32 HILTON Haven Road #4, Key West - New Lower Price

I have written about 32 Hilton Haven Road #4, Key West on several occasions during the past several months.  It is one of the largest waterfront condominiums in Key West and has probably the best water view I have seen for any house comparably priced.  The asking price was reduced to $1,100,000 late Monday at which time I sent emails to a couple of my buyers who are seeking a deal.

I remember how surprised I was to learn that although Key West is island that there are few homes or condominiums actually have water views. The are a few single family homes near the southernmost point which are located on the water and additional homes across Whitehead Street which is Navy property with extraordinary water views for NAVY brass. Harbour Place Condominiums in Truman Annex have water views. There are no units available there and if they did exist, they would be smaller in size, higher in price, come with a lot of association rules and enforcement officers. The Key West Beach Club has wonderful views, but the units available are each much smaller in size. There are several units at 1800 Atlantic has several units available with varying views of Bertha Street, the courtyard, or the mangroves, nothing is as large or has direct water views anywhere comparable to 32 Key Haven. There are some single family homes on one of the canals, but that is not like having a direct water view with sunrises or sunsets.  My point is there is nothing comparable to 32 Key Haven. I am not the listing agent. I cannot understand why it has not sold. I think if offers a very good value to any number of buyers. And now that the price is reduced again I think a lot of buyers ought to take a look.

The current owners did a thorough renovation and significantly update this property by adding impact windows and doors. Buyers may not appreciate the significance of not having to hire someone to install shutters should we get warning of an impending storm. An owner or a property manager needs to contact someone who can do the job and then get it done. After the storm passes, the same person will need to take down the shutters each time charging for time and service. Impact windows don't require any service. They function without shutters. They also provide immediate discount on wind insurance. 

During renovation the current owners created three bedrooms and baths in opposite corners providing ultimate privacy for the occupants. Having friends or family spend time with you can be very enjoyable, but having to listen to them come and go or do whatever it is that guests do can be annoying, especially if it upsets the way you normally live. This unit is so large that I doubt anyone will get annoyed. 

Proximity to Old Town. Okay you can't walk to Old Town. Well, you could but it would take 20 to 30 minutes to walk there. If you consider what you would have in reverse, you don't have to deal with tourists from morning to night, day after day after day, You can see them on your terms and your time and not have to hear their goings on. I would much rather wake up in the morning and see birds flying and boats setting off for a day of fishing than hearing garbage trucks and delivery trucks and hearing the bald guy drag tourists all over town gabbing about mango trees.  I really don't understand why people think they need to live near all that. 

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS on 32 Key Haven. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 304-766-2642, to take a look. We can and should look at the other places to. But if you look with an open heart I'll bet you will see all the positive features this home at this price has to offer.

2317 Fogarty Avenue, Key West - Bank Owned - Buying Opportunity

Just listed but not by me 2317 Fogarty Avenue, Key West. I selected the logo photo above because I consider this Bank Owned home a buying opportunity for one of my Dear Readers looking for an affordable home in Key West.  Too many local buyers have been priced out of our market. This home appears to be in pretty good shape and is basic move-in condition. This home was built in the mid-town area of Key West in 1958. This little subdivision was typical of many such subdivisions that sprang up across America after the GIs returned home after World War II. The post war housing was simple and affordable. There were big lots for the kids and dogs to play and the family to enjoy hamburgers on the bar-b-que.

I dug into my old shoebox and found the above black and white photo taken of 2311 Fogarty Avenue just as the subdivision was announced. Fogarty Avenue is located behind the two men in the photo.  The one story cinder block structure on the right side is the base of what will become the Fifth Street Baptist Church which takes up most of the south side of the 2300 block of Fogarty. The house behind the men still exists and it is a part of the church complex.

The above aerial photo shows 2317 Fogarty Avenue when photographed in 1999. I added an arrow to show this home which has 1111 square feet of interior living space and sits on a 50'X 111' (5500) sq ft lot. Nearly sixty years have elapsed since this house was built. Most of the homes in the area have been enlarged or remodeled to some extent. I will point out the changes made to this property.

The front exterior looks really nice. It is simple and not overdone. There is paved off street parking on both sides of the front. A new owner could easily remove one pad to expand the greenery in front.

The Monroe County Property Appraiser card shows many updates were added to this home in 1996.  The doors and windows have been replaced. (There are Miami Dade approved shutters for all windows and French doors.) The kitchen appears more recent than 1996 as do the stainless steel appliances. The central air was not working when I photographed the house but window AC units were working. The floor tiles in the kitchen and family room appeared to be more recent than 1996 as well. I added notations to the living room photo to point out the crown molding and recessed lighting which are repeated in other rooms as well.

This house looked to have been lovingly maintained. The inside was clean. I saw a couple of minor things that need repair but the house as a whole is in near move-in condition. You'll need to buy a mirror and shower head for the bathroom, but that's a heck of a lot cheaper than having to redo the thing.

The front bedroom has an en-suite bath. The rear bedroom has French doors which open out to the wrap-around rear deck. The room sizes are nearly identical. The back bedroom does not have a private bath. The hall bath appears to have been updated and expanded as it looks nothing like a mid-century bath.

I was totally taken by the back yard and sideyards. This home sits on a really big lot. There is room for a pool, but more important there is room for the family to have nice private outdoor living area. The canvas awnings need replaced, but the shaded deck area will make a great place to watch the kids or grandchildren play and thrive. The side yards have a lot of space for storage for bikes and adult toys. This is a nice house. Don't let it slip by. It will go quickly. CLICK HERE to view more photos I took.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet on 2317 Fogarty Avenue which is offered at $449,900. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to set up a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let me help you find your home in Paradise.

702 Catherine Street, Key West - Potential Vacation Rental

Just Listed. but not by me, 702 Catherine Street, located in Old Town Key West and about two blocks away from upper Duval Street where the cool people hang out. There several near by places like Frenchcies, Bab Boy Burrito, and the infamous LaTeDa where you can eat, drink, or be entertained, and walk home within a few minutes.  South Beach is nearby as well. Your guests can walk to a fun beach and not get lost nor get blisters on their feet for having to walk a couple of miles. South Beach is only three blocks away. At the same time you can just as easily walk out to the back porch and watch the kids have fun in the pool. This 1450 sq ft two bedroom, two and one-half bath has it all. And its priced to sell at just $959,000.

The listing agent describes 702Ctherine Street this way: "This pristine home sits in a wonderful Old Town compound consisting of 9 beautifully maintained homes clustered around a 45' shared pool with lush landscaping. The prime, quiet location is only 1 1/2 blocks off of Upper Duval St. The interior has gorgeous white-oak wood floors, a spacious floor plan, high ceilings, and abundant natural light in every room. Experience indoor/outdoor living at its best with french doors leading from the living room to a sun deck overlooking the swimming pool, a covered & screened living/dining area outside of the kitchen, a front porch and a second floor balcony. The kitchen has rich granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances and is open to the dining area. Living area is spacious and bright with a half bath located near the stairs. Full-size laundry is inside of the house. The two upstairs bedrooms each have two full bathrooms ensuite with ochre travertine floors and matching tile & glass shower enclosures--one of which has a bathtub. This solid home has hardie board siding, a metal roof and hurricane shutters. Outdoor areas have premium composite decking. There is off-street parking for one car. HOA fee is $192 per month paid quarterly and covers pool maintenance and landscaping."  This is s town home which means the homeowner is responsible for all building maintenance and building insurances. The HOA fees are modest and cover only pool and common area maintenance. The good thing is this home appears to be in superior condition.  It looks great in all areas - indoors and outdoors. That means a new homeowner will not need to start fixing things once title has passed. This home looks like it has been treated like a baby - a pampered baby.

The covered porch at the main floor rear provides abundant private outdoor dining and rest areas. Even though the area looks out to the communal pool, you cannot see inside from the outside French doors at the back of the living area open onto the rear porch that leads down to the pool area. There is also a small landing area where you could you chairs to have private a private sitting area. But it is the semi-enclosed porch where your family and friends will likely spend most of their time. 

The second floor hallway provides nice separattion between the two bedroom wings. There is even access to a small second floor balcony overlooking Catherine Street. The real wood floors shine throughout this house. The walls currently display bold art work everywhere. A new owner could just as easily minize the art work and still make the walls look great as they provide ample contrast to the beautiful wood floors.

Both bedrooms have en-suite baths and adequate closets. I always tell potential buyers that they won't need as many clothes in Key West as they need up north, but they still need clothes and places to store them. This home had both room to live and adquequate storage spaces on both living levels.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datesheet and more photos. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to set up a private showing. A new owner can legally rent this home as monthly vacation rental. It's prime location makes it a sure winner if that is your choice. However, not all owners rent their homes here. This home is affordably priced such that a new owner may not need to find rental income to help pay the cost of ownership. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.