5 Fletchers Lane - Old Town - Key West

The two houses are connected to create one very large living space.

You can't find a slower lane in Old Town Key West than Fletcher Lane. The lane is only one block long, and it is located between Grinnell and Margaret Street just off Eaton Street. The lane is populated by only a few houses. Most people have never heard of it because few houses located there ever get offered for sale. But the new listing at 5 Fletcher Lane (not my listing) is your opportunity to purchase a really special property. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"Luxurious & Elegant Historic Home on one of the most desirable lanes in Old Town Key West. Situated at the end of a quiet lane on a lush tropical lot, this 4 bedroom home underwent extensive renovation and additions in 2007. High ceilings, hardwood floors, bright & airy kitchen with open floor plan overlooking tropical yard and inviting pool. Master suite on first floor with vaulted ceilings, 2 large guest bedrooms plus a wonderful guest cottage provide comfort and privacy for you and your guests. Off street parking for two vehicles, brick patio for entertaining, and central Old Town location make this the Quintessential Luxury Oasis in Old Town Key West."

CLICK HERE to read more detailed info on this listing and to view some really beautiful photos of this special property. The two houses pictured are connected to create one very large living space of 2352 sq ft. The houses sit on a 3819 sq ft lot which is situated at the end of the lane and in the middle of one of Key West's very large city blocks. The result is an island oasis within the island oasis of Key West.

The Historic Key West Seaport is two blocks to the north. There you will find Harpoon Harry's, my just about favorite spot for breakfast or a good old fashioned real cheeseburger. The Schooner Warf Bar is right on the waterfront as are Turtle Kraals and the Half Shell Raw Bar. Coles Peace Bakery (where you can get some great artisan bread and incredible sandwiches) is a two block walk east of Fletchers Lane. Duval Street is five minutes to the west. Everything a man (or woman) could want in life all located within a five minute walk from the house.

5 Flethcers Lane is offered at $1,749,000 or $744 per sq ft. If you are looking to purchase a very special getaway in Key West and would like to see this property, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida where today is a bright and sunshiny day!

Bank Owned - Key West - Waterfront - Affordable

How about my title for today's blog "Bank Owned - Key West - Waterfront - Affordable"? Four things that entice many buyers to take a further look. They included bank owned - the owner is a local bank. Key West - just about every body's dream place to live. Waterfront - okay, the house is located on a Key Haven canal but it provides quick access to the big ocean. And, yes, it is affordable by Key West standards - priced at $599,000.

This bank owned property is located on Key Haven at 3 Aster Terrace. The house has four bedrooms, three baths, a big new kitchen, and lots of living space. The house is 2200 sq ft and sits on a large 6,000 sq ft lot. This is how the listing Realtor describes the property:

"Bank Owned! Large Key Haven home with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with one bedroom and bath that could be used as a mother-in-law unit or lockout. Renovated in 2007, some of the upgrades include kitchen with stainless appliances and maple cabinetry, new plumbing, new electric, impact resistant windows, and recessed lighting. Excellent floor plan with living room, den, dining room, and Florida room. Key Haven is a waterfront community located just minutes away from Old Town Key West. Excellent boating access to Gulf and Atlantic waters."

The house was freshly painted when I showed it in was first listed in September. The electricity was turned on and the house has not sat festering away like so many properties owned by the big banks that are too big to fail and too big to care. CLICK HERE to read more details about this house and view some really good photos. This house shows well.

There is a cute little front yard complete with palm trees, picket fence, grass, and off street parking. The rear deck (canal side) needs a little landscaping, but that could be a great weekend project for the new homeowner. The house appeared to be in move-in condition. This property is priced at $599,000 or $265 per sq ft.

If you would like to see 3 Aster Terrace please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida. It may be snowy and cold in the northeast today, but it is always wonderful in Paradise.

1012-1014 Thomas Street - Key West - Short Sale

Consider this little Key West compound an "After Christmas Short Sale" with a really big markdown. The main house has two bedrooms and two bathrooms plus all the niceties we have grown accustomed to expect. There is a separate one bedroom that has a double set of French doors that open onto the pool area. The property has a corner location and the pool gets lots of that fabulous Key West sunshine. This property has been previously listed at $1,400,000, $1,149,000, $699,000 and it is now offered as a short sale at $619,000 or $459 per sq ft.

1012-1014 Thomas Street was just listed, but not by me. CLICK HERE to see the mls listing info and more photos of this property. But to see a different view when the house was listed at a much higher price CLICK HERE but note, these photos depict the condition and furnishings in this property three years ago.

This property is located one block south of Truman Avenue and Thomas Street-two blocks west of Duval Street. The Southernmost Point is only a couple of blocks further to the south on Whitehead Street (one block east).

I believe the planned redevelopment of the recently ceded US Navy property to the City of Key West will create an urgency for the gentrification of the remaining homes in the Bahama Village area where 1012 Thomas Street is located. The former Navy grounds will include a large marina. That means new boats and yachts and that means new money. Money drives real estate investment and redevelopment. A huge amount of money will be spent on the new marina and the rest of the redevelopment project. I think the surrounding properties will get swept-up into the redevelopment of the entire area. I don't think it will happen immediately, but I do think it will happen sooner rather than later.

I have been noticing something occurring that I have not seen in quite a while - more and more construction sites. There is not only a lot of "new" remodeling but also new construction. The city is not dying as some naysayers might lead you to believe. There are very few houses in Old Town with room for a pool that are affordably priced. Potential buyers are once again looking for more reasonably priced properties that they can remodel. The Bahama Village area is close to Duval Street and it also has the proximity to the new waterfront redevelopment.

There is ongoing debate about preserving Bahama Village for the people that grew up there. That's cool and I appreciate not pushing people out of where they have lived for decades. But I have seen enough real estate sales in the Bahama Village area to believe the owners (sellers) are not adverse to taking as much money for their houses as they can possibly get. I think the "market" will absorb the houses in the area and the redevelopment will drive up the property values in the long turn which may not be all that far off. This is just my opinion. Take it for what it is worth.

During my first trip to Key West in 1984 I went to a bar called the Old Plantation located at the corner of Thomas and Southard (CLICK HERE to see a photo of the building in 1965 but note its facade was changed when it turned it into a gay bar years later). The gates to Truman Annex are now located directly across the street. But back in 1984 the location was far off the beaten path. By 1991 or 1992 the gates to Truman Annex were abuzz with activity and the Old Plantation was history. The Old Plantation was razed a few years ago and was replaced by two office condominium projects. Today the location is the forefront to some of the most expensive homes in Key West.

I think the entire Bahama Village area will be abuzz with activity and new construction when the redevelopment of the former Navy property begins. If you would like to see 1012 Thomas Street or any other property in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or contact me by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West.

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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Merry Christmas to One and All

727 & 731 Waddell Avenue - Casa Marina Area- Key West - Short Sales

I have written about the two new houses located at 727 and 731 Waddell Avenue in the Casa Marina area of Key West on several occasions. The houses were built in 2008. 731 Waddell Avenue is located at the corner of William Street. 727 Waddell Avenue is located next door to the west. Each property is now offered at the short sale price of $1,499,000 or $518 per sq ft.

The new listing Realtor describes 731 Waddell Avenue this way:

"Elegant new home situated on a gorgeous corner parcel in the Casa Marina area. Built new from the ground up this home enjoys a modern open floor plan with great room that overlooks a spacious backyard, pool/Jacuzzi & gorgeous stone patio. Built above flood elevation featuring impact doors & windows, hardie plank siding, fenced yard & irrigation system. 4 proper bedrooms with ensuite baths + 5th optional bedroom or den with full bath. 3 bedrooms on 2nd floor each enjoy spacious covered balconies. Tile & wood floors throughout,11 ft ceiling heights, great storage & more. Centrally located where a short stroll will take you to the beach, park, tennis courts, famous Duval Street or fabulous neighborhood waterfront restaurants."

Each house is virtually the same except for the floor plans which are flip-flopped. The listing Realtor shows 731 Waddell as having 2892 sq feet of living space on a 5000 sq ft lot. (The County Appraiser show only 2204 sq ft.) The main level has a great room, kitchen and informal dining area, a den or fifth bedroom with bath that also serves as a main level guest bath. The master bedroom is on the second floor at the front of the house. There are two additional bedrooms on the rear that each have en-shite baths. All three bedrooms on this floor have decks. There is an additional bedroom and bath on the third floor. Five bedrooms and five baths are unheard of in Key West. These are houses that can actually accommodate owners with large families or friends. No more sleeping bags or futons will be required. No more over-crowded bathrooms to endure.

The size of these two homes really set them apart from other new construction in Key West. The physical size and interior living space is bigger than just about any other new property in all of Key West. The lots are large. The interior and outside spaces are well thought out and are user friendly. Each house actually has a front yard with grass and a white picket fence. The front and rear landscaping has matured nicely. Each house has a large pool and water feature plus a large deck for sunning or entertaining.


These houses have a limited view of the Atlantic Ocean which is a little more than a block away. Higgs Beach a five minute walk to the south. And Duval Street and all of the excitement is a five minute walk to the west. Louie's Backyard is perhaps two minutes away by foot. Key Westers can buy beach club memberships at the Casa Marina Resort which provides full use of all facilities including the gym,spa and also get discounts on food and beverages.

Casa Marina area is close to everything but far enough away not to be in the middle of it all. The streets are broad and quiet. The trees are tall and announce the sea breezes as they pass over the island. Homeowners can be anywhere they need to be within a few minutes foot, bicycle, scooter, or car.

I think these two houses are now priced to sell. They were previously listed as high as $3.3 million each. There is not a big market for houses in that price range. In fact, there is not a big market for buyers looking for houses as large as these. I would think a couple with a large family would find either house to be just the ticket. Likewise, a gay couple might find either of these houses the perfect island retreat where there is room for many house guests. The pool and deck area are both casual and sophisticated.

If you are looking for a good deal on a large Key West house, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties in Key West Florida. I live in the Casa Marina area and I love it.

818 Whitehead Street - Old Town - Key West - Bank Owned

Just Listed, but not by me, a stand alone cottage at 818 Whitead Street. It is located in a sweet little compound one block off Duval Street . This place is affordably priced at just $290,000. It has one bedroom, one bath, solid wood cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, cathedral ceilings, maple hardwood flooring, and there is even a pool. This property is a legal condominium but it stands by itself in a compound of other small but sharp houses.
God created some great decorators to cure some flawed interiors!


This house is located at the back of the compound. Access is through a white picket fence on Whitehead Street that is located about 1/2 block north of the Hemingway House. All of the units were either built new or renovated in 2005. This is a newly built unit from the ground up. It is only 415 square feet. The living room, bath with glass tiled shower, and kitchen with stainless steel appliances is on the first floor. A wooden spiral staircase takes you to the second floor bedroom. That area is open to the living space below so the entire house has a lot of volume. There is a charming small front porch that overlooks the pool and there is a second porch off the kitchen area. French doors open onto both porches, and they bring in a nice amount of light.

The pool is really cute. It isn't big, but it is larger than some I have seen in much larger single family homes in Old Town. All of the grounds are nicely landscaped. The gardens have a sprinkler system that works. I know. I got soaked as I was making my way to the rear. The other houses look very well maintained. 818 Whitehead Street is certainly worth a look if you are a single person or a couple that wants a little Key West getaway. There is no off street parking.




This property is bank owned and the bank owner can provide new financing. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at kw1101v@aol.com if you would like to schedule an appointment to see this charming two story cottage.

I've had it with "Renter's Rights" in Key West

I had probably the most unpleasant showing ever on Saturday. I feel the need to share it with you. I have some buyers that did their Internet search before they came to Key West. They identified properties they liked and then went by them before they called me to set up showings. It is the custom in Key West to have the listing agent present to show his or her listing. Most houses are not on lock box. So advance notice is required. If a place is occupied by a tenant, most agents require 24 hours advance notice. That is not the law in Florida, but it is the practice in Key West. I get it; I accept it; I think it is a bit arcane especially in a time when so many sellers seem desperate to sell.

My buyer identified a particular multi-unit property. They had gone by it and since I had shown it before, I drove them past it to explain the layout and "condition" before I scheduled a showing. The property was in their price range and they liked the style and location. I called the listing agent and scheduled a showing for the next day. The tenants had been notified. In fact all tenants were home at the time. One tenant let us in to see that unit. The other was in the rear doing some gardening. She lived in the other unit and the listing agent told us we could not see that unit because the Property Manager must be present whenever that unit is shown. (We were looking on a Saturday. The Property Manager can only be present on Mondays and Tuesdays.) So even though the tenant was standing perhaps six feet away from us, we could not view her unit. I had seen it before, and it really is cute. But what happened next negated any desire to reschedule a visit later in the week.

We were standing in the rear courtyard where he tenant was doing gardening. We were discussing the location and effect of an easement that a neighboring property had across the property. The tenant then interjected in a very stern voice "Would you go out to the street to talk. I am doing work here." She had a rake in her hand and pawed with it at our feet. I looked at the listing Realtor with a "What the F**k is going on?" look. My buyers looked back at me incredulous. They were looking to make a purchase of several hundred thousand dollars and are being ordered to get out of the tenant's way so she could rake. So we went to the street and talked for another five to ten minutes. The rake "lady" came out and started raking leaves on the nearby asphalt.

Some tenants in Key West act like little brats and if the listing agents let them get away with it, the tenants will do everything they can to screw up a sale. It starts by demanding (not requesting) 24 hours notice to show. I'm not talking about next day, I mean an actual 24 hour or longer notice. Nineteen hours won't work for some and many agents will not push it. There is no Florida law that requires 24 hour notice. But agents seem to think there is. Most agents are cowards in my opinion. They don't want to upset the apple cart so to speak. So they let tenants establish the framework as to how and when property may be shown. That control by the tenant then sets up the potential sale for failure in my opinion. Or at least it defers sale as long as the tenant can make showing the unit as difficult as possible.

Some tenants are just great and treat their apartment, condo, town home, or house just like their own property. Some places are a real joy to show. The "lady" gardener's place is very attractive. But my buyers would never get to see it. The unit next door is the complete opposite. I'll just say it was creepy and leave the details out.

Many places, however, are not well maintained. I have shown rentals with dog pooh on the floor, filthy kitchens with grease stains and low watt light bulbs encrusted with grease and dust, exposed wires and extension cords, and nasty bathrooms and bedrooms that give you the heebie jeebies. That is no accident.

Most buyers really do not like it when the seller is present because they feel awkward in making comments or asking questions about the property. Some tenants take it upon themselves to purposefully be present so that they can interject their comments on the property. Some tenants insist that they show the property instead of the agent. They make representations about the property that could be true or untrue. I wont' go into detail, but I wrote a previous blog about one place where this happens every time I show it. This person shows the property and is as sweet as can be, but this person does not want the place to sell. The tenant says just enough to screw the possibility of any sale.

I get it that tenants do not want to be dispossessed of the place the call home. Sellers who really want or need to sell should instruct the tenants that they must allow the units to be shown upon proper notice and not interfere in showings. And agents need to have some backbone and not let tenants pull the kind of crap the "lady" gardener did the other day. Her behavior was insulting.

I do not know what happened to civility in our society. It seems like like everybody has their "rights" and that a lot of people do not have manners. I have had it with Renters Rights. Agents and owners need to treat renters with civility but renters should not be allowed to control the showing or sale of an owner's property.

So You Think You Can Enhance! Key West House

The Entanglement as I call it. The cottage to the rear of 825 Southard Street.


I don't know why we still have so many old houses that look so forlorn. Maybe it is because the owners never thought about fixing things up. Maybe they were satisfied with leaving things the way they are. Maybe they do or did not have the money. Maybe there was some kind of entanglement. The house at 825 Southard Street in Old Town Key West maybe the poster child for untangling and enhancing.

825 Southard Street CLICK HERE is a 1978 sq ft two story Conch Revival House located on a 3968 sq ft lot. The listing Realtor says "Great location, bones, and footprint characterize this historic property which has tall ceilings, offstreet parking, and a capped cistern which could become a dipping pool." But then suggest that the new owner buy the little cottage next door. That's the entanglement. CLICK HERE to see the mls info on the cottage to the rear.

I have shown 825 Southard Street several times. It could be great. The black and white photo just below shows 825 Southard and its cottage cousin as they appeared in the mid 1960s. The house next door to the west at 821 Southard Street is added just so you can see how damned pretty these houses were back in the day. 821 Southard Street looks pretty today. It has been well maintained. But 825 Southard and its cuz need some help.
825 Southard Street as it appeared in 1965.

The cottage to the rear of 825 Southard as it appeared in 1965.

821 Southard Street as it appeared in 1965. It still looks great today. What a great neighbor!

825 Southard Street has been on the market since January when it was priced at $525,000. It is now offered at $475,000 or $240 per sq ft. I personally do not think the asking price, condition, or location of 825 Southard Street is the reason this house has not sold. Instead, dear Reader, it is the cottage to the rear. That cottage presents all kinds of opportunities and challenges for a potential restoration of the larger house. The cottage has an easement for ingress and egress across the property in front. Were a buyer to buy both properties the challenge goes away and creative genius could explode. Problem solved: NO. The owner of the cottage at the rear is owned by another party. That owner is asking $315,000 or $438,000 per sq ft for the 720 sq ft cottage.

Any serious buyer must take into consideration the cost to renovate both properties. 825 Southard is a big place with big rooms. The house is pretty "virgin" but in good condition. I have shown this house several times and I have seen more things that need to be decorated and "corrected". The house will need all new electric, plumbing, air conditioning plus new bathrooms and a kitchen. The cottage could be come a guest cottage or pool side retreat. A pool is possible but only if both properties are purchased. That danged easement or entanglement must go away and that is only possible in my opinion by its elimination by merger of the two properties into one.

If you think you can enhance, you might want to take a look at these properties. 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. CLICK HERE to search the real Key West Association of Realtors mls website.

1015 Eaton Street - Short Sale - Old Town - Key West

Town is starting to come alive. More folks are arriving for Christmas. Some people will stay the season-all the way through Easter. Truman Avenue is getting clogged. The day after Christmas Truman becomes a nightmare. That is the tell-tale sign "They're Back!".

Every year people come to Key West and let their imaginations run wild. They imagine what it would be like to live here full time. Or maybe just during the winter when everyone up north in America is freezing the behinds off. The conger up visions of having their morning coffee by the pool, or walking the dog down the quaint streets filled with palm trees and greenery everywhere. Some may think of all the fishing they could do anytime they want. Others fancy being able to walk to their favorite watering hole on Duval (there are so many, you know). And even though Key West is not known for its beaches, many relish the idea of being able to ride their to Ft. Zachary Taylor Beach and just while away the afternoon as they get that golden Key West tan.

What all those people imagine what life in Key West would be like are not off base. It is really amazing how easy life is for so many people on this little island. It's almost as if half of the population over 40 does not work. And the other half works for the government. Same thing.

Seriously, life in Key West is really very comfortable most of the time. It gets hectic when the tourists arrive and you can no longer just walk into Michael's or Antonia's and get a table. Reservations become required, but ties are not.

Preferred Properties has a larger than normal classic eyebrow house located at 1015 Eaton Street that is offered as a short sale. The house has four bedrooms, three bath, a pool, a spa, a recently constructed great room addition where the living, dining and kitchen are located. That room has a vaulted ceiling, a fireplace, and a large set of doors that all open to the pool and deck at the rear. The house has Dade County Pine throughout. CLICK HERE to see the mls listing info on this house and to view more photos.

1015 Eaton Street was built in 1895. It has 1738 sq ft of living space and is offered at $995,000 or $573 per sq ft. It is a short sale. I think the actual sales price will be much lower. But who knows. I have no inside knowledge as to this house. But I write about this house because it has so much to offer and if it gets purchased at the right price, the new owner is going to feel that he or she or they got a great house at a good price.

If you are coming to Key West and want to fulfill your dream and buy a place in Paradise, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc in Key West, Florida. I think I still have a winter coat. Somewhere.