804 Catherine Street - Old Town - Key West

                                   804 Catherine Street - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, a true "fixer" with "upside potential" that will not break the bank. The listing Realtor describes the new listing that is located at 804 Catherine Street in the South of Truman area of Old Town Key West this way:

"Nice Old Town single family home lovingly cared for by the same family since the 1960s. Large lot with off-street parking on a quiet street. Plenty of room for a pool and gardens. Loads of potential to make this your Dream Home in Paradise."

The listing Realtor shows the house as having a total of 2083 sq ft of living space. The lot is 38' x 92' or 3496 sq ft. I suggest a potential buyer look at the size of the existing building as "potential" and view the lot size as a "phenomenal" opportunity to create a tropical living space.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view the listing photos of this property. Next, get out a clean sheet of paper and draw a rectangle. Draw a square that occupies the bottom 60% of the rectangle.  That space would represent the existing concrete apron in front and the existing house. The back 40% of the space is where you would build a covered deck overlooking the new pool which you would frame with lots of tropical foliage and palm trees. Maybe you would include a Key Lime tree or frangipani or other ornamentals to add color to the space. The back yard right now is a paved with concrete. You will need to chop it up and have it hauled away. But afterward, you will have a huge piece of land where you can create your own dream space. If you have looked at other properties you surely know how limiting some spaces can be. There are all kinds of code restrictions and rules limiting homeowners. This space is big and barren and not necessarily affected by concerns like those.

Plot out how you would restyle this property on a budget that works for you. Don't be extravagant. But don't be cheap either. Any new owner will likely gut the inside of the house as it sits today. A new owner will probably add new windows and doors, install a new central air conditioning system, put on a new roof. Since the rooms will likely get reworked and usages moved around, new plumbing will be installed. You will likely install a new kitchen and baths. These are things most renovators do. The final cost would be dependent a lot on the quality of cabinets, fixtures, appliances, and lighting that you install. The structure itself seems very sturdy. A licensed home inspector or general contractor can advise as to the accuracy of my layman's observation. But I think I am correct on this point.

804 Catherine Street as it looked in 1965

804 Catherine Street as it looks in April 2012

A new owner will obviously need to get HARC approval of a new renovation plan, but I suspect that will be pretty easy. Below is a list of things I would do. Look at the pics and figure out for yourself what you would like to do.
First, I would take off the brick veneer and restyle the front. I would try to add a front porch and add a white picket fence. I found the old black and white photo of the property which shows how the property when at lease a part of it was used as Pedro's' Upholstery Shop. That space has been enclosed and is now part of the living room. I would personally ditch that usage entirely. I'd even forgo the lovely old lean too canopy in favor of the open air. I'd replace the concrete with brick pavers, create a pretty period correct front porch, add a white picket fence and some tropical plants. The front would look much better without it.But that's just me.

I would redesign room usages and move the bedrooms and bathrooms to the current front of the house. I would blow out the back wall and put in new French doors or perhaps install sliders which recess into the rear walls which would open the entire rear pool and garden to the new home.  There is a second floor to this house that is not visible from the photos. There is no existing stairway to this space. A new owner may want to use that space for bedrooms or perhaps loose the space and vault the rear area to create spectacular views of the pool and garden. The possibilities are endless.

804 Catherine Street is located just three blocks east of Duval Street. If you walk straight over from the house, you would land at LaTeDa. Take a left and walk a few blocks to South Beach. Take a right at Duval and you could get lost at any number of art galleries, business emporiums, drinking establishments, or eateries.
 

La Te Da at Christmastime 2011

804 Catherine Street is offered at just $399,000 or $191 per sq ft. Similar fixer houses have recently sold at $188 per sq ft. Do the math. This property is priced right. CLICK HERE to view photos I took of the front and rear yards. The rear yard is the key to this Key West property.

If you would like to see this property or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-76-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  I really consider this property as buying opportunity for someone who wants a fixer project.

1403 Catherine Street - Key West

1403 Catherine Street - Key West - La Casa Roja

Just listed, but not by me, 1403 Catherine Street in Key West. I dug deep into the old shoe box and found a photo of the house with the notation that the home was built in the 1920's. The Monroe County Property Appraiser website says the house was built in 1943 (but that was during World War II and nothing was being built then but tanks and jeeps). I think the photo reference makes more sense. I found the smaller color photo that shows the property just before the current owners purchased it - complete with the while clapboard siding and chain link fence. It fit right into the neighborhood. But a very creative young architect and his partner bought the house and transformed it into a work of art. The interior of the original house was thoroughly and thoughtfully moved around to spaces function they way we live in our modern world. New living spaces were added on the outside including a lounge off the master bedroom and an open-air dining alcove near the pool. A bar was added just off the kitchen. The two story carriage house with upstairs loft was added. Each room or area is rich in architectural detail and quality construction. There is nothing left "undone".

1403 Catherine Street before renovation

April 2012

This simple little house is simply just that: a simple little house. But that is an understatement of grand proportion. It is elegant in its simplicity. The new wide oak plank floors were custom milled as were the extra-large crown molding and the extra-wide baseboards. New cedar doors were custom made. The original windows were restored to retain their character.

Extra wide oak plank floors

Doors and floor patterns in the original house were reworked to make the house flow efficiently. The relocated kitchen for example opens onto the hallway adjacent to the living room. The kitchen windows tilt and provide access to the covered outside veranda bar. I would not call this home a "party house", but it was certainly designed for an owner who loves to entertain in style. The kitchen is the heart of this home. And the several social gathering spots flow from or toward the heart of this home.

Kitchen with window that tilts outward over the newly added bar

What was once the kitchen is now the master bedroom which has its own private covered porch with hot tub. The master bedroom features two sets of French style doors and screens which allow the room to open up to the back yard. Mirrored pocket doors conceal the generous ten foot long closet. Paneled wainscoting and coffered ceiling add depth and interest to this cozy retreat.

Master bedroom

Master bedroom with lounge (lanai) beyond recessed pocket doors

En-Suite Master Bath

Guest bedroom

Second bath

The lounge area is like an outdoor living room

And then there is the two story carriage house. It's the perfect place to house your classic Key West car or the perfect place for your own gym, workshop, or studio. Upstairs there is a secret retreat that is just as simple and just as elegant as the rest of the main house. Some people skimp on things that are barely seen. Here, the barely seen is treated as a treasure for the very few.

I dare the reader to walk around the outside of this property and find something amiss or something not done. Every place you look you see solutions to everyday issues. The front door hurricane panel (photo below) was turned into a whimsical work of art and greets guests near the bar.

The hurricane panel turned piece of art

This is the kind of house a second home buyer should consider because the present owner designed the house and all of its components to standout from the crowd and function properly. It does. Indeed. Some readers may say "I could do that." Perhaps. But most of us see a home like this and admire it with awe. That is why I discerning buyer will seize the opportunity to own a property of this caliber. You won't find anything like it in this price range. I promise you that!

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property. I took a bunch of new exterior photos of the house this morning. CLICK HERE to view exterior photos.


La Casa Roja is offered at $750,000. If you would like to see this simply elegant property, please call me, Gary Thomas, at 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Some very lucky person is going to buy this little treasure and experience the elegance of living well...in Paradise.

704 William Street - Old Town - Key West - Short Sale

704 William Street - Key West

The asking price on the very attractive three bedroom home at 704 William Street in Old Town Key West just got a lot more attractive. The house is now a Short Sale and the asking price has been reduced to just $899,000. The listing Realtor describes this home this way:

"Beautifully renovated throughout with 2 story addition in a sweet and quiet Old Town location. Totaling 3 bedrooms and 4 baths all ensuite, you will marvel over the private layout this split floor plan boasts with seperate staircases to 2 second story bedrooms. Gorgeous kitchen with top the line cabinetry, high end appliance package and stone countertops. Bright, airy and open with vaulted ceilings in great room and double French doors to the pool with dramatic water feature. This is a potential short sale transaction subject to lender approval."

This property was thoroughly renovated in 2006 when it was offered at $1,595,000. There were not a lot of buyers for houses in that price range at that time. As the economy slowed and buyer reluctance to buyer expensive second homes lessened, many sellers reduced the asking price on properties to attract buyers. The asking price on this property was periodically reduced as the market declined. Now the same lovely home that was built to appeal to a buyer in the $1.5 million dollar price range has been reduced to appeal to a buyer seeking to pay less than $900,000. It's the same house, the same location, but it is offered at a much better price.

Master bedroom with en suite bath

When you open the front door your eyes are immediately drawn to the dramatically vaulted ceilings of the great room and kitchen. The space is so open and inviting. The kitchen is an integral part of the living area and does not 'look' like a kitchen. A set of double French doors beckons you to look out to the pool. The pool has a waterfall feature and the rear yard does get quite a bit of sun. I have no doubt a serious sun worshipper will have all the space he or she needs to be a golden god or goddess all year long. A beautifully crafted stairway on the opposite side of the kitchen suggests something important must be located at the top of the stairs.

The third bedroom has balcony overlooking the pool

A third bedroom is located on the second floor of the adjacent wing. That bedroom could rival the master bedroom in many Old Town homes. That bedroom also has an en suite bath.

The listing agent says the house has 3 bedrooms, but there is actually a fourth room that can be used as a den/office/study/optional guest room because it has an en suite bath as well. This room does not have a door for privacy, but it does have a set of French doors that open out onto the beautiful pool for a quick midnight dip. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet and to view listing photos.


Duval Street and the Historic Seaport are just minutes away by foot or bike. Charlie's Grocery! is the only neighborhood store for blocks and it is just around the corner. Bill Butler Park is located at the end of the street where William curves and becomes Poorhouse Lane. This a nice and quiet location near the heart of everything.

If you would like to see this beautiful home or any other property listed for sale in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

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2533 Patterson Avenue - Key West - Bank Owned

2533 Patterson Avenue - Key West - Bank Owned

If you are a local Key West resident or if you are hoping to here to live full time and aren't a member of the lucky buyers that have uber dollars, the new Bank Owned family home at 2533 Patterson Avenue in Key West just might interest you. In the words of the listing Realtor, not me, read about this new Key West property:

"Beautiful quiet residential neighborhood. Fantastic square footage for the price. This Bank Owned Key West property would make a great purchase for a first time home buyer or investment property. Beautiful French doors allow for great natural light. No Appliances included."

Living room

This house was built new and completed in 2005. It was not damaged by Wilma. The house has 1944 sq ft of living space on two floors. Inside you will find a large living room with adjacent fourth bedroom (or office or den) plus a large dining room and generous kitchen (and even a separate laundry room) at the rear. Upstairs the master suite occupies the front half of the home. There is an en suite bath with two vanities plus separate shower and bath. The master suite opens onto the second floor deck where you can catch the breezes and they flow across the island. Two more good sized bedrooms, each with its own en suite bath complete the second floor. No dinky little pretend rooms in this home. As your kids grow up, you won't need to find a new place to move.

Dining area with deck overlooking the rear

Spacious Kitchen

Extra Large Master Suite

One of three additional bedrooms

The lot is a generous 5,000 sq ft (50'x100'). The yard is sodded, but there is no actual landscaping. There is a privacy on the west and north sides. A new owner will likely add a fence in the front and on the west side to provide privacy for the back yard where I would add big pool. The back yard is very large and is aching for a pool where the kids can have fun in the Key West sun.

Room for a pool and play area for the kids

View off the second floor master bedroom

The house has two tiered porches on the front and a rear porch overlooking the area where the pool could be added. The siding is in great shape and the trim appears in equally good condition. The house has the necessary storm shutters and ought to qualify for maximum windstorm mitigation credits. (I don't sell insurance so please don't ask how much it will cost to insure this puppy.)

The best thing about this Bank Owned property is its price - $328,680 or just $168 per sq ft. That is less than the cost of a building lot in the Old Town or Casa Marina area. And the new owner gets to breath the same wonderful air and enjoy the wonderful year around climate as the folks who have to pay so much more to live in Paradise. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet which has some excellent listing photos. I took more photos which you can see if you CLICK HERE.

If you would like to see this home please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in sunny Key West, Florida.

I Sell Real Houses in Key West

Prices are rising, sellers are getting greedy again, and the dream of buying a place in Key West may start to fade for those who waited too long.

Instead of buying a big house (or small cottage) you might consider purchasing the next best thing: a reproduction of a real Key West home. Consider the 718 Eaton Street's look-a-like home shown above. It is the creation of local artist Ronny Bailey who I have blogged about before.


Ronny grew up in Key West and was a carpenter for 30 years. His re-creation of Old Town Key West homes in miniature sizes is now his passion. He beams with pride as he talks about his work. This is a man in love with his life and his work. And his work is a testament to his love of the place that he has called home. He loves the Key West of yore and recreates houses the way they looked before the gentrification and HARC-ifornication.

Ronny brought his latest masterpiece to my office a couple of days ago. He smiled a big smile as I photographed this glorious piece of art. The house real house is located at 718 Eaton Street. It is located next door to the former house known as the Calvin Klein House. The home next door to the east was featured in the Cuba Gooding, Jr. movie A Murder of Crows that was filmed in Key West in 1998. Rent it you want to see Key West on film. The film was pretty lame if you ask me.

I scrounged around the old shoe box and found a 1965 photo of 718 Eaton Street and then went over yesterday and took a pic from a similar angle. Compare the house of yore with the home of today. Ronny did a pretty good job if you ask me.

718 Eaton Street was built in 1850

718 Eaton Street as it appears in 2012

718 Eaton Street (the real house) is not for sale!

Ronny's reproductions always include miniaturized household items and sometimes depictions of animals. Each wood carving will include the words love, joy, and peace.


CLICK HERE to visit Ronny's FACEBOOK page.

If you are looking for a life size house, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. I sell real houses. They sometimes cost a lot of money. But you can really live in them. CLICK HERE to search the Key West mls. If you see a place you like, please call me. Thanks.