I've had it with "Renter's Rights" in Key West

I had probably the most unpleasant showing ever on Saturday. I feel the need to share it with you. I have some buyers that did their Internet search before they came to Key West. They identified properties they liked and then went by them before they called me to set up showings. It is the custom in Key West to have the listing agent present to show his or her listing. Most houses are not on lock box. So advance notice is required. If a place is occupied by a tenant, most agents require 24 hours advance notice. That is not the law in Florida, but it is the practice in Key West. I get it; I accept it; I think it is a bit arcane especially in a time when so many sellers seem desperate to sell.

My buyer identified a particular multi-unit property. They had gone by it and since I had shown it before, I drove them past it to explain the layout and "condition" before I scheduled a showing. The property was in their price range and they liked the style and location. I called the listing agent and scheduled a showing for the next day. The tenants had been notified. In fact all tenants were home at the time. One tenant let us in to see that unit. The other was in the rear doing some gardening. She lived in the other unit and the listing agent told us we could not see that unit because the Property Manager must be present whenever that unit is shown. (We were looking on a Saturday. The Property Manager can only be present on Mondays and Tuesdays.) So even though the tenant was standing perhaps six feet away from us, we could not view her unit. I had seen it before, and it really is cute. But what happened next negated any desire to reschedule a visit later in the week.

We were standing in the rear courtyard where he tenant was doing gardening. We were discussing the location and effect of an easement that a neighboring property had across the property. The tenant then interjected in a very stern voice "Would you go out to the street to talk. I am doing work here." She had a rake in her hand and pawed with it at our feet. I looked at the listing Realtor with a "What the F**k is going on?" look. My buyers looked back at me incredulous. They were looking to make a purchase of several hundred thousand dollars and are being ordered to get out of the tenant's way so she could rake. So we went to the street and talked for another five to ten minutes. The rake "lady" came out and started raking leaves on the nearby asphalt.

Some tenants in Key West act like little brats and if the listing agents let them get away with it, the tenants will do everything they can to screw up a sale. It starts by demanding (not requesting) 24 hours notice to show. I'm not talking about next day, I mean an actual 24 hour or longer notice. Nineteen hours won't work for some and many agents will not push it. There is no Florida law that requires 24 hour notice. But agents seem to think there is. Most agents are cowards in my opinion. They don't want to upset the apple cart so to speak. So they let tenants establish the framework as to how and when property may be shown. That control by the tenant then sets up the potential sale for failure in my opinion. Or at least it defers sale as long as the tenant can make showing the unit as difficult as possible.

Some tenants are just great and treat their apartment, condo, town home, or house just like their own property. Some places are a real joy to show. The "lady" gardener's place is very attractive. But my buyers would never get to see it. The unit next door is the complete opposite. I'll just say it was creepy and leave the details out.

Many places, however, are not well maintained. I have shown rentals with dog pooh on the floor, filthy kitchens with grease stains and low watt light bulbs encrusted with grease and dust, exposed wires and extension cords, and nasty bathrooms and bedrooms that give you the heebie jeebies. That is no accident.

Most buyers really do not like it when the seller is present because they feel awkward in making comments or asking questions about the property. Some tenants take it upon themselves to purposefully be present so that they can interject their comments on the property. Some tenants insist that they show the property instead of the agent. They make representations about the property that could be true or untrue. I wont' go into detail, but I wrote a previous blog about one place where this happens every time I show it. This person shows the property and is as sweet as can be, but this person does not want the place to sell. The tenant says just enough to screw the possibility of any sale.

I get it that tenants do not want to be dispossessed of the place the call home. Sellers who really want or need to sell should instruct the tenants that they must allow the units to be shown upon proper notice and not interfere in showings. And agents need to have some backbone and not let tenants pull the kind of crap the "lady" gardener did the other day. Her behavior was insulting.

I do not know what happened to civility in our society. It seems like like everybody has their "rights" and that a lot of people do not have manners. I have had it with Renters Rights. Agents and owners need to treat renters with civility but renters should not be allowed to control the showing or sale of an owner's property.

So You Think You Can Enhance! Key West House

The Entanglement as I call it. The cottage to the rear of 825 Southard Street.


I don't know why we still have so many old houses that look so forlorn. Maybe it is because the owners never thought about fixing things up. Maybe they were satisfied with leaving things the way they are. Maybe they do or did not have the money. Maybe there was some kind of entanglement. The house at 825 Southard Street in Old Town Key West maybe the poster child for untangling and enhancing.

825 Southard Street CLICK HERE is a 1978 sq ft two story Conch Revival House located on a 3968 sq ft lot. The listing Realtor says "Great location, bones, and footprint characterize this historic property which has tall ceilings, offstreet parking, and a capped cistern which could become a dipping pool." But then suggest that the new owner buy the little cottage next door. That's the entanglement. CLICK HERE to see the mls info on the cottage to the rear.

I have shown 825 Southard Street several times. It could be great. The black and white photo just below shows 825 Southard and its cottage cousin as they appeared in the mid 1960s. The house next door to the west at 821 Southard Street is added just so you can see how damned pretty these houses were back in the day. 821 Southard Street looks pretty today. It has been well maintained. But 825 Southard and its cuz need some help.
825 Southard Street as it appeared in 1965.

The cottage to the rear of 825 Southard as it appeared in 1965.

821 Southard Street as it appeared in 1965. It still looks great today. What a great neighbor!

825 Southard Street has been on the market since January when it was priced at $525,000. It is now offered at $475,000 or $240 per sq ft. I personally do not think the asking price, condition, or location of 825 Southard Street is the reason this house has not sold. Instead, dear Reader, it is the cottage to the rear. That cottage presents all kinds of opportunities and challenges for a potential restoration of the larger house. The cottage has an easement for ingress and egress across the property in front. Were a buyer to buy both properties the challenge goes away and creative genius could explode. Problem solved: NO. The owner of the cottage at the rear is owned by another party. That owner is asking $315,000 or $438,000 per sq ft for the 720 sq ft cottage.

Any serious buyer must take into consideration the cost to renovate both properties. 825 Southard is a big place with big rooms. The house is pretty "virgin" but in good condition. I have shown this house several times and I have seen more things that need to be decorated and "corrected". The house will need all new electric, plumbing, air conditioning plus new bathrooms and a kitchen. The cottage could be come a guest cottage or pool side retreat. A pool is possible but only if both properties are purchased. That danged easement or entanglement must go away and that is only possible in my opinion by its elimination by merger of the two properties into one.

If you think you can enhance, you might want to take a look at these properties. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida. CLICK HERE to search the real Key West Association of Realtors mls website.

1015 Eaton Street - Short Sale - Old Town - Key West

Town is starting to come alive. More folks are arriving for Christmas. Some people will stay the season-all the way through Easter. Truman Avenue is getting clogged. The day after Christmas Truman becomes a nightmare. That is the tell-tale sign "They're Back!".

Every year people come to Key West and let their imaginations run wild. They imagine what it would be like to live here full time. Or maybe just during the winter when everyone up north in America is freezing the behinds off. The conger up visions of having their morning coffee by the pool, or walking the dog down the quaint streets filled with palm trees and greenery everywhere. Some may think of all the fishing they could do anytime they want. Others fancy being able to walk to their favorite watering hole on Duval (there are so many, you know). And even though Key West is not known for its beaches, many relish the idea of being able to ride their to Ft. Zachary Taylor Beach and just while away the afternoon as they get that golden Key West tan.

What all those people imagine what life in Key West would be like are not off base. It is really amazing how easy life is for so many people on this little island. It's almost as if half of the population over 40 does not work. And the other half works for the government. Same thing.

Seriously, life in Key West is really very comfortable most of the time. It gets hectic when the tourists arrive and you can no longer just walk into Michael's or Antonia's and get a table. Reservations become required, but ties are not.

Preferred Properties has a larger than normal classic eyebrow house located at 1015 Eaton Street that is offered as a short sale. The house has four bedrooms, three bath, a pool, a spa, a recently constructed great room addition where the living, dining and kitchen are located. That room has a vaulted ceiling, a fireplace, and a large set of doors that all open to the pool and deck at the rear. The house has Dade County Pine throughout. CLICK HERE to see the mls listing info on this house and to view more photos.

1015 Eaton Street was built in 1895. It has 1738 sq ft of living space and is offered at $995,000 or $573 per sq ft. It is a short sale. I think the actual sales price will be much lower. But who knows. I have no inside knowledge as to this house. But I write about this house because it has so much to offer and if it gets purchased at the right price, the new owner is going to feel that he or she or they got a great house at a good price.

If you are coming to Key West and want to fulfill your dream and buy a place in Paradise, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc in Key West, Florida. I think I still have a winter coat. Somewhere.

A Key West Home for the Holidays and later as well...

The Christmas House Wish List usually consists of the following:

1. Priced at $500,000 or less.
2. Good Old Town Location.
3. At least two bedrooms and two baths.
4. Pool or room for a pool.
5. Off street parking.
6. In good condition or that only needs a little work.
7. Key West charming.
8. Transient license or ability to rent occasionally.

There are a ton of potential buyers waiting to find a place with all of those qualities. You would be surprised at how many buyers either have the cash to complete such a purchase or the ability to finance a purchase. The problem is not finding ready, willing, and able buyers, dear reader. The problem is finding properties that meet all the criteria.

CLICK HERE to view a list of the currently active houses priced between $366,000 to $566,000 that have at least two bedrooms and two baths in the Old Town area. Take your time and click the individual properties to see what they offer and if you are unfamiliar with the street address, click the MAP so you can see where the houses are located because that would directly effect how successfully the house might be used as a vacation rental.

The property at 610 Olivia Street just came back on the market. I wrote about it here before and I have shown it several times. This is not my listing nor my company's listing. But I think this is a property that meets all of the criteria I listed above.

The house is presently "divided" in two. The right side of the house is used by the owner. It is bright and clean and set as a one bedroom get-away Key West cottage. The left side, which the listing Realtor refers to as a "mother-in-law-suite" is the flip of the other side except the kitchen and flooring don't show as nicely. My recollection is that the house has a newer addition at the rear, new piers, a new v-crimp roof, and a bricked patio. There is off street parking. The house is located about 100 feet east of Simonton Street.

The house (or compound) directly east of 610 Olivia Street is going to be one of the most expensive places in Key West. Most of the houses across the street are part of the Paradise Inn compound. (See photo below.) Those houses look like the idealized version of a Key West street (ala Wisteria Lane on Desperate Housewives). Seven Fish Restaurant is located down at the end of the block at the corner of Elizabeth and Olivia Streets. Olivia Street is a one-way street that is mostly used by locals. It is a two minute walk to Duval or up to Truman and Simonton where you can find CVS Pharmacy or Pisces Restaurant (you'll drop some major money there). I think 610 Olivia Street has an ideal location as a monthly vacation rental property.

These are two of the houses directly across the street from 610 Olivia Street which I liken to
Wisteria Lane because everything is just about perfect from the outside looking in.

The fly in the ointment for 610 Olivia Street is the neighbor next door to the west and rear. The same family owns the adjacent both properties. The business sells cleaning and paper supplies to hotels, restaurants, pool service contractors, and the public. The business operates Monday through Saturday until about 5:00 PM. Then it is closed until the next Monday. There is also a big transmission tower located on those grounds of the adjacent property. The property is always well maintained but the looks spoil the view for some.

The compound at 612-616 Olivia Street shares the same neighbor to the rear. (Those properties were purchased 1n 2007 for $4.8 million.) Some nice tall landscaping minimalized the imperfect neigbhor to the rear. But the neighbors did not defere the new owner from spending even more money to take advantage of a terrific property at a terrific Old Town location.

610 Olivia Street is the yellow house immediately to the right of the extensive renovation.

This is all one property which is being made into a mega-million single family home and guesthouse.

I think it would be relatively easy to re-configure 610 Olivia Street back into a true single family home. I would create a new main entrance toward the rear where I would relocate the liviing room and kitchen. The existing front doors and front porch would remain and would become porches off the bedrooms where one could watch the world walk by. The existing interior wall that divides the units would become an internal wallto separate equally sized bedroom suites. There is plenty of room for a good sized pool at the rear. The off street parking already exists. I would add some palms and tropical plants to jazz up the facade and to obscure the view of the neighbor to the rear and west.

CLICK HERE to read more info and view photos of 610 Olivia Street that is now priced at $550,000 or $500 per sq ft.

If you are among the many potential buyers who dream of owning a nice place in Key West for under $500,000, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. Let's schedule a visit to checkout 610 Olivia Street and some of the other houses in the same price range. Make no mistake about it, however, there are a lot of potential buyers that all want the same type of property. As the supply of available properties gets sold off, look for prices to start to rise. Better yet, let's write an offer on 610 Olivia Street so that next year you will have Home for the Holidays in Key West.

CLICK HERE to do your own search of the Key West Association of Realtors mls website.

The Bank Grinch Who Stole Christmas

"Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville - did not. The Grinch hated Christmas - the whole Christmas season. Now, please don't ask why; no one quite knows the reason. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. Or it could be that his head wasn't screwed on just right. But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small." From How the Grinch Stole Christmas

In February I began working with a young Key West couple and their young son, who I'll call "O". Back then "O" had just started to take the timid steps of a one year old. Mom and Dad and "O" live on a little boat in Key West and they are hoping to find a modest house that they can afford. I warned the parents not to teach "O" how to climb stairs. But his mom said he had already figured out how to climb the ladder on the boat and work his way onto the deck. She added he had been taking swimming lessons. But getting him onto land was their main concern. Green grass and land, not green eggs and ham.

My buyers have the pre-approval letters from local and national lenders. They have had their attorney review the initial contracts we submitted. When my buyers decided to make an offer on a short sale property, they went back to the attorney just to make sure the forms were correct.

We got several "Seller accepted another offer" phone calls or emails. When a particularly well located, charming, and affordably priced condo recently got listed, my buyers immediately submitted an offer. There were apparently multiple-offers so the bank owner require each potential buyer to submit the best and final offer. We never got any response from the listing agent, but I did see that the mls listing status was changed to "contingent", meaning a contract had been entered into between seller and buyer.

My buyers lost a couple of other properties where the seller requested a "best and final" offer. These were for bank owned properties and I figured my young customers had a good shot at each of the properties. But none of their offers got accepted. Except until last week. Finally, my customers' offer on a nice little Key West condo got accepted. We had arranged for a local lender to fund the purchase and felt reasonably assured the deal would be closed before December 31st. The seller's agent called me a week ago and said my customers got the property.

The seller's agent sent me a detailed email acknowledging the seller (a really Big Bank in Texas) had accepted the offer and stated the buyer must sign an additional standardized contract of sale form drafted by the bank as seller.

I told my customers early on that banks are always the last to sign any contract. Banks do not want to re-negotiate a deal once the deal has been struck or approved. So the bank waits till all details are agreed upon and signed by the buyer before the bank signs.

The listing agent changed the status in Key West Association of Realtors database that same day. He sent me the required bank contract forms for my buyers' signatures. Since the bank contract forms were something "new", my buyers took the contract to their attorney for review. The attorney found a couple of issues that caused some concern for my buyers, but they signed the forms without change. I sent the bank's addendum to the seller's agent last Friday at about 4:15 PM. Later that night I got a phone call followed up by an email from seller's agent advising that there was another "new" form that the bank seller also required. I printed it out and forwarded it to my buyer. They signed it and I returned it to Seller's agent very early Sunday morning.

Late Monday afternoon I got a phone call from seller's agent who told me the Seller (the really Big Bank in Texas) had decided to accept a lower priced all cash offer instead of my buyers' offer which it previously accepted. The seller's agent apologized and said the bank asset manager said since the bank had not signed my buyers's contract it was free to accept another offer.

The funny thing is the Seller's agent felt we had a deal because the agent urged me to get the final bank contract forms signed and returned within 48 hours of the bank's acceptance. We did that. So we had (1) a phone call advising my buyers' offer was accepted, 2) an email confirming that my buyers' offer was accepted, and (3) the Seller's agent changed the status in the mls. But the guy at the Big Bank in Texas, just north of Whoville and way far away from Key West, did not see it that way.

Just who is this Texas Grinch and how can he spoil little "O's" Christmas by taking away his house? Well, Dr. Seuss probably got it right when he wrote "Now, please don't ask why; no one quite knows the reason. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. Or it could be that his head wasn't screwed on just right. But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small."

I guess the bank asset manger at the Big Bank in Texas doesn't subscribe to the Horton the Elephant's School of Ethics

"I meant what I said, and I said what I meant.
An elephant's faithful, one hundred percent."

Little "O" is not going to get his new house for Christmas this year!


But we will eventually succeed.
Yes we will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed)!

808 Shavers Lane - Old Town - Key West

808 Shavers Lane is another one of those "just listed" posts I having been writing of late. The potential sellers are getting geared for selling season and that starts in earnest the day after Christmas. This is how the listing Realtor describes this home that was built (not renovated) in 1999:

"Shavers Lane is about as central to the Duval corridor as a property can be. The lane runs one block and separates the Bourbon Street Complexes and Hemingway's Home/Key West Lighthouse. The property is a newer home for Oldtown and features the classic three bay Conch revival look. Originally a three bedroom home, the owner has removed a wall between guest rooms for a second master suite and will replace the wall for a Buyer if necessary. There are two off street parking spaces with a brick drive, an elevated deck and pool are in the back for smooth flow from the home, and the home has covered porches up and down both in the front and the back. The home was upgraded from the sister homes on each side with tall ceilings."

CLICK HERE to read the details on this house. As of writing this there are not any interior photos so I borrowed a couple of older photos that show the house when it was previously listed. Those photos may or may not depict the house as it looks today. PHOTO #1 shows the living room and kitchen and PHOTO #2 shows the pool. 808 Shavers lane is offered at $749,000 or $535 per sq ft for a 1400 sq ft two story home in Old Town with a pool and bricked off-street parking.

Shavers Lane is one of those locations you forget about. Not in a bad way, but in a good way. There is absolutely no reason for any Conch Train to try to go down the lane because it couldn't make the turn and the train is about as long as the lane. Besides nothing of importance ever happened there. Tourists won't be riding down the lane beeping their damned horns because the lane doesn't go anywhere they want to go. Just below is a photo of the house across the street. This lane has got some very attractive houses.


It is an easy one minute walk to Bourbon Street Pub or the 801 Bar. (Have you ever wondered why so many drag queens are seven feet tall?) Blue Heaven is a 60 second walk and Santiago's Bodega is a 90 second walk. South Beach can be reached in about five minutes and Ft Zachary Taylor Beach is a ten minute walk or five minute bike ride. The location is close to a lot of places residents and tourists love about Key West. You will hear some noise from the Bourbon Street Complex on occasion. If you are gay that noise could be viewed as revelry to get on down to the pub. To others, it could be a distraction.

I think this property will appeal to someone who wants to be near the action on Duval Street and who likes the nightlife Old Town has to offer. If you are that buyer, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to arrange a showing. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida.

Harbour Place Condominium - Key West

If you are reading my blog, you are probably a baby boomer. Maybe you weathered the financial storms and are looking for that special place, perhaps a condo like Unit No. 313 at Harbour Place at Truman Annex in Key West. When you step onto your private balcony and overlook the boardwalk and then view the private yachts and giant ships and Sunset Key and the smaller keys beyond, you will know you came out just fine. Harbour Place is Key West's most prestigious building, the former U.S. Naval Headquarters at Truman Annex. Your friends will be green with envy.


The listing Realtor describes this property thus:

"Spectacular Truman Annex waterfront penthouse with amazing open water views and transient rental license. You'll fall in love with this open and spacious 2BD, 2.5BA brilliant condo with panoramic water views. Beautiful end unit features extra windows & glass doors throughout, spacious bedrooms, gourmet kitchen with new appliances, copper backsplash & granite counters, tile floors, new a/c, TWO parking spaces in the covered garage, 24 hour security & waterfront pool complex. Relax on your huge entertaining balcony & enjoy beautiful Key West sunsets. Walk to all Old Town attractions on famous Duval Street."

Unit No. 313 is priced at $1,750,000 or $1,080 per sq ft for this 1620 sq ft luxury residence. CLICK HERE to read more about the unit and to view photos. A retired Navy officer once told me that the United States Navy always, always takes the very best waterfront property for itself. There are some really nice condos for sale in Key West right now and a lot of them are priced at incredibly low prices. Unit No. 313 may seem that it is priced incredibly high. The views and the location are un-paralled in Key West. People from all over the world come to Key West and just about everyone makes the pilgrimage to see sunset at Mallory Square which is a stone's throw to the right of Harbour Place. Most of those pilgrims just fall in love with the sunsets and the easy living in Key West. The new owner of Unit No. 313 will get to see those incredible sunsets every day. And the rest of the living is easy.

If you are looking for a place in Key West, please consider contacting me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties in Key West Florida. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

Price Fights

Probably the best Christmas movie ever made was "A Christmas Story" based on a book by Jean Sheperd. I grew up during the Fabulous Fifties and really relate to many of the sub-plots. One of the best sub plots was when Richie finally had enough of getting beat up by Scot Furkus and his midget friend. Richie became immortalized when he took on the red headed fur brained bad boy and whipped his ass. I'll bet there isn't a guy who saw that move that did not cheer for Richie as he made the bigger boy cry for mercy.

Buying real estate isn't quite that rough. Sometimes it may seem like it is.

530 Grinnell Street is priced at just $475,000. CLICK HERE to see this cute cottage on one of the best blocks in Old Town.

719 Whitmarsh Lane CLICK HERE is priced at $599,000. It is located on a quiet little lane two blocks off Duval. It has a valuable Transient License and stays rented. Showings are difficult because owner will not allow guests to be disturbed. This could be a money maker for someone who wants income.

826 Eaton Street CLICK HERE is offered at $599,000. It has two bedrooms plus a loft and a pool. But there is no off street parking. This property is a short sale.

1011 Front Street #9 CLICK HERE is an already BANK APPROVED SHORT SALE at the pre-approved price of $600,000. This three story townhome at The Foundry in Truman Annex has a valuable Transient Rental License with advance bookings that will transfer to the buyer. This place has parking, a pool, and a great location.

407 Catherine Street sits one half block off upper Duval Street near the world famous La Te Da. It is a three block walk to South Beach and the Sourthernmost Point. CLICK HERE for more info on this two bedroom house with private pool priced at $595,000.

617 Frances Street CLICK HERE will likely be under contract within a couple of days. It is offered at $549,000. It is a new listing and it is being shown several times each day. The house had Dade County Pine walls,ceilings and floors and it sits on one of the best blocks in Key West. A couple of the most expensive houses in Key West are only a couple of doors away. This is one of those houses buyers ask me to help them find. It might be the worst house on the best block. I'm not saying it is bad. It needs updated. It will be worth a fortune when a pool is added and the house is renovated.

720 Passover Lane CLICK HERE doesn't need anything done. What a beauty this two bedroom cottage is. This cottage is priced at $595,000.

CLICK HERE to search the real Key West Association of Realtor s MLS website. I picked what I consider to be the best of the houses in the $450,000 to $600,000 price range. We are approaching the pre-Christmas buying lull when potential buyers are fight the crowds at the malls up north. I think this is a great time for would-be buyers to create their own Christmas Story by tackling the sellers in a price fight. Who knows you might be like Richie and kick the big guy's behind.

If you are looking to purchase a place in Key West please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or contact me by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West Florida. I like it when the little guy wins!

530 Grinnell Street - Key West Cottage with the Character Thing

530 Grinnell Street is located just to the right of the decorated white picket fence.

The Perfect Couple for the Quintessential Key West Cottage reading the Key West Citizen

Just listed, but not by me, is 530 Grinnell Street - another Quintessential Key West Cottage. But this place is priced within the budget goal of many would-be second home buyers. The asking price: $475,000 or $600 per sq ft. The listing Realtor describes this property this way:

"A delightful cottage on one of Key West's prettiest streets in the very heart of Old Town. This cottage is a triple saw-tooth roofed, board-&-batten frame, with vaulted ceilings in all the rooms, from the living room through the dining room to the kitchen. The spacious bathroom has a laundry closet. Accent wall in the living room of Dade County pine and a stained glass window in the dining room. There's a mango tree in the back yard and the front porch invites one to have a relaxing sit to watch the world go by."

The cottage meets most of the needs of prospective purchasers that are looking for a nice house in a good Old Town location at an affordable price. It has that character thing going on for sure! CLICK HERE to see 530 Grinnell Street as it appeared in the 1960s. It looks the same today. It has two bedrooms and one bathroom. The cottage is 792 sq ft of living space and sits on a 1500 sq ft lot. There is a wood deck in the rear but there is not room for a pool. CLICK HERE to see more of the mls listing information and to view photos of the inside and exterior.


530 Grinnell Street is located between Fleming Street at the north and Southard Street at the south. Five Brothers CLICK HERE is located at the corner of Southard and Grinnell. Azur Restaurant CLICK HERE is located at the corner of Fleming and Grinnell. The Historic Key West Seaport is a five minute walk from the house. Cafe Sole, Michael's Restaurant, and Mangia Mangia are a block away. Duval Street is a five minute walk to the west.

I have not been inside 530 Grinnell Street but I was inside the house next door a few years ago during an Old Island house tour many years ago. I was just awed by that house. It is pretty much the same construction, size, and vintage as 530 Grinnell Street. The owner is designer Michael Pelkey. Every square foot inside and outside was a delight to see. CLICK HERE to see the front porch of his cottage which is also the cover photo on the book Key West A Tropical Lifestyle by Leslie Linsley with photographs by Terry Pommet. I think a lot of buyers have difficulty in visualizing how to create and live in small spaces. Perhaps buying the book or better yet engaging a talent like the incredible Mr. Pelkey would serve one well. (CLICK HERE to read more about Michael Pelkey.)

I think 530 Grinnell Street is priced to sell. It is in that magic price range that so many buyers feel is within their budget. I have an idea to overcome the lack of space to build a pool: make friends with a neighbor. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-76-2642 to schedule a showing. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

8 Nassau Lane - Old Town - Key West - No Need to Look Further

A few years ago I had floor duty and some walk-in customers came in and wanted to look at small homes in Old Town. I showed them several houses on the computer and said there was a new listing on Nassau Lane. I called the listing agent and we drove over to see it. Nassau Lane is located just off Fleming Street between Grinnell and and Frances Streets. It is a one block long lane that dead ends perhaps 150 feet from Fleming. I parked on Fleming and we walked down the lane. As we approached the house the lady said "Gary, I love it. I want to buy it!" I said you haven't even seen the inside. She re-iterated she wanted to buy it. We had a signed contract (both sides) in about two hours time. We became friends and see each other occasionally for dinner. Last year I was walking another couple down that same lane when the couple that bought the house came outside. She came up and gave me a big hug and told my buyers that they love their house and Nassau Lane. I made a remark about only looking at one house and she said the house and the lane are what she had dreamed of. There was no reason to look further.

Just listed, but again not by me, 8 Nassau Lane. This beautiful 2083 sq ft home was just built in 2006. This is new construction and not a remodel. The listing Realtor describes 8 Nassau Lane this way:

"Hidden away on a quiet lane in Old Town is this recently built home in the style of Key West Conch architecture. The front porch features the classic 3 bays and opens into a wide gallery entry with an open custom designed staircase with cable railing. At the rear of the home is an expansive great room with a beamed 22 foot ceiling, maple floors, custom cabinetry and a well designed kitchen. This spectacular room opens to the landscaped yard with pool and spa. The master suite is on the main level while two guest suites occupy the second. Both levels are clean, crisp and light-filled. This contemporary take on a classic has been designed for low maintenance, carefree living with GE Smart Sense wiring and wind resistant doors and windows."

There is nothing for me to say except the price: $1,995,000 or $958 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to see more detailed info on this home and view some great photos of the interior and pool. And CLICK HERE to see an aerial perspective of 8 Nassau Lane.

If you are looking for a superior Key West home in a great and quiet location, please consider looking at 8 Nassau Lane with me, Gary Thomas. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West. We are the exclusive Lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates. Contact me at 305-766-2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com. Once you see this home, you may not need to look any further.