Napa...Sonoma...Bordeaux....these are probably the areas that you think of when you hear about wine tastings. Now you need to add another region to the mix...Key Largo!!!   It's The Key Largo Food & Wine Festival. Over a week of fun festivities that culminates in a Grand Tasting Saturday, August 6.   The Conchquistador is somewhat of a wine aficionado, so you can be sure that I will be sampling some of the great combinations of Keys fare with the juice of the Gods!! Tonight for example, is a Night in Argentina, featuring Argentinean Beef and Seafood paired with great wines, at The Key Largo Conch House.   Calypso's, Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill, Senor Frijoles, Sundowners, Taster's Grill, The Key Largo Conch House, Snapper's, The Pilot House, Ballyhoo's, and coconut's are just some of th... 08/01/2011

67 N Bounty Lane, Key Largo There is always so much going on in the Keys, and I really enjoy letting people know about the various events, topics and goings on.  But this IS a Real Estate centric Blog and it's time to get back to business!!   And I could not have picked a better property to showcase as the Deal of the Day!!   Listed by my friend and college Susan Recarey, this stunning home last sold in 2007 for $1,800,000.  What a difference 4 years makes!! It has just sold again for $1,250,000!!!  That's 69 cents on the 2007 Dollar!   Located in Buccaneer Point, a very desirable area of Key Largo, and with its stunning, open-water bay views, spectacular sunsets are a nightly production.   There are still some incredible real estate opportunities that span the financial spectrum.  When... 07/28/2011

There's nothing like cresting Jewfish Creek Bridge. As the first threshold into the Keys, It welcomes You. Atop it's 65 foot summit, sits Mile Marker 108 and you catch your first real glorious glimpse of the Stunning Florida Keys.  A tantalizing teaser of what's to come.   I love to roll my windows down...breath in that fresh Keys sea air and revel in the fact...that I'm ... back. Now, There is a new welcoming sight!    Key Largo has unveiled its new Welcome Sign.  Right as you descend from the Bridge and into the Key, you are greeted with this enormous burst of color.  A stunning mixed reef view complete with Angelfish, French Grunts, sea fans and brain coral, backed by a sea of blue.  I could not think of a nicer way to say hello to visitors to the Keys, and now, it too shall be a sig... 07/27/2011

   What's New On the Market      109 Anchor Drive:  $2,650,000 One of the last waterfront properties for under three million.     4 Country Club Road:  $1,250,000 Perfect exposure and perfect location near all of the major amenities of Ocean Reef.  Large property, (lot and a half) nicely maintained with new kitchen including new appliances.  Vaulted beamed ceilings in living room and comfortable family room.   Cay Harbor 6B:  $995,000  Number one location at Cay Harbor with long canal view to the ocean.  Top of the line renovation with nothing to spare.      Angelfish Cay 14B:  $499,000 This one bedroom is nicely refinished with crown moldings, washer/dryer and furnishings.  Great views of the canal and perfectly located near the swimming pool for active families.  Charming, crisp, and... 07/16/2011

What a Great week!! I have had the privilege of guesting on two local radio shows talking about Florida Keys Real Estate in the last 7 Days!!  It has been a great opportunity to discuss our current market and the benefits for Buyers and Seller alike and share my passion for the Keys and the joy I get being a Keys Ambassador who just happens to sell real estate.One of the common questions I get from Clients coming from outside the area is, "OK we LOVE the great Fishing and Diving...but is there ANYTHING to do at Night??"Many people are not aware of ALL the Great activities we has as and after the Sun goes down.  And it ALL starts AT Sundown.  From Mallory Square in Key West to the Lor-El-Lei in Islamorada to Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill in Key Largo, and Gilbert's at Jewfish Creek, Sundown... 07/14/2011

150 S Ocean Shores Drive,  Key LargoI was on the mainland yesterday in that far away Country of Dade, yes Country, not County...for, once you are going North bound and past Manatee Bay Marina and see that Dade sign...it FEELS like another country.  Hell, it even started raining right at the Line!!!Well, when I was up thereon business, I was discussing with some real estate friends of mine our Market down here.  Surprisingly, alot of people, even those IN the profession, still are not aware of  just how fantastic the opportunities are that we have down here.  I brought up this particular property in very desirable Lake Largo area as an example of where we are today.  This waterfront home that was listed by my friend and colleague, Terry Canto, sold for almost 50 cents on the 2005 dollar!... 07/14/2011

OCEANFRONT FAMILY COMPOUND! Elegance abounds this outstanding, gated direct oceanfront estate situated on 6 acres. Meander through the gate down the winding drive to discover 4 Superior Custom Built Homes offering amenities such as 2 oceanfront grand swimming pools, sandy beach, clubhouse, private (9 slip) Marina w/2 boat lifts, boat ramp, protected deep dockage. 554119 Residential Active $15,500,000   Provided as a courtesy of JAN KELLER Coldwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada85996 Overseas HwyIslamorada,FL 33036Office - (305) 289-6623Cell - (305) 664-7069Toll Free - (800) 207-4160JANKELLER1@MSN.COMhttp://islamoradajan.com       07/13/2011

13 Mangrove Lane, Key Largo NO, That is NOT a misprint....$302,500  for a fully navigable WATERFRONT home in Key Largo!!! You know, I keep evangelising about how great These deals are down here in the Keys, but this newly listed Foreclosure pretty much takes the cake!! It last sold in 2007 for $899,000!And this is not a mobile! Rather a real 3 Bedroom single family waterfront home.  If you have EVER wanted water, ever wanted to have that place in The Keys where you could enjoy the weekends whenever you wanted and just popped on the boat to enjoy sunsets on the water....Fish for lunch and Lobster for supper ...NOW is the time to act!! Buy this House from me before someone else does! Let's get to the details!13 Mangrove Lane, Key Largo3 Bedrooms / 2 BathroomsList Price: $302,500Last sold ... 07/08/2011

WE are Big Time!!! One of my favorite shows on TV is the Travel Channel's Man vs Food. Below is a write up from Florida Keys.com. "If you’re craving a Florida Keys food fix but can’t make it down to the island chain right away, savor some “virtual dining” with the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food Nation.” Show host Adam Richman samples signature Keys dishes from three favorite local restaurants in a taped episode that debuts at 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, and reruns nine times through July 18. At the Key Largo Conch House, the show stages the Conch Republic Fritter Contest to determine who can eat the most conch fritters in 15 minutes. Below, watch Adam coach an engaging — and unexpected — underdog contestant in how to chow down on the classic Keys appetizer. Put Conchquistador Soundtract in... 07/06/2011

I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America, And to the republic, for which is stands. One nation, under God, indivisible,With liberty, and Justice, for all. Thank you to all of the brave men and women in our armed forces who continue to fight to keep us free. Happy 4th from The Fabulous Florida Keys!!   07/04/2011

The Conquistador is International!!Everyone wants to be a Conch! So half the year is in the books and it's time to do our marketing Post Mortem, and the details are, (as Arte Johnson from Laugh-In would say) Very Interesting.And this is the neat part...look at the Map below.Each of the Green Countries corresponds to visits to our blog!  The darker the color the more visits. Everyone Wants To Be A Conch!!  Green Countries Signify YTD Visits to Our Blog at TheRealEstateConch.com The Top 10 Countries in order of visits year to date: United States Russia China Germany Canada Japan United Kingdom Slovenia Brazil Ukraine Hmm..seems a lot a people in a lot of Countries want to enjoy our beautiful Sunsets, pristine waters, and world class fishing and diving.  And with the real estate deals tha... 07/02/2011

211 Banyan Lane, Key Largo (Biggg Sigh) ... Well. she's not pretty...but she IS waterfront...and WOW, what a deal!!Big enough to keep your boat and easy open water access, this Key Largo foreclosure, of course, needed some major TLC, but hey, what do you expect at this insanely low price for water??I am still in awe when I see the prices that are out there.  That being said, let's get real for moment, all you deal mavens.  WHEN you are looking at properties that are a fraction of what they were and especially when you are looking at sub $400,000 waterfront...there is almost a caveat of some sorts.  Location, condition, restrictions...these are all issues that you may face.  You are usually going to have to sacrifice something to get the prize....but a prize well, well worth it. So, be r... 06/27/2011

Florida Keys Real Estate sales for week over week of June 12-June 18, 2011 vs 2010 showed 90% of last years' sales.   Key Largo had 6 sales during this period. The highest closed sale was for 200 Ballast Trail for $1,200,000. the lowest priced sale was 9 Poinciana Drive for $189,000.   Now is the time to buy! Call me and let me help you find your piece of paradise. 305-394-3400. 06/27/2011

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! Exceptional back country fishing in the Bay and world class blue water fishing and diving in the Atlantic is mere minutes away. 771 Oceana Drive, Key Largo Description: This lovely 2 bedroom / 2 bath home has been freshly painted inside and out. New metal roof in 2010. New central AC unit. Gas stove. Not one thing to do but move in and start enjoying your new home. The home... 06/26/2011

"Tramps like us...Baby we were born to run" 1970s  E Street Band... Born to Run...Arguably the greatest rock song ever recorded.  And a MAJOR part of that recording...the grit and vibe...was the Big Man - Clarence Clemons.  If Heaven has a House Band ... The sound just got a whole lot cooler.What many people may not be aware of is his great connection to and enjoyment of The Florida Keys.Here are excerpts from and article in The Florida Keys Keynoter by Larry Kahn"Saxophone player extraordinaire Clarence Clemons, 69, for nearly 40 years Bruce Springsteen's No. 2 man in the E Street Band, was well known in the Keys for playing gigs at various bars, sitting in with whatever bands were playing.They include the Schooner Wharf in Key West; the Brass Monkey Lounge, Castaway, Dockside Lounge a... 06/24/2011

Stillwright Point  (originally Stellrecht Point), is a fantastic location in Key Largo that is a peninsula jutting out into picturesque Blackwater Sound, and is one of Key Largo's premiere and prestigious communities, offering waterfront homes with spectacular Sunset Views. 8 Center Lane, Key Largo Decription: BAYSIDE BEAUTY in desirable Stillwright Point. Immaculate canalfront; remodeled kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, solid maple cabinets, sit-up island & wine captain. 2 bedrooms on main level, bath with frameless shower & Jerusalem soapstone tile. Strand-woven bamboo floors, whitewashed tongue & groove pine ceilings & gas fireplace. Master w/spa tub, dual shower, dual sinks List Price: $729,000 3 bedrooms /2 bathrooms Mile Marker 105 Bayside View Detailed B... 06/23/2011

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. Exceptional back country fishing in the Bay and world class blue water fishing and diving in the Atlantic is mere minutes away. 427 4th Road, Key Largo Description: Builders Home! Beautiful CBS w Barrel Tile Roof, built on high ground. spacious 3B/2.5B w 9' Ceilings & 8' Doors. Marble floors Inside & Out! Chefs Kitchen w SS & Granite & Fine Wood Cabinetry. Frameless Glass S... 06/20/2011

I had another Realtor call me yesterday for a showing in 45 minutes in a home that has a family living in it. THAT wasn't goint to happen! So, I made the appointment for today at 2:15. I called the other Realtor this morning and told her we were going to the city and if this person was not serious, please let me know so we don't rush back from the city. Needless to say, the client was not there and we headed south to home. The Realtor called and said they were running late, 45 minutes late. Gosh, is that the way they do it in the city? If you are driving an hour to see a property, do you not know say, an HOUR in advance that you are running late? I would have had the time to go to Bed Bath and Beyond to get the curtain rod I needed, but NO! They couldn't inform us they they were late. G... 06/19/2011

200 Ballast Trail, Key Largo I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!!  A sublime taste of the old Keys...the Keys I grew up with...the Keys from a by-gone era.  Hemingway's Keys...Zane Grey's Keys...My Keys. 4 + Acres and almost 200 feet on the water in historic Tavernier.  Actually, this home overlooks the pristine Ocean and Tavernier Key.  And to top it off a rare Red Cross house.   What is a Red Cross House??  After the devastating 1935 Hurricane, the Red Cross built a selection of homes in Key Largo and Islamorada, to assist in housing efforts.  These homes are built like fortresses!! Now, they have become sought after and I can not think of another one in this kind of location.  Serene...Sensual..Sublime. Hat's off to my Friends and colleagues Kelly Shaw and Joy Martin for listing and sellin... 06/16/2011

There were eleven Real Estate closings in Key Largo in the fabulous Florida Keys for the week of May 22-28, 2011. The lowest priced sale was a Condo unit in Kawama, 1500 Ocean Bay Drive. The selling price was $131,000. The highest priced closing was for 168 Orange Blossom Road. The selling price was $900,000. Our sales for the week year over year (2010 against 2011) were 100% of last year. Give me a call! It's time to buy! 06/11/2011