Merry Christmas

813 Eaton Street (Rear) - Old Town - Key West

813 Eaton Street (Rear) - Old Town - Key West

The one story house that sits near the end of Caraballo Lane (located north of Eaton between Margaret and William Streets) was built in 1889. I dug into the old shoe box and found a photo taken in 1965 that shows the clean lines of this old house.

813 Eaton Street Rear is near the end of this slow Key West lane

813 Eaton Street (rear) as it appeared in 1965

As it looks in December 2011

I decided to interrupt Christmas Eve festivities in case any house shoppers are looking for a last minute Christmas mark-down. This may be the one you have been waiting for. The asking price was just reduced from $650,000 to $499,000 for this two bed two bath cottage style home located on a large "irregular " lot (91'x54' or 4596 sq ft). I can't say I consider the price to be a bargain, but this house has a lot of the features second home buyers want and now the asking price is in the price range that may make it more attractive.

The listing Realtor is Maya Thomas (no relation to me and she asked that I mention her by linking the mls photos and the virtual tour). She describes the property this way:

"Spectacular lot, incredible location. Quaint wrap around porches frame this whimsical and romantic gingerbread Conch cottage. Papaya, banana, coconut palm, noni, orange and lemon trees. Lovely Old Town neighborhood between William and Margaret. Relaxing retreat just around the corner from the historic seaport, orange and gold sunsets, tall ships, great food, tasty drinks and lively entertainment. Walk or bike to everything fun and interesting. Just 2 blocks to Duval Street art and culture. Excellent location for fun-lovers. Beautiful wood floors, huge side yard, nice sized back yard. Peace and serenity on this private lane is more country than city. Parking too!"

I showed this property a couple of times. I appreciate the value of this location that is near everything and yet seemingly hidden away at the same time. The lot is big enough to accommodate a nice sized sunny pool. There is easy access to install a pool so the cost should not be a big deal.

The house itself has been updated, but I think a new owner will do as most new owners do and that is to do some painting and remodeling to make the space fit the new owners' style. CLICK HERE to view the virtual tour which shows the interior quiet well (let the tour load for about one minute).

If you are looking for a sweet cottage style home located at the end of one of the slow lanes of Key West you might want to take a look at 813 Eaton Street (Rear). I hope you will call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange that showing. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

Home Buy Chirstmas #10 - Old Town Key West

1011 Eaton Street - Old Town - Key West

Wouldn't it be lovely to open the front door and welcome your friends and family to this wonderful Key West home next year at Christmas? You can. It is offered for sale this year. The listing Realtor describes 1011 Eaton Street this way:

"This beautifully renovated home was once a Rumrunner's house. It still retains much of its original character with Dade Pine walls and hardwood floors and a handsome wood staircase. The upstairs master suite includes a separate office space, large walk-in closet with additional storage. There are two bedrooms each with a bath on the first floor plus a separate office. French doors open from the kitchen and breakfast area to the covered dining and sitting porch. There is a heated pool with lounging area, spa jets and waterfall. The rear gazebo is perfect for reading or relaxing in a hammock. There is covered gated parking in the rear off Thompson Lane. This home is located just one block from the Historic Seaport."

I recently showed this property and was totally 'taken' by the relaxed and welcoming style of this very charming home. The house has 2064 sq feet of living space divided evenly between first and second floors. The lot is deceptively large from the front because you only see the crisp white picket fence from the front. After you open the front door your eyes are immediately drawn past the French doors at the rear of the house toward the pool and garden beyond. Egads! The rear is just amazing!

Some of the biggest gripes of many potential buyers include the small size of bedrooms, or bathrooms, or the pool being too small or too shady, or the yard too overgrown, or there is no parking. That is not the case here. The rooms are spacious. Each bedroom has its own large bath. The front yard is perfectly dignified. The back yard is spacious and sunny. There is even covered off street parking. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property that is offered at $1,285,000. Or, CLICK HERE, to view more photos I took of this great property.

---

If you would like to see 1011 Eaton Street please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. This could by your home by Christmas in 2012 and you could be enjoying the holidays here instead of the cold north.

804 South Street - Home Buy Christmas #9 - Key West

804 South Street - December 2011 - Key West

South Park Condos

If your Christmas Wish is to own a nice place in a good location that is perfect for you and your mate and that won't break the bank, the new South Park Condominium listing at 804 South Street Unit No. 103 may be your dream come true. The listing Realtor describes the listing this way:

" Located in the Casa Marina area is this crisp, clean, modern condo. This condo has been meticulously renovated with attention to detail and with top of the line craftmanship. Enter the secured building which allows access to the second floor where this beautiful condo is located. Upon entering you will be impressed with all of the natural light, the cool island breezes and all of the modern conveniences in place to make your home everything it should be. Some of the upgrades are all new plumbing, electric, new AC,french doors leading to the deck off of the bedroom, 2 new french doors leading to the veranda off of the living room, new kitchen cabinets, appliances and so much more. The grounds have the feel of being in a forest. Impressive!"

804 South Street Unit No. 103 is located on the second floor and has 640 sq ft of interior living space plus a large and sunny deck located just off the bedroom. There is a second floor front balcony as well that is great for people watching. The unit has been recently renovated with the installation of a sleek new kitchen and bath. This unit has split system air conditioning.

Parking is adjacent to the building

Cottage at the rear of the pool provides additional storage for each owner

Each unit has one dedicated off street parking spot plus one big storage container in the separate building located near poolside. This unit is offered at just $369,000. Condo fees are $425 monthly and include building maintenance, building insurance, common area and pool maintenance. And you can get a new mortgage on this property.


I sold two units in the South Park Condos in the past two years. My buyers love their getaway homes. And for good reason. The buildings and grounds are well maintained; they have one of the prettiest pools on the island; units are owner occupied or rented on a long term basis; and the location is close to Higg's Beach to the south and South Beach to the west (sounds odd, I know, but it is Key West geography).

If you would like to see this newly listed condo, or any other property in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. This could be your home by Christmas in 2012 if you act soon enough.

1025 Thompson Lane - Home Buy Christmas #8 - Key West

1025 Thompson Lane - Old Town - Key West

If you are looking for a cute and cozy house on a quiet little lane in Old Town Key West that is offered at $449,000, you just might want to seriously consider the newly re-listed two story house at 1025 Thompson Lane. I have written about this place before when it was priced higher. The price is a bit less, but the charm and potential are still the same. The listing Realtor at Preferred Properties describes this home as follows:

"Charming historic home on Old Town lane. This delightful home has 2 bedrooms / 2 baths with outdoor living area. This home is in the heart of Key West and walking distance to restaurants, attractions and historic life that the island has to offer. Perfect second home or year round residence!"

Black & white photo dated 1965 shows house prior to modern renovation

Color photo shows new windows added but exterior remains unchanged

1025 Thompson Lane is a good example of an Old Town home built circa 1891 that has been updated over the years. (There's a plaque on the front porch letting passers-by of that fact.) When you walk inside and you either love it for its charm or you think it is too small. The rooms are colorful, compact, and cozy. I find the place absolutely charming. There is a fake fireplace in the living room that reminds you why you chose to move to Key West: we do not need fireplaces. But it adds charm and that's the point. None of the rooms are really large, but they work. The main bedroom and bath are located just off the living room at the front half of the house. The kitchen and dining area plus the stairway to the second level are at the rear. The upstairs is presently divided into a sitting room, a bedroom, and a bath.

There might be room for a pool if the upper porch and stairs were eliminated

There is presently a small second floor deck or porch that is accessed from the bedroom or via an exterior spiral staircase. Neither the stairway nor the porch are historic to the house. I think both the porch and spiral stairs should be removed. That would allow the homeowner to utilize the ground area better. I think there may be room for a small pool and still comply with the set back requirements. Any serious buyer will need to verify the ability to add a pool and should not rely what I say.

1025 Thompson Lane has 1341 sq ft of living area and sits on a 1600 sq ft lot. The house has two bedrooms, two baths, a lovely living room and an open kitchen. That is twice the size of a two bedroom unit at Shipyard condos for about the same price. It is offered for sale at $425,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view listing photos.

Thompson Lane looking west toward Grinnell Street

Finnegan's Wake is located nearby at the corner of Grinnell and James Sts.

Old Town Bakery is located on the corner of Eaton and Grinnell Sts.

Inside the Old Town Bakery - They really are Delicious!

Cole'z Peace is a block to the east on Eaton Street

Thompson Lane is a lot like many of the other slow lanes in Key West: quiet. It runs one block long from Frances Street on the east to Grinnell Street on the west. Finnegan's Wake is located on Grinnell Street and just a few feet past the exit from Thompson Lane. The City of Key West's parking structure is located across the street from Finnegan's Wake. The Historic Key West Seaport is a minute walk further to the north. The new Old Town Bakery is up on the corner at Eaton Street. You can get some of the best home made pastries there or you could walk a block further east to Cole'z Peace Artisan Breads and get equally delicious baked goods. What a delicious dilemma that is. The house is located in a very quiet area but it is within easy walking distance to so many vibrant, fun, and sometimes yummy locations.

1025 Thompson Lane is a listing of Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at kw1101v@aol.com to set up a showing. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. This could be your home by Christmas next year!

Key West Short Sale - Prime Location -1012 Southard Street

1012 Southard Street - Old Town - Key West - Short Sale

I have previously written about 1012 Southard Street extolling the many reasons why I think this property is a great buy. Now there is an additional reason: the asking price has been reduced to just $699,000 and the property is now offered as a short sale. The three bedroom and three bath home has the makings of true wish fulfillment for those who are willing to do a little work in exchange for getting a lot in return.

Just below you will see photos of 1012 and 1014 Southard Street as they appeared when photographed in 1965 with new photos taken this week.

1012 Southard Street was built in 1899

1012 Southard Street - December 2011

1014 Southard Street built in 1895 - 1012 Southard St is adjacent to right

The same location in December 2011

The listing broker at Preferred Properties, that is where I work but this is not my listing, describes the property this way:

"Renovation project in a most sought after location in historic old town! This charming property features a 3/2 home that could be a show place plus a move in ready 1/1 guest cottage. Both houses open to the covered lanai and spacious, sunny decked pool area. The large lot features off-street parking. This is a great opportunity!"

Doors from the living room open out to the covered veranda

The main house at 1012 Southard Street was built in 1899. The home was renovated sometime after 1981 and has remained pretty much unchanged since then. The renovations of that era now seem a bit dated, but the house is perfectly livable as is. The house currently has three bedrooms, two baths, a small sleeping loft which would be great for the grand kids. The kitchen and the wonderful covered veranda overlook the large and inviting pool. The adjacent guest cottage with a mini kitchen and bath was added was built a few years ago.

Guest Cottage Exterior

Guest Cottage Interior

Main home living room

Main home kitchen

The Property Appraiser's records show the house has 1676 sq ft of living space situated on a 5,000 sq ft lot (50' x `100') on one of the very best blocks in Old Town Key West. I have included photos of the cottage and the pool area. I always tell potential buyers to use their imaginations and plan to reconfigure existing spaces inside the big empty box that are the initial start of any renovation project. Existing interior walls, cabinets, and fixtures are often moved, sometimes replaced, and typically improve what was in the property for years. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property.

I held an open house at this property a couple of years ago. I remember a lady from Miami with a large family studied every aspect of the property. She then told me that if she bought the property she would paint the interiors but would then live with the house the way it is for several months. She said she could then figure out how what really needed to be renovated. I think that makes sense with a lot of houses, but it makes a huge amount of sense with this property. We have become so accustomed to granite, marble, and stainless steel that we often miss the simple elements of good design that make some spaces so very comfortable and inviting.

The Gingerbread Man house is located at 1020 Southard Street

1022 Southard Street has been totally dolled up for Christmas

Notice 1022 has the same basic design and roof line as 1012 Southard St

Jan George Design is located at the corner of Southard & Frances Sts.

Cafe Sole is on the opposite corner

1013 Southard St is directly across the street

1015 Southard Street - one of the great homes of Key West

Every time I have shown 1012 Southard Street I have tried to get buyers to sit down and take in the pure beauty of the pool and garden area. The house next door at 1014 Southard Street was the cover feature in Architectural Digest a few years back and it shares the same excellent location. I also walk potential buyers down Southard Street to see similar one story houses like 1016 and 1020 Southard Street that have undergone some magical transformations of their own.

Now that 1012 Southard Street is priced at just $699,000, someone will snap up this short sale in a snap. The real estate maximum "location, location, location" was never more true than it is with 1012 Southard Street in Old Town Key West.

Time waits for no one. Act quick before this Key West short sale is snapped up by someone else. Please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 and let me you buy your place in Paradise. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.