Ditch The Rat Race and Be Your Own Boss - Lookout Lodge in Islamorada Is Now Available for Purchase!!

Have you ever never thought of just saying, "I want to ditch the rat race and to hell with civilization, I want to go down to an island paradise and make my own way, I've got a few bucks and I want have my own business". 

Well, here's your opportunity!
 

Lookout Lodge in Islamorada.  

This is your bucket list opportunity. 

Here, you can take control and ownership of a thriving hotel in the fabulous Florida Keys!

Located right next to the iconic and legendary Marker 88 Restaurant,  this intimate inn has a core following amongst those who enjoy Beautiful Bayfront views, Tropical days on the water and relaxation that only the Florida Keys can provide.

Turnkey operation with impressive financials. Poised to make even more revenue.

Currently listed by my long time friend Chris Crystal of Miami Real Estate.

And offered at $3,495,000.

If you like more information or to schedule a private viewing please contact me. 

Be your own boss in paradise or hell, hire someone else to run it and sit back and and watch the $'s role in!

View Details and Mapped Location Here

Work with an agent who can put $$ in your pocket.  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.

Your Conchquistador Is Extraordinarily Proud and Honored To Be Named His Office's Top Producer For The 3rd Quarter!

Extraordinarily proud and honored to be named my office's Top Producer for the 3rd Quarter!
Thank you to all of my great Customers who entrusted me with their real estate transactions. And to my potential future Customers, please allow me to put my over 20 years of Experience to work for You!

• I Love what I do
• I am Blessed to Do It in My Favorite Place on Earth 
• I wear Tropical Clothes
• I Listen to Tropical Music
• I have the Privilege of Spending my Days showing off the sublime waterfront vistas and homes that we have here in the Keys.  
• Sometimes, I show properties by Land...Sometimes, by Boat.

So, with all of the above in mind, how could I Not be Excited to get up every morning and want to be of utmost Service to YOU!

"SERVICE...Plain and simple."

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.

Where Do Old Florida Keys Fishing Guides Go After They've Made Their Last Cast?

Down here in The Florida Keys, the Fishing Guide Community is very tight knit.  Even though these hearty Men and Ladies of the Sea are fiercely competitive to garner business, there is a strong mutual respect and admiration among these, some of the best in the World, Salt Water Guides.

Rightly so, these Guys and ... Gals, are truly the bedrock of our Community, providing key, life-memory, moments, services to both our locals and visitors alike.  

Many of our Guides here started learning their craft as Kids and have now graduated to finding just the right spots for piscatorial pursuits (as my friend Capt.Matt Bellinger of Bamboo Charters likes to say), for their often repeat clientele.

But sadly, as is the course of life, we have to say Good-Bye to some of our cherished guides, after they've made their last great cast.

Memorial at Buchanan Bank ( Photo Courtesy of Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation)

 
Below is an blurb posted on Facebook on the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation's Page highlighting the revered location where many of our Guide friends have chosen to have their mortal coil flow amongst the tides.


"Where do old Florida Keys fishing guides go after they've made their last cast? Buchanan Bank. The ashes of some legendary fishing guides have been spread at this favorite tarpon hole including those of Jimmie Albright, Cecil Keith, and Billy Pate."
Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation 

Buchanan Bank.  Click on image to see larger

Work with an Agent with the utmost respect for our esteemed Fishing Guides and Captains.  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 Absorption Rates ... No We're Not Talking About The Quicker Picker Upper

Florida Keys Absorption Rates  - No were not talking about the Quicker Picker Upper,
and Rosie the Diner Waitress (RIP Nancy Walker), cleaning up your spilled Margaritas.

We're talking about Property Absorption Rates. What the heck are Absorption Rates?? Glad you asked.

Absorption Rates give us an indication of the Market's current. Where the Market's been and most importantly where its going.  To distill it down, an absorption rate is considered the quantity of months a specified inventory of property would take to sell out if there were no more properties coming on the market. This gives a perspective as to whether it is a Buyer or Seller's Market or if it Balanced.  This can be valued and critical information if you are considering buying or selling property. The formula is the quantity of Sold Properties of a certain criteria over the course of a year, divided by 365.  That number is then multiplied by the number of Active Properties and then divided by 30, giving you the quantity of months it would take to sell out.

EG: 150 Sold Properties and 250 Active Properties:  150/365=.4109,  multiplied by 250 = 102.7, divided by 30 = 3.4.  Therefore, the rate to sell all of the Active Properties is 3.4 months.  Yes, yes, I know those of you not keen on math are having your heads spin like Linda Blair in the Exorcist, but its important information to have.

Our Keys Rate is similar, though 5-7 month is our "Even"

Different Real Estate Markets have different ratios as to what is seen as a "Par" market. In the Keys, an Absorption Rate of  5-7 months is seen as basically par.  Under that it is seen as a Seller's Market, above it is a Buyer's Market.

Below are some graphs that your Conchquistador uses to track various Absorption Rates for various Neighborhoods, Keys, and Price Ranges.  This comes in VERY handy when negotiating price.

Click on Chart to see larger

Click on Chart to see larger - Rate among neighborhoods

Click on Chart to see larger - Rate by Price Range

Click on Chart to see larger - Rate by Upper. Middle and Lower Keys

So as you can see some really cool info (especially for a stat freak like me!).

I would be delighted to explain further, just give me a call, text, email, send up a smoke signal, or blow a Conch Horn.

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.

Taking Care of Those who Take Care Of Us. I Love the Privilge Of Being Of Service To Members Of Our Military.

In Harm's Way ...In Harm's Way 

Every night I go to bed knowing that there are brave Men and Women, people, that I don't know, who put themselves...in harm's way, so my family and I can be safe and secure.

Our courageous Men and Women of our Armed Forces.

The greatest sense of satisfaction that I garnish from this profession is the opportunity to assist those who take care of us.

Coast Guard Vessel protecting our Keys

I just recently had the privilege to assist two active separate members of our Armed forces secure new homes.

Navy Seal Emblem

One, a member of our local Coast Guard, and the other, an active

Navy Seal.  It was so encouraging to see them take advantage of their well earned VA Financing opportunity, and to assist them in becoming valued members of our Community, in home that they are sure to enjoy.

It is because of what they do, that I have the opportunity to be your Conchquistador, and you have the opportunity to do what you do.

We sleep under the very blanket of the Freedom that they provide.  (Bonus points to you, if you knew I cribbed that line from "a Few Good Men", but so very true)

These are the transactions that make me happiest and instill career fulfillment.  Its not about the money, or the size of the brokerage fee. It's about the opportunity to say "Thank You!", with my hard work, guidance, service and diligence, and in some small way keeping them out of ... harm's way, with their real estate transactions.

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 Staycation!

Its all about perspective really. 
Context is EVERYTHING.
You see the same things everyday, grow numb, the extraordinary becomes the mundane.
But then...with a few tweaks, the fog is lifted and you wake up, realize and imbibe the extraordinary all over again, with just a change of... perspective.

That's why I try to live like a tourist everyday down here in the Fabulous Florida Keys!  And just this week, I had the chance to really savor the flavor of our special archipelago.
My Cousin, Crystal, from the Windy City of Chicago came calling and it was our delight to enjoy a Keys Staycation and marinate her in our special tropical vibe. And in so doing, live like a tourist ourselves for  a week,

DAMN!! Do we have it good!! 

Photo used courtesy of Tim Rahn photography

From enjoying a raft up on Nest Key and encountering a playful pod of porpoise that wanted to be our new best friends, to sipping on and eating, (yes Eating) the best Bloody Marys in the Keys (Trailer Trash Bloodies at Robbie's), to marveling at he wonder of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, to falling hopelessly in love to tiny Key Deer on Big Pine, and reveling in the stunning sunset at Mallory Square in Key West and then getting our Duval Crawl on.  We ALMOST ventured (and thankfully we did not) to the Garden of Eden bar above the Bull and Whistle (those of you that know, understand our trepidation!)

Savoring a Quiet Moment at the historic Southernmost House

Enjoying a quite moment at the Southernmost House and a dip at the Southernmost Beach.  Knocking a few back at Sloppy Joes and Capt Tony's feeling the history and imagining Jimmy busting out some new tunes back in the day.  Getting out on our little skiff the "Sand $" to do some midnight bullynetting during lobster Mini-season, Late afternoon Kayaking in Key Largo catching the Sunset, and cruising aboard the "Conch - Keys - Tador" and appreciating the stunning residences along the waterways of Ocean Reef.

And the fishing, and the Snorkeling and Diving, and on , and, on and...on.  

Describing all the fun to be had in the Keys is like Bubba from Forrest Gump describing Shrimp Recipes.

That bump in perspective makes you realize WOW, the Keys are amazing, and what a cool place to call your own.  Whether a dry lot bungalow, or Oceanfront Estate, the Magic is yours to enjoy anytime...all the time, when you own your own piece of paradise here in the Fabulous Florida Keys.

Let me open YOUR eyes to the myriad of possibilities, so you can enjoy your own staycation!

Work with an Agent who lives like a tourist every day.  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 Profanity...Yep, It's That Time of Year!

Below is a post that I wrote a couple of years ago on a June 1st, the dreaded first day of H Season (hate to even mention the word).  Over the years, many of you readers have told your humble Conchquistador that it is one of their favorite posts, So...here we go again!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forget George Carlin's 7 dirty words. Forget the F, S, C, P, D, and just about any other A thru Z words....When it comes to June 1st in the Florida Keys, one word is MOST Profane!!!! Wash your mouth out with bad Zest Profane..and that is The H-Word....Hurricane.

Yep, It's THAT Time of Year Again.

Yes, like most of the Eastern states, The Florida Keys once again hold its collective breath as we start another dreaded Hurricane Season. Our little stretch of 118 miles of dust, gravel, and mangroves are prone to these suckers!

The Lovely, yet Somber,
Hurricane Memorial in Islamorada

All joking aside, Hurricanes have had an indelible effect on the Florida Keys. One visit to the lovely, yet somber Hurricane Memorial in Islamorada, quickly paints the image of the power and destructive capability these massive weather phenomena posses.

Who can deny the impact the 1935 Storm had. It virtually and literally collapsed the Overseas Railway. It fueled Hemingway's creative fires for several of his subsequent novels. Most people are not aware that Hemingway was quite an unsung hero of the 1935 storm, providing great assistance in relief efforts aboard his Boat, Pilar.

So, as we break out our shutters and refresh our mooring plans and search for that perfect hurricane hole for our boats. We get ready in true Keys fashion: We throw on Jimmy Buffett's "Tryin' to Reason with Hurricane Season", Mix up a batch of Margaritas, and give the H-word...the F-word.

Ready to find YOUR port in the storm??? 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.

American Caribbean Smacks It Again!! Just Closed $3.3M Oceanfront in Key Largo!

Jalapeno, no ... Pablano, no ....Chipotle, no....We Are Talking SCOTCH BONNET HOT!!!

No not cooking up a spicy dish, but rather equating to our Florida Keys Real Estate Market!

The fish are jumping, the sales are popping, and people love the flavor of our Florida Keys, enough to put their money down for a piece of paradise.
Especially, what for us is the high end, properties over $1.75M, of  which year to date there have been 32, and American Caribbean is mounting the charge with another spectacular sale of $3,300,000 in Key Largo. As the Keys' Exclusive Affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate, THIS is our wheelhouse, this is what we do.

This latest sale at 1 Beach Road, Key Largo (Gotta love the address. Right??) affectionately called "Palm Largo", basks in the glory of the wide open Atlantic Ocean.  Expertly Listed and marketed by my colleague, Stephanie Clark, from our Key Largo Office, this Estate has one of the most picturesque jetties, I have seen in all of the Keys.

As I have discussed on the radio shows that I sponsor and frequently guest on, even in this upper stratosphere of price, the Florida Keys really are a bargain for waterfront homes and estates.  Especially when compared to the World Market.  Often times you cant touch properties for what our homes sell for.  This has been a major contributing factor for the huge amount of interest, (and $$) pouring into the Keys. Try looking in Hawaii or some other tropical destinations that offer the great adventures that we do coupled with access and proximity to amenities. $$$$$$$$

So a hearty welcome and toast of rum to our new crop of Conchs...just don't try and "fix" anything.  You fell in love with this place the way it is.  Let's all keep it that way! 

On to the Details!

1 Beach Road Key Largo
List Price: $3,699,000 / Sale Price:$3,300,000
4 Bedrooms / 5 Baths
Mile Marker 100

Description:

As you enter the home though the double doors your eyes sweep across open ocean looking out floor to ceiling windows. The main living area is perched above the ocean, offering a fireplace for a cozy setting, the light & airy feel is accentuated by the soaring ceiling another level above you. Then wonder into the chef’s kitchen with granite countertops galore, a full walk in pantry, wine cooler,
and plenty of custom cabinetry.
The two guest rooms are on this floor with a most spacious Jack & Jill bathroom in between.
Your true master suite awaits you on the next floor. This level features spectacular views in three directions, featuring a generous second living room and large screen TV.
The master bedroom is of considerable size & has a private balcony along a lovely master bath.
Back on the main living level, around the corner from the front door is a separate guest apartment featuring a full kitchen, two full baths & a considerable oceanfront bedroom. This level of comfort offers your guests the same stunning view that you take pleasure in from in the main house from the kitchen, bedroom or the large covered patio.
The lower level of this property features a summer kitchen, a full guest bath, storage, a three car garage & an enormous amount of covered, oceanfront entertaining space. Stroll down the lengthy peninsula, watch the sailboats out on the sea, enjoy a swim in the swimspa, captain your vessel out from your protected cut in boat slip & lift or just sit back & breathe in the sea air, this ... is Palm Largo.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location Here

Turn YOUR Island Dreams into your New Tropical Reality. 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 Was Hawaii or The Keys ...And The Keys It Is!! On Shark Key, My Latest Sale $1,850,000

OK
Very cool story.

My Clients had never visited the Florida Keys before and were considering purchasing a property in Hawaii, which they had
previously visited.  They were told some great things about the Keys and contacted Your Conchquistador to fill them in on our Keys Real Estate options

Shark Key. Named so not because of sharks there, instead because of its SHAPE

Dangerous move!!!  

Well, long story short: They came on their first visit, and in Three Days, under your Conchquistador's spell, looking at properties from Key West to Islamorada, they had a gorgeous estate on super cool Shark Key under contract and have now Closed! 

How could they resist?? The Florida are such a siren song. And as lovely as Hawaii is, it is so much simpler to get to the Keys.  Don't get me wrong. I've been to Hawaii and I loved it, but like so many, so much more enjoy the prettier and more temperate waters of the Atlantic/Caribbean over the Pacific. 

Robbie's Trailer Trash Bloody Mary.  Photo courtesy of Tim Rahn Photography

Plus, working with yours truly, they got to visit some unique spots, like Robbie's to feed the Tarpon and enjoy a Trailer Trash Bloody Mary, and heard about more Keys history than they ever wanted to hear (LOL).  And at the end of the Day.. They "got it".  I love that moment, when I get to see folks unfamiliar with our Island Chain suddenly "get it"... and fall in love.  It is the most rewarding part of what I do (as I really cant call this a "job").


Now, Shark Key, In my opinion, is one of the absolute coolest of our Keys.  A Super private enclave of only about 60 gorgeous estate homes, just 11 miles from the heart of Key West.  It is an oasis within as oasis, with intoxicating miles-long vistas of ever changing water hues, punctuated with verdant green drops of unpopulated mangrove islands.

Check out my detailed page dedicated to Shark Key by clicking the tab above.

And this property, their new home, is incredible!

51 Cannon Royal Drive, Shark Key
List Price: $1,995,000 / Sold Price: $1,850,000
3 Bedrooms / 3.1 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 11

Description:  Breathtaking masterpiece located in the gated waterfront community of Shark Key...Spectacular, Unspoiled & Private....Soaring ceilings & walls of glass are the perfect complement to the incredible open water views of the Gulf of Mexico. Custom designed 3 BR/3.5 BA for the ultimate in one floor living, Living area opens up through glass doors to a large porch overlooking the turquoise waters of the gulf, enjoy gorgeous sunrises from your master suite, huge state of the art kitchen & Breakfast room overlooking the water, walk-in pantry, porcelain floors, custom designed baths, fine fixtures, full laundry room with top of the line washer & dryer, sink & cabinets, multiple carport, enclosed storage room, copper roof & plenty of room for a pool. Amenities include inland swimming lagoon & beach.

View Detailed Brochure and Mapped Location Here
View available Shark Key Properties Here

It was such a privilege to work with such great buyers!!
And this was one of the smoothest transactions in over 21 years of practise.  It was also great to work with other dedicated professionals like Joanne Allen of Prudential who worked with the Seller, and Mendy Alden from First International Title, who was the Closing Agent.

So great when everyone plays nice and gets the job ...DONE!

Let me put a Florida Keys Spell on You!  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.

Mariposa...My Latest Florida Keys Sale ... Art in Architecture $2,700,000

Zen.
What the hell IS Zen??? 
Is it a Place?  Is it a Feeling?
Is it a  ... State of Mind? 
Or, is it a Moment?
A Blissful Moment, when the Ideal meets the Cognitive, when Beauty meets Grace, when the full and complete understanding of what you desire is manifest in your Reality?
Zen.
Zen, is the driving element of my latest sale... Mariposa.  
As much Art as it is a residence.  The essence of what a Luxury Oceanfront Estate should, and could be.
Over 120 feet of true sandy beach (a Keys rarity) along Grassy Key, basking in the ever-changing hues of the Atlantic.
A coral clad 5000sq + residence, with one primary design goal: Bring the gorgeous vistas of the Outside... In.
A Home that is like wearing white linen.  Beautiful and flowing, unadorned by fancy, but tailored by skill and finesse.
Am I a fan of this Home?? You're Damn right!  
It truly is the most unique and and conceptualized home I have had the Privilege and Honor to sell.
A Home, in a Place that grabs you and gently lulls you the Moment you arrive, into Feeling its intoxicating State of...ZEN. 

The Details:
58418 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key  "Mariposa"
Perched on 120 feet of Ocean, beachfront magnificence, this Gossamer, rises from the sand like a Babylonian tower, clad in an exterior of coral rock, and resting on almost an acre and a half of the best of Grassy Key.

Evoking a super Zen vibe, this home is huge by Keys standards, at over 5100 sq ft of interior living space, and has a multitude of bells and whistles, some of which you can see, and quite a few that you purposely don't.

Each of its 5 bedrooms has its own en suite bathroom. Doors cascade and pocket.  
The Master Bedroom is a study of Light and Sea.
In fact, the whole concept of the Home is to bring the visual of the Ocean, the Water, the Sea, INTO the Home.
This is achieved through a multitude of floor to ceiling windows and industrial French Doors, that offer light, light , and more light.

Floating Staircases, Glass Wine Room, pivoting multi-ton doors, an awesome Summer Kitchen, imported stone, and the infinity pool of infinity pools are just some of the, "Oh yeah, they went there", amenities.

The Architecture, Construction, and Design Elements are so distinctive, that the owner, who is also the mastermind and builder behind this creation,was featured on a nationally televised program highlighting this home.  Yes, it's that cool.

58418 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key
List price:$2,999,000 / Sold Price: $2,700,000
5 Bedrooms / 6.1 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 58
Description: Discover Mariposa: Unparalleled and unique, this stunning Florida Keys estate is remarkable in every way The spectacular architecture inspired the name of this magnificent oceanfront estate that spans 120 ft. along the beach on Grassy Key in the beautiful Florida Keys. Secluded behind a privacy gate, this Bali influenced contemporary home was painstakingly built and designed by the owner to standards in which only the absolute best of everything would do. Floor to ceiling impact windows and doors invite you into this 5 bdrm Contemporary residence on the glorious multi-hued waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Elegant, minimalist architecture, high-quality and designer finishes give a Zen vibe of "Cool"


View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location Here

"Butterflies are self-propelled flowers."
                    - Robert A Heinlien



Work with an Agent who gets your Zen! 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.