Bank Owned - Key West - 3800 Duck Avenue

Buyers who are weary of the high priced houses in Key West may want to consider expanding their search criteria from Old Town to New Town; from totally prime to possibly sublime; from pricey per square foot to the least expensive house on a per square foot (or webbed foot) basis.  The Bank Owned house at 3800 Duck Avenue, Key West is offered for sale at just $364,000 or just $215 per square foot.

3800 Duck Avenue is located near the eastern end of the Island of Key West.  The house sits on a large fenced lot that measures 49' X 120' (5855 sq ft).  The house was built in 1958 and fits comfortably in the neighborhood where most of the original houses have been expanded. The Monroe County Property Appraiser shows this house as being 1688 sq ft which includes a small shed addition at the front and a large new great room addition at the rear. There's also an 80 sq ft storage at the back of the large fenced back yard.  

Three sets of French doors at the back of the great room open out to the quite large back yard where there is room for a large pool. The rear shed could be converted into a small cabana or maybe a girl's playhouse or a boy's fort. The backyard has an existing sliding gate as well. I think the backyard area offers endless possibilities for a new owner. 

A prior owner did some renovations to the original house. A new owner could work on and improve the prior owners attempt to upgrade the house. The house as currently configured has two bedrooms and one bath. There is the remnant of a second kitchen in the original part of the house as well.

This house would benefit from a thoughtful redesign of spaces in the original house. Walls could be moved to create better room usage and flow through the house. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this bank owned property. Then please call 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. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

1103 Fleming Street - Key West - Sitting Pretty with a Transient License

A lot of potential buyers for homes in Key West seek a house that can be rented to help defray a part of the cost of home ownership.  A few years ago the City of Key West adopted a restrictive ordinance that limited the number homes that would qualify to receive a transient rental license which would permit daily or weekly rentals throughout the year. The conch house located at 1103 Fleming Street is one of the few single family homes in Old Town that has a transient rental license.  It is offered for sale at the asking price of $1,099,000. The listing Realtor describes this property as:

"Transient License! Grossed $94,279 in 2013. Charming cottage on beautiful Fleming Street. 1 bed/1 bath down; king-sized bed/1 bath up with skylights & owner's closet, cocktail pool--resurfaced, new pump, new heater in 2013--with a private deck & outdoor shower. Cathedral ceiling in the living room with 3 sets of French doors to deck, pass through kitchen window, Dade County Pine, hardwood floors downstairs, tiled bathrooms. Excellent rental history since 2004. Walking distance to Duval Street, White Street & the Seaport District. Offered turnkey, all furnishings, cookery, cutlery, linens, etc. included."

 I did a quick search of the Historic Sanborn Fire Maps for Key West and learned that 1103 Fleming Street first appeared in the 1912 edition. Then I searched and found a photo of the house taken in 1970.  If you compare the black and white photo to the colored photo you will see that the house looks pretty much the same today as it did 44 years ago with the exception of a nice white picket fence that adds some privacy. 

The house has been updated with a newer kitchen, baths, and pool plus living room at the rear which has a cathedral ceiling. A bank of three sets of French doors bathes the living area with difused light. I showed this home a while back and asked the guest what they thought of the property. They were returning guests and had stayed there before. The loved this charming home that met all of their needs.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on 1103 Fleming Street.  After you have looked at photos, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a personal showing.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  

1005 Watson #1 Key West, Florida - An Unexpected Alternative to a Single Family Home

The two photos above were taken about fifty years apart of the same house at 1005 Watson Street in Key West. I am often amazed at how different a property can look after it has been renovated. That is certainly the case for this one time single family home that is now a two unit condominium located in the south of Truman area of Old Town Key West.  The house first appeared in the 1899 Historic Sanborn Fire map as 105 Watson Street. The house number changed to 1005 Watson in the 1912 map.  The home was renovated in 2004 when it the second level was enlarged. Two separate living spaces were created and became two condominium units.  The ground level unit is now offered for sale at $795,000.  The listing Realtor, not me, describes the unit this way:

"Renovated in 2004, this Old Town condo has the feel of a single family home. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, updated kitchen & bathrooms, off street parking for 2 cars, and ample heated pool with waterfall surrounded by lush foliage make this the perfect vacation home. Double French doors open from the living room to the pool area creating an indoor/outdoor flow. Home is rented by owner as a monthly vacation rental and even has a repeat booking in its 10th year scheduled for 1/15/2014 - 3/15/2014, repeat bookings for March-April, July & August. Furnishings, etc. included, turnkey. All rentals and deposits would transfer to buyer."

This unit has 1070 sq ft of living space on one level. There is gated off street parking at front, an inviting porch to sit and watch the world pass by, and a formal entryway that leads to the living room that begins midway in the house.  There are three bedrooms and two baths located at the front and south sides of the house. The kitchen and living room are at the rear where French doors open out to the backyard and pool which are for the exclusive use of the unit #1.

 CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this property. When you look at the photos and more importantly when you look at the property you will see modern interiors located inside an older structure that has been brought up to current building codes. This property does not have any Dade County Pine or architectural elements from the late 1800s. That's not a negative, its just a statement of fact. The interiors and building materials reflect the style of the first part of the 21st century. The monthly condo fees are just $162 and cover windstorm and homeowner insurance. (Flood insurance is not required at this location.)

 Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this unit. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

1709 Washington Street - Key West, Florida - Move-in Ready

Just Listed by Preferred Properties Key West, that's where I work but this is not my listing, 1709 Washington Street which the listing Realtor describes this way:

"You will fall in love with this beautiful conch house located on Washington Street. From the wraparound porch to the the 16' ceilings, Dade County pine and stunning original crown molding, this house is full of historic character but also virtually brand new inside. The floors are wide plank Hickory and the roof, windows, kitchen and baths all brand new. There are 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, including a master-suite and a guest bath with claw-foot tub. Glass doors open onto the large lanai perfect for outdoor entertaining and swimming pool. For the tinkerers,there is a detached small workshop with A/C. Pets will be happy here too as there is a lot of yard space,fenced and secure. This home offers indoor/outdoor living at it's finest."

I showed this lovely home to some potential buyers this past week. As we drove to the site I told my buyers this house is located in the country.  Up north in America the term country evokes visions of wheat or corn fields; hogs, cows, and chickens; and a quite pastoral lifestyle.  Down here in Key West country conjures up an older Key West conch style house located outside of Old Town - out in the boonies where the lots are extra large and where there aren't any sidewalks. I had been to this house before - it is located in the country almost surrounded by mid-century houses. It's a quiet reminder of diverse historic Key West architecture that makes our island home so appealing to folks from around the world.

The single story home at 1709 Washington Street has 1017 sq ft of living space under air. It sits on a 52' x 94' (4862 sq ft) lot near the corner of Ashby Street. That's in the general area where Mid Town Key West begins. Most of the homes in this area are single family, and most of these homes are owner occupied. The lots tend to be larger than Old Town so the density is much less in this area.

The front porch wraps around this home on either side. The formal entry is actually located midway on the east side of the house which opens into the newly renovated kitchen. A hallway leads to the living room at the front of the house. A crisply updated Dade County Pine wall is set off by three pastel walls.  White trim on the windows, door, and crown molding punctuate the simple architectural elements.

I had been to this home a few years ago. I was pleasantly surprised to see how beautifully this house had been renovated. Each room looks freshly updated. The colors and architectural elements are all crisp and clean as if poised for a new owner to take over the property. 

This home has a really nice semi-enclosed covered deck area located just off the newly renovated kitchen. This is probably where you will spend most of your time. There's a mini-fridge and wine cooler, television. and lounging area. The pool is larger than many in Key West and it is just steps away from the covered deck. The pool ought to stay sunny during most of the day. Buyers who like to actually swim will love this pool. And there is even an outdoor shower. Move to Key West and you will love taking showers under the sun or moon. Or even in the rain - you just turn up the temperature a little bit to get the shower of your life.

1709 Washington Street is offered for sale at $899,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view more listing photos.  Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this move-in ready home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your home in Paradise. 

615 Southard Street - Key West - Dream a Little Dream

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 So many people come to Key West and fall in love with this little town. They imagine how simple and wonderful their lives could be if only they could live here - someday.  Most people return to their jobs up north in America and go back to the daily grind. They plod along and do their jobs, go to their kids' school and sports events, practices, or whatever.  They go to meetings and drive in traffic for hours on end. But even if they live a simple life,  they probably close their eyes and envision owning a little place on the island they someday want to call home. 

Just listed by Preferred Properties Key West, but not by me, 615 Southard Street which the listing Realtor describes this way:

"Come and see this perfect Key West Conch House today! With two bedrooms, two baths and a private swimming pool in this location, 615 Southard Street will certainly sell quickly. A few years back the property underwent a thorough and quality renovation. The current owners purchased the property in 2001. Features include custom woodcarvings, restored hardwood floors, high ceilings, updated baths and kitchen, central air and heat pump for pool. Property is being sold turnkey (fully furnished) with lovely tropical furniture and accessories. The location is in the heart of Old Town, and only 1.5 blocks to Duval Street and a leisurely stroll to the Historic Seaport. This updated Key West Old Town classic will sell quickly. Don't miss the boat."

I got a chance to show this home a couple of days ago. Shortly after I entered the front door and headed down the long hall on the left side of the house I saw the pool at the rear of the property. I knew instantly that I had showed this house many years earlier when the house was still a virgin cigar makers cottage in need of renovation.  I even remember the potential buyer - a doctor and his wife. They were looking for a place they could "fix up" and have a place to come to on their vacations. I told them that the location was about as good as you can get in Key West. After all, it is an easy walk to Duval Street but far enough away not to be a part of the loonieness that sometimes happens over there. I told them there was plenty of room for a pool. They went back up north to wherever it is they lived. They did not buy.  But someone did. There were a couple of deed transfers after that. The house was renovated (for which it received a ceramic star for excellence in renovation in 2000) and has been occasionally rented as a vacation rental since then.

I don't remember all potential customers as well as I remember that doctor and his wife. They missed a huge buying opportunity. The house sold in 1999 for just $265,000.

615 Southard Street Key West - 1965

615 Southard Street Key West - 2014

I looked in the historic Sanborn Fire Maps and learned that 615 Southard Street first appeared in the 1892 edition. It was not there in the 1899 edition so I assume the map is correct as to the approximate age of construction of this home. During the renovation new windows and mechanical systems were added.  The pool was built then as well. A new addition was placed at the back of the original house where the kitchen and dining area is now located. Doors at the rear open out to the garden and pool.

The formal living area is located at the front of the house. This former cigar makers cottage is rich with Dade County Pine walls throughout the property. Notice the extra tall ceilings and large baseboards that give the rooms a sense of strength and permanence.  Each room is painted a bit differently, but all rooms blend harmoniously. Since this home is offered furnished, it's nice to note that the house just feels "like home". 

The broad hallway on the left leads to the two bedrooms. The first bedroom has an en-suite bath. The second bedroom has an entry door into a second bath which also has a door that enters from the hallway. This second bath is used as a guest bath as well.

Once you near the kitchen the back addition opens into view. You see the pool, of course, but more importantly you see all sorts of visual stimuli that immediately lets you know this is a home.  Yes there is whimsy everywhere. There's a comfy sofa and chair, art, and bric-a-brac galore. The house looks both lived in but not outlived its presence. Who wouldn't love to spend a month here?

The rear doors open out to the kidney shaped pool and rear garden where there is abundant space to get a famous Key West tan (on a sunny day).  I took more photos on a semi-cloudy day which you can see if you CLICK HERE.

If you have been dreaming about buying a perfect place in Key West, a place that you might perhaps rent as a monthly vacation rental to help offset the cost of home ownership, you really ought to consider 615 Southard Street.  It has a successful rental history.  All furnishings and personalty convey with closing as do the advance rental reservations. The asking price is $998,000. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a private showing of this special Key West home.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. This home may be the home of your dreams.