I am better at making pies than pie charts. I did not make the apple pie above. I found the photo and added the graphic to show I can do elementary math. The pie looks delicious. The first three months of 2021 were extraordinary in so many ways. I was watching MSNBC on January 6th when I saw live footage of the first protesters walking around inside the capitol. I was shocked by the first views and transfixed by what happened for the next few hours. I watched late into the night trying to understand what and why what happened was allowed to happen. The day was so unbelievable and horrific for our country. It was like 911 all over again. A couple of weeks later President Biden was sworn into office. Many policy changes were announced in the following days. The rhetoric changed. The polit... 04/02/2021

Take a few seconds to contemplate looking out to the Key West Salt Ponds each morning as the sun rises over Smathers Beach. The newly listed two bedroom / two bath unit was 2012 completely renovated and designed by a renowned interior designer in 2012. It is offered turnkey with McGuire dining and lounge chairs, Baker furniture, Angelo Donghia lighting and furnishings, custom bedding and window treatments and a gorgeous Currey & Co Hedy Turquoise and Jade glass bead chandelier. Donghia was a world famous designer who owned a couple of Key West houses back before Key West was "discovered" including the "Calvin Klein House" and his residence across the street which I blogged about two years ago. CLICK HERE  How restful is this wake-up view? That bed looks awfully comfy. Glass sliders open... 03/09/2021

  I know it is going to get better. But it is getting worse. 03/30/2020

You know what's Cool? View down the Canal at 19 Harbor Dr. Key Largo. My latest sale. Being able to assist really fun, cool, clients turn their Island Dreams into their new Tropical Reality. Yes, yes I know, you've heard me say or post that tag line before. But it's true!!   Home ownership for most people in the Fabulous Florida Keys is a Dream, not a necessity. It's bucket list material.  Something you one day hope to achieve. So you toil, and save, and work for that goal.   And that's where your humble Conchquistador comes in. I'm here to help you find your new toy! Your piece of our Paradise, your very own slice of our proverbial Key Lime Pie!! And that brings up my latest Sale.  A Super cool couple from Illinois that found me through my award-winning Radio Show, "The Florida Keys Re... 03/26/2019

You know, I think all of us have a Bucket List; climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Run with the Bulls in Pamplona, buy a house in the Florida Keys!!  Well, one of the items on your Conchquistador's Wife’s Bucket List has been to get a tattoo! So, after a milestone birthday, and considering doing this for almost 15 years, she decided she wanted to get a tattoo in Key West. When I informed her, that until very recent years, tattoo salons had been prohibited in Key West, we realized that we wanted a much more established salon. So, I asked quite a few of my esteemed, inked friends where they suggested, as I’m sure you can figure there are a plethora of Keys-ites that enjoy being out on the water, drinking tropical drinks and enjoying their colorful tattoos. We are known for our Character here in the... 03/26/2019

As part of the Florida VA mortgage purchase process, service members, veterans, among other eligible military members must prove eligibility to the lender. At the time of submitting a VA mortgage application, there will be specific documents that are needed for VA Purchase, some of which may be obtained online by the lender after the borrower has signed related forms. DD Form 214 Your DD-214 is your proof of military service. It shows the nature of your discharge, dates of service, and current classification (retired, separated, Guard or Reserve status). The DD-214 is one of the most important documents you'll get when you leave military service. You'll need it to claim military benefits including VA loans, the GI Bill, and medical services provided by the VA. Form 26-1880 Before you ge... 12/25/2014

How Cool is this?? If your humble Conchquistador wasn't busy being ...well...your Conchquistador., then, this sounds like a super cool gig that I would certainly enjoy, and find challenging. How about you?? Ready to ditch the cubicle and "Lumburgh and his 'Yeah's.. about those TPS Reports'", cold Taco Bell burritos or limp McDonald's fries for days out on our pristine reefs doing something really productive?? This spar buoy is used to warn vessels that they are approaching a shallow reef Then, Check this out from the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary:   "Looking for a job? We have a position open on our Key Largo buoy team. This is a year round, full-time position with benefits. Apply by November 20 for position 508762 on-line through Florida International University at http://hr.fiu.edu/ps... 11/07/2014

Like a Summer Day out on the Sandbar, with the Sun directly overhead, Florida Keys Real Estate is Red Hot.   Smoldering, a hot cauldron of Real Estate Stew.  Waterfront Single Family Homes, Condos, Townhomes, Mobiles, Commercial, it's cooking into a fine Bouillabaisse of rising property values.   As you will see from our report below, properties are a-movin', with significant gains in both the quantity of properties sold, and an exponential growth in the sales prices. Add to that a nice dip in the Days on Market, and you get a very nice picture of our current blistering Market.   We were also really proud to have several $2 Million + sales in our office last month alone.   So, come on down, grab an Adult Beverage, a slice of Key Lime Pie, and the Florida Keys Home of your Dreams!     Wo... 10/15/2014

OK Readers... Time to brush the dust off and get back to some serious hardcore blogging about what's hot in Florida Keys Real Estate. Your Conchquistador has been tied up lately with a lot of great business, but happy to be once again working out my stubby fingers on the keyboard bringing you the latest and greatest.   To sum it up...The Florida Keys are on Fire!!! And no I don't mean flames but red hot real estate activity. Check out an upcoming blog post where I will share with you our Florida Keys Real Estate Resource Report detailing recent sales activity.   In the meantime, lets talk about a really great deal that recently closed and was actually listed by our Broker, Joy Martin, who always does a great job for her Customers.   Finishes, Finishes, Finishes.  This home is ideal for ... 07/09/2014

It's a Big Sea out there.   Sometimes it's Benevolent, and Majestic, and simply Wonderful.  And Sometimes.... Sometimes,  it'll make you It's Bitch.   Been There It's THOSE times that you need to be prepared.  BOATS break down.  It's part of the ... joys having a boat.  Again, BOATS break down.  And that is why I don't let any of my Clients and Friends, go on the water in their boats without a membership to either Tow Boat Us or Sea Tow.     These are basically the AAA of the sea, providing assistance and towing when needed.  From dead batteries, to running out of gas, to my @#$&%ing engine won't start and I'm 10 *&^ing miles off shore in 600 feet of water and I need to get home, bad situations.  These Guys and Gals are the Cavalry.   Done That For a yearly membership fee, you buy peace... 06/02/2014

If you are looking for a reasonably priced home in great Key West neighborhood, you might want to consider either 1621 Rose Street #1 and #2 Key West, Florida.  These two town homes are Bank Owned by a local Key West bank. The asking price was just reduced from $525,000 to $499,000. The listing Realtor describes the homes this way: "Spacious 3Br/3Bth en-suite condo w/private heated pool located Very Close to the Casa Marina area. Built in 2008. This condo offers a BR & Bath down and two BR's upstairs w/Jacuzzi tubs. The rear BR has a deck overlooking the pool. Laundry room has full sized washer & dryer. Kitchen has granite counter tops. Rear yard has mature vegetation and plenty of space to relax and entertain. Close to several of the beaches, Rest Beach, Higgs and Smathers Beaches. Wa... 04/15/2014

The Island Smoke Shop, located in Key Largo, was just named the BEST Cigar Shop in all of South Florida by South Florida Television Station WPLG, Channel 10! And no surprise, if you have ever been there, you know why. An Amazingly Incredible selection, super helpful staff and just an overall cool vibe. If you enjoy cigars, like I do, or are looking for a gift for someone who, does stop by! Conchquistador recommended! The Island Smoke Shop's Walk In Humidor.  Paradise for Cigar Lovers! I wank to bottle the aroma   Saturday, April 12, they are throwing a party to celebrate.  Lots of great fun to be had.     The Island Smoke shop is located in the Pink Plaza, Bayside at Mile Marker 103, just South of Adams Cut. Put the experience and expertise of The Conchquistador to work for you! For mor... 03/20/2014

What can I say, I LOVE the Keys.  Like a junkie coming down on a Sunday Morning ( wait , isn't that a Cash song?), when I am away, I can't wait to get in my boat, the Conch-Keys-Tador and head for a ride through North Sound Creek, my favorite Keys Waterway A great stretch to run the boat at full throttle, flying past Mangroves and Herons, Eagles and Ospreys.  The wind in what little hair I have left and a Tonic for the Soul.  Conversely, sometimes its nice to just kick back and cruise slowly through this masterpiece of nature. North Sound Creek is in upper Key Largo connecting Largo Sound to Garden Cove and out to the majestic ocean, two of the Keys' first communities as you come into Key Largo, and areas that I specialize in listing and selling. Please enjoy this video that I shot, thi... 01/22/2014

Ahhh Buttonwood Bay. Tucked behind it's Guard Gated Entry sits a Florida Keys Community that is an Oasis and Lifestyle in and of itself.. I was recently privileged to once again  have another transaction in this laid back Keys-z destination. Located Bayside, at Mile Marker 96 in Key Largo, Buttonwood Bay is a  mix of waterfront townhomes and Condominiums.  Buttonwood Bay, is loaded with amenities including Multiple Pools, a Clubhouse, 5 Tennis Courts, Fitness Center, Boat Ramp, Multiple Fish Cleaning Stations, Sandy Beach, and even a Marina Store with Bait and Fuel!! Lay out on the Beach with a nice cold Margarita, because, It's ALWAYS 5 O'clock here!!! My Sellers just closed on Residence D1, for $423,000.  We listed the property and had it under contract in just a mere 19 Days!! As thi... 01/17/2014

  In our business, nothing rings louder than the endorsement of satisfied and happy clients!   I am privileged to have worked with some incredible folks how have become not just past clients but valued friends. Below are some kind words from some of my past clients:     Mykael is wonderful!  He is professional, proactive and is ALWAYS available to answer any question.  Thank you Mykael!!  Selling my house was smooth because of you.    Ofelia Wiltz   Keys Resident Ofelia Wiltz - Happy to have assisted her, in what could have been a very difficult transaction.  I was proud to have sold her home OVER list price!    ------------------------------------------------------------------   "Having been a licensed Realtor in Texas for almost 10 years, as well as following the real estate market i... 12/10/2013

You know, it's funny. Down here in The Florida Keys, we are all Ga-Ga for fresh Caribbean Lobster.  Hell, our Local economy practically goes into Dark Black during Mini Season.  Add to that the cost of gear, boats, bully nets...there is a lot of money spent to catch these critters..  We love our tails...yes, I said tails.  And THERE is the Rub!! Most people THROW AWAY the tastiest part of the Lobster....The Head!!!   Now, don't go getting squeamish on me.  Yes, I said Head.  In many animals, the meat and flesh around the head are some of the most FLAVORFUL on the animal.  If you did not know it was "Head Cheese" and had a slice, you would probably think it was a fantastic cold cut.  That being said, the HEADS of the Lobster are, in my Opinion, the Key to a great Lobster Bisque and stock... 12/04/2013

Not sure if Squanto had this in mind when he hooked up with the Pilgrims to celebrate the Autumn Harvest Meal we now call Thanksgiving, but down here, we say screw the Turkey ,and break out some Keys fare to be Thankful for!!   As I write this at Casa de Conchquistador, my Keys Bungalow in Key Largo's Sunset Point, I can smell the aroma of Pumpkin Pie baking (well gotta have Something Traditional), hear the sounds of Jimmy on the stereo, taste the damn good Bloody Mary in hand, see gorgeous Bougainvilleas in full fiery bloom,  but I am touched, touched by the fact that I am privileged to have some many wonderful clients and friends.   So to celebrate Thanksgiving, we are, like the Pilgrims, enjoying our own Autumn Harvest of Fresh Lobster and Stone Crab that we went out and caught. Add ... 11/28/2013

Get Captain Matt Bellinger's Upper Keys Fishing Report for the Eighteenth Day of November. Redfish in very skinny water   Get Today's Report  Here   Today, talking about Redfish,  Sailfish, and a really hot Reef Bite, all in MUCH better conditions than we had last week.   As Captain Matt says: "Get Out on the Water...Go Fish!!"   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. 11/17/2013

This Page Focuses on Key Largo Real Estate   Christ of the Abyss in Key Largo. One of the World's Most Dived Sites Key Largo.... Gateway to the Keys Island Chain.  As you crest Jewfish Creek Bridge heading South on the Overseas Highway, roll down your windows and breath in that glorious island air!  65 feet above the water you can survey Key Largo, in all its splendor.  To the South, within view, are the neighborhoods of Sexton Cove and Stillwright Point, and even The Caribbean Club, where the famous Bogart Movie "Key Largo" was fillmed, fronting picturesque Blackwater Sound.  Key Largo is the longest of the Keys, at 27 miles long with tony, Ocean Reef Club to the North and Tavernier to the South, and is often incorrectly identified as the northernmost key, though that distinction goes ... 11/11/2013

Tropical Breezes, Championship Fishing, Blue Water Vistas, Laidback Attitudes, and Margaritas; The Florida Keys are truly one of South Florida's most prized treasures and it gives me great delight to be able to offer it's premiere real estate listings. From a Conch House in Islamorada to a Palatial Waterfront Retreat in Key Largo, you will find a variety of properties that are sure to entice. With the current real estate market in transition, exceptional Florida Keys real estate opportunities are presenting themselves daily.  NOW is an excellent time to Buy in the Keys!! I would personally be honored to assist you with purchases from Key Largo to Cudjoe Key.  For properties from Sugarloaf Key to Key West, our dedicated network of Lower Keys property professionals are at your service. I ... 11/11/2013