The Florida Keys Real Estate Market Absorption Report 12-1-2020

If you're a Stat junkie like me, you'll love this Stuff!

This monthly report ( with 5 years of data) focuses on our Florida Keys Real Estate Absorption via hypothetical monthly supply rate.

(Don't worry. there's not a test for you math phobic readers.)

Is it a Buyer's Market? A Seller's Market? Who has the leverage? Take a Look and let me know what you think. I am happy to put my 25+years of experience to work for You!

For a PDF of the above video click here.

Work with an Agent who knows the pulse of the Market. Put the Experience and Expertise of Your Conchquistaor to work for you!

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.

And Thus, We Bid The Devil Adieu - Today Ends a Harsh Hurricane Season

The Buzz-Saw that was Irma en route to the Keys

So, every June 1^st, I do a blog post referencing Florida Keys Profanity, and that the “H Word” is the most foul.  Of course, “H” standing for Hurricane.

As you know, this Blog is quite often tongue-in-cheek, but this year, this year it rang very, very true.

Heartbreaking Devastation at one of my Buyers' Properties on Grassy Key

It's been some time coming, can't say we were surprised. But it still doesn't lessen the blow, both literally and figuratively. 

Irma came through like a buzz saw, but a buzz saw that was very, very slow moving. We were extraordinarily fortunate that it didn't do as much damage as it could have, and that the casualties were not as great as they could've been.

That being said, the wounds have definitely been inflicted and anyone driving our glorious Overseas Highway can see the scabs that are now forming.

 

Hurricanes in the Keys are a way of Life. They are part and parcel of the Keys experience. They is the Ying to the diving, fishing, drinking and revelry’s Yang. 

So what happens now???

Participating in a TV interview with NBC6 Anchors about what happens next

Well, real estate wise, Irma may have actually been a good thing on several fronts.

It's certainly showcased those homes that were well-built and can stand up to brutes. It also thinned out some of our invasive foliage that has grown here, chocking out our natives. And, it has forced homeowners to take a serious look at the condition of their properties.

And even with all the devastation that has occurred, Buyers still, still, very much want a heaping slice of our proverbial Key Lime Pie.

There is no place on Earth like the  Florida Keys. There is no place that offers all the intangibles.

Yes, there may be some places that have more vibrant for reefs, better fishing, Island lifestyle, but, as a package, and for ownership and value… I believe there’s no compare. 

"H Word"  - The Most Profane.

So, today, as we pack away our generators and store away our shutters and get ready to say goodbye to a very trying Period, we remember those that lost so much, and commend those whose efforts are unparalleled in helping us to effectively rebuild.

As once again, we try to reason with Hurricane Season

Work with an Agent whose ridden the Storms.  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.

Irma's Knockin' On My Back Door. I Told Her I'm Not That Kinda Guy

It's been going on down here for millennia ... the storm surges, wind flows ... the buzz saw action that is the trademark of a large hurricane, cruising across the warm azure waters of the Atlantic and Caribbean with aching itch to make landfall cross our Florida Peninsula.

Irma

And so, here it is,  about 36 hours before that Bad Ass Bitch, Irma, decides to say Hello.

I've been to this rodeo before. I take this very seriously. But, with that in mind, you can only do so much.  And while you can survive losing "things", you can't afford to lose your humanity.

Assisting Customers With Shutters,  First Timers. Comforting their Fears

Shutters are up, the boats are secured. My family and I will be staying at one of our parents' houses in Southwest Miami. Little concrete bunkers homes that were built for conditions such as these.

My properties… Well... we'll just have to see well, won't we.

Like we did with Andrew, we will rebuild ... we will reset… And we will learn.

Trying to Reason With Hurricane Season

As for me, tomorrow evening, I plan to be sitting in a screened-in patio, glass of Rum and Cigar in hand, and looking straight into the eyes and belly of the beast. 

I will tip my hat and say ... "Bring it on Bitch"

All my friends, please stay safe and let me know that you got out OK.

God Bless

Shalom

As-Salaam-Alaikum

Hakuna Matata

Conquistador

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.

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!
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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.

Numbers, The Keys Real Estate Market, and Dirty Hands.

What's in a Number?
They say that numbers don't lie.  But in truth, that can depend on what numbers, and who's showing them to you. 
Statistics can be funny things.  Supposedly empirical evidence and ... yet, they can me manipulated by the criteria used to garner them.

That's why it's so important, as an agent, to have your hands in the dirt, so to speak of the real estate market.
Really get in there and till the soil, actually see the genesis of roots sprouting of a particular movement or shift in the market.

Also, that is why it is so very important to work with real estate professionals who work full time in a given market.  Certainly not trying to diminish the efforts of those in my profession that do not have the opportunity to peruse this line of work full time, but rather want to convey the importance of intimate knowledge of a given market.

Especially here in the Florida Keys, one of the most unique Real estate Markets there is, with a multitude of sub markets that change by the Key, water side, and Mile Marker.  To paint a picture of our entire Market with broad brushstrokes can give a very incomplete rendering of information, that can be critical to your determination of what is and isn't a great real estate value.

With all the incredible existing and burgeoning technology out there, its easy to get caught up in its supposed simplicity, and let automated apps, each with their unique algorithms, think for us and determine what a particular property is worth.  These are great tools, but they are no match for an experienced agent with really dirty hands.

Let me put it this way.  If both me and my friend Captain Matt Bellinger had the same GPS coordinates for a great fishing spot, I

can almost guarantee you that he will out-fish me every day of the week and Twice on Sundays!  Why?  Because this is what he does, day in and day out.  He has amassed years of knowledge and know how, and is keen to minute and major adaptations that need to be made. Because he is a PROFESSIONAL with really dirty fishy hands...No Offense Matt!  His hands are dirty in the field of what he does. And he loves it.

Numbers are great, and with the revived health of the Real Estate Market, many homeowners are once again telling themselves, "I can do it myself" or  "I can do it with the agent who will cost me least".  Be careful, those numbers just might steer you into a critical mistake.  It is essential to realize that this may not be what you do everyday or that agent might not have the background needed to assist you.

When you meet with an agent ask them if they know what the absorption rate for your area is, how did they come to your valuation?  Did they go back six months or a year? How does a particular property compare to what has sold (past), what is under contract (present), and what is actively on the market (future). 

What... Numbers...did they use?

Then ... look at their hands...and see if they're Real Estate Dirty.

Work with an Agent whose hands are Real Estate Filthy.  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.