1211 Duncan Street, Key West - Bank Owned!

There is a new Bank Owned home located at 1211 Duncan Street in Key West that bargain hunters will surely pounce on.  It has an affordable price tag for our town, just $424,700. It is in basic move-in condition, but it has room for improvement which will make it not only a better house down the road but also a more valuable home for eventual resale.

I dug not too far down into my old shoebox and found a black and white photo of the house taken fifty years ago. I took another from a similar location yesterday. The neighborhood has improved over the years. There are a lot of palm trees and bougainvillea bushes that line this small street that extends east from White Street about five blocks where it eventually ends at George Street. Tennessee Williams lived two blocks to the east at 1431 Duncan Street. It's a nice little area just south of Bayview Park.

1211 Duncan St, Key West in 1965

1431 Duncan St - the former home of author Tennessee Williams

The Monroe County Property Appraiser records show this house was built in 1933 which we all know was in the Great Depression when Key West was kept "alive" thanks to federal programs like the WPA. I guaranty that this house was not built in 1933. I looked at the Sanborn Fire Maps and found what I think is this property on the 1912 map. The house was located immediately east of 1209 Duncan and was only designated as "A" on the map. 1209 Duncan St. still exists today. So I am pretty confidant that 1211 Duncan existed as early as 1912. And it is probable that it existed earlier. The earlier Sanborn maps neglected this area entirely in the 1889 and 1899 maps.

The house has been updated over the years. The Property Appraiser website shows permits were taken out for various upgrades including roof replacement in 1996 and 2001, piers replacement in 2002, and upgrade to electric service also in 2002. The property was 'red tagged' in 2007 for various building code violations. The current layout suggests that a prior owner added some spaces that might have been used as rental units. For example, there is a second 'front' door to what is essentially a large bedroom with large private bath. If you look again at the black and white photo you will see a window to the right of the front door. That window is missing today and there is a second front door in its place. The original front door opens into a center hallway that leads to the rear where the great room where the combined living, dining, and kitchen are located. There are two bedrooms on the left side of the hallway and a bath opposite. There is a ladder that provides access to a 'loft' over the bedroom adjacent to the living area. The door at the back opens onto a small back deck where there is a second 'cottage'.

The back cottage is a 34' X 12' two room building with a 6' X8' bath extension. The building looks it was built within the last twenty or thirty years. There is a 16' X 16' deck which is accessed via the bathroom of all things. This is an unconventional layout. I have added photos below so that readers can see the cottage as it exists.

I think the highest and best use of this property would be to take this property back to a simple cottage with one front door and have just two or three good sized bedrooms with private baths. By taking down the existing wall between the two bedrooms on the left side of the house you could create a larger bedroom and perhaps use some of the space to expand the living area. That would surely be a plus in my opinion. I would ditch ladder to the silly loft space and instead increase the interior height of the bedroom which is now not quite claustrophobic but not good design either. The kitchen has been nicely updated. The black appliances are a bit harsh but will make do until they need replaced.

Take Down This Cottage and Put in a Pool and Garden!

I would take down the rear cottage and silly deck. I would then add a pool and install a nice covered rear deck. Less is often more.  Removing this odd duck cottage is the best thing a new owner could do with this property. There is plenty of room for a good sized pool and expansive deck and gardens. This area abuts the rear concrete block wall of a commercial building on White Street. Someone created a really nice tropical mural on the wall. I can envision a real garden that interacts with the mural. This could be quite an outdoor area if done correctly. CLICK HERE to view all the photos I took of this property.

1211 Duncan Street is offered at $424,700. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to show you this property. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Don't miss this buying opportunity!

The Rose Tattoo House - Key West

1421 Duncan Street (corner of Pearl & Duncan Streets) Key West

1421 Duncan Street as it appeared in 1965

The Rose Tattoo House at 1421 Duncan Street - Key West

The listing Realtor describes the Rose Tattoo House located at 1421 Duncan Street in Key West like this:

"Tennessee Williams' renowned movie, Rose Tattoo, was filmed at this house in 1954. This 1752 sf Conch cottage is ready for updating with high ceilings and good light. Currently configured with 3BR/1.5 BA plus a loft on the main floor, a bonus mother in law unit and a separate studio across the pool. Located on a lovely corner lot tucked behind hedges with lots of covered porches and gardens and off street parking."

The Monroe County Property Appraiser says the house was built in 1943. I question that date because we had a war going on at the time and everything was being rationed. But the record still says the house was built in 1943.

"...Conch cottage is ready for updating" is right but I don't know that I would mess around with this place all that much. A lot of my Realtor friends are tired of seeing the same sleek kitchens and stainless steel all the time. This place has a link to the past, and it would be a shame to make it into something it was never intended to be. The good thing is that this house already has lots of the features second home buyers are looking for. It may be possible for a new owner to upgrade without going overboard. A good architect and a competent builder should be able to give a new owner useful advice on what works and what needs updated.

Living room opens into kitchen

Guest cottage at pool's edge

Spacious side yard to the west

Tennessee Williams lived at the opposite end of the block and would
walk to watch the filming of the movie

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database on this property. It is now offered at just $615,000. If you would like to see this property, 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.

1518 United Street - Key West - Short Sale

We are getting to the bare bones of houses for sale at reasonable prices in Key West. I did a quick search of properties priced on a 'per square foot' asking price in the Old Town and near Old Town areas. I only found 14 priced below that of 1518 United Street. I have written about 5 of those properties before. They are all challenged a bit by location or condition or both. That's why they are priced so cheaply.

Tennessee Williams House on Duncan Street

That's why I decided to discuss the United Street property. The asking price is just $324,000 or $300 per sq ft. The listing Realtor (at Preferred Properties-that's where I work) describes 1518 United Street this way:

"Three bedroom, two bath mid-town home located next to the electric substation which is the quietest neighbor you could ever hope to have! Ceramic tile floors, wood floor in Master bedroom. Lots of windows, new kitchen cabinetry and the living area has glass doors leading to the deck and large yard. Very private and completely fenced."

Tropical foliage and brick pavers surround the property

1518 United Street next door neighbor to the east

The 3 bedroom two bath house has 1080 sq ft of living space and sits on a large 5025 sq ft (50'x100') lot. The house is a big rectangle with main entrance on the side. The livingroom is at the rear house. The livingroom has nice new windows and French doors that look out to the rear deck and lush tropical foliage. I think there is adequate room for a pool at the rear and certainly on the side. There is a large covered carport attached to the right front of the house now. A new owner might ditch that carport in favor of a bricked driveway and white picket fence. The Keys Energy power station next door to the east is probably turn off to a lot of potential buyers who decide not to look. That's a mistake bargain hunters make. They want perfect for near-free. This is a good house at a good price with a big lot. A buyer with the zeal for a deal and a good imagination, a sense of design, and a few extra bucks could turn this bare bones short sale into a very nice home within the matter of a month or so. It is worth the look. CLICK HERE to checkout the mls data base and to view more listing photos.

Bayview Park is our real and very useful city park

The Key West Police & Fire Departments are across from Bayview Park

Horace O'Bryant Middle School is nearby

Get your licks in at the DQ

This property is located in the Arts District east of White Street and south of Truman. Bayview Park is only a couple of blocks to the north. The Horace O'Bryabnt Middle School (across from Bayview Park) is in the process of being replaced by a brand new school within the next year or so. The MARC House is a couple of blocks to the west where you can find wonderful plants to fill your amazing new Key West garden. The one and only Key West Dairy Queen is a three block walk-you'll be surprised by how many famous Key West locals you will find there at night getting their licks in. The Atlantic Ocean is probably a seven to ten minute walk. Ride your bike; tote a beach chair; and tan for free.

The beaches are within walking distance

If you would like to see 1518 United 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.

1217 Pearl Street - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, 1217 Pearl Street which is located directly across the street from the famous Key West house "The Rose Tattoo" CLICK HERE and the neighboring former residence CLICK HERE of Tennessee Williams.

This is how the listing Realtor describes the cottage at 1217 Pearl Street:

"A Classic Cigar maker cottage sited on a beautiful private corner lot. This renovated 2 BD 2 BA home has an open kitchen and living room which exits to the exceptional out door living space with an expansive covered porch, pool area and gardens. There is a shed suitable for studio or additional guest bedroom and a carport."

The cottage is fairly good sized with 1274 sq ft of interior living space but the huge corner lot caught my attention. The lot is 4327 sq ft (44' X 98'). The house sits back from the street behind a white picket fence. There is a carport located on the right. The white picket fence ends at the rear of the house but the rear yard is protected by a large hedge to provide ultimate privacy. The rear yard has a large pool and deck area. This property is listed at $749,000 or $588 per sq
ft.

Duncan Street view

This house is located at the corner of Pearl and Duncan Streets - three blocks east of White and three blocks south of Bay View Park (on Truman Avenue). The MARC House CLICK HERE is located one block to the south. This is a must see every chance you can destination for gardeners. The Island Gym CLICK HERE is located three blocks to the west.Duncan Street is a five or six minute walk to the Atlantic Ocean. It's quicker on a bike or scooter, of course. Old Town is a ten minute bike ride, but you can walk to the restaurants and bars on upper Duval in about five to seven minutes. Another real estate agent referred to this area as "the highly desirable Arts District of Old Town Key West". I describe the location as quiet. After you have heard enough tourists and locals walking home at 3:00 AM telling each other how much they love each other or despise each other, you appreciate quiet neighborhoods. Believe me!

CLICK HERE for more detailed info on this house and to view a lot of photos. Better yet, call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida.

A final note: Key West is getting easier to reach by plane. You can now fly into Key West on Air Tran on a 737 jet. CLICK HERE to more info. This is not a paid announcement, but a free ticket would be appreciated!

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1410 Duncan - Key West

This is another one of those just listed but not by me posts. 1410 Duncan Street is located just across the street form the Tennessee Williams House located at 1431 Duncan Street. Tennessee Williams said this of Key West:

"This is the most fantastic place that I have been yet in America. It is even more colorful than Frisco, New Orleans or Santa Fe. There are comparatively few tourists and the town is the real stuff. It still belongs to the natives who are known as ‘conks.’ Sponge and deep sea fishing are the main occupations and the houses are mostly clapboard shanties which have weathered gray nets drying on the front porches and great flaming bushes of poinsettia in the yards. This is beginning to sound like very bad travel literature—but I do wish you were here. I am occupying the old servant’s quarters in back of this 90-year old house. It has been converted into an attractive living space with a shower. The rent is $7 a week. I shan’t do anything the next few weeks but swim and lie on the beach until I feel human again. Then I shall learn how to fish. A good fisherman can thumb his nose at all commercial enterprise in the world."

Can you imagine Key West on $7 per week or relatively few tourists? Egads! Back to the future.

1410 Duncan Street is located three blocks east of White and a couple of blocks to the south of Bay View Park (on Truman Avenue). Duncan Street is a five or six minute walk to the Atlantic Ocean. It's quicker on a bike or scooter, of course. Old Town is a ten minute bike ride, but you can walk to the restaurants and bars on upper Duval in about five to seven minutes. The listing Realtor describes the location as "the highly desirable Arts District of Old Town Key West". I describe the location as quiet. After you have heard enough tourists and locals walking home at 3:00 AM telling each other how much they love each other or despise each other, you appreciate quiet neighborhoods. Believe me.

The house has two bedrooms, two baths, off street parking, a beautiful pool, a white picket fence and lots of charm. The listing Realtor describes this 1492 sq ft house thus:

"Gorgeous Historic Home in the highly desirable Arts District of Old Town Key West. Fully renovated and restored to its original splendor. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, Dade County Pine walls. Wonderful eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and gas cooking. Large and private master bedroom suite with amazing second floor outdoor sky shower overlooking a tree top view of Key West. Inviting pool, lush tropical yard, covered off street parking and a quiet, central location make this home the Quintessential Key West Historic Treasure."

The asking price is just $675,000 or $452 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to see more details on this listing and to view some great photos. I showed this house twice the last time it was on the market. It sold immediately then. Houses that are priced right and that have the features like this house seem to go under contract quickly.

If you are looking for a home like 1410 Duncan Street please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc in Key West, Florida.