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 .

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 .

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 - 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 

Another Newly Listed Waterfront Property In Prestigious Venetian Shores - $2,699,000

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.

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 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.

138 Leoni Drive, Plantation Key, Islamorada


List Price: $2,699,000


5 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms


Mile Marker 86 Bayside


Description: HUGE home in Venetian Shores with 170ft. of dockage!! Beautifully remodeled 5 bedroom 3 bath home is perfect for Keys style living and entertaining. An elevator gives this home easy access. Split bedroom plan on the main living floor as well as 2 additional bedrooms on the first floor. A large 2 car garage and workshop provides ample space for storage or projects.Offered by Coldwell Banker.


View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location 


View Available Venetian Shores Homes 

Newly Listed Waterfront home in Ventian Shores - $1,100,000

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.

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!
  

128 Bayview Isle Dr Plantation Key, Islamorada

List Price $1,100,000

3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 86 Bayside

Description:  Located in the desirable waterfront neighborhood of Venetian Shores, this well maintained 3-bed, 2-bath home offers high ceilings, deep-water dockage with immediate access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay. Located on the most private street in the neighborhood, with only mangroves living across the quiet canal between you and the Bay.  Offered by Ocean Sotheby's Intenational.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location 

View Available Venetian Shores Homes 

Break out Your Fig Leaves...It's The Garden of Eden Festival, This Saturday in Islamorada

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 .

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.

New Waterfront Venetian Shores Property Available $1,499,000

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

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!

 

 141 Valencia Drive,  Plantation Key, Islamorada

List Price: $1,499,000

5 Bedrooms / 3 bathrooms

Mile Marker 86 Bayside

Description: Prestigious Venetian Shores! Spacious 5 bedroom 3 Bath home with 100’ Concrete Dock. Master and 2 bedrooms up, split bedrooms w/cathedral ceilings & open floor plan. 2 eating areas and lg pantry. Separate above flood downstairs offers living area, kitchen and 2 bedrooms. Room for RV and toys on this large lot on Snake Creek w/ easy bay or ocean access.  Currently offered by Realty World.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location

View Available Venetian Shores Homes

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.

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

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 Indead!  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 bth 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 bdrms & 1 bthrms 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.

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 Available Waterfront Home In Prestigeous Venetian Shores - $1,439,000

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.
 
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!

120 Giardino Dr Plantation Key

List Price: $1,439,000

3 Bedrooms / 4.1 Bathrooms 


Description: Beautiful canal-front home,in a ready to move in condition! Built in 2008 this spacious 3 story home offers 3 bedroom & 4.5 baths.Each bedroom,with its own bath,also offers ample closet space.The Master Bedroom/Bath with sitting area is located on the 3rd floor for ultimate privacy. Ocean/Bay access are accessible from the 70' Concrete and TREX composite dock with 12k lbs. boat lift.  Offered by Island Equity Real Estate.

View Detailed Brochure with Photos


View Mapped Location


View Available Venetian Shores Homes


View Available Islamorada Homes $1-2M

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.

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

Luxury Abounds - Another Great Available Waterfront Home in Prestigious Venetian Shores - Islamorada- The Florida Keys - $1,920,000

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

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!

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.

134 Milano Dr Plantation Key

List Price: $1,920,000

5 Bedrooms / 5 Bathrooms

Mile Marker 86 Bayside

Description: ISLAMORADA VENETIAN SHORES waterfront 5BD/5BA with 100' DOCK and BOAT LIFT, custom POOL with spa and waterfall, ELEVATOR and private master suite on the top floor. Instant big boat access to both the bay & ocean from 100' wide, deep water canal off Snake Creek. Gourmet kitchen, steam showers, security cameras, lower level guest quarters, custom brick driveway and dock, tropical landscaping & more!  Offered by Coldwell Banker

View Detailed Brochure with Photos and Mapped Location 

View Available Venetian Shores Homes

View Avaulable Islamorada Homes $1-2M

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.

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.

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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.

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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.