The most photographed underwater attraction of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is: Christ of the Abyss. Truly a wonder if you have never seen it. I take clients out there all the time.  It sits in about 25 feet of water and because of the layer of fire coral on it, .it appears to glow! Perfect for Diving or Snorkeling. It is modeled after a similar statue in Italy and is the Star attraction in Pennekamp National Underwater Park. Regardless of your faith, do yourself a favor and add seeing this to your Bucket List! 04/24/2012

 The Keys declared their independence from the U.S. calling themselves the 'Conch Republic' in:             1982                               What prompted the Keys secession from the U.S.?            Border Patrol roadblocks and inspection points   After secession from the U.S., the president of the Conch Republic requested:             One billion dollars in foreign aid from the US   I remember it like it was yesterday, 1982, the Mariel boatlift had just recently transported almost 100000 Cuban dissidents and prisoners onto our shores, and square grouper was pouring in just as fast.    Money and Blood flowed as freely as the new Rum Runner drink at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar. A new type of buccaneer had emerged hauling Mary Jane and Cocaine from Cuba to Key West, and not to mention pe... 04/23/2012

Potential Short Sale Circumstance. Concrete home in excellent neighborhood! Needs some TLC and updating. Large living area, screened porch in back, and above ground pool with decking. Provided as a courtesy of Pat & Curt Barlow Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key LargoOffice - (305) 852-2501direct - (305) 852-2501patandcurt@bellsouth.nethttp://TheBarlowTeam.com 04/22/2012

2 bedroom 1.5 bath mobile in Sexton Cove. Nice, clear canal - plugged, but you can get small boat in and out. Delightful tropical landscaping allowing total privacy, especially on dockside with hot tub. Offered furnished Provided as a courtesy of Pat & Curt Barlow Coldwell Banker Schmitt Key LargoOffice - (305) 852-2501direct - (305) 852-2501patandcurt@bellsouth.nethttp://TheBarlowTeam.com 04/22/2012

So, How many islands make up the Florida Keys?          1,700   Although it may be hard to believe, there are actually 1700 islands that make up the Florida Keys! From huge Key Largo at over 27 miles long to small Keys that are not much more than a few mangroves and some limestone (and maybe an old lost square grouper from the 70s), our 145 +/- stretch of islands is one of the most remarkable places in our Country. Each has its own character and charm, and only a small percentage are habitable. Many of these islands lie in the Everglades National Park. With its protected status, this only enhances their natural beauty, insuring enjoyment for generations to come. As most of our Keys are accessible only by boat, do yourself a major favor and get out on the water and visit these natural an... 04/19/2012

 What's New On the Market    ■Pumpkin Cay 5A:  $1,299,000Beautifully remodeled three bedroom and three bath Pumpkin Cay condo.  Wood flooring and designer finishes. ■Fisherman's Cove 27A:  $975,000 This 2 bedroom and 2 bath unit has new marble floors, impact windows and doors, plantation wood shutters, 4 flat screen tv's and professionally decorated. ■Fisherman's Cove 20B:  $540,000 Fresh and clean second story two bedroom and two bath unit with elevator.  Priced to sell.  New carpet and fresh painting.  Recessed tray ceilings in kitchen and foyer.  Shows like a new unit. ■Fisherman's Cove 25B:  $495,000 31' Waterline deeded floating dockage is the highlight of this neighborhood.  Two bedroom and two bathroom unit with enlarged shed and workshop.  Corian counter tops and upgraded baths... 04/14/2012

What a Film!  What a Cast! What a Boat!!  Now, get me some Gin!!   The iconic original vessel from John Huston's classic 1951 film "The African Queen," starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, soon is to ply Key Largo's nearshore waters again. An April 12 "re-launch" party is scheduled featuring Stephen Bogart, son of film star Humphrey Bogart, to take place dockside at the Holiday Inn Key Largo, MM 100. Nostalgia seekers and film devotees are welcome to attend.   Something about Bogart is just so damn cool.   Read more about it here.  http://www.fla-keys.com/news/news.cfm?sid=8380   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 ... 04/09/2012

For those of us down here in The Keys, this part of Spring gets pretty introspective.  Though enjoying and respecting the sea, is itself somewhat of a religion,  Christians celebrating Easter, Jews remembering the traditions of Passover, and even Pagans commemorating the Vernal Equinox, all add to a certain Philosophical gumbo that permeates the salty air down here this time of year.   Whatever your devotional delicacy, we've gotcha covered in our own unique laissez-faire Key's attitude.That being said, Easter down here in the Keys has always been special for me.  Sunrise Service and off to Harriet's for breakfast, was a ritual for some time when I was young.  And then, off to some snorkeling in what is now Sea Oats Beach...back in the Day, my folks did not have a boat, but you could s... 04/06/2012

A Tournament, a Party and Most Importantly A Thank You   The Reel Appreciation Tournament is an exclusive invitation-only event open to  American Caribbean and Marr Property Buyers and Sellers and their family.  This is an Upper Keys Event. Our goal is to extend our appreciation to all of our clients. Our business success depends on you. The Florida Keys is a special place filled with special people. We aim to have fun while enjoying the waters of the fabulous Florida Keys Let's get fishing! Two event filled days starting with Friday night's Captain's Meeting and Cocktail Party complete with a cooking demonstration by Chef Ben of the the famous Ziggie & Mad Dog's restaurant featuring delicious and easy preparation of local fishes of the Florida Keys. A fun filled day of fishing for eve... 04/02/2012

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 in... 03/24/2012

Looking for Foreclosures in the Florida Keys? I am trying to post one a day right here. Here is today's special 103 Tweedy Pie Trc Key Largo, FL 33037 $429,000 Canal front Concrete fortress with some ocean views. This 3 bedroom & 2 bath, stilt home with concrete roof, impact doors & windows, top quality construction, high elevation. Concrete dock offers a cut in boat slip plus additional dockage for a second boat. You have direct ocean access. Enjoy the Ocean breeze from this home. Owner Financing available! For additional information on this or any other Florida Keys Foreclosure, please contact me or visit my Foreclosure Website 03/20/2012

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 Flor... 03/20/2012

Here is today's Florida Keys Foreclosure 3/18/2012  4 Grassy Rd Key Largo, FL 33037 $575,000.  Relatively new 3 bedroom, 3 bath modular home on a nice canal just a short distance to Blackwater Sound. New concrete dock. Garage/storage area at the lower level. Also under cover parking. Lots of decks for shade or sun. View all the current Florida Keys Foreclosures. 03/18/2012

97501 Overseas Hwy UNIT 512 Key Largo, FL 33037 $380,000.Direct Ocean Front unit 512 with magnificent Ocean views. Contemporary Kitchen with top of the line appliances, den, dining area, and specious living area overlooking the Ocean and pool. Oversized bedrooms with private bath in each, walk in closets, and split bedroom plan. You also have Ocean and Pool views from the Master bedroom. Enjoy the oversize ocean front porch.  Be aware of the $1700 per month association fees. Find all the current Florida Keys Foreclosures 03/16/2012

Today's Featured Foreclosure 557 Gordon Cir Key Largo, FL 33037 $194,000 waterfront 2/1 single wide home with screened patio on single lot (8900sf). Completely remodeled in April 2010 with new tiled floors, kitchen cabinets,stainless steel appliance and new bathroom. Seller financing available with 20% down, 7%, 30 yr amortization & 5 yr balloon, $1059.16 + taxes & insurance per month. Lot next door for sale $89,000. Check out all the Foreclosures in the Keys at www.Florida-Keys-Foreclosures.com.   03/16/2012

21 Lycaloma Ave is a dry lot single familyhome with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath upstairs and 1 bedroom and 1 bath down on a fence 5,000 sq ftlot. There is a great homeowners park. If you would like more information about this property, contact me. 03/11/2012

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 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. 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. 75 Shoreland Drive,  Key Largo List Price: $985,000 3 Bedrooms / 2 B... 03/04/2012

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 exis... 03/01/2012

225 Bristol Court, Key Largo Hammer Point in Key Largo, 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 of mobile homes, 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 ... 03/01/2012

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 a... 02/26/2012