901 Packer St - Old Town - Key West

The Key West Cemetery as viewed from 901 Packer Street

901 Packer Street in Old Town Key West is located directly across the street from the Key West Cemetery and is in desperate need of The Re-Animator.

The listing Realtor describes this property thus:

"Great Old Town Key West location within walking distance to Duval Street and all of the Key West attractions. Perfect renovation project on a corner lot with off street parking. Located in an X500 flood zone, this is one of the highest elevations on the island."

This house was built in 1948 or 1953 (there are two different dates in county records). The relative newness means the house is not a contributing structure and that means a new owner could tear down this property and build all new. A caveat to tearing down and building new is that the current building codes and set backs will control what can be built and the lot coverage area. "Re-animating" or renovating this house would permit the new owner to keep the existing lot coverage and setbacks in place. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls data sheet and listing photos.

Let me share my thoughts about the house. Unlike The Aadams' Family mansion, this house is no museum. The house itself is ooky and the layout is kinda kooky. I don't know that I'd say its mysterious and spooky, but it surely ain't imperious.

"it surely ain't imperious"

This place will need lots of work. These are things I think it needs: new doors and windows, a new roof, new electric and plumbing, new interior layout which means all new interior framing and drywall, a new kitchen and one or two new bathrooms. The existing covered parking is nice but it looks like the roof may collapse. There is an old homemade addition to the Olivia Street side of the house that looks awful from the outside and it looks terrible from the inside. There is spauling across the north side of the kitchen. (Spauling is prevalent in many Key West houses of that vintage. It's repairable but the cost depends on the condition of the house and how much area has been compromised.)

While the house is capable of re-animation (lol), it is a better candidate for demolition in my opinion. A good architect or contractor could help a potential new buyer determine what could be done on the 27' x 58' lot. I personally think a new owner could build a nice two story Conch style home on this lot. The 1566 sq ft lot may sound small compared to the big sized lots you readers who live up north in America have, but down here a lot this size in Old Town is quite common. What is less common is the view across the street.

I recently took photos of the property. It was a gloomy day in Paradise, that day. CLICK HERE to view. A lot of potential buyers absolutely refuse to consider a property that overlooks the cemetery. Some would see that location as gloomy forever. I think not so. That refusal to consider the location is their loss in my opinion. Of course the area is quiet at night. No pun intended. It really is. And that is a great feature in any neighborhood. Having quiet neighbors that do not party all the time is a blessing compared to those that do. Olivia Street is a small one-way street that runs parallel to the south boundary of the cemetery. That street is primarily used by locals and is not normally used by commercial vehicles or Conch Trains. That keeps street noise to a minimum.

More than the quietness of the location is all the sunshine one normally gets. If you love Old Town houses as much as I, you know that most houses are built so close to each other that there often is little space between properties. Since most houses are densely landscaped and typically have trees on all sides, natural light is often minimalized. The result is that many homes only have direct sunshine for a few hours a day. And most Old Town homes do not have clear open views of the beautiful Key West skies.

The house at 901 Packer Street has a vast sweeping view looking north across the Key West Cemetery. Locals appreciate such views because so few in Old Town have them. The house at 901 Packer Street was originally priced at $249,000 and recently reduced to $219,000. I have my own opinion of what it will sell for, and that price is nowhere near the asking price.

If you would like to see 901 Packer Street 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 Key West, Florida. I believe in Re-Animation, Renovation, and Innovation. But I am not a witch!

915 Angela Street - Key West - A Homage to The Trouble with Harry

To quote Andrew's Idea "In Alfred Hitchcock’s world, nothing is more certain than death and attempts to cover up death." The author then goes on to explain that in The Trouble With Harry Hitchcock maintains his "critique of depraved humanity throughout the film, demonstrating uncannily the truth that he who hates his neighbor is guilty of murder. " But it is this line that makes The Trouble With Harry germane to today's blog about the cute little house at 915 Angela Street that is located directly across the street from the Key West Cemetery: "Turn away from death, and it’s as if it isn’t there." You will either love 915 Angela Street or you will hate it. Oh, you'll love the house. There's nothing not to like about the house. It's the neighbors. Let me tell you about the neighbors. The house next door to the west sits at the corner of Margaret and Angela Streets.

The neighbors to the rear are a couple of very large homes accessed off Canfield Lane. The neighbor to the east is a nice house at the corner of Grinnell and Angela. Angela Street is a one way street that runs from Margaret eastward to White Street. It is just one lane wide. Across Angela Street is the Key West Cemetery. 

The view from 915 Angela looking directly toward the cemetery. If you are concerned about flooding remember that the cemetery is near the highest point on the island. The big skies and bright sunshine from across the street will never be built upon nor will the neighbors to the west or east. The view that you see today is the view for eternity. Knowing the future in real estate is not necessarily a bad thing. The cemetery bothers the hell out of a lot of potential buyers.Some people refuse to even look at houses anywhere near the cemetery. I guess I understand. Maybe it has some of that "Turn away from death, and it’s as if it isn’t there" going on. This is why I really like 915 Angela Street. First, the place is really nicely laid out for Key West second home living. It is large enough for a couple that has a small family or friends that may drop in for an occasional visit. There are three bedrooms and two baths. The living room opens on the east to a beautiful pool. The living room also opens to the left onto a secluded deck with a hot tub. The master bedroom and bath also open onto that same deck. There is an incredibly sexy outdoor shower tucked away to the side. A second bedroom is located at the right front of the the house. The kitchen and dining area complete the main floor. There is a decent sized third bedroom or office on the second floor. There is enough separation between the rooms to provide the kind of privacy you don't see in many Key West houses. There are two separate off street parking spaces each of which is bricked. The house is just as cute as it can be. This 1350 sq ft home is offered at $998,000. The view from the front porch or the master bedroom looking south across the cemetery changes with each passing cloud. The view is the exact opposite of what you would expect. CLICK HERE to checkout the listing info and to view more photos of the home.

Above is one of two off street parking spaces

This house is an easy walk to Duval Street or the Historic Key West Seaport. Both are about 5 minutes away. There is no commercial activity anyplace within sight. The Conch Trains and Trolley Cars can't go down Angela Street because it is too narrow. What a rotten shame! Boo Hoo! Locals don't use it as thoroughfare because there are speed bumps. Tourists tend to walk fast or run because, well, it is the cemetery after all. This place is super quiet. If you have seen this home before it's time for a second look. The owners have made some recent changes. If you are looking for a quiet little place and don't mind the neighborhood, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

Delightful Key West Conch Cottage - 813 Frances Street

Just listed the delightful Key West Conch Cottage located at 813 Frances Street is the ideal home everyone longs for. This 1450 sq ft home has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living area that opens onto the pool and tiki hut plus off street parking. The master suite is on the first floor. There is even one of those Key West step-through showers to the pool. This home is listed at $995,000 or $686 per sq ft. The listing Realtor describes this cottage home this way:

"Elegant and beautiful historic home on one of the most desirable streets in Old Town Key West. Bright and airy rooms with open floor plan from kitchen to spacious family room overlooking tropical yard and pool. Home to a champion Lingum Vitae tree and other tropical flora, the yard is private and lush and boasts a cozy outdoor covered lanai. Hardwood floors, downstairs master bedroom, chef's kitchen including gas cooktop and stainless steel appliances. Off-street parking and wonderful front porch add to this Key West Historic Gem in the Heart of Old Town Key West.

This property is located directly across the street from the Key West cemetery. So there will be some fraidy cats who will not even consider this charming house. What a pity! Aside from the fact that the "neighbors" are exceedingly quiet, there is no parking on the opposite side of the street. The City of Key West erected new six foot wrought iron fences around the cemetery just a few years ago. So all that is inside is visible from the outside. Yes, you will have killer views of the graves and tombs. But you also see the green grass, trees, and walkways. You get to see the vast Key West sky and watch it as it changes. Trust me on this. There are no vampires and no ghouls will creep into your house. But you will see the amazing Key West sky as it changes and you can sit on your front porch like folks did in the olden days and watch neighbors walking their dogs and tourists pedaling past on their bikes.

The house is a five or six minute walk to Duval and perhaps four minutes to the Historic Seaport. Jose's Cantina is two blocks to the east, The Coffee Mill a block to the southeast, Old Town gym a block directly south, and the Citgo gas station at the Corner of Truman and White where you can buy the best fried chicken in town at Dion's Quick Mart.

CLICK HERE to read more about this house and to view photos. Better yet, call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a showing. There just are not that many single family homes in Old Town priced under $1,000,000. This delightful conch cottage may sell pretty quickly. Don't get spooked by the location and pass up a real buying opportunity. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. Our office is the Exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

Maybe the present owner is trying to tell the denizens across the street something...

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Price Reduction - 915 Angela Street - Old Town - Key West

One of my favorite Key West houses just got a lot more affordable. The asking price on 915 Angela Street is now $998,000 or $739 per sq ft. This house was originally listed for sale at $1,299,000. The price has been reduced a couple of times. But now the price is at a point where the market ought to react.

You will either love 915 Angela Street or you will hate it. Oh, you'll love the house. There's nothing not to like about the house. It's the neighbors.

This is how the listing Realtor describes 915 Angela Street:

"Pristine Old Town cottage with a little bit of everything including 3bd/2ba + delightful outdoor bath, 2 off street parking spaces, heated pool with waterfall & private spa. An outstanding use of space brings the outdoors in with the family room nestled between spacious covered decks & lush landscape. Enjoy the historical character with exposed Dade County pine walls and ceilings, renovated kitchen with new stainless appliances, remodeled baths, cathedral ceilings and lots of glass doors, windows and skylights. Beautifully styled and impeccably cared for both inside and out with optional designer furniture package negotiable for a truly turnkey Key West residence."

Let me tell you about the neighbors. The house next door to the west sits at the corner of Margaret and Angela Streets. CLICK HERE to view this incredible Key West property. The neighbors to the rear are a couple of very large homes accessed off Canfield Lane. The neighbor to the east is a nice house at the corner of William and Angela. Angela Street is a one way street that runs from Margaret eastward to White Street. It is just one lane wide. Across Angela Street is the Key West Cemetery. CLICK HERE to see the view from 915 Angela looking directly south. If you are concerned about flooding remember that the cemetery is near the highest point on the island. The big skies and bright sunshine from across the street will never be built upon nor will the neighbors to the west or east. What you see is what will be for eternity. Knowing the future in real estate is not necessarily a bad thing.

The cemetery bothers the hell out of a lot of potential buyers.Some people refuse to even look at houses anywhere near the cemetery. I guess I understand. But not really.

This is why I really like 915 Angela Street. First, the place is really nicely laid out for Key West second home living. It is large enough for a couple that has a small family or friends that may drop in for an occasional visit. There are three bedrooms and two baths. The living room opens on the east to a beautiful pool. The living room also opens to the left onto a secluded deck with a hot tub. The master bedroom and bath also open onto that same deck. There is an incredibly sexy outdoor shower tucked away to the side. A second bedroom is located at the right front of the the house. The kitchen and dining area complete the main floor. There is a decent sized third bedroom or office on the second floor. There is enough separation between the rooms to provide the kind of privacy you don't see in many Key West houses. There are two separate off street parking spaces each of which is bricked. The house is just as cute as it can be. This 1350 sq ft home is offered at $998,000. The view from the front porch or the master bedroom looking south across the cemetery changes with each passing cloud. The view is the exact opposite of what you would expect. CLICK HERE to see more detailed information on this listing and view lots of interior and exterior photos.

This house is an easy walk to Duval Street or the Historic Key West Seaport. Both are about 5 minutes away. There is no commercial activity anyplace within sight. The Conch Trains and Trolley Cars can't go down Angela Street because it is too narrow. What a rotten shame! Boo Hoo! Locals don't use it as thoroughfare because there are speed bumps. Tourists tend to walk fast or run because, well, it is the cemetery after all.

The view from the master bedroom is just beautiful. This place is super quiet. I can't think of anything a new owner would need to do. If you are looking for a quiet little place and don't mind the neighborhood, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com.

915 Angela Street - Old Town - Key West

You will either love 915 Angela Street or you will hate it. Oh, you'll love the house. There's nothing not to like about the house. It's the neighbors.

This is how the listing Realtor describes 915 Angela Street:

"Pristine Old Town cottage with a little bit of everything including 3bd/2ba + delightful outdoor bath, 2 off street parking spaces, heated pool with waterfall & private spa. An outstanding use of space brings the outdoors in with the family room nestled between spacious covered decks & lush landscape. Enjoy the historical character with exposed Dade County pine walls and ceilings, renovated kitchen with new stainless appliances, remodeled baths, cathedral ceilings and lots of glass doors, windows and skylights. Beautifully styled and impeccably cared for both inside and out with optional designer furniture package negotiable for a truly turnkey Key West residence."

Let me tell you about the neighbors. the house next door to the west sits at the corner of Margaret and Angela Streets. CLICK HERE to view this incredible Key West property. The neighbors to the rear are a couple of very large homes accessed off Canfield Lane. The neighbor to the east is a nice house at the corner of William and Angela. Angela Street is a one way street that runs from Margaret eastward to White Street. It is just one lane wide. The neighbors across Angela Street is the Key West Cemetery. CLICK HERE to see the view from 915 Angela looking directly south.

The cemetery bothers the hell out of a lot of potential buyers.Some people refuse to even look at houses anywhere near the cemetery. I guess I understand. But not really.

This is why I really like 915 Angela Street. First, the place is really nicely laid out for Key West second home living. It is large enough for a couple that has a small family or friends that may drop in for an occasional visit. There are three bedrooms and two baths. The living room opens on the east to a beautiful pool. The living room also opens to the left onto a secluded deck with a hot tub. The master bedroom and bath also open onto that same deck. There is an incredibly sexy outdoor shower tucked away to the side. A second bedroom is located at the right front of the the house. The kitchen and dining area complete the main floor. There is a decent sized third bedroom or office on the second floor. There is enough separation between the rooms to provide the kind of privacy you don't see in many Key West houses. There are two separate off street parking spaces each of which is bricked. The house is just as cute as it can be. This 1350 sq ft home is offered at $1,195,000. The view from the front porch or the master bedroom looking south across the cemetery changes with each passing cloud. The view is the exact opposite of what you would expect. CLICK HERE to see more detailed information on this listing and view lots of interior and exterior photos.

This house is an easy walk to Duval Street or the Historic Key West Seaport. Both are about 5 minutes away. There is no commercial activity anyplace within sight. The Conch Trains and Trolley Cars can't go down Angela Street because it is too narrow. What a rotten shame! Boo Hoo! Locals don't use it as thoroughfare because there are speed bumps. Tourists tend to walk fast or run because, well, it is the cemetery after all.

The view from the master bedroom is just beautiful. This place is super quiet. I can't think of anything a new owner would need to do. If you are looking for a quiet little place and don't mind the neighborhood, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com.

708 Passover Lane - Old Town Key West - Short Sale

The neighbors across the street are very quiet. And you can rest assured the view from the front door of 708 Passover Lane will never change. Never Ever!

708 Passover Lane is located just across from the Key West Cemetery at one of the highest points in Old Town Key West. The house sits to the rear of an odd shaped lot of 3364 sq ft. There is off street parking and a landscaped front yard with obscured views of the cemetery. The house itself is an arts and crafts style structure that was built (county records) in 1938. It had a new roof in 2000. County building permits suggest most of the interior renovations and the pool and rear deck were done in 1992.

If you are one of those buyers who feels compelled to have a designer kitchen complete with granite, marble and stainless steel, this old house could be a candidate for a new re-do that will not break the bank. It simply isn't all that big a place. And it is perfectly livable as is. The present owner paid $840,000 for this house in 2005. But now the property is a short sale and is offered at the asking price of $525,000 or $746 per sq ft.

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. Get rid of the pea rock and brick the driveway.Ditch the trash cans while you are at it. Yuck! Imagine your little Key West car sitting in the driveway. There is a nasty old stub of a long gone tree that needs to be removed. Reinstall the picket fence around the permiter of the entire property and paint it white. Voila. You also may want to remove the screen that encases the front porch. It is not necessary and hides the beauty of this charming cottage. A house a couple doors to the north (CLICK HERE)looks somewhat similar. So it may give you an idea of what I think 708 Passover might look like sans screened porch.

There are only eight houses on the block. CLICK HERE, and CLICK HERE. 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: "Sequestered cottage in the heart of Old Town with brick patio, fencing, offstreet parking, high ceilings, wood floors and walls. Tented by Hammerhead 2/11/09." CLICK HERE to read more info from the listing Realtor and to see more photos.

Everything in Key West seems to be negotiable these days. Half of my readers won't consider this house because of the location. So that means less competition from potential buyers that do not mind tombs with a view as neighbors. I think a smart buyer will act on this.

Please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com to arrange to see 708 Passover Lane. By the way, I recently sold the house next door at 8 Passover Lane. My buyers absolutely love it and the neighborhood.

730 Passover Lane -- Affordable & Adorable!

This little charmer at 730 Passover Lane sits directly across the street from the Key West Cemetery. The home has been on the market for some time and the price has been periodically reduced from $795,000 to $499,000. That's right, $499,000. Now it is officially affordable as well as adorable. CLICK HERE for more info and additional photos.

Click on the photos to see larger views of this quintessential Key West cottage. The living area is quite large features a vaulted ceiling. There are lots of windows and French doors so the entire living-kitchen-dining area is open and inviting. The kitchen is new, compact, and has lots of special little features.

The house has one bedroom that also has a vaulted ceiling. It, too, is bright and cheery. But there is also a second level loft with room for a queen size bed, and that floor space is not counted in the home's square footage. There rear courtyard has an outdoor shower, brick pavers, pond, and lots of foliage. The white picket fence at the front sets off the smart street appeal of this smart looking little home.

Now about the location. 730 Passover Lane is a short four blocks walk to Duval and three blocks to the Historic Key West Seaport. CLICK HERE for a Google Earth View of the location. The location across the street from the cemetery provides something most Key West homes do not have: lots of sunshine and uninterrupted views, quiet neighbors, and the assurance that the neighbors are not going to build something on their property. Ever! I won't make any bones about it, many people would not consider a house by a cemetery. But if you aren't afraid of ghosts and you want a few rooms with a great view (I'm serious), you need to see this little house.

The house does not have off street parking and there is no room for a pool. But there is plenty of room to live a very comfortable life in great style. Want to see this charmer? Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com.

Tomb with a View

Perhaps my pun isn't very funny. This little charmer at 730 Passover Lane sits directly across the street from the Key West Cemetery and the priced was just reduced to from $695,000 to $609,000. CLICK HERE for a full description of the features of this house.

Click on the photos to see larger views of this quintessential Key West cottage. The living area is quite large features a vaulted ceiling. There are lots of windows and french doors so the entire living-kitchen-dining area is open and inviting. The kitchen is new, compact, and has lots of special little features.

The house has one bedroom that also has a vaulted ceiling. It, too, is bright and cheery. But there is also a second level loft with room for a queen size bed and that floor space is not counted in the home's square footage.

There rear courtyard has an outdoor shower, brick pavers, pond, and lots of foliage. The white picket fence at the front sets off the smart street appeal of this smart looking little home.

Now about the location. 730 Passover Lane is a short four blocks walk to Duval and three blocks to the Historic Key West Seaport. CLICK HERE for a Google Earth View of the location. The location across the street from the cemetery provides something most Key West homes do not have: lots of sunshine and uninterrupted views, quiet neighbors, and the assurance that the neighbors are not going to build something on their property.

This house is priced to sell quickly. Don't miss the opportunity. Call me today. 305-766-2642.

730 Passover Lane - Open House Sunday

It is supposed to rain on Sunday afternoon, so you probably won't be laying by the pool or frolicking in the ocean. Think about visiting me at 730 Passover Lane during my Open House from 12:00 to 2:30 PM.

This charming cottage sits directly across the street from the Key West Cemetary. I won't make any bones about it, many people would not consider a house by a cemetary. But if you aren't afraid of ghosts and you want a few rooms with a great view (I'm serious), you need to see this little house.

It is a One bedroom and one bath home on quiet Old Town lane with a delightful front porch, private rear garden with a pond and an outdoor shower, skylights, vaulted ceilings, sleeping loft, built-in cabinetry, pickled hardwood floors, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. The loft is large enough to accomodate a queen size bed.

CLICK HERE for more info. And if you aren't busy, do drop in.

Lost and Not Forgotten

There is a story in today's Key West Citizen that locals and anyone thinking of buying a home in Key West should read and ponder. It relates to the homeless population in Key West. CLICK HERE for the article.

According to the article city officials and citizens are complaining about the homeless population. "At a meeting Wednesday, city officials pressed Police Chief Bill Mauldin to do something it. Mauldin acknowledged the issue, even admitted his staff could do a better job, and promised certain strategies to tackle the problem." Hah. That's a laugh.

A few years back Key West elected a new mayor who was a compassionate soul, but a terrible leader. She wanted to create clean and comfortable space for the homeless to congregate. Drama, drama, drama, not in my backyard, more drama. A lot of well intentioned people wanting to help people who will not help themselves. Many are emotionally disturbed--or worse.

A couple of years ago an official from the City of Key West (worked directly under the City Manager) spoke to our office regarding a variety of city issues. I asked him why the City of Key West refuses to do anything to curtail the homeless situation like locking up people who violate the law. I specifically pointed out the Palm Beach does not have a homeless population. They don't allow it. No tolerance.

He came back and said that it costs some exaggerated dollar amount to arrest anyone and hold them in our new county jail. The figure he cited was in the several hundred dollar range.

I went right back at him and said his figures were ludicrous. I said if you include the amortization on the cost of the jail, the staff of the Key West Police Department, the staff of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and their respective retirement plans, then maybe the cost per inmate might amount to that figure. I added that the Sheriff is renting cell space to Miami-Dade County so that our county is profiting from the out of county inmates, whereas putting our own lawbreakers in jail costs us money. Why would anybody in their right mind put away people who cost you money when you can lockup people who make you money. I get it!

The homeless of Key West may be lost, but they are not forgotten. I will now get off my soapbox.

The pic above was taken by a tourist in the Key West Cemetery. What a nice way to remember your vacation in Key West.