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. Venetian Shores from Florida Bay 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. 120 Bayview Isle Drive, Islamorada List Price: $949,000 2 Bedrooms / 2 B... 06/20/2012

Yes, I know it's now the Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle and yes the renovations have been outstanding, but it will always be The Holiday Isle to me. This locale was the sight of so many of my Sunday afternoons. At the Tiki  Bar, at The Sand Bar, at The Float up Pool Bar....hmmm lot of bars...lol  A ritual really.  A Keys-z somewhat debauched detachment from reality.  All for the price of a Rum Runner.   And the man who really MADE Holiday Isle that great escape was Joe Roth Jr.  I saw this article today from the FreePress and was delighted to see that The bridge will be in his honor.  Very well deserved indeed! Joe Roth’s name to be added to Islamorada’s Whale Harbor Bridge BY ROBERT SILK Free Press Staff rsilk@keysnews.com During the 1980s and ’90s, Joe Roth Jr. transformed Holiday Isle ... 05/23/2012

74862 Overseas Highway, Islamorada   As is commonly said, "A Bad day in The Keys beats a Good Day just about any place else."   And you can just Image how great a Great Day is!! Wow, Yesterday was a Chamber of Commerce day for sure, and I can say that being a member of the Chamber!   Beautiful Skies, light breeze, easy seas....our American Paradise, our American Caribbean.    With this the first weekend of Grouper season and with a Corona in hand ( I had to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo! ), we were on our boat the Conch-Keys-Tador, hunting my favorite quarry, but alas, to no avail.  Rather we did hook up with a some mighty nice shark action.   It was so nice to take some time and enjoy the very virtues and surroundings that I extol to my clients.  As this Market has really kept me hopping, it... 05/06/2012

114 Columbus Drive, Islamorada WOW Do I know the waters in front of this Property!!! When I was a kid, before this home was even built, I learned to snorkel right where this home sits.  The waters were plentiful with Purple sea urchins, Delectable Spiny Lobster and the most beautifully regal Queen Conch!! Thus my love affair with Conch began at this very stretch of water.  And now it is today's Deal.   This very lucky buyer will be enjoying unparalleled ocean front views and Caribbean sea breezes. The ideal Beach House, this Islamorada residence was a really great deal. Originally Listed at $1,300,000, it has now sold for just $855,000!!   Wow, great snorkeling and lobster at your footsteps ...yes...a great deal, a great deal indeed.   114 Columbus Drive, Islamorada List Price: $975,000... 04/29/2012

138 Valencia Dr Plantation Key  I was recently discussing premium neighborhoods with a Buyer yesterday and educated her that there are really 6 premium neighborhoods in the Upper Keys.  Stillwright Point, Bayside in Key Largo at Mile Marker 106, Port Largo, Oceanside at Mile Marker 99, Buccaneer Point, Bayside at Mile Marker 98, The Port Antigua/Safety Harbor area, Bayside at Mile Marker 74, Millionaire's Row. Oceanside, at Mile Marker 89, and my Favorite, Venetian Shores, Bayside at Mile Marker 86.   Each has it's own distinct character and I sure that there are areas that I omitted that some would believe should be there and some that shouldn't, but over time, these are the areas that have gravitated to the consistent higher prices, larger homes and offer features that affluent buyers... 04/20/2012

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. Venetian Shores from Florida Bay 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. 101 San Remo Drive, Islamorada   List Price: $1,377,000   4 Bedroom / 4 Bath... 04/03/2012

Today, your Conchquistador had the distinct Honor to have been inducted into the Upper Keys Rotary Club. A unique honor for sure, having been invited, sponsored and finally brought into the fold.  It gives me great pride to be associated with some of the most distinguished professionals and community leaders in all of the Florida Keys.   Now, Groucho Marx once said, "I wouldn't   part of any club that would have me as a member", but here I must disagree.  Rotary is an International Club of individuals who to seek to give back to their communities.  In our Club's case, we put a very high emphasis and  focus on Education, helping those, both young and old, to better themselves by enriching their minds and spirits so that they too may one day give back to their community, and around and ar... 03/28/2012

The Sea Turtle Hospital in Marathon, here in the Florida Keys is a wonderful facility, bringing care and rehabilitaion to injured sea turtles throughout the 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 . 03/22/2012

Tatoonie...                  I am fascinated at the optical illusions created at sunrises and sunsets. While some are more colorful than others, the mirage of the double sun is very reminiscent of my home planet of Tatoonie.     At times, it is difficult for me to get used to the single sun on this planet. But when I see the double sun effect, I often wondered why I left. But then, I remember. On Tatoonie, we do not have oceans - just deserts. Miles and miles of sand and rocks. Gosh, folks on this planet don't realize how good they have it... This posting and the contents herein are the intellectual property of Michael Thornton CEO of Complete Home Inspections, Inc. We provide quality real estate and commercial inspections for Brentwood, Franklin, Nashville, Davidson, Williamson County ... 03/20/2012

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 ree... 03/16/2012

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' 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 For The Upper Keys, 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 u... 03/05/2012

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 be... 03/01/2012

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... 03/01/2012

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 Bathr... 02/28/2012

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 a... 02/23/2012

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 ... 02/16/2012

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 Basil... 02/14/2012

  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, IslamoradaList Price: $2,699,0005 Bedrooms / 3 BathroomsMile Marker 86... 02/10/2012

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 ... 02/10/2012

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... 02/02/2012