1601 White Street - Near Waters Edge - Key West

Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. just listed (that's where I work but this is not my listing) 1601 White Street which is located near waters edge in the Casa Marina Area of Key West.  This house was previously occupied by a renter who in my opinion made showings very difficult. Now the property is vacant and may be seen with relative ease.  Let me share with you why I think this is a great value for someone looking to do a little fixing-up.

1601 White Street was built new (not remodeled) in 1988.  It has many of the features that were current then including kitchen cabinets, appliances, bath fixtures, window treatments, etc.  It's funny how quickly styles change and become passe in twenty five years. But they do. What has not changed, however, is the great location.  This property is located adjacent to 1617 White Street which I have previously blogged CLICK HERE.  I have written about other nearby neighbors on nearby Casa Marina Court and Johnson Street where the property prices are much more expensive.  I mention these properties because I believe 1601 White Street as being the least expensive property in the area which ought to mean it has the potential for significant price appreciation in the future.

The 1568 sq ft two story house sits on an 8750 sq ft lot (70' wide x 125' deep) at the corner of Johnson Street at White Street - just one block from the Atlantic Ocean. A large fenced City Park is located directly across the street.  There are muted ocean views of the ocean from the second floor.  I would describe the house as being a modern re-interpretation of an eyebrow house one might see in Old Town. Or maybe it's just a late 1980's salt box. The house sits quite high on the property and is located toward the north side of the lot. There is bricked off street parking for at least two cars. The lot is extensively landscaped and provides privacy from both White Street and Johnson Street. Yet you can sit on the large front porch and watch people as they walk the dog, jog, or ride a bike. At night you can walk down to the White Street pier to watch sunset. Maybe you might stroll down to the pier to do some night time fishing - I have.  There is an almost endless parade from early morning until sunset  and later when all quiet breaks out.

The inside of the house would benefit from a remodel. I think the existing floor plan is okay at best. The house has a 'formal entry' that leads to the center of the house. The living room is on the left. It has French doors that lookout to the pool. The formal dining room is located in a boxed-in room at the front right. The kitchen is at the left rear. In my opinion the spaces are a bit too formal and too confining for a Key West lifestyle. A couple of walls need to come down and areas need to be opened so that this house becomes the beach house it ought to be. 

Upstairs there are two modest sized guest bedrooms that share a common bath which is typical of fixtures used a quarter of a century ago. The bathroom is dated and blah. The master bedroom has an odd sized sitting area with views of the park and muted views of the ocean. The en-suite bath is also in need a re-vamp. A reworking of the space layout and the introduction of 21st Century light and bath fixtures could make this master suite into something far more interesting than presently exists. 

Too many lots, especially in Old Town, have tiny back yards and tiny pools and small decks. If you appreciate big decks and big pools like I do, then you will appreciate the big deck here and the large pool with waterfall. 

This property has an adjacent unused huge rear yard located behind the pool. That space measures about 70' x 25'. I think a new owner could add a decent sized guest cottage in this location which would add significant value. The addition of a fourth bedroom and bath would give guests some isolation from the main house. When not used by guests, the space might be used as a writer's workshop or artist's studio.  Since the main house is newer construction, and is not located in HARC, I think a new owner could be quite creative in adding new living space. A 'serious' renovator might even consider blowing out the back end of the main house and redoing both first and second floors and expand the living spaces. If I were going to do a renovation to this house, that is exactly what I would do.

I think 1601 White Street has the potential of being a great vacation rental property when renovations are completed. The existing house and pool, the extra large lot with lush tropical foliage , expansive parking, and location near Higg's Beach and the Atlantic Ocean make it a sure winner. A crisp and clean update would make it more attractive. The addition of a guest cottage and some really creative changes could make the entire property sizzle. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 1601 White Street. This property is offered at $835,000.

Higg's Beach playground

Higg's Beach at Sunset

I took more photos of this property which you can see if you CLICK HERE. But better than that, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this unique property. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.  Someone is going to buy this property now that it actually can be seen.  Let's take a look together.  

30 Hilton Haven Road - Key West Waterfront Location

30 Hilton Haven Drive - Key West

I had the opportunity to show 30 Hilton Have Drive Unit #6 earlier this week and asked the listing Realtor, Roger Emmons, if I could write about it in my blog. He agreed. He describes the property this way:

"Top floor two bedroom and two bathroom condominium with deeded boat dockage and incredible water views. The home features an open floor plan with tile floors throughout, a custom kitchen, surround sound, storm shutters and two balconies one opening from the living room and second bedroom and the other from the master bedroom. This small waterfront condominium community is located at the end of Hilton Haven Drive in Key West and includes a waterfront pool and sandy beach."

 
The three words that sell real estate are "location", "location", "location".  On an island like Key West the words rarely are modified to include "waterfront location".  30 Hilton Haven Drive is that special exception and Unit #6 has the premiere waterfront view.  The photo immediately above was taken from the balcony off the master bedroom.  If you look to the left of the pool you will see the deeded boatslips. The third slip is belongs to Unit #6.

This units had 1045 sq ft of living space which includes the open living area (living, dining, and kitchen), the master bedroom with ensuite bath, and a second bedroom with adjacent bath.  A second terrace is located off the livingroom which has water views looking in a westerly direction toward the Old Town area.

Main entry is door on the right

French doors open out to a second terrace that overlooks water below

Second terrace provides space for outdoor living and dining

Second bedroom

The master bedroom suite is located at the far end of the unit.  French doors open out to another balcony that has views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Unit #6 is about 300 sq ft smaller than a typical two bedroom 1357 sq ft unit at 1800 Atlantic Condominiums which are priced in the $400,000 and up range.  In August 2001 a 1061 sq ft  two bedroom two bath unit at Shipyard sold for $675,000. Both 1800 Atlantic and Shipyard have over 100 units and both complexes have transient, vacation rentals, long term rentals, and full time ownership.  The Halyard has just eight units, and Unit #6 is the only rental.  When you consider buying a full time home or a getaway place, you should consider how many people will be sharing your pool, the parking, and other spaces. Some buyers want lots of activity and love the idea of being able to be on Duval Street or their favorite hangout within a couple of minutes. Others prefer a huge pool and proximity to Smathers Beach for water sports. But others prefer the smaller communities with fewer neighbors and less interaction with strangers.

The pool at The Halyard is much smaller than the pools at either 1800 Atlantic or Shipyard. But consider the fact that The Halyard has only eight units, a private beach, and boat dockage as opposed to the numerous units at either complex.

The Halyard Condominium complex was built in 1993. Monthly condo fees are $527 and include water, cable tv, building maintenance, building insurance, and pool and grounds maintenance. There are just eight units that share the pool, dockage, and private beach with a view of the ocean blue. CLICK HERE to view the Key West Association of Realtors mls datasheet and listing photos.

CLICK HERE to view a slideshow of photos I took of this special property.   Better yet please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com to arrange a showing of this unit or any other property in Key West. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

Commercial Building - Waterfront View - Bank Owned - Key West

Are you that commercial buyer that has the concept for a commercial space with a water view in Key West? If so, the new listing for the commercial property at 1970 North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West may be the property you have been looking for. The listing agent describes this Bank Owned property this way:

"Bank Owned property on the Boulevard in Key West FL! Faces the Gulf of Mexico across the street from Garrison Bight. Currently licensed for 70 seats (may qualify for up to 150 seats). Most recent use was Bait and tackle store in one space and 70 seat restaurant upstairs overlooking the Gulf. Inside and outside seating. There is covered storage at ground level of approximately 1,500 SF. Two buildings attached totaling 3,839 SF on a 15,472 SF lot. Endless possiblities on this highly visible building on N. Roosevelt Blvd. Large, lighted sign could be restored (pole is there with power to it)."

This property has parking on site as well as free municipal parking nearby. It has been totally refurbished with new metal roof, electrical, and plumbing with 3 new bathrooms. It is zoned for all commercial uses at the busiest intersection in Key West directly on Roosevelt Blvd. The site enjoys awesome water views of the Key West City Marina. The snazzy Key West Yacht Club is located across the street to the east.

Key West Yacht Club is located across the street to the east

Key West City Marina

Several years ago this property was a very successful locals bar and restaurant. I was told the lower level was also a drive-thru liquor store. That owner sold the property and went on to other ventures.

The most recent venture as a bait & tackle shop and restaurant was not the best "concept" I have heard of. A new owner may want to change the usage from restaurant to something quite different. The asking price of $995,000 or $259 per sq ft makes this property worthy of consideration as a potential renovation and conversion to a different use. I am not sure the existing "ramps" work for a restaurant or any other venture. If the property were converted to offices or mixed use, an internal elevator could be installed and that would permit ADA compliance and also clean up the cluttered exterior appearance.

There is additional parking in the rear where there is also a storage area with garage door.


If you are looking for a commercially zoned property in Key West with off street parking and a water view, this Bank Owned property may be the answer to your search. Please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to obtain more information. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

---