Short Sale - 1307 Elizabeth Street, Key West, Florida

On February 12th I blogged about a then new short sale for a nice house located at 1307 Elizabeth Street in the Old Town area of Key West. I ended the blog by predicting "This will go quickly, at least as far as contract negotiation." It did. It went under contract within a couple of days, But that deal and a later deal both failed. It just came back on the market again.

Buyers seeking a "fixer" that does not look like it needs all that much fixed should consider 1307 Elizabeth Street, Key West. The house looks as though the owner walked away. Palm fronds are scattered all over the driveway and bricked side and back yards. I sold another house on this block three years ago and happened to snap a photo of 1307 Elizabeth Street as it appeared then. See below. It fits in nicely with the other lovely homes on this one block stretch between United Street to the north and South Street to the south. Simonton Street is one-half block away and Duval Street is one block further west. You could not ask for a better location in Old Town for the price - it's close to the action but not a part of it.

A previous MLS listing provided a bit of history of this former cigar maker cottage which was allegedly made in the Bahamas and floated to Key West in the 1880s for use of workers at the nearby Gato Cigar factory. In the 1920s it was used as a bakery. I checked the Monroe County Property Appraiser records and learned the house was significantly remodeled in 1996. It needs updated.

The black and white photo from 1965 shows the original cigar maker cottage together with an addition at the rear. The 1996 renovation added a second addition which is where the kitchen and dining area are now located. This room is a step down from the main living level and has a shed roof. The bedroom is located at the front of the house followed by the bathroom. All rooms have vaulted ceilings except the kitchen. The interiors are modern and do not have any historic character. Not being negative. Just pointing out what exists. A new side entrance on the north side opens into the living room. The old front porch is now a sitting porch off the bedroom.

The renovated house has 812 square feet of living space under air that sits on a lot measuring 40' wide by 81' deep. There is off street parking in front and a shed for the washer and dryer located at the rear. It appears that all of the windows are shuttered including the clerestory windows in the living area at the rear. The north side yard and back area are brick pavers.

 CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos for 1307 Elizabeth Street. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to discuss. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. This will go quickly, at least as far as contract negotiation.

1301 Flager Avenue, Key West - Picture Perfect and Move-in Ready

I had the opportunity to show 1301 Flagler Avenue this past week and fell in love with the house. It has been professionally renovated and is in picture perfect condition. The furnishings are included in the purchase price. It is move-in ready. So what you see is what you get. Let's take a look.

I probably have been inside more than half of the homes in the Old Town and Casa Marina districts over the years, but I was never inside this particular house. My potential buyer had selected this house because of the size and price (1800 square foot home offered at $691 per sq ft - furnished). I was impressed from the moment I walked into the expansive entry hall which flows into the great room.

There were numerous features that popped into view including the all new hand-scraped solid white oak floors; the Dade County Pine walls and ceiling painted in cool tropical tones contrasted by the crisp white window casements, trim, and crown molding; new windows; French doors with clerestory windows above; and the brand new kitchen. 

The kitchen features include solid wood knotty alder lower cabinets, white maple alder upper cabinets, natural counter-tops, and Kitchen Aide commercial grade stainless steel appliances. The chef or bottle washer can look out the kitchen window to see the pool.

The pool appeared brand new. I learned it was older but had new diamond bright resurfacing as well as new decking and new pool equipment. The pool is surrounded by lush tropical foliage. I checked - none of the neighbors can look down into the pool.

Second floor east bedroom is a large room. French doors open out to the covered front porch. This and the other bedrooms all have painted Dade County Pine walls and ceilings. The door knobs and trim are black.

The second floor west bedroom is a bit smaller but not small.  It also has French doors that open out the front porch.

The master suite takes up the back end of the house. The bedroom has a high pitched ceiling that enhances the already large space. French doors open out to the second floor rear covered porch which looks down to the pool.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet on 1301 Flagler Avenue, Key West offered at $1,245,000, then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to arrange a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. This home is definitely worthy of your consideration as a primary residence or second home in the Florida Keys.

1422 South Street, Key West - Just Listed

Just Listed  - 1422 South Street, Key West. The listing broker describes the property this way:

"This gorgeous light filled home features three en suite bedrooms plus two half baths. It was built in 2004 using the highest quality materials and attention to detail and has been meticulously cared for ever since. A custom Hansen & Bringle kitchen completed in 2017 features high end professional appliances including SubZero and Viking, Grohe fixtures,and stunning quartz countertops. The office has custom built-in desks, Ethernet & upgraded Wi-Fi . A guest bedroom suite is completely separate from the main living area. The pool area features lush tropical landscaping with irrigation and lighting and an adjacent new pool powder room. Many upgrades including a whole house generator, electronic gated parking for two cars, lots of built in storage. Excellent location."

1422 South Street could easily be a family home or a second home for snow birds. The Horace O'Bryant School (K thru 8) is located six blocks away. Bayview Park (our main city park) is located across the street from the school. Higgs Beach is located about five or six minutes to the south by bike. Our three shopping centers are located about five minutes or so to the east. Old Town is five minute drive on a good day. 

I took the above photos of Higgs Beach the dog park this morning around 7:30 AM.  (Intentionally left my shadow in the pic.) One lone person had already set up to get baked. A couple older guys were attending their dogs doing their duties. The old walking pier has been redone (again). New palms were planted. It's just such a pretty view. These are the places locals and tourists come to recreate.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and more listing photos. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing of this home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West (listing brokerage).  

515 Louisa Street, Key West - Transient Licensed Home in Old Town

Just Listed 515 Louisa Street, Key West. Beautiful Conch House located in Old Town just one-half block off Duval Street. This home has two valuable Transient Licenses which allow for daily rental.  It has a successful rental history.

The owner has thoroughly renovated the house which now a bright white kitchen with granite counter-tops, stainless steel appliances (including gas range), vaulted ceiling in the great room.
Sliding Impact Glass Doors open out to the dip pool and separate hot tub surrounded by brand new Trex decking. 

The master bedroom and guest bedroom pictured above each open out to the patio with the dip pool and hot tub. Both bedrooms are separated by the second living room with mini-bar.  This second living area is a great feature for couple traveling together. It gives them some personal space.

Each of the four bedrooms has a private bath. All of the bedrooms are nicely appointed. There are four new bathrooms which feature designer tile and granite counter-tops. The home is offered fully furnished (turn key).  

Other renovations include new new fencing, new air conditioning, new tank-less hot water heater, new tile floors, and new hot tub.   CLICK HERE to view more photos of 515 Louisa Street.

Please CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet on 515 Louisa Street, Key West. Offered fully furnished at $1,700,000. Then please call me. Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to arrange a private showing. I am the listing agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.