Are You Afraid of Cuba?

700 Block of Duval Street in 1930s when Havana Tours were possible

900 Block of Duval Street in early 1960s when you could still get "there" from "here"

Every once in awhile I have a potential buyer ask me what I think will happen in Key West when, not if, Cuba opens up to the United States again. I always say something like "I don't think it will be a big deal." Cuba is just 90 miles away from Key West. It is closer than Miami.

Key West used to be a launching spot to send tourists to that island nation to our south. I found a couple of old photos (above) that show Havana Tour locations located on Duval Street and a photo of an almost ancient (1930s vintage photo) of a steamship bound for Cuba. It seems like today you can't walk a block on Duval without some huckster trying to sell you tickets to a day trip to the Dry Tortugas or a sunset sail. I don't expect opening Cuba will be much different.

There will surely be some flights out of the recently expanded Key West International Airport (I laugh every time I say that name). But there may also be seaplane rides as well, because there used to seaplane rides before Castro. (Seaplanes actually departed near Mallory Square in olden days headed to Cuba.) I expect there will be slow cruises and hydrofoil's as well. There is a new launching spot built at the Historic Key West Seaport for just such a purpose. That spot is already bringing lots of tourists from the Ft Myers area.

If you think about it, Havana will be an attraction that is something new and different to most Americans. Canadians and Europeans go there all the time. A lot of Key Westers legally go there every year for "educational" purposes. I think many Americans will embrace the idea of going to see the forbidden country. And if Key West becomes the launching spot, so what? Big deal. I think it will be good for businesses here. But I don't think it will bring many more people to Key West. It may divert some dollars that would be spent here which will then be spent there. It's cheaper there than it is here, so I have been told. It's cheaper in New Jersey, too. That doesn't stop people from South Jersey from coming to Key West every year.

The only time I was afraid of Cuba was as a teenager when we almost went to nuclear war over it. That time is over. I am hopeful that sometime in the first or second Obama administration the airways and waterways to Cuba will be opened to Americans. I think potential buyers who fear Cuba may be looking for an excuse not to buy in Key West. They may be the same people who think that housing prices in Key West will continue to fall and that if they wait long enough, they can buy that really big place of a really small price. I have a bit of news for them: the seaplane has left the dock. Prices are on the uptick. Some Key West locations that had lots of inventory have none. I'll be writing more about this in a few days. Fear of the unknown is natural. Fear of the future is irrational.

If you are hoping to buy a place in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in sunny Key West. Our office is the exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates. CLICK HERE to search the Key West mls. If you see something you like, please call me or shoot me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. Don't be afraid of the future, embrace it.

Price Reduction - 712 Southard Street - Old Town Key West

The sharp Key West Conch Cottage at 712 Southard just had a price reduction. The new asking price is $899,000. The house was extensively remodeled a couple of years ago so everything is in very good condition in my opinion. I have hosted two open houses at the property and have had time to poke around a bit. My observations later.

The listing Realtor describes 712 Southard Street thus: "Location!Location!Location! Just two blocks from Duval Street, sits this beautifully appointed shotgun on the best block in Key West. Two nice size bedrooms and bathrooms, great new kitchen with cathedral ceiling that opens to the glass tiled kidney shaped heated pool surrounded by tropical landscaping."

The house is 1026 sq ft according to Monroe County tax records and sits on a 2259 sq ft lot just two blocks from Duval Street. There is no off street parking, but the other properties in the area are single family homes with no commercial activity nearby. I often suggest that second home buyers consider renting a car when in Key West rather than owning one and then having to pay thousands of extra dollars just to have a guaranteed parking space. When you consider the cost of owning a car and add in insurance and depreciation, you gotta be loaded to have a second car in Key West. You can rent a brand new convertible every time you come to your home in Paradise. It will be cheaper, dear reader.

The bedrooms at 712 Southard Street are located in the front of the house. The living room is next and the kitchen (a sawtooth addition with vaulted ceiling) is at the rear. It opens onto the large deck and very good sized pool. The gardens are beautiful and very serene. The pool get plenty of sunshine and the neighbors cannot see the pool, so what happens in your pool area stays in your pool area.

If you are looking for a house in Old Town with at least two bedrooms and two baths and that has a pool CLICK HERE to see the other properties priced $899,000 or lower. 712 Southard Street beats many of the properties on several levels, but the potential buyer is the best judge of what works at what price.

CLICK HERE for more detailed information on this sharp Key West Conch House and lots of photos of the interior and exterior.

If you would like to see 712 Southard Street or any other property offered for sale in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc., an affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

1114 Fleming Street - Old Town - Key West

This is how the listing Realtor describes the new listing at 1114 Fleming Street in Old Town Key West: "This circa 1886 home has cypress siding and contains four bedrooms and four and one-half baths including a separate guest cottage overlooking the pool and patio with covered outdoor dining. The kitchen has a large living area with dining. There is also a downstairs bedroom suite and another room suitable as a den, library or office. There are two bedrooms each with baths ensuite upstairs. The master suite has a walk-in closet and opens to a sunny sitting porch under the Royal Poinciana tree. The property is complete with two off-street parking spaces and much of the designer furnishings are available."

This house was recently featured in the Old Island Restoration Foundation's February House Tour. OIRF described 1114 Fleming property thus: "this two-story home, with its saw tooth additions at the back, was awarded a ceramic star from the Historic Florida Keys Foundation in 1983, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has maintained its charm while incorporating modern amenities for today's living. Floors are old wide plank pine, doors are old, and most of the large windows are original to the house."

No matter how you describe this house, you can't deny the sheer beauty of the simple lines and the unique pique the Cypress wood siding gives to the property. The house is quite large and boasts four bedrooms and five baths, a guest cottage, pool and patio with covered dining area. The asking price on this 2510 sq ft home is $1,450,000 or $578 per sq ft.

The home is located at the far east end of Fleming Street but it is still a mere stroll to Duval or the Historic Key West Seaport. There are great restaurants such as Cafe Sole and art galleries within a three minute walk. The home is near everything but not in the middle of it all. And that can be very nice.

CLICK HERE for more information on this unique property.

If you would like to see 1114 Fleming Street,or any other home in the Old Town area of Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

708 Passover Lane - Old Town - Key West

I can tell you one thing for absolute certain about Key West real estate: you either love houses located across the street from the Key West Cemetery or you hate them. So if you are of the latter persuasion, do not read any further. But if you don't mind tombs with a view, read on dear reader.

There is a very charming Arts & Crafts style house located at 708 Passover Lane that was just listed at the asking price of $650,000 or $923 per sq. ft. The two bedroom two bath house has 704 sq ft of living space and sits on a fairly good sized but odd shaped lot of 3364 sq ft. The house has off street parking and a generous front yard with so many tropical plants that one can barely see the cemetery across the lane.

The inside of the house was redone a few years ago and a pool was added. So this cute cottage has all the modern conveniences. If you are one of those buyers who feels compelled to have granite and marble and stainless steel, this house could be a candidate for a new re-do that will not break the bank simply because it isn't all that big a place. But it is perfectly livable as is. The present owner paid $840,000 for this house in 2005. This is not a short sale either.

On the other hand, some strategic fairy dust and paint could go a long way to make this charmer "pop". CLICK HERE and look at the photo of the off street parking. Imagine how cute the same space could be if the fence surrounded the area and was painted bright white. Imagine Chicago brick pavers instead of pea rock for the surface. Ditch the trash cans while you are at it. Yuck! Imagine your little Key West car sitting in the driveway.

I took some photos of the eight houses on the block. CLICK HERE, and CLICK HERE, also CLICK HERE to see the scary cemetery. You don't need to worry about the neighbors across the street making a ruckus and keeping you awake all night. You don't need to worry about their friends taking up all the parking spots on the street. Same for the other houses on Passover Lane. The properties are single family and there isn't a guesthouse, bar, restaurant or gallery within a couple of blocks.

This is how the listing realtor describes 708 Passover Lane: "Great Old Town Home with off street parking, fenced yard, screened porch, brick patio, cocktail pool and wood deck. Two bedrooms and full bath, lots of windows. Charming!" CLICK HERE to see more photos of this property.

I think some smart buyer is going to snag this house. Everything in Key West seems to be negotiable these days. So I think a smart buyer will act on this. Half of my readers won't consider this house because of the location. So that makes it an easier deal for those who do not mind tombs with a view as neighbors.

If you want to see 708 Passover Lane, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. This is not my listing, but don't let that stop you.

I told you so.......

This blog entry is for you disbelievers and prophets of doom and gloom, more toil and more trouble. It is also for you dreamers who want to buy a place in Key West but who fear that we are not at the bottom of the market.

I thought it would be interesting to see how many properties that I have mentioned in my little blog have actually closed since January 1, 2009. I used the Key West mls database and found that there were 46 closings to 8:30 AM today, February 18.

Here then are the houses that got away:

5601 College Road, Unit C 303 that sold for $399,000. CLICK HERE to see the unit. This sale may actually be good news for you undecided buyers. Unlike the other houses below, there are more of this same type of unit for sale now. This sale probably set the current watermark on pricing at this location. I know some don't like the location. Don't go there to look then. But the buildings are about 15 years newer than 1800 Atlantic and all have direct water views from the balcony with no noise from any nearby road.

525 Margaret Street, hidden Old Town two story house thoughtfully redone. Originally priced at $699,000 and sold for $500,000. CLICK HERE to see this beautiful home.

701 Elizabeth Street right at the top of Solares Hill that sold for an incredible price of $695,000. (Originally priced at $1,579,000.) CLICK HERE to see what you missed dearies.

3 Pinder Lane Old Town. This is absolutely one of the sweetest places I have ever been in my life. I loved this cottage. Everybody I showed it to loved it. It did not have parking, the bedrooms and baths were small, but this place is just magical. CLICK HERE to see the house that originally was offered at $1,390,000 and that sold for $900,000.

716 Olivia Street the Arts & Crafts house that needed just a wee bit of finishing sold in just about one day after a bank foreclosed its mortgage. The original asking price was $2,895,000. The bank owner asked $999,999 and it sold for $1,025,126. CLICK HERE and weep.

With the exception of the condo at Sunset Marina I think you would agree that each of the houses whether big or small is unique. They don't make any more of them. When they are gone, they are gone.

If you are looking for a place in Key West please consider using me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com. Let me help you find your place in Paradise. Don't live your life regretting what you could have done. Do it.

628 William Street - Old Town - Key West Elegance

Located on one of the Most Beautiful Blocks In The Historic District you will find this quintessential two story Key West house at 628 William Street. There are two bedrooms en-suite baths plus an office. There is a recent Award Winning Artist Studio/Den addition. There is a 30 Foot Pool and an excellent outside dining/living area. Lush landscaping creates a very private atmosphere. Off-street Parking.

The color tones are just perfect. The living area is formal without being stuffy. The floors in the living area are just plain beautiful. A few steps off the living room is the artist studio / office that is elevated over the 30 foot pool. That is not a typo. What a glorious way to incorporate functional living space and provide a large lap pool at the same time. A set of French doors looks down to the pool from the studio. That little location could inspire lots of creativity, of that I am certain.

There are two real bedrooms and a third room large enough to be a guest room, but it doesn't have a closet so we can't call it a bedroom. That's a nice feature actually. Your guests can't hang their clothes. Maybe they'll stay in a hotel and not eat you out of house and home. CLICK HERE to read more detailed info on this house and view more photos.

The house is 1630 sq ft and sits on a deep 2931 sq ft lot. The home is priced at $1,295,000 or $794 per sq ft. William Street is extra wide in this block, and there are no guest houses or commercial spaces to compete for off-street parking. Yet, the location is only a short three block walk to the Historic Key West Seaport and a five minute walk to Duval Street.

628 William is a listing Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc, (Christie's Great Estates) listing. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this really beautiful Old Town home.

1400 1st Street - MidTown - Key West

Preferred Properties, Christies Great Estates, has a new listing at 1400 1st Street in the Mid Town area of Key West that may appeal to the buyer that wants a very large and gracious home away from the hoopla of Duval Street.

The listing Realtor describes this property thus: "Unparalleled quality and craftsmanship in a new home in Key West. This property is superb in every way from the solid Brazilian cherry floors, the granite counters, the stainless appliances including a six burner Viking gas range, the custom tile in every bath, hand-built wainscoting and custom hand-built crown molding. Every detail was considered in the workmanship and design of this fine home. The exterior landscaping, spa and pool again reflect the care of this builder; two waterfalls surround a swimming lagoon connected to the whirlpool/spa by a 52 ft canal bridged by the fabulous gazebo. Two car garage and off street parking for five more cars; three in a secure, gated area. Not a property to miss for the sophisticated buyer."

This is my take: The property as a whole (both grounds and building) is enormous. The house is brand new (no renovation). It is 3708 square feet on two levels. The lot is 9766 square feet (11'x 97.66'). The lot is surrounded by a large privacy fence with an electric gated driveway and TV surveillance around the property for the utmost security. That's probably overkill for Key West, but it's a nice feature nonetheless. The front entry and drive are paved and the grounds are lushly landscaped.

Each room in the this house is large, but some are really large. But they are also built to human scale and were designed with ease of use and utility in mind. The kitchen is a cook's delight and features custom cabinets and Viking appliances. There is an opening onto the bayed dining alcove. This is where everybody hangs in most houses. But in this house, the hanging will be in comfort and style. Go back and re-read what the listing Realtor said about wainscoting and crown molding. I'll throw in the incredible pediments above each door. You walk from room to room and are just amazed at the detail and care that went into this house.

We Key Westers spend most of our time outside if we can. And this house is a place you and your friends will really enjoy. Each of the rooms on the ground floor and second floor have porches that overlook the pool and grounds. Understatement. The landscaping and water features look more like a posh Key West resort hotel than a normal backyard pool. Well, that's the point I guess. This place is not normal. It is extraordinary.

I was amazed at the waterfalls, fountains, the bridged swimming pool, the spa, the gazebo, and so on. The features do not end. This is the kind of house that a couple with a large family or lots of friends could really put to good use. The house is formal enough to impress, but it was built to be lived in. The outside has lots of places to relax, dine, or entertain. If there are any buyers out there that were not ripped off by Bernard Madoff this may be your place in Key West.

1400 1st Street is offered at $3,495,000. CLICK HERE for more detailed information on this large and impressive property and view all of the photos.

If you are seriously looking for a luxury home in this price range, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange an appointment. Buyers must be pre-qualified to view this property.