524 Olivia Street, Key West - Income Potential

Just Listed 524 Olivia Street, Key West. This property is listed by Preferred Properties Key West, that is where I work, but this is not my listing. Currently used as a both a home and investment property, a new owner may choose to keep 524 Olivia Street it as is, renovate and turn it into a single family home,  or to make both income units.

As soon as I saw this listing I looked in my old shoebox to see what it looked like years ago. I found a photo dated 1965 which shows the property from a similar viewpoint as the photo I shot.

I also searched the historic Sanborn Fire Maps to learn more about when the house was built. The 1889 Sanborn and subsequent Fire Maps show different sized houses at that location. That is not unusual because small cottages were often razed so that larger homes or commercial buildings could be built. What interested me about the 1889 and 1892 Maps was not the house but what looked to be a walking lane on both the east and rear. Walking lanes were not uncommon in earlier days. They provided access to houses located behind other houses. I altered the Map below a bit to point out both the walking lane and the rear name with its distinctive name "Pig Sty Alley". That was the first time I came across that name. Consider what may have gone on in that interior space and what it may have smelled like. Today that area is mostly commercial with including condos with transient rental licensees, a bike shop, and a restaurant.

I altered the map to indicate where 524 Olivia Street is located today and to show what I believe was a walking land. The Map already shows Pig Sty Alley. The current Monroe County Property Appraiser records show a gap or hiatus between 524 Olivia and 528 Olivia. What the map does not show is the fantastic location -just one-half block from Duval Street to the west and Truman Avenue to the south.

When I looked at the property I noticed the extra large space to the left side of 524 Olivia. There is both a change of concrete and a small concrete curb. I also noticed someone erected a chain link fence at the rear of 528 Olivia that attached to what may be the fence line of 524 Olivia. I don't know and I only point this out as there still may be a hiatus between 524 and 528 Olivia Street. A hiatus is defined a break or a gap. An area of land that lies between two parcels but appears from legal descriptions and public records to not be a part of either. I expect a new survey may either resolve or call  into question who owns the space I have noted. Land is very valuable in Key West. This may not even be an issue. 

524 Olivia Street is located in the X Flood Zone which is good. And is it Zoned HNC 1-3 which is very good. HNC zoning allows multiple commercial and residential typee use opportunities for a new owner. The concrete block house at 522 Olivia Street was listed for sale on December 16 and immediately went under contract. I do not know but suspect that house will be taken down and a new property built. The immediate area has numerous transient and monthly vacation rentals. Redevelopment of any parcel in this area will likely prove profitable.

The property sits on 2.940 Sq Ft lot 40' wide by 70''deep. The house has 1,800 Sq Ft of living space. There is one off street parking space which is both rare and very valuable in this part of town. 

I have not been inside and suggest interested buyers view the Key West MLS  datasheet for more information and photos. CLICK HERE to view. Then please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a showing.  I am a buyers agent and a full  time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

"I HOPE YOU DIE!"

"I HOPE YOU DIE!"

That is how part two of the three part conversation ended. The first part started this way...

About five months ago I bought a new iphone and switched carriers from AT&T to TMobile. TMobile advertised it had the fastest 5G in most places. I wanted good and reliable phone service. I bought their bate and switched. 

I soon learned my iphone did not work at my house. I live in the Casa Marina area of Key West. Big lots, open sky, not a lot of people. I had to stand outside of my house to talk on it. I had to stand in a specific spot and face south so that the person on the other end of the phone could hear me. If I turned a different direction or moved a few feet the connection would get messed up. That went on for about three months. I went to the Tmobile store where I bought the phone. I spoke to the manager who tried to help. He messed around with the phone and then confessed other customers in the Casa Marina area had similar connectivity issues meaning their phones did not work there either. Why the F$$$ didn't the salesman tell me my iphone might not work at my house. It works at my office and around town but not where I live.

I own a large house with a small guest unit which I have rented for as long as I have owned the house. Over the years I have had several different cable TV and internet providers. Comcast Cable is the most recent. It now calls itself Xfinity. The tenant in guest unit was having problems with her internet service. She called Xfinity who sent over a technician to fix her internet connection.

After fixing the tenant's internet and TV connection, the technician came to my house to announce he disabled my service to correct hers. This was on a Friday afternoon.This tech was no ordinary guy. He was a tall blonde and very cute guy who I will just call THOR. He suggested that I call Xfinity to send a different person to install a new line to my house. I asked him to install it while he was still there. He said he could not because that was not a part of his work order. He was so cute and charming that I could not be mad at him. I did, however, get Thor to call Xfinity to set up an appointment. I went the weekend without TV or the internet.

Mike from Xfinity arrived on Monday. I explained what happened. I told him that THOR had disabled my system to fix the tenant's system. Mike shook his head knowingly when I told him THOR was the technician. Mike said he remembered installing the entire system years earlier. Mike spent two hours at my house. He tested all the TVs and internet. Everything worked. He left. A couple of days later nothing worked. I followed prompts on my computer to take wires out and reboot. I did this ten times a day for about four months. It worked after a fashion but was exasperating. I pay $267 per month for TV and internet which works sometimes. I bought new cables.That did not fix the problem. I bought a brand new DELL and paid to have it installed. I have reboot it several times a day.  A week before Christmas and all through my house, not thing works like it should.

I am leading to a point. 

For some reason my iphone has perfect tele-connectivity with robo calls. We all get robo calls to sell us unwanted car maintenance programs, insurance, solicitations to support the state patrol, and more. As a real estate salesman I get targeted calls from people claiming to represent Google, Facebook, and Microsoft offering to help me boost by sales by using their companies. Sometimes I listen and then politely tell them I am not interested. Other times I hang up. 

Part two started on a hot and humid Friday afternoon after a day of dealing with my computer. I got a phone from a call some town in New York. A woman's voice mentioned Zillow and also my company's name. She said I had not responded to her email. I knew I had not received any email and decided she was a fraud. I blew up and told her not to call me again and yelled a profanity at her. 

A few minutes later I got a phone call also from New York but from a different number. I answered the phone only to hear a man say something like "Who the hell are you to talk to my wife like that?". He continued to bark. I understood I made a huge mistake. I tried to explain. He ordered me to shut up. He was talking. I listened.

He said his wife called me to discuss listing their house for sale. I knew in a split second that would  never work. I told him I was not interested. He blew up even more. He shouted at me for a minute or two and told me he would do his best to ruin my name in Key West. He ended the conversation by shouting "I hope you die!"

Part three. I have a Zillow account which includes emails from potential customers. Zillow does not forward emails to my regular email. That night I checked my Zillow account and found an email from the lady in New York. I sent her an email explaining what happened and offered my profound apology. I still did not want the listing. There could never be any level of trust from them toward me. 

I offer this tale to readers who may be tempted to tell robo callers to do something foul to themselves. Don't. 

 

1414 18Th Street, Key West - BANK OWNED

Buyers hoping to get into the Key West real estate market at a discounted price may want to checkout the new Bank Owned listing at 1414 18th Street in the New Town area of Key West.

The 6,000 SF lot measures 50'X120' and is located on the southwest corner of Eagle Avenue at 18th Street in the New Town area of Key West. CLICK HERE for GOOGLE AERIAL AND STREET VIEW. This area is noted for its large Mid-Century homes on large lots  often priced over the $2 million. This home was offered at $1,100,000 until August 2nd of this year.

The current list price is only suggestive. The property is being sold as is, no representations or warranties. Property will be included the next Auction. All auction properties are subject to a 5% buyer's premium pursuant to the Event Agreement and Auction Terms & Conditions minimums will apply.

The three bedroom / three bath home is 1,680 SF on one level. The kitchen and bathrooms have been renovated. Windows and doors were replaced and have approved Miami Dade shutters for wind insurance credit.

 

A tall privacy fence surrounds the property. Both the street aid and interior yards are tropically landscaped. There is a pool with water feature. And there are two outdoor living areas. 

CLICK HERE to vie the current Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos. This home will be sold at AUCTION. Please TEXT me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, or send me an email at garyethomas@aol.com, if you would like to see this property. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. 

The Ghost of Christmas Past in Key West

 There was a time in the not too distant past that we called Christmas "Christmas" and not "Holiday". Even the Post Office got to participate in the most beautiful time of the year. 

This photo was taken in 1962 at Trumbo Annex in Key West, U. S.  NAVY property.

Another Key West Landmark Sold - The Curry Mansion

 

About two months ago I heard a rumor going around the island that a local group had purchased the Curry Mansion for $30 million. That is a whopping even by current Key West standards. I remember being hereon a trip during the mid 1980s when I heard the mansion had then just sold for $1 million. The mansion was a significant landmark property. The price made locals gasp. Nothing had sold for a price approaching that amount. 

I immediately checked the Key West MLS.There was no record of a recent sale. I checked and re-checked and then searched county records under name of the owner. Still nothing of record. 

Then on December 11th the sale of 511 Caroline Street, Key West appeared in the MLS. The mansion property sold at $20,599,500. The two co-listing agents were Keith Blandt and Wendy Zintsmaster, both of Truman & Co. The buyer's agent was outside the MLS.

I mention "the mansion property" because the annex property located across the street and was not in this sale. I heard the annex plus a single family home were a part of the total sale. So far neither of those properties have appeared in the MLS nor in county records. 

 

907 Packer Street, Key West - Fixer-Upper Hit the Market with a Bang!

This past September I took notice of 909 Packer Street, Key West while taking photos of a different house two doors to the north. I said to myself "Self take a couple of photos of this house. It's gonna get listed one of these days:"And it just did.

I went home and shuffled through my old shoebox and found a photo of the same house taken more than fifty years ago. The old photo shows off the house a bit differently than current. The house was painted white then. The clam shell shutters in front are like giant eyebrows protecting the residents from out hot sun and rain. The little boy playing in the driveway shows how wide and long that space is. Imagine having a driveway long enough to fit two or maybe three cars - in Old Town.

At this location Packer Street is just one block long. It runs north and south between the Key West cemetery on Olivia Street to Truman Avenue. It's a narrow street that is not burdened by Conch Trains and Trolley Cars. Currently there is a handicapped parking sign in front which dissuades neighbors and strangers from parking in front. I checked the Sanborn Fire Maps which show a house in this location as of 1892.

The listing Realtor, not me, describes this home this way:

"Wonderful opportunity to bring a historic home back to its full glory! Just four blocks from Duval & tucked off of Truman Ave, this classic Conch cottage with a second story offers 3 generously-sized bedrooms, along with 2 full bathrooms. The downstairs flows from the front porch into the foyer, living & dining rooms, and back to the kitchen with a propane range and exterior access. In the backyard, you'll enjoy the ability to create your own private oasis, complete with a ~150 sf lot line bump-out in the backyard complete with a bonus storage space or workshop. This home has significant potential, with the countless prized Key West restaurants, attractions, events and scenery all at your fingertips!"

I have been in several homes like this over the years. These houses were "home"to generations of Key Westers. The families grew, went to school, got jobs, went on their way in the world. The parents lived on and then it was up to others to sell the old family home. I took not of the very tall ceiling height on the main floor. I imagine to be around nine feet - maybe a it higher. I did not see any Dada County Pine, but that was the style then.The stairway is located toward the rear. I noticed board and batten. This was a feature used to "modernize"older house to cover original Dade Pine walls with materials that gave the look of plaster. I would not be surprised if there is a treasure trove of Dade Pine in this old house. I can't guarantee it. But don't bet against it

There is a small storage building at the back of the lot that become a pool house at some later point. There does appear to be room for a pool. Aslso, the house does have propane for chefs to incorporate into the new home.

Everybody and his brother are looking to buy houses like this. I wouldn't think too long or too hard about this place. Of course it needs a ton of work. Of course it will cost a lot of money. But the end result will be a nice new home in a good Old Town location on a quiet street near the attractions but far enough away not to be bothered by them. Most but not all of the homes in in this neighborhood have been renovated. Finally, the listing Realtor advised me he has received eleven offers. Don't spin your wheels. Make an offer now.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and listing photos. Then contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to make an offer. Time is of the essence if you want to buy this home and make it yours. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Don't spin your top. You'll lost. 

1007 Watson Street, Key West - Just Listed

Just Listed and just in time for the Holidays, a brand spanking new renovation of an Old Town home located near the places second home owners want to be. 

The listing Realtor describes 1007 Watson Street, Key West thus: 

"This charming Old Town Cottage has undergone a full-scale renovation, is now beautifully appointed, and ready for new Owners. The original historical shotgun design has been maintained but inside you will find all new windows, doors, plumbing, wiring, and cooling system. Watch the world go by on the sweet Front Porch and then step into the delightful open concept floorplan featuring a vaulted ceiling with cove lighting. Gorgeous engineered White Oak flooring, Stainless appliances, Carrera marble countertops, beautiful, undulated Subway tile and Ship-Lap walls all contribute to the cozy Cottage vibe of this perfect home. The Main floor affords a Guest Bedroom with a shared Bath, as well as an inviting Primary Bedroom with Ensuite Bath. Enjoy working from home or entertaining friends in the cheerful spacious Loft space, complete with Closet and Built-Ins. The Rear Porch is just the right spot for morning coffee and starting your day in Paradise. Located in the X Flood Zone and a great Old Town walkable and bikeable Neighborhood."

Let''s take a look. Follow me as I enter the front door.

The outside is crisp and clean. I entered the house and was struck by how white and bright everything appeared. The new oak floor had a white wash look to it so it. I noticed black accents in multiple directions as well as the muted tones of the brushed nickle cabinet pulls. It all flowed together. I liked!

I remember standing near the fancy sink surveying the kitchen and dining area. Then I went down the hall looking for the living room. Thee were two bedrooms and two baths. I went back up front and looked up to what I thought would be a bedroom. I was wrong. It was the loft living area that opens down to the kitchen area. I walked up stairs and found this bid open space with octagon windows on the east and west sides and a skylight in between. The wood floor transitioned into a cushy white wall-to-wall carpet. The arrangement  would not work for everybody, but it will work for the right person. This is style. Furnishings may be purchased separately.

The renovator did a really good job of creating a house different from everybody else. The guest bath is located by the stairs going to the loft living area. But it also opens into the guest bedroom in the first photo above. So the bath seems privet most of the time. The primary bedroom is in the rear. It has a door that opens to the rear deck. Both bedrooms have skylights which bring additional light inside beyond the windows and door. The master bath pictured above also has a window and skylight. I never saw a glass wall panel as interesting as this. Look carefully there is a recess for stealing kisses at the rear left. 

The wood decks appear to be Ipe and crate a sophisticated area for enjoying the outdoors. A gate on the south side opens to an easement which leads back to Watson Street. I stood there and remembered what is/was on the other side of the fence. I wrote about that space in February 2017.

 

"New to the Key West real estate market is 1009 Watson Street. I wrote about  this hidden gem a few years ago. It is so hidden that I cannot find the original blog. I remember the first time I saw this house several years ago. It is located down a narrow walking lane that is sandwiched between to old houses which front onto Watson Street. The house emerged at the rear as it does today but then I took in the true majesty of the location. The yard is huge by Key West standards and especially huge for being located behind two nice but non-assuming houses. I searched in my old shoebox and found a photo of the front houses and the walkway of fifty plus years ago."

See. I told you!

At the beginning of today''s blog I mentioned 1007 Watson Street is located near where second home owners want to be. The house is located about two hundred feet south of Truman Avenue. The photo above shows that location in 1890. That is the OH NO LAUNDRY in the foreground. The empty lot across the street eventually became a Key West landmark in its own right. Today it is called Bare Assets. Duval Street if five blocks to the west. White Street four to the east. The ocean is a ten minute walk to the south. The seaport is ten minutes north.

The house first appeared in the 1892 Sanborn Fire Map as 107 Watson Street. The street number was changed to 1007 Watson on the 1899 map. I found a photo of the house in my old shoebox. It looks nothing like it did even fifty plus years ago. Neither do the houses on either side.

 

 NEW PRICE  CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet for 1007 Watson Street, Key West Fl offered for sale at $1,175,000. Then please text me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to arrange a private showing of this charming new old home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.

 

 

Macarthur Homes Key West

 

I recently found a few photos of houses being built in Key West during World War II - not after but during. I knew the homes were located just south of North Roosevelt Boulevard. They had subtle differences to prevent returning sailors returning home and going to bed with the wrong women. 

These were known as the Macarthur Homes - maybe named after General Douglas Macarthur. They were 600 square feet, two bedrooms, one bath, all situated on a 5,000 square foot lot. Over the years they were renovated, enlarged, and some were razed and new home built. 

This 1950 aerial photo above shows the Macarthur Homes situated just south of North Roosevelt Boulevard The larger street in the foreground is 4th Street which at that point in time did not intersect with Roosevelt Boulevard which was then known as The Overseas Highway. It looks to be only two lanes. If you look carefully you will see First Street that is only street to intersect with Roosevelt. Over the years North Roosevelt was enlarged into a four lane roadway  and became the main point of entry into Old Town Key West. The previously barren coral rock was filled and developed into commercial space. The Navy dredged the way to the north now houses several marinas

The 1999 photo above shows the progressive changes to this area. I took the photo below earlier today. It is an updated version of an original home in this neighborhood. Some of the houses look equally charming and others are a bit forlorn. That happens everywhere.