Less Is More

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe famously said, "Less is more." And when I decided to write about a little house on Elizabeth Street, that phrase came through so loud and clear.

The house at 514 Elizabeth hasn't changed much since it was built in 1922--according to county records (which are notoriously incorrect!). It's facade certainly hasn't changed since I sold it ten years ago as a second home to a couple from New York. Yesterday I happened to see the owner trimming the shrubs by the front porch. We talked for a bit and he invited me in to see the pool that they added to the property.

I had forgotten how utterly charming this little 1 1/2 story home is. As I walked inside I was immediately transported to another time when material honesty and structural integrity were more important than marble, granite, faux finishes, designer cabinets, stainless steel appliances, name brand this and that. The simplicity of design and the materials used was breathtaking.

The floors are painted, not stained. The windows, doors, doorknobs, hinges and other architectural relics are from an era gone by long ago. The rooms are small but not tiny. They serve their intended purpose. The bedroom on the second floor still has its scuttle, a small hatch with a movable lid in the roof that permits the warm air to rise to the outside. There are two additions to the house. The kitchen and living room were additions built by the previous owner a little over 10 years ago. And the current owners built a small cottage next to the new pool and deck. There is also a small terrace below the deck that is dwarfed by the majestic trees from Nancy's Secret Garden located next door.

Many potential buyers look at homes as projects to tackle and rebuild. If every owner had messed with the house at 514 Elizabeth Street, it would not be the quiet little charmer it is today. Sometimes it is better off to leave things alone.

I personally don't think all houses need granite counter tops, marble baths, or odd looking bowls that sit on a cabinet that are to be used as a sink where you shave and brush your teeth. This house certainly does not. It would look ridiculous and totally out of character.

There are some splendid little houses like the one at 514 Elizabeth Street looking for new owners. If you are looking for such a house, please give me a call at 1-305-776-2642. Or CLICK HERE to search all of the Key West mls listings.

709 Bakers Lane is a Bargain

I have mentioned several times that I used to do commercial loan workouts for commercial banks in Denver. The Denver economy went bust in the late 1970's and both the housing market and commercial real estate market took a steep nosedive. I never knew a good economy until I moved to Key West. I mistakenly thought we were immune from the economic pressures of the rest of the world because of our isolation and the scarcity of real property.

Two months ago I wrote about a great property at 709 Bakers Lane that I thought was a great buy then. CLICK HERE to read that blog. The house was originally designed and renovated to sell for $2.8 million. The owners are Realtors and have done several successful projects in Key West. They relocated to Ft. Lauderdale and the three building compound was just reduced to $1,749,000. The three buildings total 2300 square feet on a 5700 square foot lot in the heart of Old Town and at one of the highest points on the island. The property is surrounded by expensive homes, but is an enclave to itself. It is within walking distance to everything Key West has to offer, but it is secluded from the hubbub of our busy little city. The asking price equates to $760 per square foot.

CLICK HERE for more details and photos of this property that I think is a bargain. This property is not for every buyer. It is unique, even by Key West standards.

CLICK HEREto find your own good property in Key West's mls database. And then call me for more information. 1-8777-778-7092.

Holy Flipper Batman

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog about the new Santa Maria Condominiums. CLICK HERE to read that blog. I wasn't impressed. I think the project has many flaws and the units are overpriced. I abhor the architecture of the new building. And I think the 40% managemtn fee for condo owners is ridiculous! But that is not the point of today's post.

A top story in today's Key West Citizen discusses a lawsuit filed by seven disgruntled buyers who purchased units at the project prior to or during construction and who now claim the were defrauded by the developer, the real estate company, and three realtors who marketed the project. CLICK HERE to read the article.

"The plaintiffs were assured by the defendants that once the building was under construction, prices would increase dramatically as they were contracting at a bargain price, therefore there would be no issue with the plaintiffs being able to resell their investment contracts to somebody else at a profit," the lawsuit says.

But later in the complaint plaintiffs admit "Plaintiffs ... did not carefully read the agreements, did not get professional advice regarding the agreements and ignored the language and disclaimers in the agreements as they were assured they would never have to close as their contracts would be resold at a higher dollar amount prior to closing."

If we could all only sue someone else for our greed and stupidity. I do not know the facts of their individual cases, but I did get to experience a sales presentation with a customer who was interested in the project. I listened intently as the rep went through the litany of all the things that were promised, but I also heard him say all the things that would cover his backside if things went south. My customer heard only the good stuff, and wanted to buy. He didn't have any money, however, and wanted to borrow the hefty down payment. Seller wasn't in the business of financing down payments so the deal did not get made. My guy didn't have a nickle, but he wanted to participate in the buying frenzy that was going on in late December 2004.

Two and a half years later the would be flippers who did have the money are having to pay up and close on their contracts, or lose their hefty earnest money deposits. I personally know many locals who bought into various projects or existing properties thinking they would hold them and later flip them for a profit. And many of those folk are in deep trouble today. Many.

I personally think now is a good time to buy because prices have taken a major correction downward. That doesn't mean they are going lower. I can't predict the future. But I do think there are some real buying opportunities in Key West. I know that there are several "big deals" in the works. And smart buyers are snapping up good properties. Good is always like gold. Gold may go up and down with the market, but gold will always be gold. And good properties will always be good properties.

CLICK HERE to find your own good property in Key West's mls database. And then call me for more information. 1-877-778-7092.

The Boomer Century

“The Boomer Century: 1946-2046” is a two-hour documentary that looks to the baby boomers’ past for clues to how this generation of 78 million Americans will shape the future. The program focuses on the boomers’ formative years to reveal the personality traits of a generation that has since rewritten the rules for work, marriage and parenthood, and is now redefining retirement and aging.


The Boomer Century is currently airing on PBS stations across the country. I have watched it twice, since it is all about me. Well, me and millions of other baby boomers. I was born on January 1, 1947 so I started the whole damned thing. If you are a boomer, you owe it to yourself to spend two hours to see how we got to where we are today.

Ten Interesting Facts about Boomers:
1. The number of baby boomers in America is estimated at 78.2 million.
2. Approximately 7,918 Americans turn 60 each day. That’s about 330 every hour or more than four million a year in 2006.
3. Within 20 years, the age profile of America will match that of Florida – about one in five Americans will be older than 65.
4. Boomers who reach age 65 in 2011 can expect to live, on average, at least another 18 years.
5. Four out of 10 boomers have less than $10,000 in retirement savings.
6. One-third of boomer households today have at least $100,00 in investable assets.
7. About one-third of baby boomers think they will have enough money to live comfortably once they retire.
8. Four out of five boomers intend to keep working and earning in retirement. Half of boomers plan to launch into an entirely new job or career in retirement.
9. Only one in seven baby boomers say they plan to collect Social Security benefits at age 62.
10. The unpredictable cost of illness and healthcare is by far boomers' biggest fear. They are three times more worried about a major illness (48%), their ability to pay for healthcare (53%) or winding up in a nursing home (48%), than about dying (17%).

Most of my clients have been or are boomers. They still consider themselves young, but are usually looking for a second home or investment property that they can eventually retire to a few years down the line. If you are considering such an investment, whether you are a boomer or not, you can CLICK HERE to search all current mls listing in the lower Florida Keys. Then consider calling me at 1-305-766-2642 for further information.

April Fool's Day Open House

I'm not fooling, I'm working today. Hosting an Open House at the Sea Isle Townhomes on Windsor Lane. Come see me between 11:300 to 2:00 this afternoon.

By the way, that's not me in the photo. He is sitting in front of Fast Buck Freddie's, I think. It's a Key West variation on "I'll work for food." Who wants to work when you can live off tourists...

New & Affordable Casa Marina Estates

There is a group of nine brand new 2 1/2 story townhomes nearing completion named the Casa Marina Estates, and 811 Washington Street #103 is the only one available for sale. This 1876 sq.ft. home is located at the east end of the development and has bright sunny views from the south, east, and north.

The homes look like a traditional Key West two story conch home complete with first and second floor front and rear porches. The main floor has nine foot ceilings and has a custom kitchen with Viking appliances and granite countertops. French doors open from the living area onto the rear deck and the swiming pool and garden. There are two full bedrooms on the second level and the entire third floor is another bedroom and full bath.

The front and rear of the home is completely landscaped and has paved off-street parking. 811 Washington #103 is affordably priced at $1,700,000.

The Casa Marina Estates are located just 3 blocks from the Casa Marina Hotel and its beautiful private beach. Key West residents have been able to join the beach club to have access to the beach and spa facilities at the hotel. But the public beach is located just east of the hotel and it is absolutely free. The Casa Marina area is undergoing a tremendous rebirth and property values are destined to rise once the various projects in place near completion.

CLICK HERE to see all current mls listings in the Key West and lower Florida Keys. And then please consider calling me to provide further information. 1-305-766-2642.

Atlantic Shores to be No More this Summer

Atlantic Shores to be no more this summer That was the title in the March 25th edition of the Citizen. End of an Era. Another part of Key West is giving way to big development. CLICK HERE to read the full story in The Key West Citizen.

On my virgin trip to Key West learned much of the folk lore about this tiny town. I remember learning about tea dance at La Te Da followed by tea by the sea at Atlantic Shores. I didn't drink tea. I was from Colorado where we didn't drink tea. So I had no idea what the fuss was about. Twenty-three years ago it was about hundreds of gyrating bodies dancing (mostly gay men) on the deck and pier at Atlantic Shores with music so loud that it could be heard for blocks and blocks. Dancing under the stars and on top of the water. Wow!

Then I learned that Atlantic Shores was a daytime hangout as well. There is a huge (unheated) pool surrounded by concrete and wood decks, the tiki bar, the cook shack, and the infamous pier. And there are the hotel guests, tourists, and locals that worship the sun in various degrees of undress. Most people wear bathing suits, but clothing is optional. For some it ought to be required.

I've seen lots of unforgettable spectacles there. So many fond memories such as laying out almost all day on Christmas Day a few years back. The temperature was near 80 as I remember. And the weather up north was frightful, and that was so delightful.

The photo to the right shows just a portion of the property--mainly the pool and deck area. The attraction for the developer is the ocean front location. Just to the right is the Reach Resort and the Casa Marina Resort is to its right. Both are undergoing massive renovations. The Santa Maria Condominiums are just above the Reach Resort and share that resorts amenities.

The other photo shows some prop set up for Fantasy Fest in 2005. It got blown away along with the deck during Hurricane Wilma. They never really put the shores back together after that.

But the Shores is coming down. Never more, never more.

If you want to buy a home or business in Key West, please CLICK HERE to checkout all current mls listings. And then consider giving me a call to help you find your home or business in Paradise 1-877-778-7092.

HARC

When tourists walk or drive around Key West and see a big old house like the one to the right they often think they could buy it and fix it up. Yesterday I discussed the cost of renovation. One of the hidden costs is governmental compliance. And with houses in Old Town, that is cost that affects just about everybody because the entire Old Town area has been declared a National Historic Landmark.

The primary government body that oversees the renovation of old properties and the construction of new properties is called HARC (Historic Architectural Review Commission). CLICK HERE to read the HARC Rules (Adobe Format). The commission is made up of Key West citizens and a local architect. They review all building permit requests for structures in the historic area. Not every structure is covered, but most are. And is this group of citizens that decide the proposed change or new structure complies with the HARC guidelines.

A smart homeowner will hire a good architect to design a structure that meets the guidelines in the first place. But the architect must then sheperd the proposal through HARC and the building department to get building permits issued. Sounds reasonable enough. But it isn't easy. At a recent HARC meeting one of the new commissioner's stated that the HARC guidelines are the commission's bible and that adherence is mandatory. That is the rub.

Rules are rules because we need a fair and understandable system of dealing with issues in how structures are to be remodeled. But it is the interpretation of those rules that can make construction costs rise. Each meeting an architect must attend and each revision of a plan costs money. And repeated changes repeatedly cost more money.

Most of Old Town Key West was built before there were any building codes. And there are many buildings in Old Town that encroach is some way upon a neighbor's property. It is this haphazard construction that HARC seeks to protect with the enforcement of the HARC Guidelines. I don't know if anyone has ever challenged the legality of the City passing this responsibility off to a non-elected board. (Meaning I think the commission may be an unconstitutional body and may be acting without legal authority. While I am an attorney, I am not licenses in Florida so my thoughts don't matter.)

HARC is not going to go away. Potential buyers must assume that they will have to go through the process of getting HARC approval on any project in the Old Town area. Just don't assume that because you are going to improve an existing building that you will get instant approval. This is Key West, you know.

If after reading that you are still considering buying a property in Key West, please CLICK HERE to checkout the entire mls database of current real estate listings and please consider giving me a call 1-305-766-2642 to help you find your next home or business in Paradise.

Cents & Centsibility

Did you ever see the Cary Grant classic "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream house"? Photo above. It's the charming, funny, and disturbingly true story of a couple who decide to do a quick little fix-up of a house in Connecticut. The couple learns how expensive cheap can be. Before you decide to buy and re-build a dreamhouse or a "flipper" I suggest that you watch the mover--until you learn your lesson.

Last week I was working with a potential buyer of a vacation home in Key West. We looked at a variety of homes in the Old Town area and opted to see both fixers and homes that are perfectly liveable as is. One of the houses we considered looking at was located on Mickens Lane CLICK HERE. This little charmer is listed for only $525,000 or just shy of $700 per square foot for this 753 sq. ft. abode. We did look at an equally appealing cottage on a Key West lane that had a larger piece of ground and an out building that could be rebuilt using the footprint of the existing building.

My potential buyer is sophisticated in buying and selling properties up north. But is not experienced with the ways fo Key West. I explained the cost of a rennnovation of either cottage would be the same as if she were to renovate a larger property in a better location--at least on a price per square foot basis. As I have said before, renovation costs in Key West can go between $200 to $400 per square foot. And the low end is almost non-existent unless the owner acts as his own general contractor.

There are a lot of qualified general contractors in Key West. And they charge a premium for their services. So my feeling and recommendation to potential buyers who want to renovate their "dream house" is not to do it, but rather is to buy a property that is already done and liveable as is. Tomorrow I'm going to write about HARC and how it can impact on what a homeowner can do with his/her "castle".

My recommendation makes more sense today than ever before because so many properties are on the market and the asking prices are more reasonable. (Save for the house on Mickens Lane and other ridiculously priced properties.) Don't let your dreams of owning a perfect little vacation home turn into a nightmare of dealing with building officials, contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc.

Rely on a professional Realtor to help you find your vacation home. It's as easy as pie to get a real estate license in Florida. Be careful who you work with. Ask lots of questions and make sure that the person you select is knowledgeable and honest. That's for starters. And listen to what your Realtor tells you. It's perfectly reasonable to question what someone tells you, but if you are buying in an unfamiliar market (such as Key West) listen to what someone familiar with the market tells you.

CLICK HERE to preview all Key West mls listings. And give me a call if I can provide any further information 1-877-778-7092.

"Say Goodnight Gracie"

Before I moved to Key West I did the Duval Drag. That is the practice of walking up and down Duval Street every morning, afternoon, and evening. I guess I thought that the only things that ever happen in Key West occur on Duval Street. When I decided to buy here, I wondered how in the world I could go to Duval Street every evening to sustain my existence. It sincerely bothered me.

I had a couple from Great Britain back out of a deal to buy a cute-as-can-be condo on Peacon Lane because she feared Duval Street would not be enough for her. I tried to assure her that there is more to Key West than Duval. We have a real symphony, three theatres (Tennessee Williams Theatre, Waterfront Theatre, and Red Barn Theatre), the Regal Cinema (mainstream movies) and Tropic Cinema (first run and "art house" movies), the San Carlos Theatre, and many venues where concerts are performed. Then there is a plethora of seminars and events to honor notable cultural icons. During Season there is a party a night somewhere in town--usually more than one.

So last night I attended the final performance at the Tennessee Williams Theatre and the Florida Keys Community College (yep, we've got a college too!). The program was "Say Goodnight Gracie" and was performed by Don McArt who portrayed George Burns in a one man show about the late comedian's life with Gracie Allen. I'm not a critic so what I say doesn't matter. But he did mess up on a few of his lines. And then he corrected himself. He could have kept on going and nobody would have been wiser. But the audience gave him a standing ovation at the end.

Say Goodnight Gracie is a multimedia presentation that features music, images, movie clips and some sketches from the old Burn's and Allen TV program. The audience howled at some of Gracie's lines. I'll bet that half the audience was too young to know anything about her. But I'm sure they want more of Gracie now.

Going to the theatre or other cultural events in Key West is really fun, too. You always get to see old friends. And that makes going to the theatre much more enjoyable.

If you would like to know more about Key West cultural events CLICK HERE. And if you are interested in buying a home or business in Key West of the lower Keys, please CLICK HERE to checkout all mls listings and then please give me a call toll free at 1.877.778.7092.