Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Walking in Paradise....Join Me sometime!!!

The Old Papa Joe's Site
I love to walk.  Be it the when I lived in Paris and San Francisco, walking the urban centers and vibing on the electricity of life, or strolling the pastoral countryside of the South of France or the remote stretches of Tennessee, there is nothing like a nice long walk to liven and reinvigorate the senses.

And NOWHERE is that more true that in my favorite place to walk...The idyllic Florida Keys!
In an effort to keep in fighting shape as Your Conchquistrador, I have gone back to enjoying my long walks.  And with the advent of today's technology, I am able to be tied in and assist my clients while soaking in all of the Keys' majesty.

Pelicans across From Bud n Mary's Marina
I have assembled about 1/2 dozen routes in Key Largo and Islamorada, ranging from 3/4 of a mile to 4 miles, including a great route in Venetian Shores.
The maps below show my routes in the Bay Harbor neighborhood and my favorite, my walk in Islamorada, from Bud n Mary's Marina to Robbie's Marina and back.  Gorgeous!!

 The best thing about these strolls are the people that I get to meet.  The Homeowners that I talk real estate with, and tourists I come across.  The other day, as I returned to Bud n Mary's there were a gaggle of Pelicans perched in the mangroves across from where the old Papa Joe's restaurant (how many of you old timers like me remember THAT place??) was and  3 car loads of tourists were taking pictures and loving the view, as was I.  That same morning some folks from Virginia pulled over on the side of the road and were enjoying their Egg Mcmuffins over looking Indian Key. I told them that they were in the Best Breakfast spot in the Keys.

The Fresh Salt air, multi-hued waters, a canvas touched by God.....could exercise get any better????

Join me sometime... I'd love to have the company...and I might even let you in on some Keys secrets that few people, other than the Conchquistador, even know!!



View Larger Map

Bay Harbor neighborhood walk, just under a mile.  I am always meeting homeowners here,


View Larger Map

Part of my Favorite Walk from Bud and Mary's to Robbie's, AWESOME water views in a great cradle of History.

Work with an Agent who talks the talk and WALKS the Walk!  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.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Just Sold in Venetian Shores, $575,0000!!! The Conchquistador Deal of the Day 12/17.2011

106 San Juan Drive, Plantation Key, Islamorada
Venetian Shores, on the Southern tip of Plantation Key, in Islamorada, is one of  my favorite communities in The Keys! 

Rich in History and THE spot for serious fishermen, with its deep water protected dockage and ideal access to open water via Snake Creek, Venetian Shores is the go-to community when looking for luxury, location, and the essence of Keys living.  World Class Fishing and Diving to the Left, Championship Bonefishing and Flats fishing to the right.  Wow when you get to Snake Creek...what a great choice!!!

Now, when people think of Venetian Shores they think of pricey, million dollar plus, waterfront homes on canals that lead to open water.  What few people know, is that there is a section of Venetian Shores, not so pricey, that is on non navigable water, BUT does have an adjoining marina for your Boat!

My associate, Joel Young, who by the way was just recipient of The Florida Keys Board of Realtors, "Rookie of the Year" Award, just worked with of the buyer of this Fantastic home, that is today's Deal!  I am certain that the Buyer will be Happy indeed!

 

106 San Juan Drive, Plantation Key, Islamorada
List Price: $650,000 / Sold Price $575,000 
3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 86 Bayside
Description: Immaculate and attractive waterfront home with boat slip(#48)in Venetian Shores. Spacious living area with 2bd/2ba, possible 3rd bedroom and legal 1bd/1ba guest quarters down. Large 2-car garage, backyard deck and open porch to enjoy. Boat slip and marina located steps away where you have immediate ocean/bay access.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location 
View Available Venetian Shores Homes


Work with a Venetian Shores specialist!  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.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Shula Burger - The Perfect Burger??? Don Shula Opens New Burger Chain, With First Store In Islamorada, at Holiday Isle!!

OK, so Yes He IS a Living Legend.  Hell, he even has a Freeway Named After Him!!!
He's Had the only Perfect Season in Football.
His Steakhouses make the Perfect Steak (mmmmm the Porterhouse, said ala Homer Simpson)
Now, Don Shula is trying his hand at The Perfect Burger...The Shula Burger!
Set to debut right here at his new flagship Shula Burger restaurant at Postcard Inn and Marina at Holiday Isle!
So VERY Happy to see Holiday Isle coming back with a vengeance!!! A Major part of my, and many of our lives down here.

Check out this article in Forbes.com

Larry Olmsted, Contributor
"NFL Legend Don Shula Tackles Burgers And Fries
Miami Dolphins Coach Don Shula celebrating his record 325th win. 
The winningest coach in NFL history, Don Shula is also the only one with a perfect season on his resume. Shula’s Miami Dolphins won Superbowl VII in 1972 and went 17-0 on the year. This was the highlight of perhaps the greatest coaching career ever, one that began after a lengthy stint as an NFL player for the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Colts, and Washington Redskins before switching to management and winning two Superbowls with the Dolphins en route to 347 career wins, a record that still stands today. Shula retired from the Dolphins in 1995 but hardly retired, trading the pigskin for cowhide and opening the successful Shula’s Steakhouse chain, a carnivore’s paradise that competes directly with the likes of the Palm, Ruth’s Chris, and Morton’s in the high-end red meat national arena.
The coach has enjoyed the same kind of success in the restaurant business that he did in the NFL. There are now 16 Shula’s Steakhouses nationwide, plus another 16 under the Shula’s 2 Steak & Sports, Shula’s On the Beach, Shula’s Bar & Grill, and Shula’s Grill 347 (get it?) labels.
Despite all the teams he played for, and all the teams he coached with, Shula is inseparable from Florida, where he is and will always be football royalty, so it is only fitting that his newest concept is debuting in the Sunshine State. Next week (December 12) will see the opening of the first Shula Burger on Islamorada in the Florida Keys. As Shula notes, “South Florida has been the backdrop for much of my career on and off the football field, and this location captures why so many of us call it home.”
The new restaurant is part of the new Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle. This hotel is a sister spinoff to the historic Postcard Inn at St. Pete Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast, a historic icon more than half a century old, and was created by an $11 million facelift of an existing hotel. Islamorada is a world-renowned sportfishing destination, and one of the things that makes the marina here appealing. The hotel is trying to maintain a low key and laid back Florida Keys feel while offering modern technology, amenities and luxury rooms – in other words, your iPad will get WiFi but you can go to Shula’s Burger in flipflops.
The burgers will be made from a proprietary beef blend including ground short ribs and brisket, and clearly a fan of the pun, one of Shula’s signature ingredients is “perfect seasoning.” The menu’s highlight reel includes The Don, combining two American classics, a burger and a hot dog, on one bun with pickles, onion sauce, American cheese, ketchup and yellow mustard. More stylish and esoteric is the Wine Country, topped with roasted peppers and tomatoes, fresh goat cheese and balsamic greens. The burger offerings range from standard to surprisingly inventive, the appetizers reflect the flavors of the tropics and Caribbean basin, and it’s cheap, with burgers from just $6.99.
For now the only place to try the burgers is at the Postcard Inn, and for his legions of Miami area fans, that is not a tough road trip. If successful – and who would bet against the combination of a famous and beloved sports figure with a proven track record in beef-centric dining teaming up with America’s favorite food? – Shula’s Burger will be franchised and rolled out across the country. So if you can’t get to Islamorada anytime soon don’t fret – I have a feeling Coach Shula plans to bring his burgers to you."

Work with an Agent with a Taste for Great Deals! 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.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Mother Ocean Marine Consignment Hits the Big Time With an Article in The Miami Herald!!

Mother Ocean Herald Article
 

Reuven and Lysa Benami opened Mother Ocean Key Largo, a consignment shop for everything nautical, a year ago.
I Love seeing a success story first hand!  About a year ago, I wrote a blog entry about a super new store that opened in Key Largo as a Marine Consignment shop.
Well now, my favorite little shop in the Keys has finally made it big!
Since my previous article, I have made mother Ocean, my Go-To place, for Bumpers, Line, Rods and Reels, and even Stone Crab Traps. Inventory changes daily, so you never know what you may find.  My latest purchase was an anchor retrieval system in excellent, that I got for almost 60% less than at most marine retailers.
And the best part is the warm welcome I and all their customers get when they walk thru the door.
Best wishes and continued success to my friends Lysa and Reuven!
 
Work with an Agent who KNOWS how to spot a Bargain!!  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.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Third Thursday Artwalk Followed by Late Night Jam at The Green Turtle - There's ALWAYS something Fun to Be Had in Islamorada...Day AND Night!!!

Tonight's the BIG night!! Morada Way Arts & Cultural District's Third Thursday Walkabout! Incredible music, art, food, wine and culture. I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty damn good to me! Let's stroll together in the heart of Islamorada! I  hope to see you there!
Late Night Fun at The Green Turtle
More and more our Thursday night Walkabouts are becoming a must do not only for the Keys, but for South Florida in general.   Our burgeoning Art Scene is just one more unique activity that puts us square on the International Map. Take a look at this great video!  (First though, put the Conchquistador Soundtrack to the right in Pause)
And don't forget the late night Jam session at The Green Turtle afterwards, you never know WHO might show up!!
There's ALWAYS something fun going on in The Florida keys..Day AND Night!
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.
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.

The Conchquistador Deal Of The Day - 8.23.2011 - Super, Venetian Shores Waterfront -$1,250,000!!

152 Severino Dr Plantation Key, Islamorada

I Love Venetian Shores. Located at Mile Marker 86 in Islamorada, 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!

Today's deal was listed by my colleague at American Caribbean, Amanda Moates, and what a very cool property!  Originally listed at $1,500,000, this home that sold for $1,250,000 is  great catch for the, I am certain, Happy Buyer!

152 Severino Dr Plantation Key, Islamorada

List price: $1,399,000 / Sold Price: $1,250,000

3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 86 Bayside


Description: Situated on a deep-water canal w/100’ of concrete dock w 100amp shore power. Easily accommodates multiple boats. Enjoy the fine finishes in this completely remodeled 3 bedroom, 3 bath home. Great room boasts a vaulted ceiling w/ sliding doors to the expansive screened porch featuring additional dining & seating area with spectacular views.

It's ALWAYS 5 O'clock here!





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.

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 Venetian Shores, Islamorada, The Florida Keys - Stunning Waterfront Home, Sold at $1,347,000!

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

Venetian Shores is really Heating up! 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

136 Giardino Drive, Plantation Key, Islamorada Venetian Shores 
Description: STUNNING VENETIAN SHORES HOME! When only the best will do...everything about this 4bd/3ba spacious home is breathtaking! Upper and lower level great rooms, elevator, home totally redone inside and out with many upgrades. Large pool with deck pavers leading to 70' of deep water dockage, immediate ocean/bay access. Kudos to my friend and collegue at American Caribbean, Karan Moeller who had the lucky Buyer!

Venetian Shores4 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms

List Price: $1,595,000 / Sold Price $1,347,000
Mile Marker 86 Bayside

View Detailed Brochure with Photos and 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.

The Conchquistador Deal of the Day 6/8- Sumptuous Islamorada Waterfront Home in Venetian Shores - Was $3.9M now Sold at $1.9M

1112 Venetian Blvd Plantation Key, Islamorada
I cannot stop drooling over this incredible point-lot waterfront home in Islamorada's Venetian Shores!Venetian Shores
Venetian Shores is really Heating up! 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
As, a Venetian Shores Specialist and as the Venetian Shores Community Sponsor On ActiveRain.com, I enjoy keeping my clients up to date with the latest available properties and real estate news, as well as recently closed properties.

1112 Venetian Blvd Plantation Key, Islamorada
Venetian ShoresDescription: OPEN WATER with breathtaking bay views! Grand entry, expansive living & dining area, high ceilings, 5 bdrms & 5 bthrms, elevator, 3rd floor grand master ste. with an office & a private deck overlooking the Florida Bay, gorgeous pool with waterfall, approx. 143 ft.of deep water dockage with davits, plenty of room for your yacht! Located in beautiful Venetian Shores with direct bay & ocean access!
List Price: $2,250,000 / Sold Price: $1,910,000
Original Price: $3,950,000
Mile Marker 86 Bayside
5 Bedrooms / 5 bathrooms
View Mapped Location


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 Conchquistador Deal of the Day 3/29 - Venetian Shores Short Sale - from $2,495,000 to Sold at $825,000!

124 Gulfside Drive, Plantation Key, Islamorada

It truly is amazing...  the dynamics...how...great a course correction we have seen in the last few years. The part that really gets me is how quickly fortunes (both literal and figurative) have changed.   This week I have seen all to well the havoc that the economy and subsequent housing fiasco have created in the upper tier of homes.  Homes and owners that were once thought to be immune from such catastrophes.  This week, I joined on of my associates as we were viewing a $2.6 Million foreclosure that had sold in the 4s.

It's been a rough road.  One that I know many of my clients and quite a few colleagues have had to endure.  But ...we are fortunate, fortunate to live in a Country where possibilities are almost endless, where the human spirit and ingenuity and risk can and quite often do payoff.  Where, if we are wise and learn from our mistakes we have the OPPORTUNITY...to flourish...once again.

And THAT is what THIS MARKET is all about.   OPPORTUNITY!!!! 
There are people who are making moves right now, people with VISION who are staking their claim, and taking advantage of opportunity and purchasing homes here in the Keys that are going to reward them quite handsomely in the future.

Case in Point:

124 Gulfside Drive, Plantation Key, Islamorada
This Venetian Shores short sale was originally on the Market for $2,495,000 and has now closed at $825,000.  Yes, someone was smart...very smart indeed.

Description: RECENT BANK APPROVAL..HURRY WHILE AVAILABLE..BAYFRONT IN VENETIAN SHORES, VERY PRIVATE, SANDY BEACH, DEEDED BOAT SLIP, ROOM FOR POOL. CUSTOM BUILT DESIGNER HOME, METAL ROOF, SOARING CEILINGS, LG FOYER, CUSTOM STAIRCASE, OPEN KITCHEN, VERY OPEN, ROOM FOR 3RD BEDROOM, 3 CAR GARAGE,  AND MUCH MORE.

2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

List Price: $850,000 / Sold Price: $825,000

Venetian Shores

Mile Marker 86 Bayside

View Detailed Brochure with Photos

View Mapped Location



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. For a quick Search of available Properties in the Florida Keys, click here: Keys MLS Search.

The Conchquistador Deal of The Day 2/4 - Waterfront Venetian Shores Steal $850,000

129 Villabella Drive , Islamorada
So welcome to February in The Keys!!! 78 Degrees with an Easterly Caribbean breeze as my Northern friends are shoveling snow.   It's an exciting time to move to the Keys!  With so many festivals, fishing tournaments, and general goings on, you can always find something to do, or do what we do Best....Nothing at all!!!

Today's Deal is a Great place to Do Nothing At All, and was something of a steel for the Buyers.
Located in Venetian shoes, Islamorada's most in demand luxury waterfront community, this home went under contract in just 45 days.  Venetian Shores is really hot these days and not just the temperatures.  Prices have dropped considerably and currently there are about 40 of the 399 existing homes for sale with an average price of about $1,500,000.


Fantastic Location with immediate acces to Snake Creek
 129 Villabella Drive , Islamorada

Description: AWESOME LOCATION IN VENETIAN SHORES! One house in from Snake Creek offering 100' of brand new concrete deep water dockage and nice water views! Spacious all concrete home with legal living downstairs which includes game room, bedroom/kitchenette, bath and workshop. Covered parking, plenty of room for pool and immediate ocean/bay access!

List Price: $975,000 - Sold Price: $850,000
3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms
Mile Marker 86

View a Detailed Brochure with Photos
View Mapped Location

Ready to enjoy Winters in the Keys?? Put the expertise and experience 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.