516 Catherine Street - Old Town - Key West

516 Catherine Street - Old Town - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, 516 Catherine Street in Old Town Key West. This very attractive Conch House is located in the south part of Old Town. It's closest and most famous neighbor is LaTeDa which is located at the corner of Catherine and Duval Streets. It is the proximity to Duval Street and the fact that this house has been recently redone, that make this property a house worthy of your consideration. The listing Realtor describes 516 Catherine Street like this:

"Perfect Old Town gem just 1/2 block off Duval Street. This two bedroom, two bath sweetheart home has recently been completely renovated with a wonderful new pool, tile floors, new windows, Dade County pine walls and new central a/c. Very private backyard with native landscaping. It even has off street parking!"

New Pool

The house has 1201 sq ft of living space which includes two bedrooms and tow baths. The house has been significantly updated and a pool was added. Compare the house the way it looked in 1965 to the way it looks in 2011. Not much has changed on the outside but the innards as Granny Clampett would say are like new. CLICK HERE to checkout the Key West mls listing datasheet and accompanying listing photos.

516 Catherine Street as it appeared in 1965

516 Catherine Street in June 2011

This house appears to be located within the transient rental transfer zone. CLICK HERE to view the Key West city map that defines permissible transfer sites. This house is zone Hrcc-3 which is by definition a permissible receiver site. The fact that a property has the correct zoning and is located within a permissible zoning receiver location by itself does not mean the property can automatically receive a transient license, but it is better than the alternative of being categorically unable to receive transient license. I always tell a perspective buyer that wants to buy a house that does not have a transient license to verify with his or her attorney that the property he or she wants to purchase can be a receiver site. That being said, 516 Catherine Street would be a terrific location for a transient licensed house because it has the three criteria that make transient licensed houses so popular (1) pool, (2) parking, (3) stellar location near Duval Street. The asking price of $594,900 makes this property really attractive.

While 516 Catherine Street has off street parking but it is the ability to walk to any number of daytime or night time locations that makes this house such an excellent location.

World Famous LaTeDa is one-half block away

South Beach is a five minute walk to the south

Key West nightlife

If you are interested in purchasing a property in Key West, please consider working with 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, Florida.

Open House - Sunday - 507 Amelia Street - Key West

There's a Big Event this Sunday, and I'm not referring to the Super Bowl. I'm hosting an Open House from 12:00 to 3:00 PM at 507 Amelia Street in Key West.

$499,000 - Estate Sale

The listing Realtor describes 507 Amelia Street this way:

"Located only a half a block off Duval on a dead-end lane is this sweet conch house with a spacious yard, front porch and parking for two cars. Perfect for a vacation / second home as is but location could support improvement as well. Plenty of room for a pool. If you want to live within walking distance of all that Key West has to offer, this is a perfect home. Zoning allows for transient use with restrictions."

World Famous La Te Da

507 Amelia Street is about 125 feet up on the left side

The 500 block of Amelia Street is a small dead end street located about 200 feet north of LaTeDa. This block has several houses built during the same time and almost all have been remodeled and are now used as transient rentals or vacation rentals. This property is zoned to permit a Transient License.

The lovely cottage home directly across from 507 Amelia Street

The existing house is 1064 sq ft (plus unit in back which has 285 sq ft) which sit on a 3964 sq ft lot (irregular shaped 51' x 87' or so). I see this as a renovation project. The house itself is perfectly livable as is. It's clean and tidy. Many second home buyers want a place that is all fixed up with a pool and tropical landscaping. Come over and checkout this house and decide what you'd do if you had a hammer.

What would you do if you had a hammer?

631 United Street - Old Town - Key West

Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (that's where I work) just listed the really sweet house located at 631 United Street. The asking price is just $675,000 or $438 per sq ft for this 1542 sq ft two bedroom home. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

" Exquisitely renovated Cigar makers cottage in Old Town Key West, close to the beach and some of our best restaurants. As you enter this home you are greeted by soaring ceilings and a beautiful foyer. Off the foyer to the right is a bright large living room with French doors that lead to the side herb garden As you go down the foyer you have a dining area, which is currently being used as a den off the Cooks kitchen. Off the dining/den are french doors which lead to a charming patio, heated pool and the two bedrooms/baths. This is perfect Key West gateaway Off Street parking or one car."

This house is a must see for the buyer that wants a darling place that is not a copy cat but a truly unique Key West property. The white picket fence and simple Conch exterior appearance belies the home hidden on the other side of the front door. Who would expect the view below in such a 'simple' shotgun or 'Cigar Makers Cottage '?

Entry hallway extends to the pool and outdoor entertaining area

Formal living area with entry hall to the right

The Family Room is shown to the rear in yellow

The chef's kitchen is flawless and can be shut-off via pocket doors

Guest room

The Master bedroom is at the rear of the house...

...which has French doors that open onto the pool

CLICK HERE to checkout the Key West mls datasheet on this sweet home. I have more High Resolution photos which you can view HERE.

Atlantic Shores of yore...tis no more!

I remember the south end of Key West pretty much stopping at Truman Avenue when I came to Key West 25 years ago. Oh sure there were places on Duval Street but with the exception of La Te Da and Atlantic Shores Resort (which is sadly, very sadly, gone), the south end of Old Town was dead. Not anymore. Today there are great restaurants, cheap eats and coffee houses, lots art galleries, shops, some bars, an Adult Entertainment Club (wink), an ice cream destination station, and good ole' La Te Da is still ruling the roost. South Beach has always been a place to sunbathe but now its Key West destination itself.


I mention the above because 631 United Street is positioned midway between Truman and South Beach and just a block and one-half east of Duval. Many of the reasons people choose Key West are located within a short walk. And I like to remind people that after a night on Duval Street (like last night-New Year's Eve) sometimes people find it difficult to make their way back home, especially if the trek involves winding down side streets and lanes. 631 United Street is easy to find so you and your guests should always make it back to the right house without any trouble.
Because the location is easy to find, a new owner may choose to rent the home as a monthly vacation rental. I can imagine a lot of seasoned Key West vacationers would love to stay in a place like this.

If you want to see 631 United Street (or any other Key West property) please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Start the New Year right, buy a place in Key West while prices and interest rates are still low.

If I had a Hammer...

I get phone calls and emails from potential buyers that want to buy a fixer and build their own Key West Dream Home. I get it. I understand. But when I send them photos of existing properties for sale (as shown in our user-friendly Key West Association of Realtors mls database), many potential buyers see prices that they think are too high or locations that they don't like. I get that, too. I understand their pain.

507 Amelia Street - November 2010

I have shown the house at 507 Amelia Street a couple of times over the past two years. Yes, that property has been on the market a long time. The price has been reduced a bit. It is now offered for sale at $549,000. Perhaps a potential buyer with an itch to renovate will read today's blog and decide to take a look at the Amelia Street house with me. Read on, Dear Reader.

507 Amelia Street - 1965

I found an old photo above of 507 Amelia Street that was taken in 1965. The Monroe County Appraiser says this house was built in the 1920's but does not state a firm date. A similar house across the street is shown as being built in 1928. We know that this house is between 80 to 90 years old. It has been updated. The Property Appraiser shows some permits in the 1980's and 1990's. I don't recall anything significant having been done recently, and that's why I think this might make an interesting renovation project.

The listing Realtor describes 507 Amelia Street this way:

"Located only a half a block off Duval on a dead-end lane is this sweet conch house with a spacious yard, front porch and parking for two cars. Perfect for a vacation / second home as is but location could support improvement as well. Plenty of room for a pool. If you want to live within walking distance of all that Key West has to offer, this is a perfect home. Zoning allows for transient use with restrictions."

World Famous La Te Da

507 Amelia Street is about 125 feet up on the left side

The 500 block of Amelia Street is a small dead end street located about 200 feet north of LaTeDa. This block has several houses built during the same time and almost all have been remodeled and are now used as transient rentals or vacation rentals.

CLICK HERE to see a Google Map aerial view of 507 Amelia Street. When you look at the aerial view you will appreciate the size of the existing house, a separate (and legal) 285 sq ft building at the rear, a large detached carport, and lots of open space between. Remember the listing words "...Zoning allows for transient use with restrictions". Houses on all sides on this block have transient licenses. ( A new owner would have to verify that he or she could purchase and move a transient license to the location.) Any owner could rent a house in that location as a monthly vacation rental without purchasing a transient license.

The lovely cottage home directly across from 507 Amelia Street

The existing house is 1064 sq ft (plus unit in back which has 285 sq ft) which sit on a 3964 sq ft lot (irregular shaped 51' x 87' or so). CLICK HERE to see the mls listing and photos. I don't think interior photos are particularly helpful since I see this as a renovation project. The house itself is perfectly livable as is, but second home buyers want a place that is all fixed up with a pool and guest house. If I had a hammer and I were the buyer, I'd rip of the existing interiors, windows, and doors, vault the ceiling, and remake the house the way I want it. I'd fix up that unit in the back or maybe extend the existing house to attach to the building. I'd tear down that awful carport and put in brick pavers to accommodate two cars. Then I'd erect a nice white picket fence to set off the parking area from the new pool and outdoor living area off the remodeled house and guest cottage. I'd build my own little island paradise. That's what I'd do if I had a hammer.

What would you do if you had a hammer?

Many people buy fixers hire local contractors to do the work for them. But if you have the skills and want a project house, the house at 507 Amelia Street might work for you. This property is a listing of Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (That's where I work.) If you would like to see this house, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642. Let's go see this old place and see what you could do if you had a hammer.

518 Catherine Street - Transient License - Old Town Key West

If you are looking for a second home in Key West and want a place with a full transient rental license that you can legally rent daily to maximize your rental income, you may want to take a look at 518 Catherine Street. You probably know the location without realizing where it is. This house is located about 150 feet east of La Te Da (on upper Duval Street) or about 150 feet west of Camille's on upper Simonton Street. CLICK MAP for aerial view. Location is important in owning homes and equally important in renting them.

518 Catherine Street is a two bedroom two bath single story Conch Style house with a nice pool. It is priced at $669,000 or $656 per sq ft. This is how the listing Realtor describes this property:

"Transient licensed Conch home located in the heart of Old Town. Lovely front porch and secluded new pool offer low maintenance outdoor living. Enjoy an open, airy floor plan with cathedral ceilings totaling 2 bedrooms & 2 baths. Great rental income producing property, with strong history and all future bookings to convey. Walk to famous Duval Street attractions, the Southernmost Point and area beaches."

CLICK HERE to review the mls listing information on this property and to view photos. The pool is described by the listing Realtor as a cocktail pool-meaning it isn't all that large. But it works!


Returning visitors will like the location near upper Duval Street. Night time is a lot more quiet on the upper end. There are lots of good restaurants, art galleries, and a few waterholes nearby. South Beach is an easy stroll and Flamingo Crossing is two minutes away for that late night ice cream attack.

If you would like to see 518 Catherine Street or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Our office is the Lower Florida Keys Exclusive Affiliate of Christie's Great Estates. Don't dream forever. You get one shot at life.

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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.