Bargain Quest in Old Town Key West

Attention Bargain Hunters: 217 Truman Avenue in Old Town Key West may be the answer to your quest. I have shown this property several times and really think they buyer who purchases this house is going to get a real bargain.

The current owner did a superior job in renovating this property. Just about everything inside and much of the outside is new within the past five years. I have been inside a lot of renovated properties in all price ranges. This is real deal at this price. The 1022 sq ft house sits on a tight 19' x 100' lot two blocks west of Duval Street. The public records show the owner purchased the property in 2005 for $475,000 and then took out building permits totaling $173,570 to do the renovation. Total investment of record is $648,570. The asking price today on this Short Sale property is $349,000. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"This charming Key West home was renovated in 2006. Upgrades include new kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. French doors lead out to the private pool and waterfall. Spiral staircase takes you to the upstairs bedroom with balcony view of the pool area. This is a potential short sale transaction subject to lender approval."

The floor plan provides a very efficient use of space. The front door opens to a left hand hallway that takes you to mid point in the house. The first room on the right upon entry is a bedroom or study depending on your needs. Two large pocket doors with etched glass panels provide an unexpected novel entry and privacy. The adjacent bath can be entered from a door in the bedroom or the hallway. This allows guests to use the bath without going through the bedroom.

Pocket doors enter to bedroom/den

The living area is at the back which has a wall of French doors that open out to the deck, pool with waterfall, and the garden. The pool area is larger than many in the heart of Old Town! The new kitchen in located in the heart of the house (the center, of course). A black iron spiral staircase leads to the second floor bedroom and bath. This space is very comfortable and usable. A set of French doors at the north end of the bedroom open to a Romeo & Juliet balcony that overlooks the heated pool and garden below. The neighbor to the rear is a compound of four homes located at the end of Hutchinson Lane. The view from the balcony is very serene in all directions.

Beautiful hardwood floors and French doors opening to the pool

Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in new kitchen

Pool and garden viewed from Romeo & Juliet balcony

Bethel AME Methodist Episcopal Church is on the corner at 907 Thomas Street

1945 photo of Fort Taylor and vicinity - 217 Truman Ave. is noted with V

217 Truman Avenue is priced at just $349,000.

Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to show this home. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. Your bargain quest may be over.

Cool.... in Key West !

Cool.... in Key West !

The new listing at 1322 Thompson Street is the antithesis of the quaint cigar maker's cottages, big conch houses, or eyebrow houses that dominate Old Town Key West. Most of those houses are old and have been updated to accommodate today's lifestyle. Some renovations are highly successful while others are often challenged by small buildings, small lots, small budgets, or small imagination.

1322 Thompson Street is a 1958 ranch that was renovated by Debra Yates and Raymond Jungles who created a one-of-a-kind Key West residence that is the essence of 'cool'. The Urban Dictionary defines cool as 'The best way to say something is neat-o, awesome, or swell. The phrase "cool" is very relaxed, never goes out of style, and people will never laugh at you for using it, very convenient for people like me who don't care about what's "in.' At least half the people in Key West are cool by that definition. And so is this residence.


The first time I went to this house I was taken aback. The house sits on a large corner lot on a Key West suburban block (not Old Townish by any stretch of the imagination). It's located at the beginning of the mid-town burbs. The lot dominates its corner location which is enclosed by a large privacy fence. Tall palms and specimen trees ring the inside of the fence and grass that looks like a velvety moss that delicately frames the lot at the corner of Thompson and South Streets.

When you open the gate you walk into an oasis of lush vegetation in all directions. Specimen trees of all types and wondrous foliage separate this property from the hum-drum of so many Home Depot instant gardens.

I don't know whether it is the sound or the vibrant colors of the mosaic tiled waterfall that draws your attention to the pool. But you cannot avoid looking and hearing and just falling immediately in love with this garden. It is like "wow" in every direction you look. This is not what you expect to see-in suburbia.

The house itself is both bold in design yet very understated. Travertine marble floors in the main living, dining and kitchen areas keep the tone very low key. A glass wall in the living room looks out to the pool and fountain. The kitchen sits at the back of the living space and is defined by fire engine red wall with non-traditional horizontal windows over the kitchen sink. An intimate dining room without doors (or pretense) completes this part of the house.



The master bedroom and bath are on the south side of the house. The bedroom is totally understated, but it too has a glass wall that opens out to its own private sitting area. There is a separate Debra Yates mosaic in the master bath. A second bedroom and bath are also located in the main house. And then there is the guest cottage located out under the palm trees. Guests can access this cottage from either the front entry or a side gate on South Street.

Indoor & Outdoor Showers - Way Cool !

The listing Realtor describes 1311 Thompson Street this way:

"Key West is about outdoor space and this home has it all. There is a Privacy fence surrounding this oasis, framed by outstanding landscaping designed by Raymond Jungles and Debra Yates with a spectacular pool with a mosaic waterfall. Off the pool is a large lanai for entertaining. The main home on one level, consists of 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, with an ultra-modern kitchen, comfortable living area and an abundance of glass pocket doors leading to the pool. There is a separate guest suite with a bedroom and bath."

Guest cottage and sun deck

1322 Thompson Street is offered at just $749,000--and that, Dear Readers, is an incredible bargain. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database and to view more listing photos.

If you want to be cool in Key West, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am 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.

820 Windsor Lane - Old Town - Key West

Preferred Properties (that's where I work) just reduced the asking price on this utterly charming house at the corner of Windsor Lane & Poorhouse Lane in the Old Town area of Key West. But you won't be poor if you buy this house located at 820 Windsor Lane which is offered at just $479,000. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"A sweet conch home in the heart of old town, this property offers historic significance and a great floor plan from which one can make improvements. The guest bedroom and bath are downstairs while the master bedroom and half bath occupy the entire upstairs. Features include high ceilings, Dade co. Pine walls and floors, spacious rooms and an open kitchen with breakfast bar. A private deck and a bricked patio provide more outdoor living. This home has a lot of charm and is a rare find in old town."

In his book The Streets of Key West: a History through Street Names J. Willis Burke says Poorhouse Lane got its name because "a poorhouse was once tucked away there". I found another of those old photos that show how this property looked like in 1965. Poorhouse Lane is denoted by the unpainted vertical fence on the opposite side of the house. See the photo below. Now look at a similar photo I took in December 2010 looking in the same basic direction. With the overgrown trees and cars it is hard telling it is the same place. But it is.

820 Windsor Lane circa 1965 - Poorhouse Lane is denoted by the vertical unpainted fence

820 Windsor Lane as it appears in 2010 hidden behind the foliage

820 Windsor Lane is a two bedroom two bath home that sits on a good sized 40' x 50' lot just across the street from the Key West cemetery. St. Mary's Catholic Church is located two blocks to the south at the corner of Windsor Lane and Truman Avenue. Bill Butler Park is a short one block walk at the west end Poorhouse Lane. I must confess the City of Key West ought to spend more time and more money to maintain this potential gem.



The Historic Key West Seaport is a five or six minute walk to the north. I mention that not because a lot of potential buyers have boats or plan to go on fishing trips or sunset cruises, but because there are many great restaurants there. I love Harpoon Harry's for breakfast and a lot of friends are wild about the Half Shell Raw Bar.

You can walk to Duval Street in about five minutes. The fact is you can be just about any place in Key West within ten minutes by car. You can be most places in Old Town by foot or bike in about the same time. And it is that convenience that makes a location like 820 Windsor Lane so appealing.

Front room used as an office or second bedroom

Open living, dining and kitchen

Master bedroom and open bath

This home has a very Old Key West feel. All rooms are natural (unpainted) Dade County Pine walls, ceilings, and floors with all windows and doors painted white. The window panes are old and the glass has 'stretch marks' that show their age. There front room downstairs does double duty as an office/den and second bedroom. There is a full bath on main floor. The living room, dining area, and kitchen are one big open space with lots of windows. The master bedroom and an open bath occupy the entire second floor. There front porch has view of the Key West cemetery. The side and back yards are private and spacious.

CLICK HERE to checkout the Key West mls datasheet on 820 Windsor Lane and to view more photos of the house and grounds

Better yet please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing of this cute Conch Cottage. 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.

Stop! Quit Waiting! Bank Owned - Key West

102-9 Southard Street is about 40 feet behind the stopped car

Duval Street is just two blocks ahead - just past the security booth

102-9 Southard Street (shown) - The park is just two units to the left

I get phone calls and emails from readers who say they really want to buy a place in Key West. They say they missed buying a place before the real estate market ran-up and that now they feel they have a second chance.

The 'pain' level (price willing to pay) is typically between $400,000 to $500,000. Some buyers have 'wish lists' while others have 'requirements' which often include having a pool, off street parking, good Old Town location, and so forth. Many want or require a transient license so that they can rent the new place to help pay for it.

Today's hot property will likely be under contract to some fortunate buyer who can make a quick decision and has the ability to act now. Remember, this Bank Owned unit has a valuable Transient License which allows owners to rent the unit weekly.

102-9 Southard Street is a Bank Owned second story Shipyard Condominium in the very popular Truman Annex. It is located in the westernmost building building and across the street from the large single family homes. The parking lot for this unit is only 75 feet away.

This unit is offered at just $379,900. The listing Realtor's description is very short and to the point:

" Lowest priced unit in the Shipyard, Truman Annex complex. This two-story, 2 beds and 1 bath unit has front and back balconies."

In 2007 a different listing agent described the property this way

"Beautiful transient licensed shipyard unit with tile floors,new appliances,and the additional soundproofing installed in some origional units.This second floor unit also has a huge attic space for storage,and no noise from above.Balconies on both sides provide cool breezes,and views of the courtyard, or down Southard St. to the gulf."

Balcony view looking west

Second floor balcony is noted with black arrows - third unit back from park

Rear balcony view looking toward park

If you take your time to contemplate the meaning of life (or to shovel snow one more time), you will lose your opportunity on this unit. I think it will be gone within days. That's how fast property is selling right now. People are in town and they are buying. If you snooze, you will lose. CLICK HERE to read the Key West mls database and to see interior photos of this Bank Owned condo with a Transient License.

If you are looking to buy your place in Key West and are not working with another agent, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. The only regret I have about buying a place in Key West is that I took too long to do it. Don't make the same mistake.

Two Homes - Different Views - The Sanctuary - Key West

The Sanctuary at the Key West Golf Course

I played golf once - with my dad and a few of the men he worked with. I was twelve or thirteen and felt totally inept and never tried it again. But that never stopped me from loving the beauty of the green links, the blue skies, and wonderful weather I associate with the game. Today I am writing about two nearly identical homes in The Sanctuary at the Key West Golf Course (square feet, bedrooms and baths) that are located just a few houses apart but that have differing views, lot layout, and asking prices.

269 Golf Club Drive - The Sanctuary - Key West

269 Golf Club Drive - The Sanctuary - Key West

Take a moment and consider the views from two comparable homes located in the Sanctuary at the Key West Golf Club. The two photos above were taken at 269 Golf Club Drive looking from the livingroom out toward the course and then from the deck towards the course. A small pond and mangroves protect this property from golf carts, errant balls, and talkative golfers. The scene from the livingroom and the deck is bucolic-almost as if the golf course was an after thought.

The listing Realtor describes 269 Golf Club Drive this way:

"Premiere property located in the Sanctuary at The Key West Golf Club. Simply the BEST location available and priced to sell, today! This wonderful home has it all, expansive decks, pool, space, privacy and ONLY one owner, who has lovingly maintained the property."

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database and to view more photos on 269 Golf Club which is priced at $549,000.

283 Golf Club Drive - The Sanctuary - Key West Golf Course

283 Golf Club Drive - The Sanctuary - Key West Golf Course

It's amazing the different feeling you get when you walk in the front door of 283 Golf Course and view the fairway through the French doors. It is stunning. There's no mistaking that view for anything other than a golf course. The homes on the opposite side of the course remind you that you are in Key West and not some other locale as the Key West architecture is par for this course.

283 Golf Club Drive is offered at $649,000. The listing Realtor describes this property thus:

"Exciting opportunity to live in Exclusive Sanctuary @ KW Golf Club! Separate gated single-family residence enclave w/in gated community. Superb location near Sanctuary gates, no need to drive thru entire loop! Magnificent vista, overlooks 16th fairway/green, peaceful lake, hammock preserve w/egrets nesting @ sunset. Lush landscaping to enjoy from delightful double-decker screened verandas directly off liv. rm. & master suite upstairs. Upgrades abound, Italian tile throughout, Berber carpet on steps, Corian countertops, Radiant range, natural wooden blinds, 2-car driveway, private covered carport, inground jacuzzi w/island tin roof & wooden latticed privacy walls. Meticulously maintained home w/only two separate loving snowbird owners!"

I included a view from the second floor veranda at 283 Golf Club Drive (see photo below). Both properties have them. It is just the views that are different. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database and to view more photos of 283 Golf Club Drive.

283 Golf Club Drive - The Sanctuary - Key West Golf Course

There are many similarities and several differences between these two properties. If you are looking for a recently built single family home in Key West, you owe it to yourself to take a look at these two homes (any maybe a couple of others) located at the golf course. They make a good price and feature comparison to other homes in the Key West metroplex.

I sold a combined total of 13 townhomes and single family homes at the Key West Golf Course last year. I'm no 'pro' on golf course properties, but I do think there are still some bargains there. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.