings Weekends Blog.

As a compulsive Blogger, I can appreciate other really good and entertaining Blogs.
One of my favorites is the "Shoestrings Weekends Blog", written by Art Boza who lives in Key West and writes about all kinds of super cool things to do in the Keys on a miniscule budget.
When you get the chance check it out, as you might find a new adventure to undertake!

Below is a recent post of his:

"Nostalgic Motel Signs

A while back on the internet I couldn’t believe how many websites and photo sites like Flickr have 100′s of groups with 1,000′s of photo and 100,000′s followers did I realize that there’s a massive amount of people who love looking at old nostalgic hotel signs! There are literally 100′s of hotels, motels & resorts along the 126.7 mile path down the Key’s to Key West with plenty of older style signage. Here’s what I’d say are the two best that you’ll find heading towards Paradise on US-1 South.

You can find the first one, The Seafarer Resort Hotel (seen below) with Old Man Salt Of The Sea lighting the way with his lantern at Mile Marker 97.9 on the right side of the road in Key Largo… and yes, the lantern really lights up! The second is a little further down called the Rainbow Bend Resort & Fishing Camp known for their FREE motorboat rentals for paying hotel quests. The Rainbow Bend sign can’t be missed on the left side of the road near Mile Marker 58 at the BEND in the road… hmm, wonder how they came up with Rainbow Bend as a name?
These are but two of a number of antique, old & nostalgic hotel signs you’ll see. I assure you that if these two don’t tickle your fancy then there’s plenty more along the way to temp your eyes!"

Work with an Agent who knows the Signs of a great Market.  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.
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"Tropical Chic" -My Latest Waterfront Listing...Super Deal at $960,000!!

Tropical Chic 

Ahhh God I Love the Keys!!  There is just something about the ambience down here that makes our little chain so damn appealing.
The Water, The Breezes, the people, the lack of time and disdain for watches. I can't put my finger on it ...just an inescapable essence that permeates the place.  From Duval to Ocean Reef and all Ports O' Call between.
It's no wonder why so may heavy hitters have been beckoned to our shiny shores, hypnotized by the Siren's call of an eternal 5 O'clock Somewhere.
Hemingway heard it....Zane Grey wrote about it, Jimmy  Buffett sang about it.  Hell, even Jay Z and Beyonce delight in our Oasis.

Well now you have a great opportunity to grab your own slice of our Key Lime Pie.
Check out the details on my latest waterfront listing:

4 North Drive, Key Largo

List Price $ 960,000

2 Bedrooms + Studio  / 3 Bathrooms

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 plus Studio 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!!

* Wide Water Views

* Ample Deep Water Dockage and Electrical Hookups

* Updated Throughout

* Impact Glass

* Gourmet Kitchen with Granite and Stainless

* Boathouse

*Offered Partially Furnished

*Gated Entry with Pavers and 2-Car Garage

* Minutes From Your Dock to World Class Fishing and Diving

* Barefoot Elegance

VISIT THE VIRTUAL TOUR 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.

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