Family Home - 201 Virginia Street - Key West

The really big and nicely appointed family home at 201 Virginia Street in the Bahama Village area of Key West is offered as a short sale at the asking price of $699,000. I showed it shortly after it was listed in January 2008 at the then asking price of $1,149,000. It was obvious then that thee asking price was too high given the declining market and the fact that this home is located across the street from public housing. The price has been steadily reduced to the current amount. The property has been under contract twice and, obviously, neither deal closed. The listing agent notes that "Update:Short Sale Approved at $600,000". Some agents do not reduce asking prices to reflect approved short sale prices acceptable to lenders. Doing so often invites future and seemingly endless short sale approval drama. If you were to purchase this home at $600,000 the sold price per sq ft would be $267 and that is very low for any house in Key West, let alone a recently built house with all the features in this one.

I showed this same property a few weeks ago. The inside is the same. The outside is looking a little worn. The paint job is starting to show that the painter may not have been a professional. I took the blog photos this morning. The fence looks especially bad. But if a poor exterior paint job and location near public housing bother you, do not read on. If on the other hand you are looking for a big family home with lots of really nice features, continue to the next paragraph.

This 2250 sq ft 3 bedroom, 3 bath home has big rooms, tall ceilings, superior finishes and other features you will not find in a house for the same asking price in Key West. The corner lot is even large: 3737 sq ft (43' x 87'). The bonus to this home is the third floor eagle's nest which is the access to the widow's walk where you can see the Atlantic Ocean just a couple of blocks away. This widow's walk is the perfect place to mark and photograph the Truman Annex redevelopment project.

Downstairs you will find an extra large great room which combines living and dining areas with the kitchen located at the rear. French doors open from there onto the covered back porch that overlook the pool. A full bedroom and bath are also on the first floor. Two master suites with very large bathrooms are on the second floor. You won't see any of the sibling fighting over who gets the bigger bedroom because all of the bedrooms are made for real sized people. Note the rear second floor covered porch CLICK HERE.

The listing Realtor describes 201 Virginia Street this way:

"Incredible value awaits the smart buyer for this recently built quality home. Top of the line finishes are used throughout including stone and wood floors, granite countertops in the kitchen and baths and wind impact windows and doors. The home has an up to date floorplan with an open living/dining and kitchen opening to a covered porch and stunning pool with water feature. Also on the main level is a guest bedroom and bath. Upstairs are two oversized master suites both with walk-in closet, and bath with separate tub and shower. One of the master suites includes a large loft area with stairs to a rooftop widows walk with spectacular panoramic views of Key West and the waterfront."

CLICK HERE to see the listing information and listing photos of 201 Virginia Street. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642 to schedule a showing of this very nice family home that is priced to sell. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

316 Peacon Lane - Old Town - Key West

Just listed by Preferred Properties 316 Peacon Lane near the Historic Key West Seaport in Old Town Key West. If you read my blog regularly you already know that I'm like Lady Ga Ga about the slow lanes of Key West. Peacon Lane is one of the more user friendly of the lanes because you can actually drive a car into and out of the lane. (Some lanes require that you park your car on the street and walk to your house. I like those really slow and quiet lanes, but some owners have this need to be near to their cars.) Click the MAP to see the location of Peacon Lane. It's easy to miss if you are not looking for it. As a result most tourists miss it and don't drive that live on Peacon Lane residents to distraction with senselessly beeping scooter horns.

The listing Realtor describes this Peacon Lane home this way:

"Elegantly renovated two story Historic home on one of the most desirable Key West Old Town Lanes just 2 blocks from the Seaport. All Dade County walls and floors were painstakingly removed sanded and hand finished. On the first level you have one ensuite bedroom, grand kitchen, dinning and living room lined with French doors leading to a great backyard and cocktail pool. On the second level you are greeted by another guest ensuite bedroom, laundry area, and a large master suite with vaulted ceilings and a small terrace. Room for one off street parking and many scooters."

I showed this new listing and was immediately taken by the clean lines of the entire house. The Dade County Pine restoration makes this place look new unlike so many old Key West homes. For the buyer who wants the look of old and comfort of old but also wants a new house without the faults of an old place that needs lots of work, this may be the place you have been looking for. The hard work has been done and done correctly. Bring your decorator or channel your inner HGTV Design Star and finish this home off the way it reflects your tastes. Instead of spending months overseeing carpenters and painters, you can oversee your boat located a short two blocks away at the Conch Harbor Marina.

The Key West Historic Seaport area has some of the great restaurants in Key West and all are within a very short walk of 316 Peacon Lane. One of my favorite restaurants is the A&B Lobster House which is a two block walk. There you can sit outside at waters edge and get a great seafood dinner as you watch the yachts bobbing in the water as night descends on Key West. Less expensive but very tasty and and Key West to the extreme are the nearby Turtle Kraals and the Half Shell Raw Bar. Pepe's is on Caroline but the wait is forever. My favorite diner food in Key West is always served fresh at Harpoon Harry's. (You really should try it. But if you live in Key West, you already know it's a great place to eat good food at an affordable price.) And B.J.'s Fish Wagon is on still on Caroline where you can dine next to the parking lot.

Fast Buck Freddie's Home furnishing store and Half Buck Freddie's Bargain store are located on Caroline Street. Also on Caroline Street is Key West Accents where you can find some very nice objects and furnishings for your new home on Peacon Lane. The entire area around the Seaport is always abuzz. Tourists come and go all the time to take to the sea or go shopping or dining. Some end up at the Schooner Warf Bar-that's the place where the big dogs hang (as well as a lot of locals). Others end up over at Dante's where they can tan and party like it's still college.

If you lived at 316 Peacon Lane you'd hardly know about all of the nearby hubbub because the house is so insulated by the location. CLICK HERE, CLICK HERE, and CLICK HERE to few of the nearby houses on Peacon Lane. It doesn't any more charming than this. Imagine sitting on your front porch having coffee and watching nothing happen. In Key West!


Click my TWITTER and view more photos of this beautiful Key West home. Learn more about this lovely Key West home by CLICKING HERE to review the mls data sheet and see more photos. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing on 316 Peacon Lane which is offered for sale at $999,000. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. Our office is the Exclusive Lower Keys Affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

511 Frances Street - Short Sale - Key West

511 Frances Street has been on the market since October 2009. The original asking price was $1,649,000. The price was reduced several times. Now the property is offered as a Short Sale at the asking price of $1,295,000 or $762 per sq ft.

I showed this house last week and was again impressed with the great location and the way the front invites you inside the home and how the pool area at the rear immediately summons you to the outside. This house has lots of street appeal but it is the pool area that has that Key West I Wanna Live Here! appeal.

Click the MAP to find the location of 511 Frances Street. The 500 and 600 blocks of Frances have some of the most expensive and most photographed homes in Key West. The location is still within an easy walking distance to all of the attractions of Old Town but it is far removed from the zaniness. Maybe that it is why this location attracts buyers with money. You will note that 511 Frances Street abuts Curry Lane (one of the prettier little lanes in Old Town).

Almost every stick of wood in this home is new as of the "renovation" in 1983. Only a few pieces of wood from the original structure remain. A new master bed and bath addition was added a few years ago. The interiors come off a bit sterile to me and I think some fairy dust is in order. But there is plenty of space (some 1700 sq ft of interior living space) to spruce up. The house has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. The living room is huge and it has three sets of French doors that open onto that incredible pool and deck area. There is already a covered outdoor dining area that overlooks the pool. And there is the cutest little fly fish hook tying cabin at the rear of the property. (Or whatever you want to use it for.)

The rear deck and pool is the star of this house. Too bad I don't have any pics that I took.


The listing Realtor artfully describes 511 Frances this way:

"Built in 1983 is a true replica of a Key West old town home with the luxuries of today located on one of the very best blocks in Old Town. There are three large bedrooms separate from one another with unique style bathrooms, his and hers offices off the living room, and an a separate artist studio off the pool. There is a wonderful serene outdoor covered dining space for those large dinner parties surrounded by lush landscaping and gentle lighting. The interior has pine walls with painted maghony molding, and vaulted ceilings Located two blocks from the Seaport. Off Street Parking."

CLICK HERE to checkout the mls listing information and to view more photos of this lovely home. Better yet, call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing of this property. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. This property is a listing of our office but not my listing. This house needs a buyer.

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1217 Petronia Street - Short Sale - Key West

This listing Realtor describes the charming home at 1217 Petronia Street this way:

"This beautifully renovated two bedroom Classic Conch home is located in The Meadows of Key West. The main living area features a cathedral ceiling, hardwood floors and a spiral staircase that leads you to a large sleeping loft with room for an office or sitting area. The very private yard includes a wraparound deck, heated pool and a separate pool cabana. This is a potential short sale transaction subject to lender approval. Owner is a licensed Florida Real Estate Salesperson."

This home 1507 sq ft home has two official bedrooms (downstairs at front of house), the second floor loft (quiet large), and the pool house which could be used as a guest bedroom and 2 1/2 baths. This home could function as a full time family home with room for the grown-ups and kids or as a great getaway house for buyers who want a place where they can relax with their friends and family. The main living area is at the rear half of the house where French doors open onto the covered patio. The pool and pool house lure the people on the inside to come outside.

This property was renovated in 1999. I'm not a builder or home inspector but the workmanship looked pretty thorough to me. The front of the house is very Key Westy cute but it is the pool area that really awes the viewer. This property is a short sale. It has been under contract twice before and unfortunate events prevented the first buyer from completing the purchase. A second buyer decided he could not wait for the lender to move as quickly as the buyer wanted. So now this property is back on the market.This is a lot of house for the asking price of $575,000 or $382 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to review the mls data sheet and to view photos supplied by the listing agent.

Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at kw1101v@aol.com for more information. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

The Plight of the Living Dead

I don't want to start something that I cannot finish. Whenever you talk about religion, politics, race, and other sensitive issues on which almost everyone has an opinion, you open yourself up to criticism and maybe more. But what the heck, this is America where everybody is entitled to his or her opinion. As long as you are not a Commie.

I grew up in the 1950s when Commies were everywhere. We knew they had to be stopped or they would takeover the world. We saw menacing photos of millions of Commies and their missiles that threatened our very existence.


If you are an original baby boomer like me you must remember "duck and cover" as a way of avoiding total nuclear annihilation by diving under your wooden school desk and waiting for the nuclear bomb to explode and clear so that you could return to normal life.

I may be wrong but I think the horror movies of the 1950s were an allegory of our collective fear of the Commies. We watched monsters mutate and take on horrible existences that threatened our way of life. These monsters were seemingly unstoppable. It was as if nature had turned against us. We became the prey of the dead and the near dead. Animals and insects mutated into hideous creatures that tried to eat us. And just plain natural crud like "The Blob" oozed out of nowhere and slimed its way into our small towns and engulfed everything in its path. Our lives were doomed, forever. But at the end of the second reel a hero would emerge and save the day and kill all the monsters.


I was at the gym on the morning of 9/11. The guy at the front desk yelled out two planes had hit the World Trade Center. I knew instantly that accidents like that do not happen. I jumped on my bike and sped home talking to God all the way. I was home in a couple of minutes where I turned on the TODAY Show where I watched in disbelief as the first tower collapsed and then the second. As I think back on the images I saw then, I remember similar images from the movie "Armageddon" when New York City was being destroyed. It was like life was imitating art only it was not a movie. It was really real. It was unbelievable. It was like the worst nightmare I ever had, but I couldn't wake up from it because I wasn't asleep.

I saw with my own eyes but listened to the talking heads trying to give meaning to what we had all just witnessed. Life as we knew it was over. But this time there would be no hero at the end of the second reel.

If you are like me and have become so accustomed to hearing news reports of wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, mine collapses, mass shootings, you may have been de-sensitized by the initial BP oil rig explosion. But as the days wore on and the oil kept gushing out of the ocean and wildlife started dying, I finally realized we have a huge mess on our hands. I thought for sure it would be over by now. I was confident someone would do something heroic. Where is Superman when we really need him?

My blog is about Key West real estate. I try to give potential buyers good, real time information on various types of properties for sale in Key West. Sometimes I reminisce about life as it used to be when we were a kinder, gentler nation. We were, you know.
And sometimes I try to impart a little perspective that whatever the catastrophe du jour is, there will always be a better tomorrow. It does workout that way in the end. Well, at least the turmoil goes away and we get on with our lives. Sometimes we get so caught up in the moment with constant "Breaking News" flashes of things that really are not news but merely re-hashed images and often conjecture created by talking heads trying to be first as opposed to being correct. Sometimes the "Breaking News" is just garbage "content" between commercials.


The mess in the Gulf is slowing tourism along Florida's Gulf Coast. Some local weatherman irresponsibly predicted the oil will get caught up in the Loop Current and will send oil toward the Florida Keys. Some other talking heads spread rumors that the oil will wind its way into the Bahamas and or up the eastern coast where it will bring further calamity. I guess anything is possible. I don't know what will ultimately happen. Nobody knows. Making predictions and scarring the hell out of people is so wrong. But I do feel comfortable in predicting that things will be okay in the end. The Russians did not attack us with nuclear weapons. The North Viet Namese did not take over all of Asia after we left. The oil spill will be dealt with. The American Economy will surge again.

Every summer real estate sales in Key West slow to a trickle. The buyers go back up north where it is cooler. The sellers who were greedy and didn't sell when the buyers were here either fire their Realtors or reduce the asking price on their over-priced trophy houses (or over-priced shacks). Hurricane season just started. You can bet that CNN and all the rest of the news channels will have satellite trucks here as soon as a named storm heads this direction. Some bonehead weatherman will be standing in our streets or pointing to his map warning of our impending doom. Bet on it.


Use the current uncertainty of the stock market, the oil mess, the bank mess, the economic mess, or hurricane season to be your catalyst to purchasing a place in Key West. Sellers who need to sell their houses need to have buyers. Use the collective calamities to your advantage.

I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@al.com. Let me help you take advantage of the plight of the living dead.

Key West Dream House

"First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination."
Napoleon Hill

The pic immediately below was taken about three years ago. It is a pic of a smallish eyebrow house in Old Town Key West. The house had a For Sale sign on it for quite a while, but it eventually sold. I showed it twice. The listing agent would not go inside because of the stench and filth. Owners lived there, trapped inside this house of hoarding. Paper and plastic bags everywhere saving God knows what or why. On one showing my buyer started to proceed up the narrow stairway to the second floor. He paused and turned back to me and said "Gary, I can't do it! The smell is so awful." I told him to breath through his mouth. We were up and then out in a flash. A nice house in a great location, but too much work and cost, he thought. The house had two licenses, meaning it could be used legally as a duplex. Again, only God could understand why someone might even consider that. Yet, the well worn look of that house intrigued so many potential buyers who dreamed of what they could do with it. One person acted and the old reality is transforming into a new one.


I took some photos to show what is going on at present. I have used the term staple gun decorating to describe some of the cheesy redos I have seen in Key West. Those redos usually consist of cleaning a place up, a good paint job, floor replacement (often with a floating floor which I hate), replacing kitchens and baths with stylish new cabinets, nice lighting, cheaper stainless steel appliances, and granite. The things that are visible are the features that get attended to. What is not seen is often not attended to.

I remember one developer(who is also a real estate broker) who renovated a house on a little lane a few years ago. The place looked so cute. I remember showing it on New Years Eve in 2004. As we stood inside I looked back at the entry door and noticed a big gap underneath where sunlight was shining through. When we went into the kitchen we saw an expensive Italian light fixture that looked just great. But when I asked how somebody was supposed to actually cook in the kitchen at night with that cute little solitary light, the developer-agent scowled at me. The developer had not attended to the foundation of the house which meant the floors were uneven. But what do you expect for a million bucks?

The photos shown below are illustrative of what a thoughtful renovation must entail. I haven't seen the plans and I don't know the architect or owner. A very respected local builder is apparently doing the renovation. I'll check back in a few months to give you an update. Take some time and look at the pics. They may be helpful in seeing what is sometimes necessary to do to fix an old house that was neglected for too long. Understand that most houses do not have to go through this kind of a renovation process. This is extreme home makeover, for sure. By looking at the lengths that someone is willing to pursue to pursue to transform their dream into a new reality for this old house.

This photo shows the house elevated several feet off the ground. The main floor is gone and all that remains is the "eyebrow" or second floor portion.

This is what remains of the underside of the house. Big holes have been bored into the ground for placement of new concrete piers.

Look carefully at the top of this photo where you will see a window that is actually hidden from street view. Placement of windows like that allow the windows to remain open during the day and even during storms. These windows allow some light and cooling ventilation inside the house.

This photos shows what was the second floor of the old house. Now that all of the clutter and cramped living spaces are gone, the new house has a fresh start on re-imagining what this house can become.

The two above photos are taken from Elgin Lane looking at the underside of the house as it temporarily sits awaiting new piers on which it will be transformed into its new reality.

CLICK HERE to search the Key West Association of Realtors mls database. If you see a property that interests you, 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. Not all "fixers" have to go through such a process. We are in the summer lull right now. There are still some good nice homes that are affordably priced. Please give me a call and let's find your new place in Paradise.

824 Shavers Lane - Key West

A little over two years ago the little house on the big lot (50' x110' or 5500 sq ft) at 824 Shavers Lane was offered for sale at $735,000. It did not sell. The price was recently reduced to $297,500 which is still $488 per sq ft, but now the price may make the property worth a look-see.

The listing agent describes this property this way:

"An opportunity! Total renovation/demo. Rarely can you build your dream home on a small quiet lane steps off Duval.What a location..steps away from the Hemingway House and the Lighthouse Only five short blocks to the Southernmost Point!Recent appraisal and priced accordingly."

Click the MAP to locate 824 Shavers Lane. You probably have walked near or biked or drove by but never even knew the lane, let alone the house, ever existed. It is a one block long lane that is sandwiched between Duval Street to the east and Whitehead to the west. Olivia Street (the Hemingway House is at the corner of Olivia and Whitehead) provides entry to Shavers Lane from the south and Petronia Street (Bourbon Street Pub near the corner of Duval and Petronia) is at the north. Shavers Lane is narrow and few people go there without a reason. So if you are looking for a secret hideaway, Shavers Lane may be worth considering.

The listing agent suggests the property may be demolished. Renovations normally cost more than new construction so it might make good economic sense to remove the existing structure and build all new. I'm not a builder and I can't and will not cite construction costs. But I do believe it would be economically feasible to buy this property and construct a very nice new home with off street parking for two cars and put in a real pool for less than it would cost to purchase a three bedroom home with a pool and parking on one of the tonier streets in Old Town. (I'm not talking about a million dollar house either.)

CLICK HERE to review the mls listing info. The existing house sits rather close to the street. The lot is very deep and quite wide. I think a new home that sits further back would make better sense than trying to use the existing house and current configuration. Of course using the existing house makes it easy for the new owner not to use current building code setbacks. It may make sense to utilize the existing structure in some portion of the overall design of the revamped property.

I found an old photo of 824 Shavers Lane (old as in 1965 and shown above in black & white). The house looks pretty much the same today. The depth of the lot and the absence of any protected trees that would prohibit building give this property great development potential.

South Beach is a five minute walk (if you can avoid slow moving tourists). La Te Da, the Bourbon Street Pub, the 801 Bar, and The Monkey Bar are all within a five minute walk. Camille's, Santiago's Bodega, and Antonia's Restaurant are also located within five minutes of the front door. CVS Pharmacy and Bobby Shop (that's where I get my hair cut) are within a five minute walk as well. You can ride your bike at Ft Zach Taylor in about seven minutes.

If this property looks like something that may interest you, 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 sunny Key West, Florida. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

2327 Harris Street - Key West - Short Sale

Just listed 2327 Harris Avenue in the midtown area of Key West. I don't do many listings, but when I do, I sell them. Usually quickly. We shall see if this APPROVED SHORT SALE is an easy sale.

2327 Harris Avenue was constructed in 1979 and has 1920 sq ft of living space on two floors. The houses sits on a nice 4758 sq ft corner lot at Harris Avenue and Sixth Street. Click on the MAP. The yard is framed with a nice white picket fence in the front and a higher privacy fence on the sides and rear. There is a beautiful 30' x 12' free form pool surrounded by slate tile deck. The front, side and rear yards are nicely landscaped with a variety of tropical foliage.

The house has three normal sized bedrooms on the second floor plus a large master bedroom with en-suite bath (Jacuzzi included). French doors open off the master bedroom to a second floor front balcony that wraps around the house.

The main level has an inviting entry that opens into the large combined great room with adjacent dining and kitchen. There are two sets of French doors at the rear that beckon yo out to the covered patio and the inviting pool. There is a built-in grill off to the side and a hot tub.

CLICK HERE to read the mls data sheet and if you follow me on TWITTER you can see more exterior and interior photos.

Better yet, please call me to schedule a showing of this family home that is priced to sell at $345,000. Remember that bank has approved the sale at $345,000. Don't delay. Call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

Cover Girl - Key West Style

Key West Cover Girl featured in Traditional Home Magazine June-July 2010

I wrote a blog about a Key West cover girl many months ago. That same dame is at it again-big time. She is featured in the June - July 2010 issue of Traditional Home Magazine CLICK HERE.You really must click that link and then double click on each page to see the stunning photos and read the text that describes this chic chick. (Double click and use the back button on each successive page to read the text and appreciate the great photography.)

I remember riding my bike past the eyebrow house on William Street many times. Then one day I noticed that construction workers were there ripping things apart. Later I noticed renovations were in progress. Months passed and the old eyebrow house that had look so much in disrepair looked like it had been on one of those extreme home makeover shows except that it wasn't made over. It was restored with grace. Four years have passed since the redo. And boy does this dame look swell.

But that's not the end of the story, no pun intended. (Read the click.) I just got back from trying to take some present day pics of the front of this lovely home. Today is overcast and a new group of construction workers are finishing up on a new storm sewer project that has been going on for months. Traffic diversions, noise, and nasty cement air has messed up our quiet little town. So the photos I hoped to take did not come out as intended.

Last year the owners of the above home featured in the article in Traditional Home purchased the house directly behind them on Pinder Lane. It got snapped up as soon as it went on the market. So when I went over to take my pics I needed to see what, if anything, had happened to the Pinder Lane house. Voila! To see, you must TWITTER.

I have been told the Pinder Lane property will become the guest cottage for the main house. The pool featured in the magazine story is gone. The backyard is gone for that matter. I can't wait to see the next chapter in what the owners and their very sophisticated designer and architects (and builders, too) create. Stay tuned.

You don't have to be rich and spend a kagillion dollars to have a charming house in Key West. I've seen a lot of very chabby chic houses that rely more on "how to" more than "how much". There are some great little houses and some big ones as well that are for sale. We are in the summer slump even though summer has not officially started. The serious buyers have gone home for season.

CLICK HERE to search the Key West mls database. If you see a property you like, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. Our office is the exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates. Is there a Key West cover girl in your future?

715 Emma Street - Old Town - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, 715 Emma Street #2, in the Bahama Village area of Old Town Key West. The listing Realtor describes this 1243 sq ft condominium this way:

"Beautiful recently built two story home located in a small community of four homes with a shared pool. This luxurious home has two bedrooms, two and one half baths plus a den and is finished beautifully - gourmet kitchen with Sub-Zero and Viking appliances, Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors, multiple balconies, walk-in-closets, GE Smart home wiring and off-street parking. Located adjacent to Truman Annex and near the proposed new waterfront park this gated compound is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping."

Despite what some readers may think, the number of really nice and affordable townhomes and condominiums is shrinking. This new listing may be one that a serious buyer might want to consider. Only four units were built in this uber-trendy development. The spaces were carefully crafted so that it did not have the cookie-cutter layout so common in most condos. This unit is offered at $599,000.

CLICK HERE to checkout the mls listing info on this property. And if you follow me on TWITTER you can see photos I took of the surrounding properties on this block. If and when the city fathers ever get the final plans approved and actually start construction of the proposed waterfront development a couple of blocks to the west, look for this property to become very much in demand as will be many of the surrounding homes. Until then be content with knowing you can walk around the corner and eat at such lovely places as Santiago's Bodega, Le Creperie, Blue Heaven, Better Than Sex, or any of the other fooderies nearby. The Green Parrot and lots of other watering holes are also nearby. Ft Zach Taylor is a couple of blocks and all of Old Town Key West is within easy walking or biking distance.

If 715 Emma Street looks like it might appeal to you and your budget, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a showing. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

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