Pretty as a Picture - 720 Passover Lane - Key West

If you are looking for the pretty as a picture Key West Cottage that sits on a secluded lane in Old Town, you need to see the new listing at 720 Passover Lane. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"Tucked away at the end of a quiet, walking Old Town Lane sits this beautifully renovated historic home. Manhattan meets Key West in the level of decor and finishes chosen for this historic jewel. Wonderful vaulted ceiling in the living room with open floor plan and chef's kitchen. Bright and airy dining/family room with glass doors all around to view the gorgeous tropical garden. Lovely master suite with loft and ensuite bathroom, bamboo wood floors and decorator touches. Granite floors add elegance, stained glass accents and Rick Worth painted doors add Key West Charm. The Ultimate Historic Oasis for the discerning buyer."

CLICK HERE to read more details and view some great photos of this property. The house is listed at $595,000 or $644 per sq ft. The house is 924 sq ft and sits on a 1798 sq ft lot. CLICK HERE to view an aerial perspective of the lot and the location.

This property sits at the far end of Passover Lane. This is a walking lane so you will never see a Conch Train or Trolley Car in front of the house. In fact you will hardly see anybody at that location as only three other houses are located on that lane.

With that being said, the property is located in just about the center of Old Town. The Historic Key West Seaport is a five minute walk to the north (down Margaret Street). Duval Street is a five minute walk to the west going down either Windsor Lane or Southard Street. St Mary's of the Sea Catholic Church is a five minute walk to the south (Truman at Windsor Lane). The Coffee Mill, Old Town Gym and Island Gym are located within a five to seven minute walk. And the best damned fried chicken in Key West is located at Dion's which is located inside the Citgo Gas Station at the corner of Truman and White. Scoff if you want, it is the best in Key West. And it's only a six minute walk back to the house or a two minute bike ride to the beach where you eat your chix and watch the chicks.

That's the thing about living in Old Town. You can walk to just about everywhere you really need to go. Season is almost here and that means the local theatre companies will start their new productions. The Red Barn and Waterfront Theaters are each a five to seven minute walk from Passover Lane. Tropic Cinema is located just off Duval on Eaton Street. There is always something interesting playing there.

If you would like to see 720 Passover Lane or any other house in Key West, 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.

Open House - Sunday - Key West

Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. is hosting an Open House at five locations in Key West. If you are looking for your place in Paradise, checkout any one or all of the locations below. These homes will be Open Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Come by and see us at:

712 Southard Street CLICK HERE This two bedroom, two bath home with a beautiful pool is offered at $795,000.


416 Elizabeth Street CLICK HERE This grand home was built circa 1873 and it is unlike any other Old Town home. The interiors are rich and warm but unpretentious. The grounds are expansive. The main house, two guest cottages, verandas, pool, and grounds will surely make you wish you could afford the $3.2 million price. I'll be hosting this house.


1502 Petronia Street was constructed in 2007. CLICK HERE It is a bank owned property that is a real show stopper. This two bedroom, three bath unit has travertine marble and hardwood floors throughout. All rooms feature high ceilings, crown moldings, and top of the line finishes. It has its own private pool and covered parking. This 1717 sq ft residence us offered at $975,000.


1407 Patricia Street CLICK HERE is a starter home and is priced at $499,000. It is located about one block form the Atlantic Ocean and near the White Street Pier and Higgs Beach. Buy now and renovate later by perhaps adding a second floor where you could have ocean views.


32 Hilton Haven Road #2 CLICK HERE is a two bedroom, two bath condo with spectacular open water views priced at only $499,000.


Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. is the exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates. Remember to come by 416 Elizabeth Street and guess how old my photo is. See you Sunday.

1502 Petronia Street - Key West - Open Today - 12 to 2 PM

Looking for something to do this afternoon that does not involve booze or sex?

Visit me at an Open House today from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at 1502 Petronia Street.


Newly built in 2007 with top of the line materials and craftsmanship, this home features soaring 14' ceilings in the living area. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, beautiful granite and solid wood cabinets, plus there is a wet bar in the living room. The main level has travertine marble floors. The bedrooms have en suite baths and are distinguished by impressive architectural details including crown molding, high ceilings, porches and solid wood doors. A private gated drive leads to the carport and a separate entry to the private pool. Completely fenced and beautifully landscaped, this home is located in the quiet Meadows neighborhood. 1502 Petronia Street is priced at $975,000.

Please drop by and see me, Gary Thomas, Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. or call me at 305-766-2642 or by e-mail at kw1101v@aol.com.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Key West

Gary Thomas, Realtor
Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc., 520 Southard Street
Key West, Florida 305-766-2642

Nickeled & Dimed to Death in Key West

I got an email a few days ago from a reader. He apparently bought a couple of places in Key West that have been used a vacation rentals. He kept the existing property management company in place because of the excellent rental history. He said the property management company had been over-charging him. He asked me if I could recommend a reputable property management company. Our office does property management, but I am not involved in it. I don't make any money or receive any token compensation for referrals. So I have no financial stake one way or another if someone uses our office or another. But I did refer the reader to Dan Skahen in our office. Dan is the property manager at Preferred Properties.

Late yesterday I had an opportunity to see one of the "bills" my reader had received. My reader pays a 20% property management fee. It included such expenses as $5 to move trash can to street. I went by the house. The trash can is located about 5 feet from the sidewalk. Another $25 was charged to turn on the propane tank that heats the swimming pool. That heater is on the other side of driveway, maybe 25 feet from where the trash can is located. Perhaps they charge by the foot. The reader was charged a fee of $20 to check-in and check-out the same "guest"- that's $40 in total. He got charged $36 to replace paper products (toilet paper and paper towels). And he was charged another $86 to replace a hair dryer. There's more but that's all I can remember.

When I show property to potential buyers I tell them that most property management companies charge about the same rate to manage property, but that they need to be certain what is included in the term "property management". I know that just about all property managers pass along cleaning fees, supplies, pool maintenance, repairs,credit card fees, and travel agent commissions. Some charge more for paying bills related to the property while others pay the bills as part of the management fee.

I am tempted to rat out the rat that nickeled and dimed my reader. But I won't do it. I don't have a dog in this fight. I'll tell you this, if you buy a property from me and you plan to rent it, I will tell you not to use that particular company.

I see this same crap happen down here all the time. There are plenty of contractors, electricians, plumbers, and handymen that are perfectly willing to take your money and take more and more of it. After Hurricane Wilma I made my noontime trek to Burger King on Roosevelt. The food was easy, hot, good to eat, and cheap. This local fat assed contractor was in line ahead of me bragging about all of the work he was doing in New Town. He was telling someone else how much he was charging the poor fools whose houses got flooded. He was laughing. That fat ass ended up loosing several houses in the market downturn. So there!

Several years ago I went to the Key West Post Office and asked to speak to a supervisor about my mail service. A guy came out to the customer service counter. I told him where I lived and stated I keep getting other peoples' mail. I told him I got someones income tax refund (which I walked to the correct address), but said I was getting the wrong mail quite frequently. He said "Well, this is Key West" as if that is an excuse not to do your job. But he added he would look into it. A few months later I went back and asked to speak to the Postmaster. A woman came out this time. I repeated my complaint and added the comment about excusing poor job performance on living in Key West. I still get other peoples' mail, just not as frequently as before.

For some reason individuals and businesses (and maybe government to some extent) tend to use Key West as a reason or a justification for doing a crappy job or for over-charging. We pay more for our gas than you would pay in Ft Lauderdale or Miami. The excuse is we are located far away. Yeah, well you can buy gas cheaper up US 1 about 10 miles. It's just an excuse to gouge people.

That property manager I mentioned will probably loose my reader's business. He should. It looks to me like his greed will cost him $20,000 in lost income for next year. Multiply that by five years. That $5 to move the trash could cost the property manger $100,000 over five years. Moron!

1800 Atlantic Condominiums - Key West

It's time to update the properties available for purchase at 1800 Atlantic Condominiums. I divided the units between those with valuable Transient Rental Licenses and those without. Units that have a Transient Rental License can be rented daily every day of the year to a different renter each day-just like a hotel room. Units without such a license may be rented on a monthly basis but may only be rented once each month.

There are a total of 13 units currently available for purchase at 1800 Atlantic Condominiums in Key West. The aerial photo above together with the photos of the pool and gardens ought to entice you to consider this oceanfront resort type property as a potential second home purchase. In addition to that fabulous Olympic sized pool and spa are the beach, three private tennis courts, garage parking, on sight property management, and 24 hour security. 1800 Atlantic is close to the Key West International Airport, Smathers Beach, and three shopping centers. It is quick jog down to Duval Street and all the craziness. The proximity to Duval Street (or maybe lack thereof) is one reason returning vacationers opt to stay at 1800 Atlantic year after year. It is close to everything, but it is a destination unto itself.

Smathers Beach (below photo) is located about 60 seconds west of 1800 Atlantic Condominiums. At Smathers Beach you and your friends can play volleyball, participate in all kinds of water sports, or just work on that killer tan. But remember 1800 Atlantic has its own private beach-but the action is down at Smathers Beach.

There are four other important factors to note. Each factor may influence pricing and value. (1) Location. Look at the aerial photo again. Note that the road to and from the airport (Bertha Street a/k/a South Roosevelt Blvd.) runs adjacent to Building "C". Most units that front Bertha Street are priced a little less expensively than other locations. Units that have the best views are usually priced higher. Units on the top floor have vaulted ceilings so they may seem larger. (2) Condition. Some units are "virgin" and look the same today as when they were built over 20 years ago. Others have been remodeled. Some have been tastefully redone. And some less so. Some units may be cheaper than others but may need a little tlc. (3) Transient License. The existence of a Transient License does not in itself mean you will make money right away. Some units have dormant licenses that the owners maintain to preserve the license, but the units have not been rented. Buying a unit with a successful rental history however might make more sense than buying a unit without such a history. Most transient licensed units are offered "furnished". Many are "turn key". Read the mls listing info. (4) Size. Most units are 1357 sq feet in size. Some units are larger. Make sure when you compare the units that you are comparing like kind units. Think of it this way: if you were looking at purchasing a twenty year old Mercedes would you want the cheapest car or would you consider the paint (body) job, the odometer, the engine, and the tires to help determine the better value?

CLICK HERE to look at the units with Transient Rental Licenses. There are seven such units and they are collectively priced at $455 per sq ft. Again, compare location, condition, and size. Unit A 403 is a penthouse unit located directly on the Atlantic Ocean. It is larger than the other units; it has a dead-on view of the water; it is being sold subject to probate court approval. Look carefully at the photos of Unit A 403.

CLICK HERE to look at the six units without transient licenses. You would expect the average price per sq ft to be lower (at least I would), since Transient Licensed units have traditionally been priced about $50,000 higher than units without such a license. At any rate, these units are price on average at $462 per sq ft. Check them out as well. Not everyone wants someone else's head in their bed to help make a mortgage payment.

If you are looking for a second home in Key West and think a condominium might work for you, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing at 1800 Atlantic. Or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com.

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.

605 Free School Lane - Old Town - Key West

Just re-listed, but not by me, 605 Free School Lane in Old Town Key West. The asking price is $1,375,000. Read on, Dear Reader. This place makes money. This is how the listing Realtor describes this property:

"Just completed renovation from top to bottom: This beautiful transient licensed home situated at the end of a quiet dead end lane in the heart of the historic district is currently being used as a vacation rental. The spacious floor plan includes a main level bedroom and bath, large galley style kitchen and great room with French doors that open to a large covered porch. Upstairs are two enormous master suites with French doors to a partially canopied balcony overlooking the landscaped yard and pool. Features include high ceilings, wood and tile floors and heated pool. The property is being sold beautifully furnished."

The house has got a lot of really great things going for it. First, it is hidden away on a quiet little lane behind the Hotel Marquesa and next door to Nancy's Secret Garden. Those two neighbors mean that the property values will never go down because the adjacent owner will always maintain their property. Second, the house was built in 1984 and has recently been renovated. It is used a legal vacation rental and it has the requisite Transient Rental License. Third, the house is almost always rented. That means that it is almost always producing income to help pay ownership expenses when the property owner is not using the property. This is the exact proto-type of house most second home buyers envision when they think of buying a second home in Key West--a place with a pool and a good location.

When you enter the gate from Free School Lane you first see a lush yard with free form heated pool and then you see the beautiful 2 story home with an inviting large covered front porch. The first level features a great room, large galley style kitchen, bar area, full bath, bedroom and tile floors. There are French doors on either side of the great room that allows pool and tropical garden views. Upstairs are two enormous bedrooms with private baths, vaulted ceilings and wood floors. All rooms throughout the home have French doors opening to the outdoors. You won't believe the views from the second floor. They will make your friends green with envy.

The house is in the heart of Old Town, but it is located on a quiet lane. It produces income to defer the cost of ownership, and it is always rented. It really produces income. It is totally furnished, and it even has a list people with advance reservations waiting to spend their vacation in paradise in what could be your second home. Interested, then CLICK HERE to view more info and see interior and exterior photos of the property. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, or contact me by e-mail at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida. Since the house is always rented, advance notice is required on all showings.

1025 Thompson Lane - Old Town - Key West - Circa 1891

The first day I arrived in Key West some 25 years ago was amazed by all of the neat old houses in Old Town. I only ventured to Casa Marina for a party that first trip. And other than driving past New Town, I don't think I really ventured out there until a trip in 1987. New Town did not amaze me.

Back in 1984 many of the houses that look so damned wonderful today looked like a lot of the still "undone" or "non-restored" houses that still exist all over Old Town. There are not just as many of them today. And I have seen enough of the houses that were "renovated" or "remodeled" back in the 1970's and 1980's to safely say they may need a bit of updating now. I'm not calling for the introduction of granite or more stainless steel and certainly not calling for vessel sinks or other fads. Perhaps there were some things added over the years that might make a property look or even function better. Back in 1984 it was the simplicity of design and the sturdy construction that endeared me to the houses of Old Town. Nothing has changed.

The house at 1025 Thompson Lane is a good example of an old house built circa 1891 that has been updated over the years. You walk inside and you either love it or you don't. The rooms are colorful and cozy. I find the place absolutely charming. There is a fake fire in the livingroom that reminds you why you chose to move to Key West. The house is very livable. None of the rooms are really large, but they work. The upstairs is presently divided into a sitting room, a bedroom, and a bath.

There is presently a small second floor deck and spiral staircase (CLICK HERE) that are not historic to the house. I think it should be removed. That would allow the homeowner to utilize the ground area better. I think there is room for pool and still comply with the set back requirements. Any serious buyer will need to verify the ability to add a pool and should not relay what I say.

1025 Thompson Lane has 1341 sq ft of living area and sits on a 1600 sq ft lot. The house has two bedrooms, two baths, a lovely living room and an open kitchen. It is offered for sale at $525,000 or $391 per sq ft. CLICK HERE for more information and to view photos of the interior and exterior.

Thompson Lane is a lot like many of the other slow lanes in Key West: quiet. It runs one block long from Frances Street on the east to Grinnell Street on the west. Finnegan's Wake is located on Grinnell Street and just a few feet past the exit from Thompson Lane. The City of Key West parking structure is located across the street from Finnegan's Wake. And the Historic Key West Seaport is a minute walk further to the north. The house and its location are very quiet but the property is located within easy walking distance to so many things that make Old Town Key West so vibrant and fun.

1025 Thompson Lane is a listing of Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at kw1101v@aol.com to set up a showing.

Pied-à-Terre Anyone? - Old Town - Key West

The listing Realtor describes the new offering at 800 Fleming Street #A-1 (The William Fleming House) this way:

"The perfect home for someone who wants carefree condominium living but desires the charm of a historic Old Town Key West home. The William Fleming House was constructed in the mid 1800's and is located in a premium location - the corner of William and Fleming Streets. Just completed renovation includes a new kitchen and two new baths. The kitchen includes granite and butcher block countertops, stainless steel appliances and new cabinetry. Baths are beautifully outfitted with polished chrome fixtures, tile shower enclosures and stone floors. There are only 9 units - each with assigned offstreet parking and a very large tropically landscaped common area with free form pool, sun deck and covered bar."

CLICK HERE to see the listing details and photos of the interior of this two story in town condominium located in the heart of Old Town Key West. This 1281 sq ft unit occupies two floors of the building and has views of the pool and gardens. The units in the building are constructed of Dade County Pine walls, floors and ceiling and have that "old Key West feel" that some many buyers want. The ceilings are very high and the doors and windows open to decks overlooking the pool below and the pristine homes on William Street. This unit is offered at $995,000 or $777 per sq ft. The condo is located on one of the best blocks in Old Town and is a convenient walk to everything. The property is 3 blocks to Duval Street and 3 blocks to the
Historic Key West Seaport.

If you are looking for a pied-à-terre or just a plain old condo, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida.