824 Shavers Lane - Key West

A little over two years ago the little house on the big lot (50' x110' or 5500 sq ft) at 824 Shavers Lane was offered for sale at $735,000. It did not sell. The price was recently reduced to $297,500 which is still $488 per sq ft, but now the price may make the property worth a look-see.

The listing agent describes this property this way:

"An opportunity! Total renovation/demo. Rarely can you build your dream home on a small quiet lane steps off Duval.What a location..steps away from the Hemingway House and the Lighthouse Only five short blocks to the Southernmost Point!Recent appraisal and priced accordingly."

Click the MAP to locate 824 Shavers Lane. You probably have walked near or biked or drove by but never even knew the lane, let alone the house, ever existed. It is a one block long lane that is sandwiched between Duval Street to the east and Whitehead to the west. Olivia Street (the Hemingway House is at the corner of Olivia and Whitehead) provides entry to Shavers Lane from the south and Petronia Street (Bourbon Street Pub near the corner of Duval and Petronia) is at the north. Shavers Lane is narrow and few people go there without a reason. So if you are looking for a secret hideaway, Shavers Lane may be worth considering.

The listing agent suggests the property may be demolished. Renovations normally cost more than new construction so it might make good economic sense to remove the existing structure and build all new. I'm not a builder and I can't and will not cite construction costs. But I do believe it would be economically feasible to buy this property and construct a very nice new home with off street parking for two cars and put in a real pool for less than it would cost to purchase a three bedroom home with a pool and parking on one of the tonier streets in Old Town. (I'm not talking about a million dollar house either.)

CLICK HERE to review the mls listing info. The existing house sits rather close to the street. The lot is very deep and quite wide. I think a new home that sits further back would make better sense than trying to use the existing house and current configuration. Of course using the existing house makes it easy for the new owner not to use current building code setbacks. It may make sense to utilize the existing structure in some portion of the overall design of the revamped property.

I found an old photo of 824 Shavers Lane (old as in 1965 and shown above in black & white). The house looks pretty much the same today. The depth of the lot and the absence of any protected trees that would prohibit building give this property great development potential.

South Beach is a five minute walk (if you can avoid slow moving tourists). La Te Da, the Bourbon Street Pub, the 801 Bar, and The Monkey Bar are all within a five minute walk. Camille's, Santiago's Bodega, and Antonia's Restaurant are also located within five minutes of the front door. CVS Pharmacy and Bobby Shop (that's where I get my hair cut) are within a five minute walk as well. You can ride your bike at Ft Zach Taylor in about seven minutes.

If this property looks like something that may interest you, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or contact me by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in sunny Key West, Florida. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

715 Emma Street - Old Town - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, 715 Emma Street #2, in the Bahama Village area of Old Town Key West. The listing Realtor describes this 1243 sq ft condominium this way:

"Beautiful recently built two story home located in a small community of four homes with a shared pool. This luxurious home has two bedrooms, two and one half baths plus a den and is finished beautifully - gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero and Viking appliances, Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors, multiple balconies, walk-in-closets, GE Smart home wiring and off-street parking. Located adjacent to Truman Annex and near the proposed new waterfront park this gated compound is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping."

Despite what some readers may think, the number of really nice and affordable townhomes and condominiums is shrinking. This new listing may be one that a serious buyer might want to consider. Only four units were built in this uber-trendy development. The spaces were carefully crafted so that it did not have the cookie-cutter layout so common in most condos. This unit is offered at $599,000.

CLICK HERE to checkout the mls listing info on this property. And if you follow me on TWITTER you can see photos I took of the surrounding properties on this block. If and when the city fathers ever get the final plans approved and actually start construction of the proposed waterfront development a couple of blocks to the west, look for this property to become very much in demand as will be many of the surrounding homes. Until then be content with knowing you can walk around the corner and eat at such lovely places as Santiago's Bodega, Le Creperie, Blue Heaven, Better Than Sex, or any of the other fooderies nearby. The Green Parrot and lots of other watering holes are also nearby. Ft Zach Taylor is a couple of blocks and all of Old Town Key West is within easy walking or biking distance.

If 715 Emma Street looks like it might appeal to you and your budget, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a showing. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

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GLEE Club - Key West

Do you watch GLEE? If you do you know it is okay to be whoever you want to be. You can be the boss of you. You can sing and dance and wear strange clothes. You can be a boy and like other boys. You can be fat and pretty and gifted all at the same time.


There is a lot of GLEE in Key West. It was here before the TV show first aired. It will be here after the show goes off the air. If you have dreamed of owning a small nightspot in Key West where you can let your inner-glee out, you may want to take a look at the new listing at 1114 Duval Street. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"The Keys, a Piano Bar, now available. Currently operated as a piano bar with light food service. 5COP liquor license with lease hold to convey. All equipment included, business sold turn key. Continue operations as is or develop into full service restaurant. Lease to convey expires July, 2013 with 5 year option to renew. Extensive improvements made to property within past year. Please do not disturb business. Leasehold and liquor license only, no real estate to convey."

Some readers may remember the space when it was Alice's on Duval. If you have been there under any of its incarnations you will recall that the corner building has large windows that open onto Duval Street to let the music out and the fresh air in. Patrons can watch thousands parade by each evening. The world famous La Te Da is right across the street.

CLICK HERE to see the mls listing info and agent provided interior photos. I took some street shots. You can see those pics if you follow me on TWITTER.

Seriously, if you have been thinking about fulfilling a lifelong dream of opening a small place in Key West that is either food or food and beverage oriented, you may want to consider taking a look at this business opportunity that includes ownership of a very valuable 5 COP Liquor License. This is a listing of Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (That's where I work.)

If you would like more info on this property please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Let your inner GLEE out!

1800 Atlantic Condominium Penthouse Short Sale

The interior courtyard and gardens are a wonderful surprise!

Five years ago I was the listing agent that sold 1800 Atlantic Unit C-435. It sold for $950,000. I was saddened to see that it is now offered for sale as a Short Sale at the current asking price of $525,000. This is how the present listing agent describes this unit:

"Everything that you could want in Key West! Located on Smather's Beach, this purchase opportunity offers a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean from the top floor of one of the premier condo communities in Key West. What makes this property special is income potential from a full transient rental license, allowing for unlimited vacation rentals, that is included in the sale. This 2 BR & 2 BA, 1357 sq. ft. penthouse unit has seen substantial improvements with a spectacular custom kitchen. As a penthouse unit, the main living area and the guest bedroom feature vaulted ceilings. Community amenities include a beach side heated pool, hot tub, saunas, 3 lighted tennis courts, 24 hour security & covered parking in a tropical resort setting."

This unit is located on the top floor and is the fifth unit back from the Atlantic Ocean on the Smathers' Beach side of the complex. For those of you who like to have something interesting to watch, this is the view for you. The ceilings are vaulted and provide a dramatic relief to the normal ceiling heights on floors one, two, and three. The greater volume in the unit just makes it seem larger than it is, but it still is quite large-1357 sq ft to be exact.

The large newer kitchen has a small dining area plus a kitchen island with separate bar area. There is plenty of cabinet space and counter top food preparation area. The spacious living and dining area are combined. Both bedrooms are quite large and the master bath is extra large. The living room and each bedroom have direct access to the extra large balcony that runs the length of the unit. Imagine having breakfast and dining watching the Key West early morning skies and sunsets from your penthouse deck.

Each unit has covered under-building parking plus a separate storage area. One of the two building elevators is located just steps away from this unit so it will be easy for you and your guests to transport bags, groceries, and cocktail makings with ease.

1800 Atlantic Condominium Unit C 435 is offered at the asking price of $550,000 or $387 per sq ft. Remember this unit has a valuable transient license which means you can rent it nightly every day of the year. CLICK HERE to read more information about this listing and to view more photos.

If you would like to see this unit or any other property offered for sale in Key West please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc, in Key West, Florida. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

1014 Elgin Lane - Key West Old Town Charmer !

Great Room at the rear with double French Doors leading to pool

The second floor bedroom at 1014 Elgin Lane

Just listed, but not by me, is the really charming two bedroom cottage at 1014 Elgin Lane MAP in the Old Town section of Key West. Elgin Lane is a one-way lane that runs westerly from White Street and ends at Grinnell Street.

The listing Realtor describes this beauty this way:

"Darling 1 & 1/2 story Key West cottage with small dip pool on quiet Old Town lane near Key West Historic Seaport area. Nicely maintained with charming details including a nice open kitchen/living area with vaulted ceilings and double french doors overlooking cozy backyard setting beneath a canopy of mature trees. Surrounded by a white picket fence with off street parking finished in brick for one car. This is a potential short sale transaction subject to lender approval."

The first floor bedroom is located up front to the right and the Great Room is at the rear

The 960 sq ft cottage is laid out most efficiently. There is a formal entry with the first floor bedroom and bath located at front behind pocket doors. The Dade County Pine walls and crisp clean white trim punctuate each room in the house. The cheerful entry leads to the rear great room which houses the living, dining, and kitchen areas in one large room with French doors that open out onto the small pool in the rear. Upstairs you will find an equally charming second bedroom and a separate bath. The rear yard has a dip pool. The asking price on this short sale property is $675,000. CLICK HERE to see the mls listing details and to view more listing photos. If you follow me on TWITTER you can see more photos I took of this charming cottage house located on one of the lovely slow lanes in Key West.

The Historic Key West Seaport is located about 5 to 7 minute walk to the north and west. Duval Street is a 7 to 10 minute walk. Strunk Ace Hardware is a block away. (There is a little Tim The Tool Man Taylor in every guy I know.) The Restaurant Store is next door where you can channel your Inner Bobby Flay. Cole'z Peace Bakery is next door to the east where you can buy Artisan (code: expensive homemade) bread that tastes really great. And the uber-new Old Town Bakery is one block west. Azur Restaurant is around the corner 1/2 block from Elgin Lane at the corner of Fleming and Grinnell. (They have daily lunch specials that locals love.) But everything is within an easy walking distance.

The nice thing about this house is that nothing needs fixed. It is in "move-in" condition. Bring your tooth brush, some fresh shorts and tee shirts, and get ready to live your life your way in Key West.

I think this is a heck of a buy. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Proprieties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Our office is the Lower Florida Keys exclusive affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

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Pelican Landing Penthouse - Key West Waterfront - Short Sale

The listing Realtor for the Pelican Landing Penthouse unit said it all when he wrote

"Current owner's loss is your gain! Here is your chance to buy a 4 bedroom waterfront income property on the edge of Old Town. This is a very large penthouse unit in a newly renovated building. Access to boat slips included! This is a potential short sale transaction that may be subject to third party approval."

The current owner purchased this property at the height of the real estate boom and paid $1,250,000 for the property. The market turned down and at about the same time the building underwent a major renovation (with jackhammers). Revenues were down and vacancies were up. That renovation was only recently completed.

The unit is located on the north side of the building so it is the furthest removed from the street traffic as it passes at the corner of Eisenhower at Truman. Pelican Landing is located across the street from Bayview Park, the main park for the City of Key West.
This unit would make a really nice permanent home for someone wanting a water view with a boat slip but it would also make a great getaway property for an investor that wants a waterfront property with a real water view with all the amenities I will mention below for a great price.

This unit has a transient license and is currently managed by the on site manager at Pelican Landing. The main floor area includes large living room with access to huge rear deck that overlooks the Garrison Bight Marina and the Pelican Landing boat slips below. Deep water access is at the back door and sunrises are available every morning from the living room and the very large master bedroom that also has the stunning early morning sunrise views. The kitchen and dinging area on the first floor. A second bedroom and bath have a "lockout" capability. There is an interior stairway that leads to two additional bedrooms and baths on the fifth floor. These two bedrooms have their own front balcony that provides an incredible view of Old Town, the Gulf of Mexico to the north and west and you can sort of see the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Al fresco tanning is added gratis.

If you are a buyer with a large family or you have a lot of friends, this may be the place for you. There is a nice sunny pool at ground level that overlooks the marina. Each unit has access to the boat slip and boat slips may be rented separately to provide income when guests or owners are using them. The lockout provides ability to rent the single bedroom nightly even while the owner is using the rest of this very large unit.

This property is priced offered at $650,000. The seller is obligated to pay about $70,000 for an unpaid special assessment to cover its proportionate share of renovation costs. This amount will be passed on to any new owner. CLICK HERE for more detailed info on this unit and to view listing photos.

If this sounds like a property that you would like to own, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at garythomaskw@yahoo.com for more info. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Don't wait too long. This will not last now that the cat is out of the bag.

Don't Fret - Still some Low Priced Deals in Key West

Don't Fret!

I get calls and emails from buyers that want to purchase only bank owned properties or properties priced under $300,000. Having worked in a major bank and having sold lots of bank owned assets during a previous economic downturn, I know that all bank owned assets are not deals. I do understand budget buying and setting realistic shopping constraints. With that in mind I did a quick search for residential properties on the Island of Key West priced under $350,000. (I believe in the power of negotiation and have a reasonable expectation that a buyer may be able to acquire any of the properties for $300,000 or less.)

CLICK HERE to see the list of properties that I culled out from the mass of somewhat uninteresting and maybe undesirable properties priced under $350,000.

3325 Pearl Street is a bank owned townhouse located near the east end of the island. A lot of properties in this development have either sold as short sales or as bank owned foreclosures. This is a development where many local Key Westers live. This is not a vacation destination. This unit is priced at just $164,900.

818 Whitehead Street is a bank owned stand alone cottage located at the rear of five homes that make up the condo association to which this unit belongs. All Other Units In This Condo Are Still Owned By The Original Developer. Condominium Does Not Allow Dogs. This unit cannot qualify for any type of financing. That means you will need to pay cash. I have shown this unit on many occasions and most buyers like it but feel the size is the most limiting factor and not the requirement to pay cash. The unit has a main floor living dining area, kitchen and bath. A spiral staircase leads of the second floor loft bedroom that opens to the downstairs. There is no privacy but there is also no room for others. This unit is more like a very nice hotel room than a long term living situation. This unit is now offered at $235,000. I think it will sell for less and that it could make a decent monthly vacation rental.

910 Simonton Street #4 is an Old Town condominium with a licensed transient rental license. This unit is located near the very busy intersection of Simonton and Truman. This is a budget rental that seems to always be full. It is offered at $299,000. This may not be your "dream home" but it might help you acquire it someday.

3685 Seaside South Drive #312 is a condominium located near the far east end of the island. It has a transient rental license. Seaside has a beautiful pool and other amenities that might attract an owner to use this for full time use. The current owner rents this unit on a monthly basis. But it could be rented as a legal transient unit as well. This unit is offered at $299,000.

905 White Street is located on the edge of Old Town. This is a condominium with a transient rental license and it stays busy all the time. It is offered at $325,000. The listing agent reports this unit had "Gross '09 Income Was $33,500".

CLICK HERE to search the Key West Association of Realtors mls database. You may find your very own personal deal. If you see a property that interests you, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642 I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

613 William Street - Old Town - Key West

613 William Street Old Town Key West as it appeared in 1965

613 William Street Old Town Key West in April 2010

Just listed, but not by me, 613 William Street in Old Town Key West. The listing Realtor describes this classic cottage this way:

"Wonderful Old Town Cottage in excellent condition with 10+ ft ceilings, hardwood floors and Dade County pine walls throughout. The floor plan of this home is two bedrooms, one bath and open living/dining /kitchen downstairs with French doors opening to the rear yard. The third bedroom and bath are on the second level. Located on one of the most desirable blocks in Key West this charming home has a rocking chair front porch and a back porch with retractable awning overlooking the beautifully landscaped bricked courtyard. The rear yard measures 22 feet by 22 feet and should accommodate a small pool."

This 1130 sq ft house is priced at $799,000. CLICK HERE to see more detailed info on 613 William Street in the mls listing page and to view photos of the interior and rear garden. I agree with the listing agent that this is one of the most desirable blocks in Key West. This block has a combination of similar cottage style houses plus eyebrows and great Conch houses. Some homes have postage stamp lots while others have huge rear yards with delightful pools and gardens. Much of this block of William Street has large specimen trees that provide ample shade.

The famous Solares Hill Grocery (now called Charlie's Grocery) is located near the summit of the hill (elevation 18 feet) at 648 William (corner of William and Windsor Lane). It's the only store or commercial enterprise for several blocks. The Key West Writer's Compound is around the corner on Windsor Lane. The compound was established in 1976 and was once the winter home to writers including Richard Wilbur, John Ciardi, John Hersey, and Ralph Ellison. Across the street from 613 William Street is the home of the late Shel Silverstein. Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage Aux Folles among many) revamped the big grand Conch (Greek Revival) at 626 William Street. It is offered for sale at $3,499,000. Our office has a smaller less expensive and just delightful mid-level priced home at 628 William Street offered at $1,095,000.


The Historic Key West Seaport is three blocks to the north. You can moor your yacht or catch a ride on one of many boats that take fishermen fishing or tourists touristing. You can catch sunset while sipping champagne or beer. You can dine at the A&B Loster House or eat it raw at the Half Shell Raw Bar.

Duval Street is a five minute walk to the west. You can walk north or south and travel to the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean within 15 minutes walking time in either direction. If you go north you'll see Sloppy Joe's but it you go south you may not make it past La Te Da, it's that damned intriguing.

Most people who want to buy a place in Key West envision a house like the one just listed at 613 William Street because it has what people want in their Key West dream home. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 if you would like to see this home or any other house in Key West. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

Key West Open House Event

Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West is s joining forces with the
National Association of REALTORS^® by participating in the National Open House Weekend on April 10-11. The event is designed to offer buyers the convenience of touring dozens of homes for sale in one weekend.

Sunday, today, is the last day of the Key West Open House Weekend. The April 30 deadline for the federal homebuyer tax credit is quickly approaching. Homes need to be under contract by that date and the sales closed by June 30 for buyers to take advantage of up to $8,000 in tax credits.

Many Key West REALTORS^® will participate in this Open House event. Preferred Properties will host ten of our listings on Sunday. If you are out and about this weekend, please stop in to see our homes. Also checkout the homes other REALTORS^® are hosting. The inventory of houses is dwindling. Help it dwindle a little faster.

Please CLICK the blue hotlink below for more information and photos of each property.

626 Grinnell Street - Old Town - $1,395,000 hosted by Frank Kirwin

511 Frances Street - Old Town - $1,575,000 hosted by Cory Held

1502 Petronia Street -Meadows area - $975,000 - hosted by Laurie McChesney

905 Elizabeth Street - Old Town - $1,495,000 - hosted by Everett Watkins

1315 Eliza Street - Casa Marina area - $1,495.000 - hosted by Walter Schmida

419 Porter Lane - Truman Annex - $899,000 - hosted by Terry Wilson

625 Louisa Street - Old Town - $619,000 - hosted by Bob Elkins

712 Southard Street - Old Town - $749,000 - hosted by Everett Watkins

1412 White Street - Casa Marina area - $799,000 - hosted by Laurie McChesney

628 William Street - Old Town - $1,095,000 - hosted by Dan Skahen

Each individual listed above is a Realtor or Broker at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Our office is the exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

404 Grinnell Street - Old Town Serene Sensation - Key West

404 Grinnell Street - Old Town - Key West

The listing Realtor, not me, describes 404 Grinnell Street this way:

"Sensational designer renovation in the heart of the Historic District. Dade Co pine is used throughout this master craftsmans' four bedroom, three bath home from the kitchen cabinets to the custom cabinetry in the living room. The marble and granite bathrooms have beautiful hardware and details that make this home irresistible. The house opens through tall French doors to the covered porches and Chicago brick patio that surrounds the 35' swimming pool with water wall of coral and shells. Lush tropical plants and off street parking make this the perfect island retreat."

Sensational is an understatement. I fell in love with this house as soon as I walked inside the front door. I showed the property last week and did not take any photos as I hoped my buyers would snap up this great property themselves. The house did not meet their needs, so now I am free to tell my readers what I think about this Key West charmer.

If you live in Key West or have gone on house tours here you may recognize the names of the design team that renovated this home - Blair Gordon and John Alvarado. Their homes are unmistakable. Local architect Guillermo Orozco completed the design team. Guillermo said "Special attention was given to ensure a sense of serenity and privacy. All spaces open out to the back garden and pool area."

Many houses in Old Town rely on Dade County Pine walls to be a major focal point in the interior design. Some designers would have taken the design cue and would have settled on building another quintessential Key West Cottage. This design team too this home in a different direction.

The wood walls and other natural materials used in the design merge the indoors with the outside. All rooms on the ground floor open onto the outside. And what an "outside" it is. To quote Guillermo, "serene".

Two sets of French doors open from the living room onto the rear covered porch where a separate covered outdoor living space looks down upon the pool and gardens. A set of windows open from the kitchen onto the porch. That opening provides a nifty space where the cook can see and hear or be a part of what is going on outside.

Look at the photo at the top of this page and note how you are brought down three steps to the Chicago bricked terrace at the garden and pool level. The third photo shows the transition from the outdoor living space to the garden level from a different perspective. The pool is cool and the greenery is lush, private, and almost exotic.

I borrowed some photos that Guillermo Orozco has on his website that show off some of the creative details incorporated into this home. I borrowed others from the mls listing presentation.

My comments follow.

404 Grinnell Street sits behind a traditional white picket fence and has a gated entry to the bricked off street parking space that leads to the most traditional front door.

The entry is the first signal that this home is really something special!

Note how informal the living room is and how the French doors lead your eyes to the outside.



The custom stairway leads to the two upstairs bedrooms that share an incredible bath.

Back downstairs you will note how the design elements flow between room to room, from stairway to the kitchen as well. The wide window in the photo below is where the kitchen is located. That wide opening sets the tone for this informal living space where again the inside becomes part of the outside.

The master bedroom (pictured below) with vaulted ceiling is just a knock-out!


The Master Bed and Bath are in newly constructed addition at the rear. Each room opens to the outside but it is the bath that makes you want to jump out and into the spa or pool for a late night dip before you go beddy-bye.

404 Grinnell Street is a 2204 sq ft home located on a 4762 sq ft lot. CLICK HERE to see the mls listing details and to view more photos. It is offered at just $1,325,000. This place, Dear Reader, is a great buy at that price. There is just one place like this in all of Key West. There are many great conch houses and cottages. One person or family is getting an opportunity to be the owner of this serene sensation.

Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642 if you would like to see this home with a buyer's agent. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.