1108 White Street, Key West - Income Property

1108 White Street is a two story mixed-use building located on the White Street business corridor sometimes referred to as the Arts District. Even if you aren't all that familiar with Key West yet, you  surely have driven past this location before. Fausto's Grocery Store is located across the street. Sandy's is down the street.  Look closely at the photo, you'll see 1108 White reflected in the glass doorway 

I looked through the old shoebox and found a photo of the property as it appeared about fifty years ago. If  you compare the current facade in the color photo to the facade in the black and white photo you will quickly see the original second floor front porch was enclosed to provide additional interior space and that the old front addition was expanded a bit as well. The driveway in the black and white photo is now a handicap entrance to the ground floor commercial space as well as entrance to the first and second floor apartments.

The listing Realtor describes the property this way:

"Fantastic opportunity to own a fully-renovated, multiple-use building with commercial space and a private two bedroom two bath residential unit on the ground level, with an exciting one bedroom one bath apartment with private deck and huge unfinished attic for storage or expansion upstairs. This is a high quality renovation with amenities such as polished oak floors, central A/C, high ceilings, stainless steel appliances, separate laundry rooms, and so much more. Being a versatile property with turn-key income, potential uses are unlimited. Future owner can live in one of the residential units and collect rent or just enjoy the income stream. Residential and commercial leases are in place. Income and info available upon request."

I was not able to see the inside of the first floor commercial space. The two residential units are nicely laid out and have large updated living spaces.  They are more like condos than apartments. The first floor is typical of many homes in Old Town in that the living space is located at the rear of the property which then opens out to the back deck. This arrangement gives the occupants a nice living space plus outdoor living area. Renters will pay more money for upgraded living spaces.

The second floor unit has a rooftop deck as well. The exterior stairway has a great view of Fausto's across the street. Sandy's Sandwich shop is located a 1/2 block to the north. There are several gyms and yoga studios within three blocks. The location is an easy walk or bike ride to Duval Street and the Historic Seaport, both locations where many locals are employed. Full time workers will like these units and this location.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 1108 White Street which is offered for sale at $1,249,000. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-3642 to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

"Cute but poor finishes - lipstick on a pig."

A couple of weeks ago I showed a recently renovated Key West house to a potential buyer. I showed the house before and knew what to expect.  While driving to the property I told the buyer I thought the owner/renovator had done a nice cosmetic makeover but warned her to look beyond the new kitchen and a slick paint job. The place looked great. When we were outside I pointed out rot in the eaves which was painted over. Then I directed her attention to a section of newly added siding that was applied just below historic siding which had been painted over several times instead of being scraped, sanded, primed and properly painted.  It was obvious to me that while the new siding looked good, the inadequately prepared old siding would require repair or replacement in the near future and might be an omen other shortcuts the owner/renovator may have taken.

Yesterday a couple that I sold a property to went out looking for a potential investment property. I was hosting my own open house and could not be with them. They happened to go to an open house at the property mentioned above. After seeing the place mentioned above my buyer sent me an email that "Cute but poor finishes - lipstick on a pig."

I remember showing a then recently renovated house on New Years Eve Day. It was located at the end of a very desirable lane in Old Town. All of the houses on this lane had been updated. You could not ask for a better location. As soon as we walked inside I immediately noticed things were not as perfect as the asking price would suggest. There was a big gap under the door where I could see daylight shining through. The bathroom had been updated with new vanity with black granite counter top, new fixtures, and a beautiful light above the mirror. However, I could see a sliver of light peeking through the bathroom window frame. The kitchen had new cabinets, black granite counter top,  stainless steel appliances, and a single very elegant light fixture located over the nearby kitchen table. I distinctly remember asking the agent how an owner was supposed to cook in this kitchen at night with that pretty but insufficient light source. We finished off our tour by looking at the newly added pool. The people that bought that house had to obtain an after the fact permit because the pool was built without a permit. They were fortunate that the city did not make them take the pool out.

Beware of renovations that are no more than lipstick on a pig.

1026 Von Phister Street - The Casa Marina Area - Key West

Just Listed by Preferred Properties Key West, 1026 Von Phister Street located in Key West. The listing Realtor describes this 2233 sq ft four bedroom, four bath Casa Marina Area home with guest cottage as a:

"Modern Traditional sprawling ranch home on a large corner lot in the much sort after Casa Marina. The interior flows to incorporate the massive outside living area, focusing on the 38'X 14' heated pool and outdoor kitchen with covered dining. There is a guest cottage with a breakfast kitchen and full bath that is situated just off the pool. The house boasts an enormous master bedroom suite with a large walk-in closet, sunlight filled marble bath with Jacuzzi tub, walk-in shower, and a sitting room. The living area is surrounded by large windows, which extends gracefully to the kitchen and pantry. Off street parking for two cars covered and two uncovered. This home is outstanding in the evening light."

This home is laid out with privacy in mind. The open living area is located at the front. The dining area and kitchen are at the rear. The covered out door kitchen is adjacent to the indoor kitchen. The master suite is located on the far side of the pool as seen immediately above. Guest bedrooms are located on the opposite side of the main house and in a stand alone guest cottage at the far side of the pool. The thing is you can enjoy your guests. They can enjoy your home. You and your guests won't have to share all moments together.

Huge palms frame this 98' X 99' sq ft corner lot located just four blocks from the Atlantic Ocean.  Houses in the Casa Marina Area are known for their extra large lots and less density as compared to Old Town. Most of the houses in this area are single story which means more privacy. A lot of homes in this area are second homes which means they are not occupied most of the year. Some people rent, but many do not.  You will become familiar with locals as you will see them walking their dogs or doing daily fitness walks.

I actually live across the street from this property. I think it was my first 4th of July that I realized I could sit by my pool and watch the fireworks being shot off over Higg's Beach. You could do the same thing if you purchase this home.  Of course if you walk over to the beach you will get an even better view.

I am sitting at my desk as I finish today's blog. The Plantation shutter is open. The near full moon glows bright ducking in and out of clouds. The palms are swaying back and forth in the breeze. My house is also on a large corner lot and I also have giant palms that frame my yard. My sky is immense. That is something you rarely get to experience in most houses in Old Town. That's because most houses are two stories tall and sit so close to each other that views are limited. I'm not suggesting that life is better here. But it is different and more private. And the views aren't bad either.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 1026 Von Phister Street that is offered for sale at $1,995,000.  After you have view the listing photos please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this property.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me show you the Casa Marina Area of Key West. You may fall in love with it.

Key West's Newest Beach...

A tourist recently captured a couple of photos of Key West's newest beach - The Fleming Street Beach located opposite the Monroe County Public Library.

If you would like to buy a place in Key West that has a pool and more privacy, contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place (with a pool!) in Paradise.

324 Whitehead Street - Old Town - Key West

The listing Realtor, not me, describes 324 Whitehead Street in Key West this way:

"Historic Truman Annex Naval Officers home, circa 1906, featuring 5 bedrooms each with its own ensuite bathroom. Classic front double porches grace the facade of this home, one of the most grandiose in Old Town Key West. Home has been extensively restored to feature a chef's kitchen, formal sitting room, spacious dining area, media room, and guest cottage with large indoor/ outdoor living room not included in living square footage. Master suite boasts a sun-filled sitting room that serves as its entrance. Spacious guest rooms and closets throughout. Over 1000 sq. ft. covered decks and porches. Property has off-street parking via the gated access of Truman annex, yet offers an entrance off Whitehead Street for easy walking access."

One of the things I love about my job is that I get to see the interiors of some pretty incredible homes. I love to see unique cigar Cigar Maker Cottages and Eyebrow Houses. Sometimes I find a Grand Conch or Bahama House that is just "done to a T".  I am always finding some extraordinary architecture or interior design in the Casa Marina Area. Yesterday I got to see one of the most beautiful houses in all of Key West - 324 Whitehead Street which historically was a Naval officer's residence. Today it is a gracious private home offered for sale at $4,850,000.

I dug into the old shoebox and found three photos that date back to the first part of the twentieth century that show 324 Whitehead Street. The first (above) is an aerial photo of  324 Whitehead Street taken in the 1920s. The entire area shown in that photo was part of the US Naval Station until the 1980s. Today much of that area is now part of the Truman Annex. Some of the buildings shown in the top of the photo have been razed and replaced by the Marriott Hotel and condominiums. The middle photo shows 324 Whitehead Street in the 1930s. The bottom photo shows the main gate to the former Naval Station which is about 100 feet north of 324 Whitehead Street. The grandeur of the gates and the facades of the houses let's us know that the military officers lived in style. Wait till you see the inside. 

An iron fence and broad lawn punctuated by tall palms separates the house from Whitehead Street. The front porch sits high off the ground and gives a commanding view of the street.  The front porch is extra wide and runs the length of this huge house. Multiple sets of French doors provide alternate points of entry to the home.

Unlike modern architecture which has rooms with open spaces and sometimes undefined purposes, this grand old house has specific rooms for specific purposes. The front parlor with fireplace is separated from the formal dining room by an interior sets of petite French doors. An informal living area is located on the opposite side of the main floor front. The extra large chef's kitchen is at the right rear. 

An attached guest cottage was added to the north side of the house which includes a bedroom with en-suite bath. The backside of the cottage houses the outdoor living and dining area that overlook the pool below. 

When I arrived at the second floor landing I looked directly into the sitting room off the master bedroom. I was taken aback. Wow! We just don't have spaces as grand as this in Key West. The adjacent master suite includes a fireplace and double sets of French doors that open out to the second level front porch. What a view you have from that place. Then I went back inside and entered the master bath. It is enormous. There are dual pedestal sinks on opposing walls on one side. The entire opposite wall is a custom made closet with mirrored doors that looks like it is a hundred years old. But it isn't. A center island with similar antiquing provides additional storage plus a coffee bar. There are two more bedrooms on the second floor plus a third floor bed and bath that take up the entire third floor.

324 Whitehead Street is offered for sale at $4,850,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos. If you are in the market for a truly grand home, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to see this one. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.