610 Olivia Street - Old Town - Key West

This is how the listing Realtor describes the property located at 610 Olivia Street: "This renovated home is located just one block from world famous Duval Street in Historic Old Town Key West.Walk to clubs, restaurants, shopping and museums. Property is currently configured as a duplex with each unit offering one bedroom, one bath, central air conditioning, washer and dryer, dishwasher, range, refrigerator and one unit furnished. Off street parking and a large fenced yard with room for a pool are just a few of the amenities offered on this cozy cottage."

Two years ago (at my former real estate office) we had the properties next door to the east on the market where I hosted several open houses. Both houses sold to the same purchaser. The house at 612 Olivia and 616 Olivia sold to one buyer for the the combined price $4,850,000. The properties directly across the street from 610 Olivia are part of the Paradise Inn. I refer to the view across the street as being similar to Wisteria Lane on Desperate Housewives because the view is just perfect. That activity did not stop one buyer from spending a lot of money for a truly great residence.

610 Olivia is located just one block east of Duval Street. There are several notable restaurants nearby including Seven Fish and Pisces. And tons more. South Beach is about a five minute walk to the south.

I think this house at this location could work well for a buyer looking to purchase a second home in Key West that could be rented occasionally as a monthly vacation rental. There is room at the rear to add a good sized pool and add some needed landscaping. There is a large side yard that already provides ample off street parking.

The cute house at 610 Olivia Street is 875 sq ft and sits on a 3385 sq.ft. lot (91' x 37'). The new asking price is only $499,000 or $570 per sq. ft. As presently configured, the property has two bedrooms and two baths. CLICK HERE for more detailed information on this cute house and many more photos.

If you are looking to purchase a second home in Key West, please consider using me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com to help you find the home of your dreams. I think you could do worse than have a neighbor that spent almost $5 million located right next door. Maybe that neighbor thinks the location is as charming as I do. And hopefully that you will too.

1401 Pine Street - Key West - Former Home of a Literary Giant

"John Dos Passos, author of the U.S.A. trilogy and many other works, first visited Key West in the 1920s and told his friend Ernest Hemingway about the place. During the winter of 1934, Dos Passos and his wife lived in this house at 1401 Pine St., then the outskirts of town." So says the Key West Literary Seminar. And author J. Willis Burke reports in 'The Streets of Key West' "No doubt, John dos Passos, who lived at 1401 Pine during the 1930s, made the fifteen minute walk (to downtown Key West)often. After one nocturnal amble, he arrived at Hemingway's house and met his future wife, Kate, for the first time. Perhaps it was kismet: "Dos" had, after all, been the one to suggest to "ole Hem" give Key West a try if he was looking for a warm place "to dry out his bones."

Last year I wrote about the home at 719 Windsor Lane that another literary giant, John Hersey owned with his wife. I have shown it to two published authors, both of whom loved the place. It is still for sale. CLICK HERE for information on 719 Windsor Lane. It is a simple little house the likes of which almost does not exist anymore.

This is how the listing Realtor describes 1401 Pine Street "Charming conch home in quiet Old Town neighborhood. French doors look out to private pool area. Original fresco murals. Wood floors and Dade County Pine walls through out. 3 bedrooms plus large attic sleeping area." CLICK HERE to read more info on this house but you really have to look at the incredible photos of the interior and pool. This is the kind of place that might inspire you to become a literary giant in your own right.

There is something about a simple Conch House that brings most people down from their lofty perches to appreciate the everyday life in Key West.

The house at 1401 Pine Street has 1868 sq ft of living space consisting of 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and is offered at $995,000 or $533 per sq ft.

Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com if you would like to see 1401 Pine or any other house in the Old Town Key West area. Writers welcome. But you are not allowed to critique my writing. Please.

Key West - Open House Event - Sunday 12-4 PM

Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc is hosting an Open House Event at some very nice homes in various locations in Key West on Sunday, February 8, 2009 from Noon until 4:00 PM. Come by one or all of the Open Houses.

3300 Riviera Drive ($2,895,000) a stunning 3402 sq. ft. home with 4 bedrooms, 7 baths on the Riviera Canal. Pool, two car garage, boat lift, and lots of wow factor. CLICK HERE for more info.

416 Elizabeth Street ($3,900,000) Historic home on one of the best blocks of Old Town. Property includes a pool house w/ bath and a two story guest house by the pool. CLICK HERE for more details and photos.

904 Washington Street ($1,429,000) Mission style Casa Marina Area home renovated with top of the line amenities. Pool, carport, Viking & Bosch Appliances and Gary Thomas as a nearby neighbor. CLICK HERE for more info and pics.

1110 Curry Lane ($999,500) Old Town hidden gem tucked away between White & Frances Streets. Two story 2 bed 2 bath cottage with a pool, off street parking, and lots of charm. CLICK HERE for details and photos.

233 Southard Street ($775,000) Located at the front gate of Truman Annex is this 2 bedroom 2 1/12 bath two story town home in President's Walk. Unit was recently renovated with a sparkling new kitchen with granite counter tops. Ditto on baths.

64 Front Street ($2,295,000) This elegant 5BR/5BA home is located on prestigious Front Street in Truman Annex where every property is a million dollar+ property.
All rooms boast French doors opening onto covered porches. Guest house and pool.

628 William Street ($1,295,000) Splendid heart of Old Town two story home with everything! Meticulously maintained with two bedroom, two baths, den upstairs. Downstairs is a large living area with unique office area overlooking the pool.

929 United Street ($1,395,000) Key West Conch Style home built in 2007. This house has everything and all finishes are top of the line.

927 United Street ($1,425,000) Award winning restoration of an Historic Conch home, originally built in 1933. Owner financing available for a qualified buyer.

CLICK any of the addresses or "CLICK HERE" links to see more information and photos of the featured properties that will be open for your casual inspection on Sunday, February 8, 2009 from Noon until 4:00 PM. Stop by and take a look. Please mention to the hosting Realtor that you read about the Open House on my blog so that we all know somebody is reading it. If you see a place you like, I would really appreciate it if you would let me be your Realtor. Let me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, be your Realtor and let me help you find your place in Paradise. See you on Sunday.

6 Lopez Lane - Old Town - Key West

Some people dream of moving to Key West so that they can live in one of those cute little Quintessential Key West Cottages that all Key West Realtors like to tout. I have reported on many such casas. Other potential buyers seem to feel they need more space and want big grand houses like they owned up north in America. Some people want to live close to the action near Duval Street and others want to be in the Casa Marina Area so they can be near the beaches. Yet others want to live on a quiet lane away from it all. The house at 6 Lopez Lane may be the home of your dreams if living life on a slow lane in Key West is your dream.

This is how the listing Realtor describes 6 Lopez Lane: "Elegant and Luxurious newly renovated historic home on a quiet lane in Old Town Key West. High end finishes including crown molding, Dade county pine walls, high, vaulted ceilings and open floor plan make this a wonderful home for Key West living. Tucked away behind tropical foliage and with an incredible location, this home has it all. Bright and airy rooms, chef's kitchen, huge master suite with split bedroom floor plan. Gorgeous pool surrounded by lush palm trees, Brazilian Ipe decking and privacy galore. Off- street parking for 2 vehicles. An Elegant Oasis in One of The Best Neighborhoods of Old Town Key West."

You need a map to find this place. If you have not been there you would not know where it is. It is like many of the houses on the little lanes that populate Old Town--tourists can't find them. You won't see Conch Trains or Trolleys filled with tourists with Kodaks taking pictures. (That's a hoot: shows you how old I am!)

This is not a house for the owner who wants everybody to see his or her house because it is not possible. The listing Realtor got it right when he said "privacy galore". This is house for the person who wants a real sweet house that is "done" and located near everything, but not in the midst of everything. If you lived at 6 Lopez Lane you would have a two minute walk to the Historic Key West Seaport. There are some great shops and lots of great eateries there in addition to the marina. If you lived at 6 Lopez Lane you could walk to Duval Street in about five minutes. I always seem to talk about walking to places in terms of minutes. I don't know why. Time really doesn't matter that much when you live life on a slow lane. I guess it's a leftover from when I lived in a big city and had lots of appointments and important stuff to do.

CLICK HERE to read more information on 6 Lopez Lane and see up to 14 photos. The house has 2086 sq ft and sits at the end of Lopez Lane on a 4626 sq ft lot. There are 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths plus a half bath. There is a killer pool (I've been in it!) And this place is just magical. The asking price is $1,499,000 or $719 per sq ft.

If you are looking for some much deserved privacy and a really sweet place to call home, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

1221 Margaret Street - Key West

The large and colorful home and two story guest cottage was built in 1999 and is located between Old Town and the Casa Marina Area. The property is now priced at only $1,249,000 or $417 per sq ft. This is how the listing Realtor described this property: "Beautiful 3 story home located in the Historic District of Old Town with a classic Key West architectural exterior and a striking sophisticated interior that has been professionally designed and decorated. The main residence has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths with the master suite occupying the entire second floor. The master suite is wonderful - unbelievable bath with one of the largest walk-in shower retreats you have seen and glass doors from the bedroom to a large private deck. The main level living area opens onto a rear covered porch, pool with built-in spa and a separate 2 story guest house with living/dining and half bath down and large bedroom and full bath upstairs."

If you have friends or a large family, this house at 1221 Margaret Street is for you. CLICK HERE for more detailed info an dphotos. the place for you. There is room for living on all three floors of the main residence. The cottage is fully contained so your guest that don't want to leave Key West can stay there and not eat and drink you out of house and home. There are two off street parking spots. The house and cottage total 2996 sq. ft. The lost is 3472 sq. ft. and provides wide access on either side of the main house to the rear yard and cottage. The house has shutters that are easy to shut if we get a storm. There is landscaping, but not so much that you need to spend hours and hours maintaining it. The rear deck area is tiled in slate.

If you love Cuban food, El Siboney Cuban Restaurant is a short block to the north. The White Street shopping and art district is only four blocks east and the restaurants and art galleries of Upper Duval Street four blocks west. You can be wherever you want in minutes by foot, bike, or car.

This house is vacant and very easy to show. It has been on the market for quite a while. This is not a distress situation by any means. But this is a buyers market. If you would like to see 1221 Margaret Street (or any other house in Key West) please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. Let me help you find your new home in Paradise.

2026 Seidenberg - Key West - Mid Century Modern

You know you are getting old when houses that were built when you were a kid are now considered old and chic. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

This is how the listing Realtor describes 2026 Seidenberg in the Mid Town area of Key West: "This exquisite Mid 20th Century Modern designer home was awarded the Star for its 2004 rehabilitation by the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. Featuring 3 bedrooms & 2 baths this home has many fine touches such as bamboo, river rock, terrazzo, & Brazilian flagstone floors creating a wonderful contrast with the angular lines & modern influence created by the highly renowned Colombian architect, owner. The kitchen has custom cabinetry, honed-slate counter tops, stainless appliances, wine cooler, & reverse osmosis water purifier. There are impact resistant windows & doors. Like an oasis with the coral stone waterfall flowing into the black lagoon pool overlooking the dining pavilion with contemporary Arabian style tenting."

Preserving the post-war modernism of this mid-century, mid-town gem was foremost in mind for this renovation and addition. Features such as terrazzo floors, casement windows, as well as the furnishings reflect the period and the spirit of the home. The upstairs addition includes a master bedroom and bath and appears as original to the house.

CLICK HERE for more detailed information and photos of this very thoughtfully designed home. The house has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1500 sq ft of living area under roof. It sits on a nice corner lot of 5000 sq ft. There is a terribly expensive bamboo fence that gives the yard both privacy and distinction. The asking price is now $845,000 or $563 per sq ft.

January Real Estate Sales in Key West

I've been telling you that sales are picking up in Key West and advising you not to wait too long before you buy. Snoozers are Losers!

In January there were ten single family home sales in Key West (including a couple of properties that could be used as legal duplexes). Going either way is common in Key West, I guess. I have written about several of the homes that sold and I gotta tell you, I told you they were bargains to be had. Included were 701 Elizabeth, originally $1,579,000 and sold for $695,000 (Not a Short Sale nor a distress sale); 3 Pinder Lane, originally listed for $1,390,000 and sold for $900,000; 716 Olivia Street (originally listed for $2,895,000 and sold for $1,025,126 in one day). The buyers on the above referenced properties made excellent buys in my opinion. A major Key West house sold that was listed for $6,495,000 and sold for $5,700,000.

There were eight condo and townhome sales during January. Four of those were identified as either bank owned properties or short sales. Among the winners of that group are a unit at 1075 Duval with a real transient license. It sold for an incredible $439,774. A third floor bank owned unit at Sunset Marina with a terrific water view sold for $399,000. And a two story townhome at Windward Park sold for just $400,000.

Even, perhaps, more interesting is the number of contingent and pending single family and duplex properties in Key West. Fifty-three properties are now under contract. Of that number, 26 are shown as short sales and 11 were identified as bank owned properties. In case you think that all short sales are crappy little houses that could not be sold CLICK HERE. The incredible house at 811 Southard is a short sale and somebody snagged this big one. I wrote about 1212 Olivia CLICK HERE. It is a bank owned house on a really nice block. I showed that house twice within a couple of hours of when it was listed. (Just as in the case of the sold bank owned home at 716 Olivia CLICK HERE (scroll down to October 27th) mentioned above under single family sales, this unit reportedly went for a little more than the asking price just so that the buyer could seal the deal.)

Finally, thirty one condos and town homes are shown as contingent or pending sales. Of that number, 15 are short sales and 6 are bank owned properties. The most notable in my opinion is the gift at 1118 Olivia Street that was listed at only $359,000. CLICK HERE to see what I wrote about that property that went under contract just 4 days after being listed.

You need to be aware that there is some confusion about how to classify houses and condos that have signed short sale contracts. Not all properties that have signed short sale contracts are listed as such. I believe the number of actual contingent and pending sales is much, much higher. But that is just my opinion.

Buyers who are not in Key West have a bit of a disadvantage to those people who happen to be here when new properties get listed or when prices are reduced. But that should not stop you from using your computer to do some research and using your noggin to figure out if a particular property could work for you. You probably know what you want and what you can afford. I encourage potential buyers to search the real Key West Association of Realtors mls database CLICK HERE to see what kind of property they can buy for the money they want to spend. Always look at properties priced higher than you can afford and search properties with less space or amenities than you require. CASH is KING and you may be able to negotiate a real sweet deal, just like some of the lucky buyers mentioned above.

Let me, Gary Thomas, help you buy your place in Paradise. Please either call me at 305-766-2642 or 3-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com. Tell me what you want and how much you want to pay. You might own a place in Key West where you can snooze on the beach.

707 Washington Street - Key West - Short Sale

Big Short Sale, Price Just Reduceded: 707 Washington Street, Key West, Florida. This large property consists of a large main house and a substantial two story guest house. The property records show it as a legal duplex so the uses are many.

This property was designed by local noted architect Tom Pope and was constructed in 2004. I live a couple of blocks away and remember riding my bike past the property during the lengthy construction. I was excited to see the interiors once the houses were completed. Each property is distinct, but they share a common design theme. The rooms are large and the bedroom ceilings on the second floor of each residence soar. This property would be great for a buyer with a large family or lots of friends. There is plenty of room for lots of people. The guest house is the perfect place for guests, or maybe an aging parent, or perhaps a caretaker, or even a rent paying tenant.

707 Washington has 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, two kitchens, two living rooms, a big pool, and a great Casa Marina location. The houses have 3257 sq ft of living space and sits on a 5300 sq ft lot. The property is offered at the Short Sale price of $1,199,000 or $368 per sq ft. Nothing is certain in this world, and short sales breed an uncertainty of their very own. But I believe that an ALL CASH, QUICK CLOSE offer at a much lower price is achievable. This house is crying for a cash paying, aggressive buyer.

The property is just a stone's throw to Louie's Backyard and Dog Beach. The newly renovated Reach Resort is within walking distance. Duval Street is just a 5 minute walk. The other houses in the 700 Block of Washington are quite nice. CLICK HERE, or CLICK HERE for photos of neighboring homes.

CLICK HERE for more information on 707 Washington Street. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com for more information.

614 Frances Street - Key West - Short Sale

This is how the listing Realtor at Preferred Properties describes 614 Frances Street:
"Three units on a wonderful block in Historic Key West. All units have private outdoor space. Rented on a month to month basis. Studio, a one bedroom loft, and a one bedroom with loft. Storage shed on back of property. Room for a pool. Live in one unit and allow the rents from the other two units to assist you in living in Key West! Hurry priced right." CLICK HERE for more detailed information and photos.

Let me add that this really cute sawtooth house at 614 Frances Street is offered at only $749,000. The lot is very large and totals 3627 sq ft (90.05' x 40'). The highest and best use for this house would be to renovate it, put in a pool, and live the Life of Riley. This place is just aching for some tender loving care. It has not been abused. It looks just fine "as is". And it is perfectly livable just as it sits. It had a 1970s'ish Hippie Renovation. Some far out stained glass was incorporated into the property. I do not believe every house needs to be dragged forcefully into the 21st Century by adding stainless steel and granite kitchens, vessel sinks in baths, and all of that other silliness. But a real nice and clean redo with the addition of a pool would seal the deal on this already sweet place.

Look at the surrounding houses in the two top photos above. I refer to these types of houses as "great houses". The grounds on these particular houses stretch all the way to Ashe Street where the guest cottages are located. No need to worry about those neighbors dragging your property values down. Off to the right of 614 Frances is Roberts Lane. It extends about 200 feet where it dead-ends. That translates into more quiet. Most of the other houses on this block are much larger than 614 Frances so this house might be considered by some as the worst house on the best block. And in a normal economy that usually translates into opportunity for property appreciation.

But we are experiencing a difficult time in our entire economy. 614 Frances Street is offered as a short sale. A short sale occurs when the lender permits the property to be sold for less than the remaining balance on the mortgage loan. The lender in this particular house (614 Frances)is a local bank, so the possibility exists for getting a quick response.

There is another multi-unit property also offered as a short sale that is located just a little over one block away and on the other side of Frances Street. I have shown it as well. CLICK HERE to see 719 Frances Street. It has been used as a monthly vacation rental. It does not have a pool. That house has great views of the Key West Cemetery. I am not being facetious. I love properties that face the cemetery. Frances Street is very wide at this location, the views are big and bright, and the neighbors are quiet. There are no parking struggles either.

If you are looking for an investment property in Old Town Key West or maybe looking for that "worst house on the best block", please call me to see either of the two houses mentioned here. (Or any other property!) Please call Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com. Don't wait too long, either. The listing Realtor told me he has shown this property five times in the past week. You snooze, you lose. P.S. the temperature in Key West was 82 degrees at 11:00 AM. Jealous?

The Grand Dame - 1307 Truman Avenue Key West

This is how the listing Realtor describes The Grand Dame at 1307 Truman Avenue: "This beautifully renovated Victorian home was built by a Cigar factory owner from Cuba in the early 1900's. The home was expertly renovated in 2002 to restore the original elegance while adding all the modern amenities. Spanning two lots from Truman Ave. to Albury St, where the pool is surrounded by a lush indigenous tropical garden . There is over 4000 sqft of living space plus 1500 sf of porches. Bedrooms are spacious with 12 ft ceilings. In addition separate guest quarters on second level with a private porch. Original Dade County pine floors are preserved as well as crown molding. Each floor has its own CA/C zone. Kitchen including soap stone counters and a large white marble island tops."

I know a Grand Dame when I see one, but I thought I best go to my Wikipedia just to make sure my context about 1307 Truman is correct. Wikipedia describes a Grand Dame thus: "In popular culture, the grande dame is usually portrayed as a slightly flamboyant woman, prone to extravagant and eccentric fashion, such as feather boas, large hats, and excessive costume jewelry. She may be overly pre-occupied with the concept of "acting ladylike" and expect all those around her to conform to her own high standards of etiquette." That definition fits 1307 Truman Avenue to a tee. The house has a prominence that cannot be denied. The wrap around verandas are her boa; the height is her large hat; and the impeccable gardens are her costume jewelry.

This house on millionaires row was built circa 1900. From Eisenhower Drive on the east all the way west to Duval only a few of the old dames on Truman survive today. They were built in sizes and to standards (and lifestyles) that are no longer current. Many of the houses that do remain have been converted into guest houses or re-configured into a combination of commercial and/or retail with some residential. This house has not been messed around with and sits almost like a virgin, albeit an old virgin.

This house is in beautiful condition. Everything I saw looked great, clean, and well maintained. I did not see any deferred maintenance. The baths are nicely appointed with new fixtures with classic lines. They fit the style without being gimmicky. There are two large formal living areas on the main floor. The kitchen sits at the rear. The kitchen is huge and would make a great gathering place for modern living in an old house. The wrap around verandas at the front and rear seem to envelop the house. Each of the rooms on all three levels of the house (including the third floor) have very tall ceilings, crown molding, and exude a sense of formality we don't see in current architecture. For readers who have been in dozens of Key West Conch houses, this isn't one. You have not been in a house like this before in Key West.

The house has five bedrooms, each of which is quite large. And most have en-suite baths. The third floor has a sitting room off the bedroom. The ceiling up there must be 15 feet tall. There is a small porch off the front of the third floor where you can see the treetops and rooftops of much of the southern end of the island. Bayview Park is just across the street. What a view! There is a rooftop deck at the rear with an amazing view of the north. I could see water on the Gulfside. You could not build a house of this height in Key West today. But if you buy it, you have the view forever. CLICK HERE for more details and photos of this one of a kind properties.

This house is listed by Preferred Properties Christie's Great Estates at the asking price of $1,998,000 or $451 per sq ft. The house has 4426 sq ft of living space under roof and sits on a large 7418 sq ft lot. The rear veranda overlooks the garden and pool area. Off street parking is provided as well. There is even a small apartment off to the west side of the house which could be used by a caretaker for an owner who would use the house as a second home.

But I have an alternate use suggestion. I think this house would make a one of a kind guest house with grand rooms and a sense of elegance missing from other guest houses in Key West. Zoning is HMDR which may permit such a usage. But a buyer will have to move heaven and earth to get the property converted to such a use.

Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of 1307 Truman Avenue. Buyers looking for a big house ought to take a look and compare the size and features to other similarly priced homes. The Grand Dame of Truman Avenue will put them all in their place.