If I had a Hammer...

I get phone calls and emails from potential buyers that want to buy a fixer and build their own Key West Dream Home. I get it. I understand. But when I send them photos of existing properties for sale (as shown in our user-friendly Key West Association of Realtors mls database), many potential buyers see prices that they think are too high or locations that they don't like. I get that, too. I understand their pain.

507 Amelia Street - November 2010

I have shown the house at 507 Amelia Street a couple of times over the past two years. Yes, that property has been on the market a long time. The price has been reduced a bit. It is now offered for sale at $549,000. Perhaps a potential buyer with an itch to renovate will read today's blog and decide to take a look at the Amelia Street house with me. Read on, Dear Reader.

507 Amelia Street - 1965

I found an old photo above of 507 Amelia Street that was taken in 1965. The Monroe County Appraiser says this house was built in the 1920's but does not state a firm date. A similar house across the street is shown as being built in 1928. We know that this house is between 80 to 90 years old. It has been updated. The Property Appraiser shows some permits in the 1980's and 1990's. I don't recall anything significant having been done recently, and that's why I think this might make an interesting renovation project.

The listing Realtor describes 507 Amelia Street this way:

"Located only a half a block off Duval on a dead-end lane is this sweet conch house with a spacious yard, front porch and parking for two cars. Perfect for a vacation / second home as is but location could support improvement as well. Plenty of room for a pool. If you want to live within walking distance of all that Key West has to offer, this is a perfect home. Zoning allows for transient use with restrictions."

World Famous La Te Da

507 Amelia Street is about 125 feet up on the left side

The 500 block of Amelia Street is a small dead end street located about 200 feet north of LaTeDa. This block has several houses built during the same time and almost all have been remodeled and are now used as transient rentals or vacation rentals.

CLICK HERE to see a Google Map aerial view of 507 Amelia Street. When you look at the aerial view you will appreciate the size of the existing house, a separate (and legal) 285 sq ft building at the rear, a large detached carport, and lots of open space between. Remember the listing words "...Zoning allows for transient use with restrictions". Houses on all sides on this block have transient licenses. ( A new owner would have to verify that he or she could purchase and move a transient license to the location.) Any owner could rent a house in that location as a monthly vacation rental without purchasing a transient license.

The lovely cottage home directly across from 507 Amelia Street

The existing house is 1064 sq ft (plus unit in back which has 285 sq ft) which sit on a 3964 sq ft lot (irregular shaped 51' x 87' or so). CLICK HERE to see the mls listing and photos. I don't think interior photos are particularly helpful since I see this as a renovation project. The house itself is perfectly livable as is, but second home buyers want a place that is all fixed up with a pool and guest house. If I had a hammer and I were the buyer, I'd rip of the existing interiors, windows, and doors, vault the ceiling, and remake the house the way I want it. I'd fix up that unit in the back or maybe extend the existing house to attach to the building. I'd tear down that awful carport and put in brick pavers to accommodate two cars. Then I'd erect a nice white picket fence to set off the parking area from the new pool and outdoor living area off the remodeled house and guest cottage. I'd build my own little island paradise. That's what I'd do if I had a hammer.

What would you do if you had a hammer?

Many people buy fixers hire local contractors to do the work for them. But if you have the skills and want a project house, the house at 507 Amelia Street might work for you. This property is a listing of Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (That's where I work.) If you would like to see this house, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642. Let's go see this old place and see what you could do if you had a hammer.

905 Elizabeth Street - Old Town - Key West

2004 Historic Preservation Award Recipient

The listing Realtor of 905 Elizabeth Street describes this award winning home this way:

"This fully-renovated 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath house on a quiet street in Old Town surprises. Renovation won coveted 2004 Historic Preservation Award. House naturally flows from living and dining areas through French doors to private outdoor tropical setting with semi-enclosed rear porch, lush landscaping, pool and spa. Outdoor cooking and entertainment zone was featured in a 2009 national publication. Upstairs is the master suite with ensuite bath, vaulted ceilings and French doors leading to a wonderful balcony, plus additional bedrooms and bath. Downstairs bedroom with ensuite bath plus a powder room make this property ideal for guests and a large family. Classic historic house with modern additions, provides indoor outdoor living at its best!"

"French doors to private outdoor tropical setting with semi-enclosed rear porch"

Potential buyers that want a "big" house should look at this property. The listing agent shows the property as having 2091 sq ft of living space. If you live up north or the Midwest that may not seem very large. But 2091 sq ft of living space is a big deal in Old Town. The lot is also fairly large for Old Town: 25' X 131' or 3275 sq ft. I always tell people you have no idea what sits behind so many of the houses in Old Town. Consider the remark of the listing agent about this house as being a "surprise" as an invitation to see what is beyond the facade. And a pretty facade it is.

If you have done your "looking" at Key West homes, you already know that thoughtfully remodeled homes always try to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living areas. We come to Key West to live in the outdoors as much as possible. The weather in Key West beats the cold snowy messy gray days and nights in New Jersey. Look at the night time photo below of the of the rear living area overlooking the pool. Take a glance to the second floor as well. You will soon see that the outside is a big deal. Better yet, let's go take a look at this great property.


During the daytime you can let the outside in as shown in the photo below taken in the living room which opens onto the ground level deck.

The above photo was taken in the master bedroom which has a very private second floor balcony that overlooks the pool (shown below). Note the outdoor kitchen at the rear of the pool.

Cheeseburgers in Paradise forever!

CLICK HERE for more detailed information and to view several photos of this really charming home. 905 Elizabeth Street is offered at $1,295,000.

If you would like to see this home or any other property listed for sale in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Our office is the Exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

806 Shavers Lane - Old Town - Key West

The cute new listing at 806 Shavers Lane in Old Town Key West is one you won't soon forget. You walk in the front door and POW! the entire living space lights up with an explosion of color.


Shavers Lane is located one-half block west of Duval Street and just south of Petronia Street or north of Olivia Street. The lane is so small and discrete that most locals would need a map to find it. But if you know the area, you know this home is close to all the rah! rah! on Duval.

The listing Realtor describes 806 Shavers Lane this way:

"Built by one of Key West Premier builders, is this cheerful Conch style home in the very Center of Old Town. On the main level you have a very large living/dining/kitchen area which all opens to a very private pool and garden area with beautiful tropical landscaping. Also on the first level are several closets and 1/2 bath. On the second level there are two identical bedrooms with a shared bath and terraces. The master bedroom is more than ample with a walk-in closet and private bath and its' own terrace. There is room for two off street parking with a gate. Furniture available."

806 Shavers Lane is offered at $729,000 or $521 per sq ft for this three bedroom two and 1/2 bath home with a pool and bricked off-street parking in Old Town. The house was built in 1999. I took photos of the house yesterday and did not see any signs of deferred maintenance. CLICK HERE to see the photos I took.


The main floor is typical Key West comfortable living area with combined living, dining, and kitchen areas. Two sets of French doors open out onto the large deck, pool and rear garden. Upstairs there are two bedrooms in front that share a front balcony to overlook Shavers Lane. The master suite is at the rear and it has its own rear balcony to overlook the pool below. There is even a chair-elevator installed in the closet in case you have someone that has difficulty walking stairs.

CLICK HERE to checkout the mls datasheet and view the listing photos of this great property. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing of this home. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.

531 Margaret Street - Old Town - Key West

531 Margaret Street in November 2010

531 Margaret Street in 1965

The new listing at 531 Margaret Street ought to sell pretty quickly, I think. It has four of the five most common requirements from most buyers: (1) good location; (2) two bedrooms and two bathrooms; (3) charm; and (4) a pool. The fifth most common requirement is off street parking. Not available here, however. This 841 sq ft tow story home is priced at just $475,000 or $565 per sq ft. I found an old photo of this house (above). Note how part of the front porch got enclosed and how a second floor addition was added to the rear. The county records show this house was built around 1889.

The listing Realtor describes this property like this:

"Great location, walk to everything- Historic Seaport, restaurants, and Duval St. This home has great back yard space, a pool, completely fenced yard, and a large upstairs loft master bedroom with outside deck, walk- in closet, and bath. Downstairs is another bedroom with a private side deck, high ceilings in the living room with clerestory windows, and a kitchen with french doors leading to outdoor covered space, decking, garden and pool area."

Mangia Mangia is up on the corner

Michael's Restaurant is across the street

There are several very expensive homes located in 500 block of Margaret Street. And there are a couple of others that have been on the market for quite a while. I suspect one or more of these properties will be purchased in the next few months as the existing housing supply for Old Town homes in good locations is dwindling. A major renovation is going on down the block a few houses to the north. I understand that property will be used as the guest house for a major home on Fleming Street. A new home (another guest house to a separate Fleming Street home) is just being completed in the 400 block of Margaret. (You won't believe your eyes when you see how great this new addition to Key West is.)

Margaret Street looking south

The house next door at 903 Southard Street went under contract the first day it was listed in January 2010. That short sale property had two bedrooms, one bath, a pool but no parking. It sold last month for $420,000 or $707 per sq ft. That property was highly desirable because of its location and amenities.

I think 531 Margaret Street ought to sell quite quickly at the asking price. I have not been inside so I can't tell you about the age of improvements or flaws with the property. But I can tell you that the house is priced to appeal to a very wide audience of potential buyers: people who want two bedrooms, two baths, a pool, and charm with a great Old Town location. This house offers most of what potential buyers want. They can't buy the parking space, but everything else is included in the asking price. CLICK HERE to checkout the mls datasheet and to review listing photos.

Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, if you would like to see this listing (not mine). I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. If you bought this home now, you would be able to have the use of your dream home this coming season.

1327 White Street - Key West - Bank Owned Grand Conch House

1327 White Street - Key West - Bank Owned - Grand Conch House

Just listed by Preferred Properties (that's where I work), 1327 White Street in the Casa Marina area of Key West, Florida. This Grand Conch House is Bank Owned.

This is how the listing broker describes 1327White Street:

"This beautiful conch style home offers wonderful architectural features such as gracious front porch, gorgeous hardwood floors, exposed wood walls and ceilings, multiple sets of tall windows, crown moldings and four bedrooms including a third story bedroom with it's own 350 sq. ft. terrace offering treetop views of the island. There is also a den and four and a half baths all with beautiful stone and tile floors. The kitchen has a wood lined pantry and there is a separate laundry room. The grounds feature one off-street parking space plus a pool and spa. This home offers a lot of character and sq. footage."

Not a North American Salt Box by any means!

This house was made for someone that wants a big house with lots of interesting rooms and spaces. This house is the anti-salt box because the geometry of the place is so varied. Look at the photo just above. That proves my point for sure. Lots of angles and numerous building materials have blended historic sensibility and current trends together to create a really unique living space. This property has 2414 sq ft of living space. The third floor can be either used as a fifth bedroom or game room. That room provides access to the private roof top deck with commanding tree-top views of the island and the large kidney shaped pool and separate spa below. There are very few homes in Key West that have this kind of view!

The house sits on a large 4678 sq ft (46.75' x 100.08') located five blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. A white picket fence spans the front of the property. A large gate on the right provides access to the large off street parking space. Notice the wooden trellis to the right in the photo below. The house faces west onto White Street. The southern side yard is quite large. The parking space is located there (as noted above). Multiple sets of French doors open to the rear side yard and back deck and pool area. The pool area is surrounded on three sides by mature specimen palm trees. The pool and spa are quite large, but there is plenty of room left over for outdoor living. There is an existing shed with water that a new owner might want to expand and turn into an outdoor kitchen. That's the trend for high end homes.

A gracious front porch welcomes guests and provides ample space to sit and watch the world go by. Higg's Beach and Rest Beach are just four blocks to the south. The shops and restaurants of the Key West arts district are three blocks to the north and Duval Street is five minutes by bike to the west.


Guests enter into a large semi-formal entry way with a grand staircase to the second floor to the left and a large living room to the right. This home is filled with Dade County Pine which is accented by bright white crown molding, columns, and trim. The southwest corner of the room has a bay window that creates an interesting design element for this room (and which is repeated in the sitting room portion of the master suite on the second floor). The rear third of the of the main floor space houses the kitchen and dining areas. Three sets of French doors open onto the pool and garden area from this location.

The massive staircase brings guests to the second floor landing where the extra master suite with sitting area, bedroom, and en-suite bath are located. Two other bedrooms and baths share this floor. The third floor has an extra large bedroom or game room plus bath. This floor also provides access to a huge rooftop deck with "forever" views of the island.

The pool area is behind the house but gardens are located on all four sides of the property. A small building at the right rear is just aching to be converted into an outdoor kitchen.

1327 White Street is Bank Owned. It is offered for sale at $1,500,000 or $621 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to checkout the mls datasheet and to view photos of the this property.

If you would like to see 1327 White Street (or any other house in Key West), please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Our office is the Exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

A Nesting Place - 4 Lowe Lane - Key West

Why is it that so many home owners in Key West get attracted to little lanes in Old Town? Lanes are small and difficult to maneuver if you have a big car. Strangers have difficulty finding your house and friends can't park in front because there is no place to park. Guys with big egos who like to showoff to the world how rich they are can't impress anybody with a house on a lane that nobody can find. And houses on lanes aren't big anyway. What is the attraction?

Author Thomas Sanchez (Mile Zero) wrote " I live on a lane called love. Love Lane's behind the library. Key West is filled with little lanes with cute names." The lanes of Key West are quaint but they weren't made for big egos and big cars. The attraction might be the small spaces and seclusion that lure some buyers into becoming owners who can then build a nest that they can fluff and call home.

Such is 4 Lowe Lane in Old Town Key West. I found another old photo of 4 Lowe Lane that was taken in 1965. (See above.) An adjacent house to the west no longer exists. In it's place you will see a new addition (see photo at top of this blog) that is now the living room with vaulted ceiling and double sets of French doors. A white picket fence and tropical foliage separate this home from the lane. Other houses on this lane have evolved into hidden gems as well. Each home is different from the next but all share the common lane dead end lane and have a mutual appreciation for living on a road less traveled.

The listing Realtor describes this property thus:

"This charming & elegant cottage is situated on a quiet & secluded Old Town lane. The house is approached through an inviting bricked & lushly landscaped courtyard. The dramatic vaulted ceilinged great room has two pairs of French doors opening to the front porch overlooking the garden & two more sets of French doors in the rear overlooking the solar heated swimming pool. The large sunny kitchen also has two pairs of French doors opening out to the pool and terrace. Downstairs are two bedrooms, one with a vaulted ceiling & the other opening to yet another shady porch. There is a full bath downstairs and a large laundry which could easily be another bath. The master suite is upstairs with a skylit bathroom and a sundeck. One parking space."

4 Lowe Lane is offered for sale at $995,000 by Preferred Properties Coastal Realty. It is located near where everything seems to happen, but it is not amid all the hub-bub. The Historic Key West Seaport is only a couple of blocks to the north. Duval Street is a five minute walk to the west. Five Brothers Sandwich shop is up on the corner. Life's necessities are within an easy walk no matter which direction you take. CLICK HERE to checkout the mls datasheet and listing photos.

Living on Lowe Lane is like living on an island within the island of Key West. The rooftop deck off the second floor bedroom provides sunlight and seclusion. It is your own private little place to veg out, read a book, take a snooze, or whatever-whenever!

Secluded deck

CLICK HERE to view photos I took of this property. I could have done better. I wish that I had. Better than looking at photos, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to arrange a showing of this home. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties in Key West, Florida. Let's see if this is the place where you want to build your nest.

Veteran's Day - Key West

Key West - November 1918 - Victory Parade

The WW I victory Parade in the 100 block of Duval Street in November 1918.

Photo from the Monroe County Library Collection.

Photo from the Monroe County Library Collection.

The 300 block of Duval Street during the Armistice Parade on November 11, 1918. Photo from the Monroe County Library Collection.

Navy and Marines on Eaton Street for the WW I victory parade. Photo from the Monroe County Library Collection.

1106 Packer Street - Old Town - Key West

1106 Packer Street - Old Town - Key West

It's been 26 years since my first trip to Key West. Back then I would just marvel at some of the "Key Westy" houses. Many of these homes were places gays and left over hippies bought and redid on a shoestring and a lot of imagination. They were testaments to thrift, ingenuity, and art, but not necessarily in that order. As the lore of Key West became the lure of Key West and the masses started to come here to see what the fuss was all about, more people started to buy up the old houses and redo them except for many "shoestring" budgets were replaced by gobs and wads of moola, and, unfortunately, many re-dos lacked ingenuity nor were they artistic.

If you are looking for a one of a kind Key West home that rocks you ought to consider 1106 Packer Street. The listing Realtor describes this listing this way:

"Naturally beautiful home with two bedrooms and two full baths down. Upstairs are additional guest quarters with an adjoining artist's studio loft. An extra-high front fence provides great privacy, hiding a wonderful, inviting front porch. There is ample off-street parking on two sides of the property. High ceilings and an open floor plan provide a natural indoor outdoor flow to porches and a private pool with tropical gardens. A romantic master suite with charming bath has multiple French doors leading out to a totally unique free-formed swimming pool with coral rock waterfall. There are many architectural and artistic surprises in every corner of this property. Come for a visit and you will want to stay for a lifetime!"

Looks can be deceiving. The facade at 1106 Packer Street is very pleasant to look at, but you have absolutely no idea how wonderful the inside is. There is nothing normal or expected here. But everything here is terribly irresistible. This 1789 sq ft home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (that's what the mls listing says). And it sits on a 4000 sq ft (40' x 100') lot. When you enter the front door you step0 into the living room that has an unexpectedly high vaulted ceiling. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the rear of the past the ingenious kitchen and dinging area where the pool and garden beckon you. But getting there is pretty difficult because every square foot of the space has something so interesting to see, that you can't just breeze through.

If you watch all of those HGTV shows that tell you the heart of any home is the kitchen, well, it's true, at least here. The kitchen and dinging area sit midway between the front and rear. It's as if the house and yard are flipped upward and the livingroom is the feet and legs, the trunk of the house if you will. The pool and garden are at the top and are more like the head or cerebral area of the house where all of the important thinking and pleasure thoughts are created. The kitchen and dinging sit in the middle and this is the area that literally feeds the body and makes it content. On the Food Network they teach us that the way food looks makes us want to eat it. Well, this kitchen is so original it wins the Iron Chef competition for being spot on.



1106 Packer Street is a listing of Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (that's where I work but this is not my listing). CLICK HERE to checkout the mls datasheet and to view listing photos of this property.

To see more photos that I took of this really lovely home (it is not a house!) please CLICK HERE. Better yet why don't you call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, and let's set up a showing of this really great home. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. 1106 Packer Street is offered at $698,000 or $390 per sq ft. You just gotta see it! It'll make you want to find your bell bottoms or put flowers in your hair.

909 Southard Street - Old Town - Key West

909 Southard Street - Old Town - Key West in 2010

Just listed, but not by me, is the really interesting home at 909 Southard Street in Old Town Key West. I found an photo of the property taken in 1965 (see below). Compare the way the house looked then with the way it looks in 2010. Old Town Key West has a treasure trove of old houses like this: homes that have been protected from aggressive renovation or teardowns to build something new. There are some differences between the two. Can you spot them?

909 Southard Street circa 1965

The listing Realtor describes 909 Southard Street this way:

"Great Old Town home with location and charming. 2 bedroom 1.5 bath, dining and generous living room with French doors leading out to the back deck, center stair case takes you up to 2 good size bedrooms. This low maintenance home is perfect for sitting on the wonderful front porch to rock away the evening with friends, relaxing and watching the world go by."

The listing Realtor said so much with few words. He noted (1) location, (2) charm, (3) low maintenance, (4) front porch, (5) friends, and (6) watch the world go by. Some people that read my blog often comment about location. Comments about location are normally negative and reflect feelings about traffic or lack of parking. Southard Street is a feeder street in the daytime but it is very quiet after 5:00 PM and on weekends. This house has no parking nor a pool nor room for either. If you require one or both, this place will not work for you.

I like to point out the positive aspects of locations such as this property which is a 5 minute stroll to Duval Street or the Historic Key West Seaport. Second home owners and vacationers love the ability to walk out the front door and take a short jaunt to their favorite restaurant or the theater or maybe a drinking hole or an art gallery. Did you notice the small lane next to the house in the black and white photo? That is Hunt's Lane and there are just a few houses down this walking-only lane.

Some potential buyers say they want a "fixer". That is code for "I don't want to spend much and will do work myself to save money". I get it. But remember buying a place that has been fixed and does not need repairs can save you needless trips to the hospital or having to loot the kids' college fund. The good thing about this house is ready to move in and ready to start living. And it is priced at only $695,000 or $582 per sq ft.

Friends and relatives will visit you as soon as you tell them you bought a place in Key West. But if you are a little out-going, you will meet a lot of very interesting people that live here full time or (maybe like you) seasonally. I have been very fortunate to work with some very nice and most interesting people. They all have jobs and lives and most have kids in school or just about finished with college. A few couples have little ones. As a Key Wester you will meet other interesting people and new friendships will be made. Life in Key West does not revolve around Duval. It happens at dinner parties, cocktail parties, after theatre parties, art gallery receptions, sporting events, fishing, snorkeling, boating, etcetera.

The front porch is a throw back to American culture from long ago-before TV, the Internet, and Twitter. Key West has lots of front porches (like the porch at 909 Southard Street) where you can watch the world go by.

The bigger house across the street has a larger porch guarded by stone dogs but both houses get to watch the same parade.


CLICK HERE to checkout the mls listing datasheet and to view listing photos of the inside. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a showing of this charming Old Town home. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.