820 Whitehead Street - Key West

820 Whitehead Street - September 2012

820 Whitehead Street in 1965

Maybe I should have entitled today's blog "Honey, I Blew Up the Kid - er, I Mean House".  As I prepared to write today's blog, I looked in the old shoe box to find old photos of 820 Whitehead Street, the subject du jour. I found the above black and white photo but at first thought the street notation was incorrect. And then I realized that the address and the photo are accurate. The house has dramatically changed since the photo was taken in 1965. The front facade and porch were reconfigured and a second story was added that greatly expanded the interior space. All of these improvements were done by the owner-developer who undertook the redevelopment of six contiguous houses in 2005. The other houses sat on small lots and did not have much in common. Three houses on Whitehead Street (including 820 Whitehead at that time) had welcoming street porches for people watching. The interior units (located behind the houses on Whitehead Street) did not have views of anything. The developer created a beautiful pool in the rear which became a shared amenity for each dwelling. The separate units were legally converted into condominiums. This conversion allowed the developer to build a new unit in the very rear and to create minimal common elements so that all property owners could have access to the pool area.

The developer literally rebuilt each of the old cottage houses. But it was 820 Whitehead Street that the "star" treatment.  This home doubled in size and to the incredible view of the seldom used pool at the rear.

If you look at the facade photo you might assume the front porch is the entry to the home. No it is not. The main entry is actually located midway down the gated walkway that heads toward the pool. The entry opens into the living room which is at the back of the house.

The living area is a shared space of living, indoor dining, and kitchen. French doors open out from there onto a covered terrace that overlooks the pool.

The open kitchen is located just to the left of the main entry. The front of the house currently houses a law office (legally permissible as the property is zoned HMDR in case a new owner might want to live and work in the same location. (Cuts down on travel time for sure.)  That room does have access to the front porch from which you can see the Ernest Hemingway House across the street. The main floor bath is located between the kitchen and the main floor bedroom.

The floors in the living area are a beautiful grayish marble that is almost reminiscent of Cuban tile. The floors are stunning in their simplicity.

The master bedroom is located on the second floor. This space is a total surprise to first time viewers. Wow! The space is large and open. This room has a feeling of being much larger than it actually is. A set of French doors open onto a Romeo and Juliet balcony that overlooks the pool below.  What a view that is! The master bath adjoins. The floors on this level (and the stairway) are new rich oak - the real thing.

820 Whitehead Street is located just one block off Duval Street and across the street from Hemingway House. The Southernmost Point is located a few blocks south on Whitehead. The current entrance to Ft Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach is located just a couple of blocks to the north.  This is a great tourist location. I believe this property would make a great vacation rental.

820 Whitehead Street has 970 sq ft under air and is offered at $449,900. The monthly condo fee is $668.99 and covers building maintenance and insurance, common area maintenance, and pool maintenance. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and listing photos. Then CLICK HERE to view a slideshow of photos I recently took of this property.  I think you will find that this house has a lot to offer and is priced to sell.

If you would like to see this property or any other property in Key West please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

709 A Windsor Lane - Short Sale - Key West

709 A Windsor Lane - Old Town - Key West

Just listed, by not by me, 709 A Windsor Lane in Old Town Key West. This 487 square foot one bedroom one bath cottage style abode is a legal condominium (one of three in the small association) located adjacent to the Key West Writer's Compound which I have previously written about. It is not a part of the compound, but it does share the wonderful location near the top of Solares Hill.


The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"Charming Conch Style Condo in Old Town Key West. One bedroom one bath with loft completely renovated with the finest finishes. Stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and beautiful kitchen cabinetry. This is a must see! (Condominium Fees TBD) This is a potential short sale transaction subject to lender approval."

This unit shares a common wall with Unit B which was a bank owned property that sold two years ago. A third condo, Unit C, is located at the rear of the parcel. The condos share a common plot of ground with side access on the west boundary for access for Units B and C. The small condo association may make it difficult to obtain traditional bank financing on a property like this. Otherwise, I think this is a bargain property. Read on.


I took the attached photos CLICK HERE for a lender last summer. I observed that the unit appeared to have been updated in a good and workmanlike manner. The interior space was well arranged and utilitarian. The living room and kitchen share a common space which is normal in most modern Key West properties. The bedroom is off to the right and it is quite spacious. There are windows on two walls so this space is very comfortable as opposed to some bedrooms which appear claustrophobic. The bath is at the rear and it is extra large. A ladder provides access to the loft located over the bedroom area. This is a neat place to send guests you don't want to stay too long or it would make an excellent place to store things you do not use everyday. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and to view listing photos.


709A Windsor Lane is a short sale priced at $319,000. If you would like to see this property, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

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616 Caroline Street - Key West - Wow! What an Opportunity!

616 Caroline Street - Key West

Please excuse my exuberance, but I think the new listing at 616 Caroline Street, Unit #4, is quite the buying opportunity for that person that wants a Key West pied a tere that really deserves that moniker and is priced so affordably. The listing broker describes this property thus:

"Grand home converted into designer condos. This unit is offered fully furnished and includes hardwood floors, marble countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, high ceilings, antique glass windows and a private balcony. Relax by the pool and spa surrounded by lush tropical gardens or stroll one block to Duval Street."

The property has been graciously updated and offers Asian Teak flooring throughout; High Ceilings & Antique Glass Windows; Smart-wired & Digital-ready, Stainless Steel Appliances; Crown Molding; Spacious balconies overlooking the Key West Bight; Ample Storage Areas; and Interiors by Award-Winning Designer, Pascal Delisse. All of this plus two bedrooms, two baths, 806 sq ft of living space, a pool and a spa for just $425,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key Wet mls datasheet and to view listing photos. (My camera is kaput so I must rely on listing photos until my new camera is functional. [I need someone to show me how to operate it.])

This unit will not last long at this price. It was originally listed for sale at $949,000 and now it is offered at about a 65% discount. Compare the size, location, amenities, and historic and authentic Key West charm to similarly priced condos at Shipyard in Truman Annex. This place is a bit bigger, the pool is much more private, you won't have someone walking around in clogs over your head at night, and it is an easy five minute walk to some of the best bars and restaurants at the Historic Key West Seaport. I like Truman Annex and Shipyard offers a lot of value for first time buyers. This place is a very good counterpoint.

The Seaport is a two block walk east of 616 Caroline Street. Take a hike!

I think this property would make a most excellent vacation rental (30 days minimum) because of its size, location, and amenities. Returning guests love places like this that are near everything and have all the modern conveniences.

Harpoon Harry's is a couple of blocks down Caroline Street where you will be treated kindly and served very good food at an affordable price. Dances are cheap, too.

By day or night guests or friends and family can walk to the Seaport for fun

Or for a good meal and a few drinks

If you would like to see this unit or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Don't wait too long because this listing will sell quickly.

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Bank Owned Unit - Key West by the Sea

The asking price on this 1221 sq ft three bedroom two bath bank owned condominium unit at Key West by the Sea just got a lot better, just $264,300. The listing agent describes the unit like this:

"BANK-OWNED! Spacious ground floor three bedrooms,two bath unit with private patio ready for your personal touch. The unit is completely tiled. View from living room opens to lawn and pool. Key west By The Sea is located on 8 acres, across from Smathers Beach, with two large swimming pools, one heated, two tennis courts and club house. Just minutes to airport and Duval St."

Southernmost Pool at Key West by the Sea

As foreclosed units go, this falls into the mid-range. It needs some cleaning and a fresh paint job. But other than that, it looks ready to move into. A new owner might want to update the kitchen and replace the tiled floor and maybe landscape the private patio. But neither is necessary.

Patio faces the pool which is about 100 feet away

One of many Orchids on a trellis near the big north pool

Units at Key West by the Sea come in various sizes and different locations. This is a ground floor unit at the far north end of the complex. It has south facing views from the living room and two of the three bedrooms. The back (or entry side) is located just off the parking lot. The assigned parking space is just a few feet from the door. You won't get a sunburn in the hot sun or soaked in a rainstorm walking the few feet from your car to your home. And the largest of the two huge pools is located perhaps 100 feet further to the south. If you have a little dog, the location is perfect for you and your pet. You can get your tanning and other business done without having to use the stairs or elevator.

This is the pool closest to the unit

Parking just steps from your door

Key West by the Sea is meticulously maintained. There is an on site manager. There are beautiful walkways between the buildings, the pools and other common areas. I spotted hanging orchids all over the place. There is plenty of security as well. All entries are gated and locked. Oh, and the Atlantic Ocean is across the street. World famous Smather's Beach is across the street.

CLICK HERE to view a slide show of photos I recently took of this unit. And you can CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database on this unit.

Monthly fees are $457.48 and include building insurance, building exterior maintenance, common area maintenance, pool maintenance, security, exterminating, and cable tv.

If you would like to see this unit or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

2521 Fogarty Avenue - Mid Town Condo - Key West - Bank Owned

2521 Fogarty Avenue - Key West

I don't get excited very often about properties in the Mid Town area. The new listing (not mine) at 2521 Fogarty Avenue which is Bank Owned is the exception to my rule. The listing Realtor describes this very affordable three bedroom property with a pool this way:

"Bank Owned. Spacious three bedroom, two bath condo in Mid-Town Key West. Ground level unit has no stairs, private entrance and off street parking. Granite counter tops in kitchen and both baths. Travertine floors in den, kitchen, laundry room and both baths. Carpet in all three bedrooms. Central air & ceiling fans. Washer dryer hookup. All offers must be accompanied by pre-approval or proof of funds letter."

This three bedroom two bath condo has 1199 sq ft of living space on one floor. The living room,dining area, and kitchen are open. A center hall on the opposite side leads to the three bedrooms. Two large bedrooms share a very large bathroom. The master bedroom has an en-suite bath. The bedrooms are carpeted and the carpet needs to go. The rest of the rooms have travertine marble floors. All windows and doors and everything on the inside is new. Other than the carpet, I did not notice any deferred maintenance. 2521 Fogarty Avenue is offered at $192,500 or just $161 per sq ft.


I encourage interested buyers to CLICK HERE as well to view photos I took of this property as well as some prior photos when the property was occupied. This property is owned by a local Key West lender. At a price this low and with a property this nice, I think this property will go under contract very quickly. I would not wait on this. Seriously.


There is a shared pool at the rear. It's not very big, but it's very charming. The unit has a large laundry room and an off street parking spot. And the unit has its own outdoor space complete with bricked mini-terrace.

If you would like to see 2521 Fogarty Avenue please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.