2518 Fogarty Avenue - Key West

Instead of searching for Easter Eggs this weekend, maybe you should be searching for bargains. I recently showed 2518 Fogarty Avenue in the mid town area of Key West, and I think this is a hidden bargain for the right buyer. The listing Realtor describes the property like this:

"Single family CBS (3BD 1.5 BA) home with separate 450 sq. Ft licensed guest cottage. There is a new metal roof on the main house, recently painted interior and exterior, newer appliances, and room for a pool. The main house is currently rented through June 30th 2011. The guest cottage is open and previously rented for $1000/ month."

Large living room at front of house

Dining room opens to rear deck

Front bedroom is one of three

The house was built in 1951 and is a typical ranch, of sorts. The Monroe County Property Appraiser shows the house as being 1880 sq ft (including the guest cottage). The listing agent says the house has 3 bedrooms. There is a nice sized living room, kitchen, and family room plus office/study/ or fourth bedroom.

The legal guest cottage is the show stopper. This place is super cute, super clean and way cheap if rented at just $1,000 per month. It is located at the rear of the 50' x 100' lot and has a separate access from the front gated access to the yard.

Guest cottage living room - this place is sweet!

Guest cottage kitchen

The rear area of the main house currently has a large spa, but there is both room for a pool and easy access for construction of a pool. The front yard is nicely landscaped and protected form the street by fenced and gated access. There are two off street parking spots as well.

Guest cottage at rear - no access to the spa or potential pool

The asking price is just $399,000 or $222 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to checkout the Key West mls database and to view more listing photos. This is a good family neighborhood. I don't reckon that many second home buyers would consider this location, but maybe they should. The price is affordable and having the monthly income from the cottage would help offset taxes, insurance and a portion of the mortgage. It is worth contemplating.

If you would like to see 2518 Fogarty Avenue, please consider contacting me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

4 Lowe Lane - Old Town - Key West

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." Most of the lanes of Key West are quaint. They weren't designed for big houses or big cars. The attraction to owning a house on a lane may be the small spaces and seclusion where owners can then build a nest which they can fluff and call home.


4 Lowe Lane is a listing of Preferred Properties (that's where I work but this is not my listing). The listing Realtor describes this lovely home this way:

"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."

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!

Master bedroom with secluded rooftop deck

4 Lowe Lane is offered at $995,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls database on this lovely home.

For the uninformed Lowe Lane is an "almost" one block long slow lane that runs from Grinnell Street toward the east. It runs parallel to Southard Street to the south and Fleming Street to the north. The most familiar notable landmark is 5 Brothers Grocery which is located southwest corner of Grinnell and Southard Streets. Stop by 5 Brothers any weekday morning for a cup of coffee con leche and listen as all the big wheels, cops, politicians, contractors, and many tourists as they exchange notes on what is going on in Key West.

4 Lowe Lane is located in the heart of Old Town. Other than 5 Brother's Grocery mentioned above and Azur Restaurant located at the corner of Fleming and Grinnell, there are no commercial enterprises nearby, no guest houses, no apartments or condos. This little block is populated with single family residential homes most of which are of similar size on this lane. The homes on Southard Street to south are very large by contrast. And very expensive. Those expensive homes will help this location maintain its long term appeal and value. (The big house at the end of Lowe Lane has a street address of on Southard Street. The entrance to the carriage house is located there. Preferred Properties (that's where I work) sold that house in 2006 for $5.5 million in 2005.) All of the neighboring grand Key West Conch houses and small Key West cottages have the same quick access to the Historic Key West Seaport located at the foot of Grinnell Street just three blocks to the north and to the restaurants, nightlife, and attractions on or near Duval Street four blocks to the west.

Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766.2642 to schedule a showing of this property. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. I really enjoy helping buyers find the right nesting places.

730 Windsor Lane - Old Town - Key West

730 Windsor Lane is affordably priced at just $299,000. The listing Realtor describes this 072 sq ft two bedroom two bath house this way:

" This single family two bedroom two and two bath home is situated in Old Town Key West. Home has been moderately renovated and is just one block from the Historic Key West Cemetery. The first floor offers an open floor plan which includes the living room, kitchen and dining room with French doors opening to a private deck. Walk to restaurants, clubs, shopping and museums. Enjoy the sites from your charming front porch."

The living area downstairs is very open. The kitchen is at the rear as is the dining area. Both have access to the rear deck area. The rear deck is small and if you are looking for a place where you can add a pool, keep looking. Because there is no room for a pool here. Nor is there off street parking. But this house has a great location and there is not a lot of deferred maintenance. CLICK HERE to see photos I took of this property.

730 Windsor Lane does have a lovely front porch and a nice front yard that enclosed by the ever-so-necessary white picket fence. The house across the street (photo above) is a pleasant view as are many of the houses in this neighborhood. Readers will recall that the Key West Writer's Compound is located across the street and the Key West Cemetery is about 120 feet or so to the east. Duval Street is three blocks to the west and the Historic Key West Seaport is six blocks to the north.

You can checkout the Key West mls database if you CLICK HERE. Don't wait on this because it will be under contract within a very short time.

If you would like to see this house please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

1505 Pine Street - The Meadows of Key West

1505 Pine Street is one of two remaining Bank Owned homes located in The Meadows of Key West. Both homes are equal in size and are located next door to each other. Their floor plans are 'flips' of each other.


1505 Pine Street was constructed in 2007. It is is a 1629 sq ft 3 bedroom home with 3 ensuite bathrooms plus powder room. It is one of 8 homes built by the developer that were eventually foreclosed upon. Preferred Properties is the listing broker on the remaining homes. The listing broker describes this home this way:

"This stunning home is part of The Meadows condo association. Built with quality materials and craftsmanship, this home offers everything one expects in a luxury residence. The first level features marble floors, soaring 11' ceilings, a wall of glass doors leading to the private pool and spa. A gourmet kitchen provides solid wood cabinets, high-end stainless steel appliances, luxurious granite countertops & lots of storage space. The living room features a wet bar and is great for entertaining. The bedrooms are en suite and feature high ceilings & sumptuous baths plus a second floor laundry. A private carport has an entry through a gated drive. Lush landscaping provides a tropical backdrop for this spectacular home Easy to see!"

The large field at the end of The Meadows is actually a part of the development. It was built to absorb the storm runoff water from the homes. It practical terms, it's a nice place to walk the dogs.


1505 Pine Street is offered for sale at $825,000. CLICK HERE to read the Key West mls database information and to view listing photos.

If you would like to see 1505 Pine Street please give me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, a phone call. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

1319 Newton Street - A Meadows Charmer - Key West

1319 Newton Street - The Meadows Area - Key West

Just listed by Preferred Properties (that's where I work but this is not my listing), 1319 Newton Street in the Meadows Area of Key West. The listing Broker describes this home thus:

"This charming 2/2 historic home is in pristine condition. Located in the Meadows area of old town,it is picture perfect with a white picket fence, a dreamy front porch and orchids hanging in the palm trees. It offers a spacious living/dining room with custom built-ins and beautiful polished Dade co. pine floors. The kitchen adjoins a home office and opens to the awning covered deck and outdoor dining area where steps lead to a whirlpool spa. There is a lovely guest bedroom and bath on the first floor. The entire upstairs is the large master suite complete with a marble tiled master bath, a walk-in closet, a wet bar, laundry plus tons of storage space. There is even a private balcony off the master suite. This beautiful home is a must see!"

1319 Newton Street was built circa 1895. It is nestled among the many similar houses of that era plus a few new ones that were added in recent years. The lot is about 24.5' x 80' deep. The house is 1512 sq ft and has been carefully updated with attention to detail. This is no "cookie cutter" cottage. It is an "original". The price is just $635,000.

Living room viewed from the rear - notice custom front door extreme right

Custom china cabinet in the dining area features reclaimed wood slats from Key West Shutters

Lovely outdoor deck and dining area

Orchid Garden in the rear

CLICK HERE to checkout the details in the Key West mls database. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing of this really sweet Key West charmer. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Our office is the Lower Florida Keys exclusive affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

Bank Owned - Office Building - Key West

Just listed, but not by me, a Bank Owned Office Building located at the very entrance to Old Town Key West. The listing agent describes the property this way:

"Bank Owned Property priced to sell! First Building to be seen from US Hwy 1 driving West into Old Town Key West. Highly visible office building with parking on Truman Ave (US Hwy 1). Property was renovated in 2002. Reception, private offices, kitchen area, ADA compliant bathrooms."

1511 Truman Avenue is located at the intersection of Eisenhower Drive and Truman Avenue. Bayview Park (Key West's main city park) is located across the street. While the building has four parking spaces, there is abundant on street parking across the street which could me most helpful for a busy office or retail location. Patients, clients or customers could use park facilities while waiting to see doctor, business professional, or whoever. If the interior partition walls were removed, this would be an excellent building and location for a gym. The view from the inside looking toward the park should make working there a joy.

Abundant on street parking across the street

The listing agent says the building has 3354 sq ft of interior space that sits on a 101' x 42' lot (3963 sq ft lot-numbers taken directly from Property Appraiser's website).

The reception area is exceptional. Any business professional would love to have a reception area like this. No renovation money needed here. There are several existing offices and meeting rooms that could work well for many business types without requiring much remodeling. There is one very large uni-sex bathroom; somebody should have thought better about that! CLICK HERE to view lots of photos I took of the building just a couple of weeks ago when it was tenant occupied.

Reception area looks out toward Bayview Park across the street

Even though this building was remodeled only a few years ago, it has two problems that a buyer should consider. First, there are several noticeable stains in ceiling tiles which indicates the roof has problems. I noticed one huge problem in a conference room. (See photo below.) Second, there is a bit a spauling on the outside. That is a common occurrence in poured concrete buildings in Key West. A building inspector can advise a potential buyer as whether this warrants concern. A new owner might want to tone down the exterior paint colors, but otherwise, this is a very attractive office building. There is lots of space and abundant daylight.

Conference room leak

Minor spauling

1511 Truman Avenue is a Bank Owned property that is priced to sell at $574,500 or $171 per sq ft. This is a property definitely worth looking at quickly. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange your showing. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

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The Top of Solares Hill - 630 Elizabeth Street - Old Town - Key West

Turn this OLD HOUSE int0

Your NEW HOUSE

I just listed 630 Elizabeth Street at the top of Solares Hill in Old Town Key West.


I found a few old photos of the immediate area to share with my Readers.

Tony's Grocery in the 1960s - located across Angela Street

Same location in the 1970s but you can also see 630 Elizabeth on the right

Photo taken by WPA in the 1930s shows 630 Elizabeth St on left and Tony's on the right

Most of the funky old houses in Key West have been restored over the years. Most, but not all. A prior owner who was also a Realtor said 630 Elizabeth was a general store in the late 1800s. Most recently it was used as a duplex with an apartment with multiple bedrooms down and a larger apartment upstairs with a separate entrance. The current owner has obtained HARC approved plans to convert the building into a single family residence. When completed, the house at the top of Solares Hill will have a commanding view of much of Old Town.

Views from second floor looking down onto Elizabeth Street and Windsor Lane

The plans provide for 2300 sq ft of living space on two floors plus conversion of some attic space. HARC even approved a rear third story porch off the rear. The HARC approved architect's plans convey with purchase.

The third floor is larger than many cottages in Old Town -what space!

If you are among the many who unsuccessfully tried to buy this historic old home a few years ago, you now have a second chance. 630 Elizabeth Street is offered at $449,000. CLICK HERE to see the Key West mls database and to view more photos.


630 Elizabeth Street is easy to see. Just call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida.