813 Waddell Avenue - Casa Marina Area - Key West

Location! Location! Location! Those are the words that are the driving force in most home sales across this country. And on the Island of Key West the two prime real estate locations are Old Town and the Casa Marina Area. Old Town is know for its historic old houses and white picket fences whereas the Casa Marina Area is know for the larger lots towering palms, and variety of homes that populate the area. The Casa Marina Area has its small share of older historic homes. But it has many mid-century homes and quite a good number of newly constructed homes as well. And the Casa Marina Area has its close proximity to the ocean and beaches that Old Town just does not have.

The mid-century modern home at 813 Waddell Avenue was built in 1954 and sits on an extra large lot that measures 105' X 100' (10,500 sq ft) opposite the Casa Marina Resort.  I dug into my old shoebox and found a 1950's vintage aerial photo that shows 813 Waddell Avenue. If you have been following my blog for a couple of years you may recognize the next door neighboring house which I featured a couple of times as it was being built.  That house is a prime example of new construction that is giving new vitality to this upscale Key West neighborhood.

Not every potential buyer of a home in Key West wants a cigar makers cottage or a grand conch house. And not every new buyer wants to own a mid-century home or a 21st Century reinterpretation of historic Key West architecture. That is what makes the 813 Waddell Avenue so appealing because a new owner could remodel the existing house or raze the house and build an entirely new home. It's nearly impossible obtain permission to raze a home in Old Town.  Having the option gives a new owner so many more possible ways to create exactly what he, she, or they want.

813 Waddell Avenue is actually two separate lots with two separate legal descriptions. A new owner might separate the lots and build two separate houses. I think the larger lot would cost less to develop than building two houses, but I'm not the guy who is going to build a new house or renovate the existing property. Having the option might make this property more interesting to some buyers. 

813 Waddell Avenue is located about two blocks from Higg's Beach.  The dog park is located opposite the beach. Salute's on the Beach is up there as well. The White Street Pier is where the annual 4th of July fireworks display occurs. The rest of the year it's a good fishing pier and sightseeing destination.  Louie's Backyard is located one block west of 813 Waddell Avenue and Doggy Beach is adjacent to the restaurant.   Most of the gyms and yoga studios are located within a five to seven minute walk of 813 Waddell Avenue. Did you know that you can buy a membership to the Casa Marina Club and have access to the private beach and use of the gym (pictured below)?  Upper Duval Street is about seven to ten minute walk. I have lived in the Casa Marina area since 1995. I love the area for its convenience and quiet neighborhood charm.

Higg's Beach

The Thing at Higg's Beach

White Street Pier as photographed in the 1980s - same ocean, same sky, but new rainbows occurring all the time

Casa Marina Resort Health Facility

I have not opined about the current real estate market in several months because our market has been so schizoid.  A few years ago we have lots of short sales, bank owned properties, and a fair share of regular market sale priced properties. When we had too many houses for sale, buyers were fearful of buying. The over supply of inventory has cleared up. Today, we have very few homes available in all price ranges except the very high. But even the very high end properties are selling. That has caused a lot of buyers to consider buying fixer and tear-downs even more-so than previously.

I don't want to go all political and get readers angry with me, but I think the current political climate and especially the negativism directed toward the Washington is hindering the national psyche.  I remember the same anti Jimmy Carter sentiment forty years ago. When he left office and Ronald Regan became President, it was like a heavy burden was lifted off America. When Clinton was in office the economy soared. Then 911 occurred within months of George W. Bush's election. We have lived through fourteen years of anger over what happened on 911. Then we went through the Great Recession. I think there is a pent-up demand from a lot of Americans to feel good about themselves and the national economy.

I think housing prices in Key West will soar in the next couple of years. I think a lot of sellers are sitting on the sidelines waiting.  Just waiting. If I am correct, prices today that might seem high will seem like bargains in a couple of years. This has been the operative history for Key West for many years I have sold houses here. 

813 Waddell Avenue is offered at $1,125,000.  CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing of this property.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

1021 Johnson Street - The Casa Marina Area - Key West

1021 Johnson Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

1021 Johnson Street is located on one of the best blocks in Key West, just a one block walk to the Casa Marina Resort and the Atlantic Ocean is only to blocks to the south. I found an old aerial photo taken of the area in 1970 that shows the edge of 1021 Johnson Street. You will note that the house is located just a couple of blocks north of the great Atlantic Ocean and Higg's Beach. The Casa Marina Resort is just a block to the west.


The house was originally constructed in 1958, but it has been updated several times over succeeding years. It received the 2006 Historic Restoration Award. For those readers who were born sometime around 1958 I am sure you are delighted to know that people of your era are now deemed "historic".

1021 Johnson is a big ranch house set back from the street and surrounded by a large privacy fence. The house has lots of room for either a local family or for a second home buyer who wants a lot of space for family and guests.

The living areas have large open spaces with terrazzo floors and flying ceilings. The master suite is located at the east rear of the house. That space is extra large. It has immediate access to the pool. There is a nice sized second bedroom at the east front which has its own bath. The house has rare double garage on the west side plus two large guest bedrooms above. The pool is sunny and inviting - a must for you sun worshipers. The covered lanai offers respite from the sun. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property which is offered at $1,890,000.

I often drive potential buyers through the Casa Marina area. We usually go past Louie's Backyard and Salute Restaurant on the beach. Louie's is high-end and expensive. Salute is cheap. Both serve good food and both are located about five to seven minutes away by foot from 1021 Johnson. Several gyms and yoga studios are located about six blocks away. Good food and a place to work off the fat nearby. What a winning combination.

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

1021 Johnson Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

1021 Johnson Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

1021 Johnson Street is located on one of the best blocks in Key West, just a one block walk to the Casa Marina Resort and the Atlantic Ocean is only to blocks to the south. I found an old aerial photo taken of the area in 1970 that shows the edge of 1021 Johnson Street. You will note that the house is located just a couple of blocks north of the great Atlantic Ocean and Higg's Beach. The Casa Marina Resort is just a block to the west.


The house was originally constructed in 1958, but it has been updated several times over succeeding years. It received the 2006 Historic Restoration Award. For those readers who were born sometime around 1958 I am sure you are delighted to know that people of your era are now deemed "historic".

1021 Johnson is a big ranch house set back from the street and surrounded by a large privacy fence. The house has lots of room for either a local family or for a second home buyer who wants a lot of space for family and guests.

The living areas have large open spaces with terrazzo floors and flying ceilings. The master suite is located at the east rear of the house. That space is extra large. It has immediate access to the pool. There is a nice sized second bedroom at the east front which has its own bath. The house has rare double garage on the west side plus two large guest bedrooms above. The pool is sunny and inviting - a must for you sun worshipers. The covered lanai offers respite from the sun. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property which is offered at $1,995,000.

I was driving some potential buyers through the Casa Marina area last week and took them past Louie's Backyard and Salute Restaurant on the beach. Louie's is high-end and expensive. Salute is cheap. Both serve good food and both are located about five to seven minutes away by foot from 1021 Johnson. Several gyms and yoga studios are located about six blocks away. Good food and a place to work off the fat nearby. What a winning combination.

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

3533 Flagler Avenue - Bank Owned - Key West

This distinctive Mid Century house at 3533 Flagler Avenue is bank owned and it has been on the market for quite a while. It was previously listed with a real estate agent in Miami. I've carped about them carpetbaggers before coming down here and listing homes in Key West. They join one of the Monroe County association of Realtors and start to list houses as if one house is like another. Well, it did not sell and it was put in a national auction. It didn't sell there, either. It was recently listed by a local Realtor and this is what that Realtor says: "Great family or shared home in New Town.,Key West, Florida. Spacious 3/3 with dip pool. Downstairs are a bedroom and bath, laundry room, large kitchen/dining area and living room. Multiple French doors provide lots of light and great views leading to tropically landscaped side/rear yards. Upstairs there are two bedrooms each w/ private baths and a comfortable deck overlooking pool and gardens. Rear yard is very private with beautiful, mature palms. The dip pool is uniquely shaped and a perfect size to cool off with friends on a warm tropical afternoon. There is plenty of parking on street and off street, front yard is paved to allow for vehicles and play. Large front porch, sit & relax and watch the world go by. Repairs needed. Foreclosure."

CLICK HERE to read more of the info in the mls and see 22 photos of the house and grounds. The previous agent had one pic.

I think this house would make a great family home. The front, side, and rear yards are big. The lot is 5000 sq. ft. and that means room for the family to actually enjoy the outside. The rear yard and pool are dramatic and really sexy. The place needs some spiffing up, but it will come back. The prior owner obviously loved this house. They put in a new kitchen and made several nice improvements to the property. There is a Romeo & Juliet balcony off the master bedroom that looks down to the pool.

If you are looking for a good sized house (1658 sq. ft.) at a good price, $332,900 or only $201 per sq ft, checkout this Bank Owned property. Get out that pencil and sharpen it. You might actually get a pretty good deal on this one.

CLICK HERE to search the real Key West Association of Realtors mls database. No one will call you or track you on the Internet--not even me. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com, if you are interested in this house or any other property in Key West. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc., an affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

Mid-Centruy Modern in Mid-Town Key West

This exquisite Mid 20th Century Modern designer home was awarded the Star for its 2004 rehabilitation by the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. The home is located at 2026 Seidenberg and will by OPEN HOUSE today (Sunday, June 17th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

The house sits on a corner in Mid-Town. But that location is about the only thing this house in common with other homes in the area. It is spectacular. It sits on an angle and is encased inside a privacy fence. The angles, colors, textures, finishes inside bely the 1950 design. It is ultra-modern and chic.

The home was re-designed by Guiellermo A. Orozco and his partner Kent Ducote. The 1500 square foot home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths is offered at $967,000 or $644 per square foot. Kitchen Features: Custom-made cherry wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, wine cooler, reverse osmosis water purifier. Slate countertop and glass tile backsplash. Kitchen opens to both inside and outside dining areas.

CLICK HERE to preview all other homes and condos in Key West. Then call me at 305-766-2642 to take a peek at some of the great bargains now available in Key West.