Key West Waterfront Townhome - Bank Approved Short Sale - Record Breaker

3029 North Roosevelt Blvd. Unit No. 25 - Key West

There aren't that many homes, condos, or townhomes that are actually located at waters edge in Key West. And as a rule properties that are located on the water are pretty darned expensive. Rules are made to be broken. The listing agent for Key Cove Townhome Unit No. 25 sums up this bargain this way:

"Empty, Easy to show, Bank Approved Price, Quick Close! Highest class units built at Key Cove. Located at the rear of the property on the water (launch your kayak!) with Sunset and Gulf Vista. Spa is on second floor balcony rear overlooking the water."

I was really impressed with this unit. The unit is located at the very rear of the complex on waters edge. This unit and its nearby neighbors share a common Key West architecture that mimics the style of grand Conch houses of Old Town. But they have something the old places don't have - water views. That, and modern construction materials and techniques designed to make living less expensive and more enjoyable. Unit # 25 was built in 2002. It has 1400 sq ft of interior living space divided between two floors. The main level has an open kitchen and great room. There is a nice half bath on this level as well. But it is the rear balcony with the water views that make this unit so appealing. And then it gets even better.



Upstairs you will find a very good sized master bedroom which is located at the rear. While the main level has tiled floors, the stairway and bedrooms are carpeted. The master bedroom has an en-suite bath and large closet, but it is the rear second floor balcony with spa that really sets this unit off from other places similarly priced. Two more bedrooms are located at the front and each has access to the front balcony. Those bedrooms share another bathroom.

3029 North Roosevelt Blvd. Unit No. 25 if a short sale offered at $399,000. A previous offer was approved by the lender at a similar price. The buyer withdrew from that contract after the lender approved the price. The listing Realtor believes a new offer could easily be approved. CLICK HERE to see a slide show of photos I took of this property.

Front bedroom is carpeted, has vaulted ceiling, and access to the front balcony

View off the front balcony

Having covered off street parking is a luxury in Key West. This unit has two covered parking spaces plus additional storage.

There is a nice area behind these townhomes filled with trees, tropical foliage, and mangroves. There is space already cut out for you to have access for your kayak or small boat. The water here is very shallow, but that's why small craft functions so well in places like this.


If you are looking for either a full time home or a getaway place in Key West, this unit might just work for you. It has great views, a shared community pool, water views, and it is affordably priced for the Key West market. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet on this unit. Better yet, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305.766.2642 or send me an email to schedule a showing of this unit. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Break some rules, enjoy your life while you can.

Estate Sale for the Serious Buyer - Key West

Estate Sale

If you are among those that viewed 1006 - 1008 Fleming Street in Key West during the past few months, you already know the house and the furnishings just rocked. I am pleased to report the property is under contract and is scheduled to close very soon. The contents including furniture, furnishings and art will be available to purchase between 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Friday and Saturday.

CLICK HERE to view more of the furnishings available.

Why I'm Thankful

I'm thankful that I have my health and that I live in Key West.

I fell in love with this town soon after I arrived here on my first visit. I remember walking the streets of Old Town, imagining what it would be like to live in a place like Key West. So many of the houses back then were so funky and un-fixed. I envisioned what I could do to them with a little paint and a lot of hard work.

After I actually moved to Key West I learned to love just being here. I quickly decompressed from my former lifestyle. Things that had to be done in a New York minute just can't get done that fast here. There's no forcing it. People don't move too quickly. I learned to plan ahead and hope for the best. It works.

I love the weather in Key West, even the torrential rains and the sizzling summers. I look forward to the first day of October when I know cooler days are heading our way. One of my fondest memories occurred on Christmas Day a few years ago. I spent the day at Atlantic Shores laying by the pool in 80 degree weather. Later that afternoon I was preparing a prime rib roast and had the TV turned on. I remember a weather report about how damned cold and miserable it was up in New York or New Jersey and I thanked God I didn't live there.

A few months ago I had to go to Omaha. While there I went to a large shopping mall. As I started up on the escalator (we have none in Key West) I looked around at all of the people. It was a very busy day and the place was filled with shoppers. And then I realized everybody was white and so normal looking. I thought 'how odd' they looked compared to the people who live in Key West. We are a mixed bag of Conchs who grew up here and others who came here looking for something less than normal but more fulfilling than one could hope for elsewhere. We are white and black, brown and yellow. We speak English, Spanish, French, Czech, Russian, Polish, and many other languages of Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Go to our Winn Dixie grocery and you'll see what I mean. Some came for love; some came to get away from the law (or an ex); some came to party; some came to start a business or to find a way to get by with a lot less stress; some bums came to live off those of us who do work; and many came to work very hard at several jobs so they could save money and return home where life is not as rewarding as it is in the United States.

I have all that I need or really want. What more could a person ask for? For that, I am thankful.

1218 Pearl Street - Key West - Short Sale

1218 Pearl Street - Key West - Short Sale

Just listed, but not by me, 1218 Pearl Street in Key West. The asking price on this Short Sale listing is just $499,000 or $313 per sq ft for this three bedroom two and one-half bath home with 1596 sq ft of living space. You can see from the photo above this home has first and second floor porches in front. It has double decker porches in the rear as well. See photos of the rear and the pool taken from a prior mls listing.

The prior owner paid $1,087,500 for this home in August 2005. It's the same house, same location, and a much better price in 2011. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet on this property. Like many other houses that are priced affordably, I expect this place to go under contract quickly. The Rose Tattoo house is across the street. Bayview Park is a couple of blocks to the north. The great Atlantic Ocean and the beaches of Key West are just a few blocks to the south. Old Town is a ten minute walk or bike ride away.

If you would like to see this house or any other property in Key West, please contact 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, Florida. By this house at this price, and you will be thankful for years to come that you read my blog and acted quickly and decisively.

1123 Von Phister Street - Casa Marina Area Cottage - Key West

1123 Von Phister Street - Casa Marina Area - Key West

Just listed by Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (that's where I work but this is not my listing) 1123 Von Phister Street in the Casa Marina Area of Key West. The listing agent describes this property this way:

"This lovely 2/2 Conch cottage is located on a quiet street in the desirable Casa Marina neighborhood. Some of the home features include a living room with cathedral ceiling, kitchen with granite countertops, two french doors (one off the of master bedroom), two patios plus a covered porch to enjoy the excellent outdoor living that Key West has to offer. Property is set back from the street for additional privacy."

The cottage sits behind a white picket fence to the rear of the 36' x 94' (3404 sq ft) lot. The cottage has 854 sq ft of living space plus decks. The Monroe County public records show the house was built in 1938, but we know that was during the Great Depression. Other larger houses in this particular block were built in 1906 and 1907. I suspect this cottage was built some time prior to 1938. Public records also show that the house was updated in 2000. Offered at just $595,000.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet on this property. Better yet, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a showing of this home. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

Key Cove - Bank Owned Affordable Unit - Key West

3029 N. Roosevelt #48 is Bank Owned

Just listed, but not by me, 3029 North Roosevelt Blvd. #48 in the Key Cove Condominiums. This unit is designated as affordable and restricts purchase to buyers who meet housing income guidelines and who have lived in Monroe County at least one year.

Covered and enclosed parking for two cars

Gated pool

Key Cove Condominiums were built in 2000. This unit is a two story with 800 sq ft of living space divided between two floors. The unit has a double 'garage' on the ground level which is screened in. The main level has the living room, kitchen, a guest bath and utility room where the hot water heater and washer/dryer hook-up is located. The top floor has two bedrooms and one bath plus a large walk-in closet where the air handler is located. This unit is very clean. A couple of walls need painted but I did not notice any significant issues. A home inspection should be done on any home purchase, however. CLICK HERE to view photos I took of this property.

Living room

Kitchen

Bathroom has a pretty view out towards the water

3029 N. Roosevelt Blvd #48 is Bank Owned and offered at just $154,900. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property.

If you would like to see this unit or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

1121 Watson Street - A Singluar Short Sale Sensation - Key West

The Conch Grove Compound pool is wonderful!

The cute little cottage at the Conch Grove Compound is "back on the market" as a short sale and the lender has approved the property for short sale at the price of $325,000. The house was previously listed at the asking price of $299,000 and went under contract about 75 days after it was initially listed. The place is a 'cottage'. It is not a house. It cannot be enlarged. What you see is what you get. That being said and hopefully being understood, you actually get a nice place to live in a quiet Old Town location for not a lot of money. The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"Renovated cigar makers cottage tucked away in a charming gated old town compound. Eleven homes share an extra large heated pool surrounded by mature tropical landscaping. Cottage was renovated in 2004. New roof in 2010. Move in condition. Just bring your flip flops and bathing suit to wile away the winter blues!! (Homes owned fee simple as part of a homeowners association.) This is a lender approved price on the short sale."

The 'ladder' provides access to the loft bedroom

Kitchen is at the right rear and bath is at the left rear

Loft bedroom

1121 Watson Street #2 is located two blocks west of White Street and two blocks south of Truman Avenue in the Conch Grove Compound which consists of several cottages and single family homes that share a large sunny and heated pool, gardens, and off street parking. The property is not a condominium. The owner of each cottage or house owns the ground under the property in fee simple. But all property owners share ownership of all of the common areas. Each cottage or house is unique. So the place does not look like a Disney version of Key West. It is the real thing. And I mean that in the most positive way. Writer James Kirkwood, co-author of "A Chorus Line", was one of the first homeowners in the Conch Grove Compound. Local author David Kaufelt used to live there as well.CLICK HERE to read the listing Realtor's comments about this property.

1121 Watson Street #2 is a one bedroom one bath cottage that is offered as the approved short sale price of $325,000. The cottage is just 420 square feet in size plus 5' x 14' porch. The Monroe County Property Appraiser shows that it sits on a 25' x 58' (1422 sq ft) lot. I know this is a small property. That is why it is called a 'cottage'. I have more photos that I will be glad to share with you if you contact me below.

If you would like to see this property, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. This property will not last long at this price. Serious buyers need to act decisively.

Harbor Lodge - Key West Waterfront Condo

833 Eisenhower Drive - Harbor Lodge Condominiums - Key West

I have previously written that I used to own a guest house in Key West. I'll never forget the phone call when a potential guest asked if Key West was surrounded by water. Yes, it is. Surprisingly, however, there are not that many homes with waterfront views here. More rare are homes in or near Old Town with waterfront views. Those that do exist normally sell at a premium over other properties. Unit #2 at Harbor Lodge Condominium (located at 833 Eisenhower Drive) is a wonderful two bedroom unit overlooking the Garrison Bight and within walking distance to downtown Key West. The building is very well maintained and has only three units per floor. Best of all, this unit has a private boat slip included in the purchase price. The listing Realtor describes the property like this:

"A boat slip and gorgeous views of Garrison Bight come with this pristine 2/2 Harbor Lodge condominium. You'll love this bright end unit with extra windows, designer kitchen, high ceilings and deck overlooking the pool and sparkling water. This beautifully maintained unit also has assigned covered parking and an extra large workshop/storage area."

Imagine waking up in the morning, grabbing a cup of coffee and then walking to your balcony overlooking the Garrison Bight. Sipping coffee. Watching the sunrise and Key West come alive. Maybe later in the day you'll go down to your boat and go out for some fishing. Imagine your friends and family in New Jersey (or where ever) freezing the rear ends off in February and fighting throngs on the freeways or subways.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet on this property. And CLICK HERE to view more photos I took of this unit. Harbor Lodge Unit #203 is offered at $699,000.

If you would like to schedule a showing of this unit or any other property in Key West, 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. in Key West.

1410 Angela Street - The Meadows Area - Key West

1410 Angela Street - Key West - circa 1965

1410 Angela Street - Key West - 2011

The listing Realtor describes the wood frame Conch house at 1410 Angela Street this way:

"Located in the popular Meadows neighborhood in Old Town Key West this spacious and well maintained home features 4 bedrooms, two bathrooms, private room for an office inside master bedroom, fenced back yard with inground pool and covered deck, detached utility room with laundry. French doors in master bedroom open to the covered deck and pool. Completely fenced with off street parking and plenty of space to park on the street. The original house is a 2/1 Conch Cottage upgraded in 1998 with a 2/1 addition that is setup as a lockout,great for a mother-in-law unit or guest area, two-zone central a/c and pool. Set back from the street on a large lot landscaped with tropical trees and shrubs. Owner financing possible."

Living room and kitchen in main part of house

Bedroom in mother in law addition

This house is a Conch style (simple one storey wood frame construction) which was expanded with a large 'mother in law' addition. The mls listing shows the property as having four bedrooms which would be correct if the living room in the mother in law unit were used as a bedroom. An interior doorway still separates (or could reconnect) the main living area from the mother in law unit. The interior of the original house is more typical of homes up north in mid-America than potential second home buyers for Key West cottages expect. The mother in law unit has vaulted ceiling that adds space and volume but also takes away a bit of privacy.


The the three big selling features of this property are the size of the home, the lovely yard, and the beautiful pool. I think a new owner might want to remove the current stucco exterior and replace it with a more correct wood siding. There aren't many houses in the Old Town or Meadows area with four bedrooms, especially nice homes with a pool and off street parking that are priced as affordably as this one. A new owner might redo the rear deck and pool by converting an existing shed into a pool bar. It's not that the place as it exists is 'wrong'. It just isn't as good as it could be.


CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls data sheet on 1410 Angela Street which is offered at just $659,000 or $409 per sq ft for this 1610 sq ft home located on a 4624 sq ft lot. You may also want to CLICK HERE to view a slide show of photos I took of the property. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to arrange a showing for you. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.