Twelve years ago I had floor duty at a different real estate office. A couple walked in the door and said they wanted to look at small homes in Old Town. I showed them several houses
on the computer and mentioned a new listing on Nassau Lane. I
called the listing agent. We drove over to see it. Nassau Lane is
located just off Fleming Street between Grinnell and and Frances
Streets. It is a one block long lane that dead-ends perhaps 150 feet
from Fleming. I parked on Fleming and we walked down the lane. As we
approached the house the lady said "Gary, I love it. I want to buy it!" I
said "You haven't even seen the inside". She re-iterated she wanted to
buy it. We had a signed contract (both sides) in about two hours time.
We became friends and see each other occasionally for dinner. A couple of years ago I
was walking another couple down that same lane when the couple that
bought the house came outside. She came up and gave me a big hug and
told my buyers that they love their house and Nassau Lane. I made a
remark about only looking at one house and she said the house and the
lane are what she had dreamed of. There was no reason to look further. I have repeated this story many times because a lot of people want a small house, not a big house. They want something that is less expensive and easier to maintain than say a big house on a busy street.
For the potential buyer who wants a pool may I suggest that you consider the
cost of actually owning even a small pool and then consider the option
of using an alternative such as the pool at Dante’s for those few you want to swim or layout - perchance to get a tan to make your friends up north in America green with envy. A typical pool service will cost $100 to
$150 per month. Add the cost of chemicals, electricity, and propane to
run the pump and heat the pool, and you have to add a couple of thousand dollars added to your budget. Alternatively, you could spend the sun-and-swim days at a place like Dante’s where you could have a few
cocktails and a nice lunch each day for a lot less money (unless you drink like a fish).
The recently listed
642 sq ft house at 7 Nassau Lane may appeal to the buyer who wants a place he or she can move into now, fix-up a bit later, and end up with a place like my buyers from a dozen years ago. The listing Realtor describes this listing this way:
"Historic 1BD/1BA conch cottage on a quiet Old Town lane. Original Dade County
pine throughout. Unfinished loft offers potential for a second bedroom. Needs
upgrades and TLC. Great renovation project with lots of potential!"
Just below are a series of photos that show 7 Nassau Lane. The black and white photo was taken in 1965. The others were taken earlier this year. The front photo sets the stage for the interior. You'll notice the old wood steps are a bit worn - they're not falling down but they are not perfect either. Inside the house is fairly wide. The living room has windows on three sides and is fairly bright. The kitchen is next. It is partially open to the living room and has a window of its own. The lone bedroom is at the rear. This room has a vaulted ceiling. Windows on the south and east walls illuminate this space. The listing Realtor suggests that a new owner might try to use the attic space as a potential second bedroom. I do think the house would benefit from a bucket or two of fairy dust. The kitchen and baths are good candidates for redos. The living and sleeping space might just come alive.
The lot at 7 Nassau Lane is is
32' X 50' (1575 sq ft). It's not long enough to allow for the installation of a private pool. There is a small bricked sitting area at the rear garden.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on
7 Nassau Lane that is offered for sale at
$495,000. Please call me,
Gary Thomas,
305-766-2642 to schedule your own walk down Nassau Lane possibly to find the answer to your little dream. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at
Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.
