It’s "The Pirates, Poets, and Troubadours Wednesday Night Jams", Hosted and Sponsored By Yours Truly!

You know, one of the cool things about the Florida Keys is the caliber of musicians that we have down here, and even the generous attitude they have with playing with just about everyone. 

Belting one out at the DAB with the late Johnny B

Well, now that the Godfather of Jams at the old DAB ( For those that don’t remember, it being the Dead Animal Bar, also known as Safari Lounge, and oh what stories those cigarette stained walls could tell) is no longer around, several other great jams have surfaced. Such as, the now legendary Tuesday Night Jam at the OV in Islamorada, and the burgeoning 333 Jam on Thursdays at the American Legion in Key Largo.

With that being said, Yours Truly, along with the great folks at Radio A1A and Heartbreakers Brewhouse in Islamorada, have created something a little bit different, (something different, from your Conquistador??? Really? LOL). 

We have built something unique that has really taken fire and gained traction: 



“The Pirates, Poets and Troubadours Jam”, happening every Wednesday from 7 to 10 PM.

So, what makes this one different from the rest? Where are we

National Tour Acts such as Casey Smith have been joining us!

zigging, where everyone else is zagging? For one, we are focusing on all acoustic music, basically a bit of folk, a lot of blues, some Tropical-Americana, some originals, and so much more. Often, we will have National Top-Rock Touring Acts stop by to jam on their way to Key West. And one of the really cool things is we are focusing a lot of spoken word. Cool Marine, Key-z inspired poetry and stories.

Yes, yes I know a little bit Beatnik, but you’ve got to realize where we are doing this.

Heartbreakers Brewhouse has totally got that Bohemian vibe!

I spent 10 years in San Francisco, hanging out in coffee houses there, and this totally reminds me of a Bohemian coffeehouse, except with custom craft brews.

Another cool and unique aspect of our Jam is the ability to record and even simulcast our jams on Radio A1A!  As our headquarters is located in Heartbreakers Brewhouse, we have a fully equipped recording studio and broadcast center.

It’s a great place to hang make friend, hang out and soak in your inner Bohemian vibe. It’s a little laid back and sometimes a little edgy.

And you never know who might show up!

Thankfully, the only thing we are missing, is friggin patchouli. Good God that stuff reeks!

So, I invite you to join us every Wednesday night at “The Pirates, Poets, and Troubadours Jam”!

Work with an Agent who gets  YOUR Vibe.  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.

Make Holiday Shopping Easy, Buy This Super Cool Keys Home $405,0000 - My Newest Listing

Be it Chanuka, Christmas, or Kwanzaa, nothing says "Home for the Holidays", like...well...A New Home!

Adorable Manatee Mailbox Greets You

And opposed to a dradle, ugly sweater or, and forgive me, not sure what you give at Kwanzaa, the gift of a new home really shows you care.  Even if that gift is to yourself!!

And wow, what a gift I have available!! I couldn't have gift wrapped it any better than if Rowan Akinson's Jewelry Clerk in "Love Actually" had wrapped it!!  
This home is the ideal Keys second residence, or even primary residence, for those looking to move right in and start enjoying...now!

Elevated and perched high in a natural hammock of Gumbo Limbos and swaying palms, the casual vibe just says, "Home".

For me, I barely need to walk through the door, as the veranda is Magical.  I would actually LIVE on the Veranda!! But if you DO make it through the door, a jewel awaits, as you are greeted by a totally renovated open kitchen and living room that are ideal for entertaining.

The Sellers really did a superb job bringing this home back to to a stylish, comfortable vibe.

And the location is super. With plenty of room to park your boat, you also have some great launching options.  For the Bay side use the community ramp, and if you're going out Oceanside, well, Pennekamp state park is right around the corner!!

Only one hour to Miami, (though why would you want to go here?), this home is style, location and value rich, and truly makes a nice present ... especially for yourself!

Now for the Details:

  

756 Musa Drive, Key Largo
3 Bedrooms / 2 Baths

List Price: $405,000 
Mile Marker 103
Description:
Opportunity knocks! This elevated and updated, 3 bedroom / 2 bath home is ready to go! From the moment you enter the lovely veranda, where you will surely want to relax, unwind and savor the day, it feels like ... Home. The ideal spot to create your own Keys sanctuary. Loads of extras! Totally new, stunning open kitchen with stainless appliances, Metal roof, volume ceilings, storage shed, new flooring and brand new Trane AC! Exceptional storage underneath to park your boat, and plenty of room for all your toys. Launch your boat at the community ramp Bayside, or Pennekamp, which is super nearby, for Oceanside. Perfect Key Largo location, close to the mainland... yet a world away!

View Detailed Brochure and Mapped Location Here

Work with an Agent who can help stuff your stocking full of Keys Property Treasures.  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.

And Exhale ...The Hurricane Season Comes To An End and the Keys Are Blessed. It's Time for Neptune's Ball!

Like a good cigarette after sex (and I don't smoke), or a cup of coffee or espresso after dinner, or maybe a Brandy or Cognac. 
One can let go, and let that ...tension...dissipate.

The Tension?? The HT, Hurricane Tension, a type of PTSD you develop after being part of a serious Hurricane. 
And when June 1st rolls around, those that know what I'm talking about, realize that there is a menacing tightness that lingers until today, November 30th.

And, as we here in the Keys are only 1 year removed from the catastrophe of Irma, and in light Maria's and Michael's devastation,  that... stress, never really goes away during Season.  
One mention of a disturbance off of Africa and that hair rises, as does your pulse.... wondering, praying, that it doesn't come ... HERE.

This year, the Keys were blessed. And thankfully so, as the rebuilding efforts in the Lower Keys still have some ways to go. The scars need to mend. 
Our prayers, thoughts, and relief efforts go out to those affected by Michael. We know their pain and the challenges that lie before them.

Your Conchquistador has been through, Irma, and Wilma, and Katrina, Irene, and in the  Heart of Andrew (an experience like no other).  I know this stress first hand.  It's one of the reasons I am so adamant that my clientele are well prepared for the possibilities that exist. That their properties are ready, and that they themselves will be safe.

Yes, exhale my friends, let that HT, Hurricane Tension, subside. The Season is over. Put away your shutters and store your supplies.  

Of Course, in true Keys fashion, we are actually having a celebration party, entitled Neptune's Ball, at the super cool Heartbreakers Brewhouse, with musicians, craft beers, hookah lounge, a paddle board give away, and a custom sculpture burning at midnight!  
It's going to be a lot of fun!! 

November 30th is one of my favorite days of the year and June 1st, my least.

And for the 2018 Hurricane Season...let's tell that Bitch, "Na-na, Na-na, Hey-hey, Good-bye!"

Work with an Agent who can see you through 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.

Just Closed! Islamorada Oasis $775,000. Conchquistador Deal of The Day!

You Know, one of the greatest joys of this profession is the opportunity to service clientele not just once, but multiple times over the course of many years.

So it is with my latest sale.  I have now had the privilege to work buy my Buyers, Bert and Terry, for 5 transactions!!  The first dating back 20 years in 1998 when I sold their Miami Home.

And now I have been able to work with them to obtain their own Islamorada Oasis.  And man talk about cool!!! 
Located on Plantation Key in the Indian Waterways neighborhood, this home at 157 Caloosa Street is the perfect Keys getaway.

Listed by my friends Aryl and Pati Robison of Re/Max, it boasts super waterfront dockage, a custom build Tiki entertainment area, Garage,
Main House, and a separate Guest House!!


Originally built in the 60's, it has been wonderfully updated and is ready to move in, and ready to party and or relax.

At a Sale price of $775,000, this was a win-win for both Buyer and Seller. Love those kind of deals!!

Aryl and Pati have been kind enough to allow me to share some of their photos and description.

Now the details:

157 Tequesta Street, Islamorada
List Price $799,995 / Sale Price $775,000 
3 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms
Bayside Canal

Description:
Paradise awaits. This spectacular canal front home is the epitome of Florida Keys Living. Completely renovated and remodeled in 2011 & 2012, the property offers a main house with 2 beds and 2 baths, Dade County Pine ceilings, detached garage, separate guest quarters with a living area, kitchenette, bedroom & bathroom, a spacious dock, boat ramp, lushly landscaped grounds, tiki hut and even a white picket fence. Located in Indian Waterways, it is minutes from the Bay & Ocean Access Access via Tavernier Creek and Snake Creek. It is also centrally located and very convenient to shopping, restaurants, the hospital & schools. Plus, this home did not suffer any hurricane damage and offers privacy with a nature preserve across the Street.

Detailed Brochure and Mapped Location Here

Thank you Bert and Terry!! Looking forward to our next one!

Work with and agent who can help you find your OWN Oasis and who will stick with you for years to come. 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.

You've Bought A Fantastic Keys Home. Now, Where Do You Go To Fish???

You know, one of the big questions I get asked by my buyer clients is, "Where do we go fish??" 

What You’ve gotta understand is,

that’s like asking, "Hey where is the Oasis in the Sahara??"

It’s a big ocean out there boys and girls, and this question is kind of an ambiguous one as well. 

A lot of factors go in to determining what’s a great fishing spot.

A just undersized Grouper caught on the Patch Reefs.

What maybe great to you isn't necessarily so great to me depending on the type of fish you like to catch, the style of fishing, and how much you can handle being rocked on a boat in "sporty " chop, before you are chumming the waters yourself.

The phenomenal thing about our Fabulous Florida Keys, is that they offer such a widdddddeeeee variety of fishing options!!

Mrs Conchquistador with a super mackerel caught in 17 ft of water!

So, if you’re looking for a constant rod pending action, where the thrill might not be so much catching that elusive big one, as much as being excited with every cast, you can’t beat the Patch Reefs. Small sets of reefs on the oceanside usually close inshore about 3.5 to 5 miles. They hold of wide variety of fish including Grouper, Snapper, Porgies, Grunts, the sooo delicious Hogfish, and sometimes Mackerel. 

Patch Reef fishing is my personal favorite, and generally what I like to do most, as damn it, I wanna put fish in my box!! 

Guess what!? I gotta fever. And the only prescription is more patch reef fishing (that said in my worst Christopher Walken voice from the infamous Cowbell SNL skit). It’s pretty close inshore, doesn’t take a lot of time to get out to, and lots of different spots,

A super Hogfish caught in some deeper water

Now, if you’re looking for that real sense of adventure, start going a little bit deeper. But know that the time between catches and bites may be a little bit longer.

When you’re looking just past the reef, in the 125 foot range, now you’re starting to talk about some of your bigger Groupers, your Mutton Snappers, and especially Kingfish and more. 

But, if you’re ready for some bad ass Hemingway action, you go deeper, and by deeper I’m talking about 600 to 2000 feet. 

Here's where you strap on your big boy, or big girl, pants and you throw your line and you’re looking for Dolphin, (No, not Flipper, but Mahi-Mahi), Tuna, and especially if you're lucky, Swordfish, each a tasty, tasty treat.

Mrs. Conchquistador with a tasty, yes tasty Jack Crevalle

Your style of fishing can also be determined by Where you are in the Keys.

I find Upper Keys fishing quite different from Lower Keys fishing especially when you talk about going on the Gulf side in the Lower Keys, and Bay side and the Back Country in the Upper Keys.

These are whole different fisheries.

And of course, there are particular habitats for other great target species like Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish. 

If you's like even more detailed fishing info and some great gps numbers, visit my GPS page.  And for even GREATER accuracy, visit www.profishingspots.com.  they have INCREDIBLE #s and I know this first hand. May cost you a few bucks, but very much worth it. Tell them my friend Heiko from The South Florida Fishing Channel on youtube sent you. ( More about him and his phenomenal channel in a later post.)

The bottom line (pardon the purposeful "line" pun) is, get a rod in your hand, get some bait, learn how to throw a cast net, be safe, and most of all ... have fun.

 
Work with an Agent who can get you a home closeest to your ideal fishing spot.  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.

Today Is One of My Favorite Days of the Year, And Let Me Tell You Why ...

OK, 

Penn rods and reels ... check 

Pinfish ... check 

Boxes of Chum ... check 

Knocker Rigs... check.

So what is this laundry list, you ask?? 

It is essential gear to stalk my favorite fish to both catch and eat

.

Yes, today is May 1, and that means just one thing ...

the start of Grouper Season!!!

These denizens of the rocky bottom are my favorite prey by far. And to me personally, as table fare, they really can’t be beat. Yes, the Mahi-Mahi is fantastic, and the stats are divided that Hog Fish is on its own plane, but to me, Grouper, yes big fat, sloppy, tasty Grouper is the king of the sea.

The cool thing about Grouper is that there are so many different varieties. Gag, Nassau, Black, Red, Snowey, Hind, and Strawberry are just a few, with Reds my personal favorite.

The most important thing to remember is that there’s only a particular season where we are allowed to get out on the open water and cast our lines and catch and keep these tasty beasts.  That season runs from May 1 to December 31. 

So where am I going to go?? Well, I’ll give you a couple of insider insights.

I just found the most incredible reef off the southern tip of Islamorada, about a mile and a half off shore. It’s got about 12 good sized patches within a 1 mile diameter and lots of great rocky outcrops and corals that make for great Grouper apartments.

Note that in grouper fishing, it is that the first 10 seconds of him on your line that is really going to tell the tale of who is going to be bitch slapped, you or the grouper.  As that is when they head for their nearest whole like a cockroach who's just seen the light in the kitchen. And when the get in that hole they puff up in it, like me after I eat popcorn rice. So getting them out, is where the real challenge begins!

So whether fishing in 10 to 12 feet of water or 150,  there's  always a variety of grouper to be found, especially if you have some type of structure on the bottom.

Oh very happy day I’m ready to get my lines in the water and pull up some dinner.

Pass me some tartar sauce!

  
Work with an agent who can help your reel in the ideal 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.

Tattoo Who?? My Wife Gets Her First Tattoo Ever, In Key Largo.

You know, I think all of us have a Bucket List; climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Run with the Bulls in Pamplona, buy a house in the Florida Keys!! 
Well, one of the items on your Conchquistador's Wife’s Bucket List has been to get a tattoo! 

So, after a milestone birthday, and considering doing this for almost 15 years, she decided she wanted to get a tattoo in Key West. 

When I informed her, that until very recent years tattoo salons had been prohibited in Key West, we realized that we wanted a much more established salon.

So, I asked quite a few of my esteemed inked friends where they suggested, as I’m sure you can figure there are a plethora of Keys-ites that enjoy being out on the water, drinking tropical drinks and enjoying their colorful tattoos. We are known for our Character here in the Keys!!

And funny enough the salon that most recommended was one that I was already familiar with, located in Key Largo next to my favorite cigar shop. Now your Conchquistador himself his tattoo free. As a hirsute gentlemen, they just would not look good on me, though I’ve always had great admiration for the incredible artwork done on a living canvas.

South of Heaven Tattoos is located in the Pink Plaza at mile marker 103. It is owned by a tattooing family that has years and years of experience that is actually multi generational. 

To me, it is the ideal salon. Very, very clean, very inviting, super luxurious chairs for their clients to relax in as they are getting their body art, forever woven into the fabric of their skin.

I booked an appointment with Jason, a fantastic artist (Sporting a half shaved head with tattoos from the side of his head through his neck down to his calves, and standing about 6 foot 3! But underneath, a very kind soul!!), and when we got there he and his associate Caitlin we’re ready to get to work!

My wife had a specific design in mind and he was able to embellish it further. They made us feel very relaxed, and within an hour, she had her beautiful tattoo.

 

Bucket list item… Done!!

And wow what outcome. Even better than we had in anticipated.

In conversation with Jason, we found out, funny enough, that one of the most popular tattoos is the still clichéd anchor!!

South of Heaven Tattoos caters to locals and tourists alike.

Those of you wonderful readers who follow my blog know that Service is extremely important to me and a critical aspect of what I like to provide to my clientele. In fact my motto is, "SERVICE… Plain and simple".

I love it when I see other professionals give great service, and that is something my Wife and I received at South of Heaven Tattoos.

So yes, and I’m sorry Honey, and I mean the following with all the Love and Respect, LOL ... my Wife was able to get her Tramp Stamp Tattoo.!! And it is smoking hot!

The Keys are such a colorful and wonderful environment to express your individuality and one of the reasons we so love it here.

So whether you’re saddled up to the bar and sitting next to a tattooed biker dude, or long-haired musician, or a seemingly mild-mannered real estate agent, there’s always fun in store here in the fabulous Florida Keys!

Work with an agent who offers indelible service that will leave its mark. .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 in Key Largo - Turnkey Waterfront: $725,000, A Direct Result of My Radio Show!!!

You know what's Cool?

View down the Canal at 19 Harbor Dr. Key Largo. My latest sale.

Being able to assist really fun, cool, clients turn their Island Dreams into their new Tropical Reality.
Yes, yes I know, you've heard me say or post that tag line before. But it's true!!  
Home ownership for most people in the Fabulous Florida Keys is a Dream, not a necessity. It's bucket list material.  Something you one day hope to achieve. So you toil, and save, and work for that goal.  

And that's where your humble Conchquistador comes in. I'm here to help you find your new toy! Your piece of our Paradise, your very own slice of our proverbial Key Lime Pie!!

And that brings up my latest Sale.  A Super cool couple from Illinois that found me through my award-winning Radio Show, "The Florida Keys Real Estate Guys ...Live"  Broadcast worldwide every Monday at Noon, Keys time on RadioA1A.com and their take along app.  Also simulcast and Podcast on Soundcloud, Tunein, and bouncing off all kinds of satellites, I'm sure.

We have a lot of fun doing the show, and if you haven't listened... what are you waiting for???  We have 77 Episodes! Fun and irreverent chat about our Florida Keys Lifestyle, Fishing, Diving, drinking, cool guests and oh yeah...informative information regarding our Florida Keys Real Estate Market, all with yours truly and my co-host Mark Mills.  And we don't fall under the auspices of the FCC!!

And while we get a lot of Keys listeners we get a TON of folks tuning in Nationwide, and even in other distant Ports of Call.  I even know some Kiwis that tune in every so often.

RadioA1A caters to folks who enjoy independent Trop-Rock with an Island feel and is tied into the biggest nationwide Jimmy Buffet fan club.  And your Conchquistor is also proud to be the their exclusive Real Estate Sponsor!!  This also gives my sellers a great edge as I run several hundred commercials a month!! Talk about exposure for your property!!!??? This, in addition to the great shows I sponsor on our local radio station, Sun103.1 FM. 
Just another out of the box approach that I take to getting the job DONE.

Go Here to download the RadioA1A app to take our show on the go!

So after that long winded explanation, some more info about the Home my Super Cool Buyers just Purchased!

19 Harbor Drive, Key Largo
3 Bedrooms / 2.1 Baths
Waterfront

List Price: $747,000 / Sale Price: $725,000

This Property was sold furnished for immediate enjoyment!
It was also listed by my friend, Myriam Morales of The Keyes Company, who was a pleasure to work with.

Description: 
BEAUTIFUL HOUSE! ON THE WATER!! 3/2/1/2. CONCRETE ROOF! ALL IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS! GRANITE COUNTER TOPS IN KITCHEN ALL TILE FLOORS! YOUR OWN DOCK!

View a Detailed Brochure and Mapped Location Here

Bucket List? For sure.  But truly attainable. 
And, after all, what is a life without dreams??

Work with an Agent who can help flesh out your Island Dreams.  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.