As The Who Sang: "I can see for Miles and Miles...", Waterfront? We Got Your Waterfront! The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 3.23.2012

34 North Dr, Key Largo
It's funny, I was having a conversation with a Buyer recently and was explaining the uniqueness of the Keys' real estate market.

As The Who sang: "I can see for Miles and Miles..."

Never has the cliche, " Location, Location, Location" been so critical to value. Far greater than any other criteria.
Updates and Finishes...whatever, pool...ok, bedroom count...as long as we have enough space, garage...yeah right.

But...turn the conversation to Ocean or Bayside?  Water depth?? Boat Ramp?  Key Largo vs Islamorada vs Marathon, then their eyes light up and dialite like like a drunken pirate finding his chest of buried treasure!!

Today's Deal is one of those eye bulging property deals.  Located in Prestigious Stillwright Point, the first upscale community as you get into the Keys, the owners of this property actually owned the land before they built the house in 1975, and you can see,with these stunning views, why,they have owned it for so long.

34 North Dr, Key Largo

List Price: $679,000 / Sold Price: $610,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

Days on the Market: 17

Mile Marker: 105 Bayside

Description:  Bay Front opportunity! Spectacular open water views in an upscale neighborhood. Well preserved Sheffield (steel and frame) home on large lot. New metal roof & railing, large legal garage/work space down and hooked up to the sewer. Cut-in boat slip has been covered by decking, but remains. Livable as is, but view and location are worth the cost of updating!

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location

View Available Stillwright Home 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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: Conchmls.com .

The Sea Turtle Hospital - Public, Sea Turtle Release - If This Does Not Make You Smile you are a Cold Hearted Soul!!

The Sea Turtle Hospital in Marathon, here in the Keys is a wonderful facility, bringing care and rehabilitaion to injured sea turtles throughout the Florida Keys.  They even have their own Sea Turtle ambulance!!

They are having a very special event coming up soon that will surely warm the heart as much as it educates the mind.

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.
Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: Conchmls.com .

Take a One-Minute Break from your World and Escape to the Beauty an serenity of the underwater world of the Florida Keys

Take a one-minute break from your world and escape to the beauty and serenity of the underwater world of the Florida Keys. Then click "like" if you were glad you did..


Recorded in 2011, the incredible underwater world of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Key Largo videographer Frazier Nivens shot this footage in high-definition in July. More information on the Florida Keys at www.fla-keys.com.


The Underwater World of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 
 
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. 
Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: Conchmls.com .

Want to Own Your Own Island?? Now you Can ...for $12 Million!!! East Sisiter Rock in The Florida Keys is Now for Sale!!

Who hasn’t dreamed of owning their own island? Well, now you can, and it’s in our very own backyard.  The Iconic East Sister Rock Island in the Florida Keys is now for sale.

Iconic Sister Rock Island, now Available for $12M

I could really get my Hemingway on, in this exotic retreat, long a landmark or shall I say seamark, as you navigate into Marathon and Key Vaca.

It's been getting a lot of hype and press, since coming on the Market a few days ago, and why shouldn't it??  The 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is situated on 1.4 acres and is about a quarter mile off the shore of Marathon, here in the Keys. It boasts over 5000 sq ft of living area, with about 2700 sq ft of veranda, helicopter pad, a pool and two docks.

Reachable only by boat or helicopter, the Island is nestled amongst a coral reef, making it great for impromptu snorkeling and fishing. Perfectly situated 2 hours from Miami and about 45 minutes from Key West, and a quick boat ride to Marathon for provisions. The house has a multitude of sliding glass doors and also features a veranda which wraps around the entire house, providing views and sublime sea breezes all the way around.

Klaus Meckler built the island by digging a moat from the coral rock and making a plateau that rises 15 feet. The house was concrete poured and rests on 75 pilings drilled into the coral rock. The current owners - who bought the island in 1995 from Meckler, made the island green by installing a wind turbine and solar panels. Water is taken from rainwater that is filtered and stored for use.

Imagine watching the sun rise from the veranda, snorkeling and fishing all day and winding down with a glass of wine or your favorite Caribbean libation, some stone crabs and lobster that you caught mere hours ago right THERE at the Island, and watching the sun set from the hammocks swaying among the trees. I have motored by in my boat many times…it’s worth the hype!  It is one of just 9 private islands in the Keys.

A long time rental property, the estate, is now available for purchase, and is listed for $12 million.

Talk about Your Island in the Stream!!! OK yes I know, another shameless Hemingway Plug...what can I say... I work next door to the Pilar and visit it almost every day. Hemingway is THE Apex preditor when it comes to Keys writers and he would have LOVED this place!

Let me help you navigate to your own Island!  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.
Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com .

Holding An Oscar ...In the Keys...and Watching a Really Deserving Family Get a Home... Does It Get Any Better???

I'd like to thank the Academy, my Agent, and Harvey Weinstein....

With Producer Jon Landau's Oscar for Best Picture, Titanic.

OK, OK...so it's not MY Oscar but it IS Jon Landau's Best Picture Oscar for Titanic!!

Talk about a great evening!
Saturday was the Habitat for Humanity of The Upper Keys' Annual Cocktail and Fundraising Party, this year hosted by Uber Film Producer Jon Landau (Titanic, Avatar, True Lies), at his exquisite Oceanfront Islamorada Estate.

Our firm is extremely active in Habitat, with one of our agents on the Executive Board for Habitat, and our firm co-sponsoring this event.

The Conchquitador's favorite First Mate, Michelle with  Producer Jon Landau

Jon was kind enough to let me pose with his Oscar when he gave my wife and I a private tour of his home to show us the renovations that he recently completed.  What a Super Guy,  and a very valued addition to our local community.

Jon also served as guest auctioneer auctioning off several items that really added to the coffers $$$!

The Food was fantastic, donated and catered by several of our local restaurants such as Tasters, Mangrove Mikes, and Braza Lena. And of course this being The Keys, Alcohol DID flow...and flow...and flow....lol.
Add to this a Beautiful, balmy Keys evening with a hint of a breeze and superb live music.

The real highlight of the evening though, was the extraordinarily gracious thank you given by the Bautista Family who are the recipients of  the first Habitat House to be located in Islamorada.

The Bautistas' New Home!!!

What a story...a hard working family of four who where living in a rental property that had toxic black mold and a landlord who couldn't seem to care less. Their son was consistently ill and times became very tough.
These folks applied to Habitat, went though the screening process, met the criteria, and were offered the opportunity to invest "Sweat Equity" to earn themselves a home. "Sweat Equity" meaning an investment of time, effort and HARD WORK in contributing to the building of this and other Habitat homes.

Now, Habitat has minimum guidelines on how much time, hours and effort are needed to qualify to earn a home.
The Bautistas invested 5 Times the minimum of Hours!!!! Almost 2500 hours!!!  Talk about grateful, and most of all, talk about DESERVING!!!

So yes, a wonderful evening indeed, with a fantastic feeling of giving back!

So again, I would like to thank the Academy, My Producer Jon Landau, My Agent American Caribbean, Habitat for Humanity of The Upper Keys, and most of all ...The Bautistas.

I'm The King Of the World!!

Work with an Award Winning 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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: Conchmls.com .

Just Closed in Prestigious Venetian Shores - Waterfront Home Originally listed at $1.4M now Closed at $950,000!

I Love Venetian Shores. It's one of my favorite Keys Communities. With its 11 peninsulas reaching out into Snake Creek like fingers thirsty to drink in the sea, it offers hardcore boaters deep water dockage and quick access to Islamorada's famed fishing grounds through the Keys' last Draw Bridge.  If you have a Hatteras or other large boat this is the community for you!

 

As, a Venetian Shores Specialist, I enjoy keeping my clients up to date with the latest available properties and real estate news, as well as recently closed properties.

As one of Islamorada's most in demand communities, Venetian Shores is always tops on everyone's list. Only minutes from Miami, yet a world away.

 

Now finding a sub- 1 Million Dollar property in Venetian Shores is becoming increasingly difficult.  That being said today's property is a very good catch indeed.  Originally listed for $1,400,000 and now Closed at $950,000!

112 Stromboli Drive, Islamorada

List Price: $1,100,000 / Sold Price: $950,000

Original List Price: $1,400,000

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 86 Bayside

Description: OUTSTANDING WATERFRONT FAMILY HOME! This spacious & completely remodeled home offers living space for a large family with a 2 bdrm, 2 bthrm, apartment downstairs and 2 bdrms & 2 bthrms upstairs. Outstanding entertaining back yard with a tiki hut and 70 ft. of concrete dockage w/davits, fish cleaning station, & a 2 car garage. Located in beautiful Venetian Shores with direct bay and ocean access.

View Detailed Brochure With Photos

View Mapped Location

View Available Venetian Shores Homes

View Available Islamorada Waterfront Homes $750K -1M

Work with one of the only agents to actually sell Property in Venetian Shores Last Year!  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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com .

Hollywood Comes to The Keys for Charity! Producer Jon Landau Opens His Exquisite Home for Habitat Cocktail Party.

WOW, This is exciting!! I am so Very Excited to be going to this event!!

This Friday Night, March 2nd, Mr. Jon Landau, One of Hollywood's  all time most successful film producers and Keys resident is opening his very own Keys Estate to host the Habitat for Humanity's Cocktail Benefit, co-sponsored by our firm American Caribbean Real Estate.

Mr. Landau is partners with uber film director James Cameron, and has won Academy Awards and Golden Globes for the films, Titanic and Avatar, two of the most successful films of all time.  And I must say he is just one of the most down to Earth Guys you will ever meet, and has become a very active Keys Resident.

Our firm, American Caribbean Real Estate, recently sold him the beautiful Bali High Estate on Plantation Key. 

He apparently fell in love with the Keys while filming Arnold the Governator's film, True Lies, wherein Jaime Leigh Curtis had that famous Helicopter scene off the old 7-Mile Bridge.

Tickets are still available and proceeds go to a great cause.  So come out, and hang with Hollywood Elite!!

Ready to be treated like a star??? 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 Time for Stats!!! February's Numbers are in, Upper Keys Sales and Listing Figures

So, as we close the books on February, some interesting numbers come to light for The Upper Keys.
In comparing last years' numbers to this February's we find that though the quantity of sales went down slightly, the average sales price went up 26.2% !!!
We also see that the quantity of listing that came on is up dramatically meaning more inventory and that the average list price has jumped  15.7%.
This should certainly answer the "have we hit bottom yet?" question. Yes, yes we have, some while back.
And like gas prices, property prices are going UP!! Buy em now while you still can!

Work with an Agent who KNOWS how to interpret 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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: Conchmls.com .

Originally Listed at $2,399,000 and Now Just Closed at $706,000 as a Short Sale!!! Amazing Deal!! The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 3.1.2012

225 Bristol Court, Key Largo

Hammer Point is quickly becoming one of the most in demand communities in the Upper Keys.
Originally developed as a mobile home community in the 70s is currently a hybrid f mobile home, manufactured homes and solid single family homes and transitioning into purely single family homes I believe in the very near future.  As older mobiles are purchased they are developed into single family homes.

With Old English street names such as Aberdeen, Bristol, and Westminster, Hammer point has a unique charm and an exceptional location, just north of the Tavernier section of Key Largo.

Today's deal is situated at the end of a cul de sac and offers spectacular waterfront views.  It sold as a short sale but was originally on the market for $2,399,000 and has now sold at $706,000!!!  A deal?  Yes a deal indeed!

I actually do a a walk several times a month through hammer point in the morning and wow is it pleasant.  Nice neighbors, beautiful views and 3.7 miles.

225 Bristol Court, Key Largo

List Price: $1,599,000 / Sold Price: $706,000
Original List Price: $2,399,000

3 Bedrooms / 2.1 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 93 Bayside

Description: SHORT SALE/ Elegant concrete home located directly on the Florida Bay with 62 feet of concrete dockage and 117 feet of rough beach! This gated property is surrounded by water views and features a huge master suite and a guest room on the main level and a lofted 2nd master suite on the 3rd floor; all with full bay views. Open living, soaring ceilings, granite, travertine,lifts & close to Tav Creek.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos 


View Mapped Location

View Available Hammer Point Properties 


View Available Waterfront Key Largo Homes $500-750K


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. Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com .

Just Closed - Angler's Paradise In Prestigious Venetian Shores - Was $1,975,000 now closed at $$1,275,000!!

Venetian Shores is one of my favorite Communities in The Keys.  
What's not to love?  Islamorada at its finest.  Super wide and deep canals that can offer safe harbor for broad beamed boats.  Large spacious lots that provide enjoyment on the peninsulas that stretch out into Snake Creek like elongated fingers thirsty to feel the current.  And location??? The First Rule in real Estate!  Not to far from the mainland, not too far from Key West, quick proximity to both Ocean and Bay,  The Keys are yous!! Just waitng to be enjoyed to their fullest
.
Do I like Venetian Shores??? Oh yes...Oh Yes I do!!!
Here is the most recent sale, and a very nice deal indeed.

107 Valencia Drive, Islamorada


List Price: $1,400,000 / Sold Price: $1,275,000
Original List Price: $1,975,000

3 Bedrooms / 2.1 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 86 Bayside

Description: Anglers Paradise! Room for your yacht! This architecturally designed 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home features media room with wet bar, guest quarters, 2nd floor private master suite, plus entertaining waterfront patio! Property is being offered with 70 X 100 permit ready adjoining lot with dockage totaling 140 feet of water frontage! Immediate access to ocean and bay!
View Detailed Brochure With photos


View Mapped Location

View Available Venetian Shores Homes


View Islamorada Waterfront Homes $1-2M
 
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. 

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com .

Just Closed in Largo Sound - Newer Construction - Beautiful Home - $444,000 - The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 2/27

15 Marlin Avenue, Key Largo

Largo Sound Park's Homeowner's Park

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!

Today's Deal is a rarity in that it was built just 2 years ago, and that we do not often see a great deal of homes for sale built in the last 5 years, as there have been ardent strides to limit new development here in the Keys. For a while development was rampant and threatened to impact the natural beauty and flora and fauna of The Keys.  So, now there are strict measures in place that curtail new construction of undeveloped land to a trickle.

This property is located in the Largo Sound Park neighborhood and has one of the best homeowners parks.  Homeowners parks are a staple in the upper keys and provide ramp access and  water front lounging for non waterfront homes in that particular community, usually for a nominal monthly or even yearly fee.

15 Marlin Avenue, Key Largo

List Price: $499,000 / 

Sold Price: $444,000

3 Bedrooms / 2.1 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 103 Ocean Side

Description: This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home with a pool is just beautiful. All ss appliances , granite counter tops, crown molding, tile throughout, one car attached garage. This home is only 2 years old. Located in a x zone. Great homeowners park with beach and boat ramp with quick access to Bay and Ocean.

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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: Conchmls.com .

Open up Your Wallets Because There Are Fantastic Deals to Be Had!! It's Time for the 17th Annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market in Islamorada!

It's This Weekend!!!!
Do you need bumpers for your boat?  New rods or reels??? A spinnaker perhaps???
How about snorkel gear, davits or a boat lift???
If you do, or even if you don't  you've GOT to check out the 17th annual Gigantic Nautical Flea market this Sat and Sun the 25th  and 26th at Founders Park in Islamorada, produced by the Upper Keys Rotary Club.
There's something for everyone.

This is always a fantastic event and strategically scheduled for the weekend after the Miami Boat Show.   Because this Flea Market has become such a nationally recognized event, many vendors who attend the Miami Show stay an extra week and join ours!

So from home decor items to nautical jewelry to the nut's and bolts (and I do mean that literally) of boat maintenance, there are deals to be had and you're gonna love it!

For more information, visit giganticnauticalfleamarket.org

Work with an agent with an eye for value!!  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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com .

Just Closed in Prestigious Venetian Shores - High End Short Sale, 38 Cents on The Dollar - Last sold for $2.95M, Now Closed at $1,119,000!!

120 Villabella Drive, Islamorada
Yes...Proof that even the wealthy are having financial woes these days, this property in prestigious Venetian Shores in the Florida Keys was just sold and closed as a Short Sale!

For those of you who may not be aware, in a nutshell, a Short Sale is when the Seller owes more than the Market Value of the Property and their lender agrees to sell it at a loss.  Seller walks away with nothing, no equity, zilch, but they avoid foreclosure, (both are lousy plays but foreclosure trumps Short Sale in the really bad credit department), Lender takes the loss, and takes it as a write off and the Buyer often times gets a good value.

This one is a really sweet deal, considering that they paid $2,950,000 in 2006!!
And Now it has Closed for $1,119,000!!

The deals are out there...just gotta find them!

120 Villabella Drive, Islamorada

List Price: $1,195,000 / Sold Price: $1,119,000
Last Sold Price: $2,950,000 in 2006

4 Bedrooms / 3.1 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 86 Bayside 

Description: SHORT SALE APPROVED AND CAN CLOSE IMMEDIATELY! ULTIMATE LUXURY! WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO! SUPERIOR HOME IN VENETIAN SHORES. 4BD/3.1BA, GOURMET KITCHEN, PRIVATE MASTER SUITE, ELEVATOR AND COMPLETE GUEST QUARTERS DOWN. 100' OF CONCRETE DEEP WATER DOCKAGE WITH SNAKE CREEK VIEWS AND IMMEDIATE OCEAN/BAY ACCESS. GORGEOUS PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING. GARAGE AND PLENTY OF STORAGE.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location

View Available Venetian Shores Homes

View Available Islamorada Foreclosures 


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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com .

WOW! Navigable Waterfront Home Just Closed Under $400K!! The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 2.15.12

628 La Paloma Road, Key Largo
Location and Price...makes for a very nice combination. And today's Deal has both.
Lot's of bang for the buck.
This home is located in Key Largo, right behind the land part of Pennekamp Park.
A quick cruise thru South Sound Creek and you're in Open Water!!  World Class Fishing and Diving ois certainly on the New Buyer of this Property's To Do List for sure!

628 La Paloma Road, Key Largo

Gotta Love Having Your own Sandy Beach!

List Price: $456,100 / Sold Price: $390,000 


2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms


Mile Marker 102 Oceanside


Description: Beautiful renovated concrete home with a concrete roof in Winston Waterways with direct access to the ocean and easy access to bay via the Adams Cut Waterway. Gorgeous first class concrete dock is brand new! Large screened patio is the perfect venue for parties & BBQ's. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Expansive patio up, Permitted Bath down, Large 2 bedroom & living, down is non conforming.  Listed and sold by Sally Stribling of Coldwell Banker.

View Detail Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location


View Available Key Largo Waterfront Homes $300-500K


View Available Key Largo Foreclosures

 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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com

Pope: Keys Church now a Minor Basilica

Yes, I know that it is hard to believe, but before Your Conchquitador embarked on his debauched life as a Buccaneer Real Estate Assassin, I was actually an Altar Boy!!!

Yes, dressed in a frock, and proficient in catching dropped wafers, pouring water and wine, lighting candles, swinging incense and ringing them bells!!

So, I do have a background as a Good Catholic Boy...I even graduated from an all boys Catholic high school!

With that, I am Proud to see that one of our Churches down here in Key West, St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, has had the enormous Honor to be named by The Pope as minor Basilica!!! One of only five in Florida!!

A good Sunday remedy for a raucous Saturday Night!

See the write up in Keysnews.com below:

St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church - Now a Basilica

"Pope: Keys Church now a Minor Basilica

Courtesy ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI
Written by Keys News Staff

The official designation ceremony is set for May 31.

Per decree of Pope Benedict XVI, St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Truman Avenue in Key West is now one of 72 minor basilicas in the United States.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski, head of the Archdiocese of Miami, which includes the Florida Keys, gave the news to parishioners in a video message played at masses over the weekend.

"Such recognition of one of our parishes by the Holy Father should link all Catholics here in South Florida most closely to the person of the Holy Father," Wenski said in reference to the pope. "In a certain sense, St. Mary Star of the Sea becomes the Pope's 'parish church' here in the Archdiocese of Miami."

Churches are given the basilica title in recognition of their historical and spiritual importance. St. Mary's was established in 1846 and is the oldest Catholic church in South Florida.

In its official announcement, the diocese notes Key West's party atmosphere: "May we not overlook the local pilgrimage from the local people of Key West … (who) desire to find peace in this place with 283 bars."

St. Mary's is one of just five minor basilicas in Florida; the others are: St. Michael's the Archangel in Pensacola; Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine; St. Paul in Daytona Beach; and the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando.

There are only four major basilicas, all in Rome: St. John Lateran; St. Peter; St. Paul Outside the Walls; and St. Mary Major."

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 Great Key Lime Pie Quest of 2012 and The Free Slice Offer. Only in The Keys!!!

Your Humble Conchquistador recently had the opportunity to entertain old friends from the far away Country of California.  Of course the highlight of their visit was the Keys.
Now, they were no strangers to The Keys, as I  had had the opportunity 12 years ago to introduce them to this magical oasis, and they fell in love...well after the obligatory..."Where's The Beach?" question.
The other thing the Lady of  The Couple fell in love with, was our Key Lime Pie!!!
So much so, that on this visit, we embarked on The Great Key Lime Pie Quest of 2012.

An unscientific, and unbiased, yet open minded hunt for the best Key Lime Pie in The Keys.  One Day...One Pie...One Victor.  So Tart, yet so Sweet.
Tough our intentions were to include the entire Keys, as I wanted to end up at Blue Heaven in Key West for their spectacular, Mile High slice, for time reasons we were limited to the Upper Keys.

Key Lime Pie  - Heaven on a Plate!

Local eateries whose offerings we sampled included, The Pilot House, D Hookers, Mrs Macs, and Mandalay, in Key Largo and The Island Grill, The Zane Grey Lounge,  and Morada Bay in Islamorada.

Though all were exceptional, and included the traditional slice and some unique variations, such as Maldalay's Key Lime Bar and D Hooker's Fried Key Lime Pie, one unanimously stood Head and Shoulders above the rest.

Nestled in a Cup as opposed to on a  plate, and resting upon a bed of a sweetened crushed crust of cashews instead of the traditional Graham cracker base, this creamy  blend of sweet and tart was sublime.  And that honor goes to The Zane Grey Lounge at World Wide Sportsman in Islamorada. 

Honorable mention goes to The Pilot House, and they have a special offer that you must check out below!!

Have you claimed your FREE Key Lime Pie from the Pilot House Marina Restaurant & Glass Bottom Bar yet? Like our official page from the link below and receive a free slice! If you have already liked the page, be sure to tell your friends so they can get in on this yummy deal too! http://www.fb.com/pilothousekeylargo

So there you go...our signature desert..A temptress of sublime deliciousness.

Work with an Agent with a taste for 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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: Conchhomes.com .

Break out Your Fig Leaves...It's The Garden of Eden Festival in The Florida Keys!!

Garden of Eden Festival This Saturday in Islamorada

Break Out your Fig leaves!!

This Saturday, February 4th,in our own Garden of Eden, Islamorada

The Center for Green Studies presents: The Garden of Eden Festival at Founders Park from 9am until 6pm. 

The keynote speaker will be Captain Skip Bradeen of the Blue Chip II. 

They will be offering solutions to the community on how to turn our lives green. Festival visitors will discover techniques using renewable resources and earth sustainable human lifestyles at booths offered by local businesses and community organizations. Fig leaves are required! Come and do something about our planet Earth! Food, Refreshments and Fun for the young & the young at heart. Call 305-852-0570

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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: Conchhomes.com .

Let's Get Stoned!!!! It's Time for Stone Crabs!!!

STONE CRABS!!!!!!  Down here in the Keys we love 'em. Sooooo light and flakey, unlike any other crab you've had.In fact tomorrow I am going out on the water to see if my crab traps are full.  Each licensed angler is permitted to have up to 5 traps, and we can only harvest the claw, which must be a minimum if size. and you return the crab back to the water.  This way the little critters get to survive and grow some new ones.  The best bait is Pigs feet and you leave traps soaking for about a week or so.
This week is the Key Largo Stone Crab and Seafood festival and is always a lot of fun.


So, not to rub it in... we will be enjoying fresh stone crab while folks up North are.....shoveling snow!!!
Time for you to move on down!!!!


Put 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 Named to the Board of Directors for The Florida Keys MLS, INC !!!

Honored is a light word for how I feel about being named to The Florida Keys MLS, INC's Board of Directors.

Professionally, to be recognized by your peers as having the requisite experience and background to be a custodian of the "spine" of our industry is certainly...humbling.

I would like to thank the Academy, my Agent, Harvey Weinstein...whoops...wrong honor.

All kidding aside, as a Board Member, I, along with my fellow members, will be involved with overseeing, maintaining, developing and improving, our Multiple Listing Service.  Of course as a Conchquistador, you know that I have strong opinions and ideas on how to make our MLS, the best in the Business.

In this new era of Zillow and Trulia, et al, REALTORS face new challenges with disseminating reliable and accurate information to their clients and customers.  It is incumbent upon us as the MLS to offer the best source of that information, REALTOR to REALTOR and REALTOR to Customer.

I look forward to the challenges at Hand!

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.

An Almost $1M Discount!! Just Closed in Prestigious Venetian Shores-The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 1.15.2012

136 San Remo Drive, Islamorada
2012 is certainly arriving with much gusto!!  And the heart of that real estate gusto is centered right on Venetian Shores.  Venetian Shoes has long been a popular and in-demand community here in Islamorada...and why not?  When this community was developed off Snake Creek, they had the foresight to dredge deep...really deep.  Venetian Shores is the best option for those hard and true boaters and fishermen with big burly. deep draft vessels and a channel that keeps them out of trouble as some other channels in the area are thin and sometimes traverse into skinny water.

Hey I like Venetian Shores because most of the streets have Italian names like Stromboli and Palermo.  Your Humble Conchquistador's last name in Italian, Marinelli, literally means "The Little Sailor"!  So as you can see I was destined to be by the water and Venetian Shores is idyllic, but I digress.

Today's Deal is Tropical...Elegance.

Congrats to my friend an colleague, here at American Caribbean, Leslie Leopold, for listing this home that has now just sold for $1,250,000.  Big and Beautiful, and perfectly situated, this remarkable home is one of the finest in the area.and was originally listed at $2,200,000!  Almost a $1M discount?? Now That's a bargain!!!!  Could have been yours!!!

The deals are out there folks, you've just got to grab them!

136 San Remo Drive, Islamorada

List Price: $1,495,000 / Sold Price: $1,250,000
Original Price: $2,200,000

6 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 86 Bayside

Description: Big and beautiful! Protected deep water dockage with instant ocean and bay access. Fabulous kitchen, pretty marble floors, 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, fireplace, pool, privacy. This remarkable home is one of the finest in the neighborhood Excellent rental income potential!

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Available Venetian Shores Homes

View Available Islamorada Waterfront Homes $1-2M


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.

Walking The Walk - My Real Estate Walking Adventure in Paradise-The Florida Keys 1/15.

In an effort to keep in better shape, I have begun walking various routes here in the Florida Keys from about 1 to 4 miles.  The Scenery is spectacular and it actually helps keep me on top of the inventory!!  I have my iPhone loaded with Zillow and Trulia, a pocket full of business cards and away I go!!  It truly is walking in paradise!!
Today's Walk was in another great Key Largo Community, Sunset Point.  A Mix of Stunning Waterfront Estate Homes and cozy Keys-z Bungalows in the middle part of Key Largo on picturesque Florida Bay.
See today's .85 of a  mile route below:



View Larger Map

A Steal In Prestigious Waterfront Venetian Shores!!! Sold at $1,080,000...Originally $1,550,000 - The Conchquistador Deal of the Day 1/11/2012

127 Bayview Isle Drive, Islamorada
You have no idea how often I will be sharing my "Elevator Speech" with someone, and when they hear that I sell Real Estate in The Keys....DING, their eyes light up, their mouths water and their breathing becomes more rapid!  And then they utter it...like scripted dialog...a veritable Pavlovian Dog response, '"Let me Know if you run across and Steals!!"  " I've always wanted a place in The Keys"

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, here was your chance!  And though I recommended this home to quite a few buyers, alas, I did not have the opportunity to sell it, but I Know some lucky Buyer is Very Happy indeed.

Located in Islamorada's prestigious Venetian Shores on Bayview Isle Drive, the last waterfront street in Venetian Shores before the Bay, and interestingly enough the only waterfront street without an Italian name.  This multi level home was originally listed for $1,550,000 before selling at $1,080,000.  A deep 31% discount from its original price.   A Steal Indeed!  And a prefect first Conchquistador Deal of the Day for 2012.

127 Bayview Isle Drive, Islamorada

List Price: $1,147,000 / Sold Price:$1,080,000
Original List Price: $1,550,000

4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 86 Bayside

Description: Beautiful 4 bdrm, 3 bath plus office or nursery. CBS waterfront pool home with 70 ft. of concrete dockage, 12,500 lb boat lift and shore power. Second floor features an open floor plan with living room, dining room & kitchen, 2 bedrooms & 1 bathroom with steam shower.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location

View Available Venetian Shores Homes

View Available Islamorada Waterfront Homes $1-2M

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.

Exquisite Real Estate, Food and Wine - What a Great Way to Spend a Mid Week Afternoon!

What a great way to spend a mid week afternoon!

A Tantalizing Combination of Exquisite Real Estate, Food and Wine!

One of the great tools that we, as Realtors, use are Brokers' Open Houses also known as Caravans, though there is a slight difference.  Brokers Opens are open usually for a few hours, while Caravans are progressive and are open for 15-20 minutes, then everyone piles on to the next one, like a roving band of property selling Gypsies

Brokers Opens are well...an Open House, but geared primarily to Brokers and by that we mean agents too.  The Public is of course welcome, but the gist of these Opens are to give Agents an opportunity to preview a property so when that magical moment arises when a buyer asks them for a particular type of property, the agent can confidently chime, "Why I know the perfect home, i just saw it.".  At which point the agent looks like a star, contracts are written, boat loads of money are exchanged and everything is right in the world.  OK, I exaggerate a bit, but in reality, in my almost 20 years of selling homes, I find Brokers Opens to be one of the most effective tools in my marketing arsenal.  Of course to get those Brokers to visit, you MUST bribe them with food!!! Schnorers that we are (old Yiddish word - a Polite and benign cross between Opportunist and Freeloader), Agents smell free food like sharks pick up blood in the water!

So come on out and enjoy some of the Best Islamorada has to offer!

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.

Celebrate the Flagler Centennial with the Keys Community Concert Band!

Did you Know that this year makes 100 years that have spanned since Henry Flager took his inaugural ride on his Overseas Railroad across the Florida Keys???
Everyday I drive through our magical chain of Islands, I pay respect to those rugged individuals who had this enormous ....Vision to transpose our 120 or so miles of coral rock, limestone and mangroves into a majestic railroad spanning both Gulf and Sea

Celebrate the Flagler Centennial with the Keys Community Concert Band!

Always a fun, family event
I am Certain they will be featuring music from that bygone era when it was Mosquito and Native Americans that ruled 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 Time for The January Edition of The Real Estate Resource Report!

Wow, This year is only a week old and it is KICKIN"!!!  I have been Super busy with Buyers and new properties and it should get prettttttty interesting if this is an indication of where the year is going.
Now, January is traditionally one of, if not The busiest of months for properties going under contract, but it has been some time since I have witnessed a January like this.
I am always getting asked about the local real estate market and what is selling, so in an effort to  keep you updated I am providing a monthly report that shows the sales activity in the Upper Keys.

I hope you find this information useful and interesting.

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.

Ready to create your own no-hassle shopping cart of available Properties in the Florida Keys, with multiple search capability? Click here: ConchMLS.com.

New Venetian Shores Sales Comparison Stats 2010 vs 2011

January 3, 2012

Here is a comparison of 2010 vs 2012 Venetian Shores Waterfront Home Sales.

As you will see we had Increases in both the Quantity of sales AND in the Median Sale Price!  

As one of only a handful of agents who had sales in Venetian Shores in 2011, I like to keep my readers up to date with the latest trends. 

Work with an Agent who Specializes in Venetian Shores. 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.