616 Caroline Street - Key West - Wow! What an Opportunity!

616 Caroline Street - Key West

Please excuse my exuberance, but I think the new listing at 616 Caroline Street, Unit #4, is quite the buying opportunity for that person that wants a Key West pied a tere that really deserves that moniker and is priced so affordably. The listing broker describes this property thus:

"Grand home converted into designer condos. This unit is offered fully furnished and includes hardwood floors, marble countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, high ceilings, antique glass windows and a private balcony. Relax by the pool and spa surrounded by lush tropical gardens or stroll one block to Duval Street."

The property has been graciously updated and offers Asian Teak flooring throughout; High Ceilings & Antique Glass Windows; Smart-wired & Digital-ready, Stainless Steel Appliances; Crown Molding; Spacious balconies overlooking the Key West Bight; Ample Storage Areas; and Interiors by Award-Winning Designer, Pascal Delisse. All of this plus two bedrooms, two baths, 806 sq ft of living space, a pool and a spa for just $425,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key Wet mls datasheet and to view listing photos. (My camera is kaput so I must rely on listing photos until my new camera is functional. [I need someone to show me how to operate it.])

This unit will not last long at this price. It was originally listed for sale at $949,000 and now it is offered at about a 65% discount. Compare the size, location, amenities, and historic and authentic Key West charm to similarly priced condos at Shipyard in Truman Annex. This place is a bit bigger, the pool is much more private, you won't have someone walking around in clogs over your head at night, and it is an easy five minute walk to some of the best bars and restaurants at the Historic Key West Seaport. I like Truman Annex and Shipyard offers a lot of value for first time buyers. This place is a very good counterpoint.

The Seaport is a two block walk east of 616 Caroline Street. Take a hike!

I think this property would make a most excellent vacation rental (30 days minimum) because of its size, location, and amenities. Returning guests love places like this that are near everything and have all the modern conveniences.

Harpoon Harry's is a couple of blocks down Caroline Street where you will be treated kindly and served very good food at an affordable price. Dances are cheap, too.

By day or night guests or friends and family can walk to the Seaport for fun

Or for a good meal and a few drinks

If you would like to see this unit or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Don't wait too long because this listing will sell quickly.

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Old Town - Key West - Hidden Treasure

809 Virginia Street - Key West

Some Key West properties just burst with energy and show off to the world. Others, like the the cottage home at 809 Virginia Street keep their charm and sweetness nice and private.

The front of this cottage is screened from the passing world

The listing Realtor describes 809 Virginia Street this way:

"Completely renovated by an artist/designer, this classic Key West cigar maker's cottage has wonderful style. The living area opens to a very private pool surrounded by lush tropical foliage. French doors and windows fill the house with light from the front porch to the back of the house. Light wood floors, high ceilings, an open staircase to the loft and the two bedrooms all have the charm factor. Great old town location."

I recently had some buyers in town that read an earlier blog I wrote about this property. They rode their bikes past the place and could not understand my remarks about the charm. A closer look was required. They came away believers.

The master bedroom is located at the front of this cottage home

When you walk inside you kinda feel like Dorothy, only this time instead of knowing your not in Kansas, you know you are in some place very different. The front room is currently used as a bedroom and art showcase. The vaulted ceiling, blank walls, and gauze curtains are unlike anything in Kansas, for sure.

Second bedroom

A hallway leads you to the second room, a smaller bedroom, which precedes the bathroom. Then you suddenly emerge into the large rear end of the house. A big bright kitchen is to your right and a small staircase takes you to a landing where the living room soars up to the rafters. This area is bright and alive and the space is filled with the art and sculpture. If you look out the French doors you will see a secluded pool and deck and of course you want to go outside. But it you turn around to look down into the kitchen your eyes are drawn upward to the loft that runs a good portion of the length of the house. Now how did I miss that? Do you go out or do you stay inside? What a delicate dilemma.


The pool is lovely. It's plenty big for Key West. There is room for sunning and reading under the shade. There are bricked side yards on either side of the house. One has an outdoor shower which you will come to love if you buy a house in Key West. Really!


Back inside you see the stairway to the loft spaces. Yes, plural. The sleeping area is located toward the front. Two skylights let daytime sunlight fill this space.


It is the rear of the loft that is the big draw for this space. Look at the photo just below because it will help you understand the simplicity of design that makes this space so damned appealing both as a design element and as functional living space.

The loft area viewed from down below

Viewed from below the vertical slats in the loft are something akin to back of a sofa or perhaps a headboard.

When we look at the same area from the other side we see a "built-in" bed or whatever-you-want-to-call-it. I sat on these fluffy pillows and came up with all kinds of fun things one could do here.

A neat spot to do nothing

The house has lots of niches for storing stuff or showing off possessions. No space was wasted. CLICK HERE to view a slide show of this wonderful property. You will be amazed.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view lots of nice listing photos of this Key West cottage home listed by Preferred Properties, that is where I work but this is not my listing. This property is offered at $699,000. If you would like to see 809 Virginia Street or any other home in Key West, please consider contacting me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Hey, don't worry about this place being too far out. It's close to everything.

Key West - Short Sale - Private Pool - Bargain Price

419 United Street #2 - Key West - Short Sale

If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive Key West getaway with its own private pool and a convenient location near the beaches and Old Town night life, you just might want to take a look at the condo at 419 United Street #2. The unit is one of four in the four unit building that was converted to condos in 2005. This unit is located on the ground floor at the rear. Access is from the rear just off the private pool.

Access to Unit #2

This way in

Private Pool for the owner of Unit #2

This unit has two bedrooms and one bath in 660 sq ft of living space. That is about the equivalent to many condo units at Shipyard Condos. The difference is, this condo is located in an old Conch House that has been converted into condos. Instead of over 100 units that share the common pool, the owner of this unit is the only owner that uses the pool. Oh, and the price of this unit is significantly lower than any unit at Shipyard. (On October 9, 2011 there are 3 Shipyard units with 680 sq ft for sale with an average price per sq ft of $635 compared to $452 for 419 United Street.) This unit does not have off street parking as do units at Shipyard.

The owner of unit #2 owns the ground at the rear of the building and obtained approval form the other condo owners and then permission from the City of Key West to construct the pool. The pool has its own water meter and electric and the condo owner is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the pool.

This property is offered as a short sale at the asking price of $299,000. Condo fees are $515 per months and include building insurance, building maintenance, water, sewer, and trash removal. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos.

Walk to South Beach instead of Mallory Square to view Key West's incredible sunsets

419 United Street is located two blocks from South Beach and just a few blocks from Ft. Zach Taylor Beach and State Park. It is 1/2 block to Duval Street where nearby you will find the hip French bistro, Banana Cafe, and numerous coffee and tea houses. LaTeDa and 915 are nearby as are dozens of other places to eat and drink in all price ranges. The Green Parrot is just a couple of blocks to the north on Whitehead Street.

Banana Cafe is just 1/2 block away from 419 United Street

Green Parrot is a few blocks north on Whitehead Street

If you would like to see 419 United Street #2 please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. This place is worthy of your consideration.

42 Kingfisher Lane - Bank Owned - Key West Golf Club

42 Kingfisher Lane - Key West

Aerial perspective of 42 Kingfisher Lane at the Key West Golf Club

I think the Bank Owned unit at 42 King Fisher Lane in the Key West Golf Club Community has got to be the best bargain out there at this time. I have enthusiastically showed this unit a few times. It has a good layout; it is in good condition; it has a very nice view overlooking the golf course; and it is priced to sell. The asking price is only $189,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos.

Park like setting on the Kingfisher Lane cul de sac

Kitchen, living area, laundry and beautiful rear deck are located on main level

Tile floors downstairs lead to the rear deck that overlooks the golf course

Awesome view of the golf course. The yard has a sprinkler system and lights. Exterior shutters.

I did a quick comparison between this 780 sq ft unit which is priced at $243 per sq ft to the three other same sized units active listed units that are offered at $422 per sq ft, $449 per sq ft, and $301 per sq ft (this unit is a short sale). The average asking price per sq ft is $371. Value buyers ought to look at all four same to determine the best value as it relates to their specific needs. But I think most buyers will agree that on a per sq ft basis, 42 Kingfisher Lane is the winner on a cost basis. I did a quick check to see if there were any other similarly sized townhomes available elsewhere in Key West so that I could compare to 42 Kingfisher Lane. There is only one lower priced townhome that is located at Key Cove CLICK HERE. That is deed restricted and requires mandatory residence in Monroe County for at least one year prior to purchase and sales restriction when that unit is sold. The 42 Kingfisher Lane is not impaired by those buying or selling restrictions.

Two pools and a fitness center are added amenities

CLICK HERE to view a slide show of photos I took of this property. 42 Kingfisher Lane needs a fresh paint job, and the stairway and bedroom carpet needs replaced. Other than that, the place looks pretty much ready to move into. You could relocate the laundry to the second floor and add a half bath downstairs for about $2500 or so. Get a plumber and contractor to verify the costs.

If you are looking for an affordable starter home in Key West, you might just want to take a look at this property with me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc.

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405 William Street - Old Town - Key West

405 William Street - Old Town - Key West

The two story house located at 405 William Street is located on one of the very best blocks in Old Town Key West. Some of the most historic and architecturally significant homes are located on this block. And this home is one for the books. The listing Realtor (that's me!) says this about this home:

"Classic Key West bungalow with sawtooth additions in one of Old Town's best blocks. Original portion built before 1889. Currently configured as a renovated duplex with two 2-bedroom legal apartments, has HARC approved plans for conversion back to a single-family showplace. Well-maintained with off-street parking and a large lot -- plenty of room for a pool. Great opportunity in the heart of Old Town. Downstairs rents $2200 upstairs at $1800, tenants pay electric & water. Tented 2011."

405 William Street is a two-story renovated duplex. That will cause half the readers to stop reading. But wait! There is more. Before it was made into a duplex it was an awesome single family home with truly unique and grand features that would lend itself to being taken back to single family. Or, the home would make a great second home with legal year round guaranteed rental income from the nicely appointed second floor two bedroom apartment.


The main living level is totally unique to Key West and any other house I have ever seen. You enter through a formal entry hall that leads to either of the two bedrooms or two baths or to the living room, dining area and kitchen beyond. The master bedroom has larger than normal crown molding that set off the high ceilings and formality of the room. Two sets of French doors provide passage to the front porch to watch the denizens of Key West pass by. There is a large master closet and en-suite bath. The second bedroom is also large so you do not get that squeezed in feeling so typical in many older Old Town homes. Another set of French doors opens to the front porch as well. But it is the living room with its arched ceiling that will make you stop and look in awe. The petite French doors in the dining area lead to the exterior porch that overlooks the bricked courtyard and spa area. The recently updated kitchen is at the far end of the house in a saw tooth addition so familiar to Key Westers. The vaulted ceiling and designer touches yank the kitchen right into the 21st Century.

Master and second bedrooms open onto front porch for great people watching

If you are seriously considering buying a large home in Old Town, you really must look at this property. It is a large 1982 sq ft home on a very large 4642 sq ft lot. The existing rooms are good sized and efficiently laid out. If you were to convert the property back into a single family home, the renovation would eat up part of the existing space configuration, but the location of the house and the size of the house could justify such a renovation. There is room for a substantial swimming pool in the lightly landscaped rear and fenced yard. I like to tell prospective buyers that you cannot "grow" property. You normally have to try to buy land from a neighbor. That can be tricky and expensive. But 405 William Street has this huge unused space behind the kitchen waiting to have a pool added. And there is off street parking for two cars to boot. Finally, the roof is new and ready for several more decades of Key West sun. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property. The asking price is the best part -- just $985,000.

Off street parking for two cars

This is one of the sweetest homes in Key West. The location is about a two minute walk to the historic Key West Seaport and perhaps five minutes to Duval Street. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule an appointment to see this property. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

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