About Monroe County, FL

I was driving east on Fleming yesterday afternoon. I had my windows down as I enjoyed another sunny day in Paradise. I heard a big boom on my right as I passed across Elizabeth Street. A big old bull dozer was knocking down the Universal (Gentle Touch) Cleaners.

510 Elizabeth Street - Key West -as it appeared in 1965

510 Elizabeth Street - Key West - February 2010

Normally it is pretty difficult to knock down anything in our town. In 1971 a good portion of the Old Town area of Key West was designated a U.S. historic district - historically or architecturally significant buildings. A few years later that area was expanded and more buildings were added. Guidelines were established to help control changes to existing structures. Those guidelines have made it nearly impossible to tear down old buildings to construct new ones. So when an old building does come down, it is worth noting.

The more things change elsewhere in the world, little Key West stays pretty true to its roots. Maybe that is why so many people fall in love with this place. When you have been here a few times you know exactly what to expect the next time. The architecture is timeless. The people are laid back. The booze is endless. And the chickens do not sleep. Key West is not Boca, or Ft. Lauderdale, or Miami (Thank God!) It takes a lot of effort to get here by car, plane, or boat. But once you arrive and unwind, it is pretty damned difficult to really want to leave. That may be why so many people dream about owning a place in Key West.

The demolition of the old Gentle Touch Dry Cleaners building made the front page of The Key West Citizen today.The news article reported that the new owner intends to build a family home on the site. Maybe that is why the owner got permission to knock down the old building. The dry cleaning business was out of character for the area. I think a new house will improve the property values for the neighborhood. CLICK HERE to see a photo of the nearly vacant lot.

The sale of this property did not go through the mls. I did some real estate detective work. It looks like the new owner paid $714,000 for the 5150 sq ft lot (51.5" x 100') or $139 per sq ft. That's a pretty good price for a great location in the heart of Old Town.

The first house I sold in Key West is located next door at 514 Elizabeth Street. It was built in 1885. The photo directly below shows that house in 1965. Below that is a photo I took a couple of years ago. The more things change elsewhere, the more they stay the same in Key West.

CLICK HERE to search the Key West mls data base. If you are thinking about buying a place in Key West please think about using me, Gary Thomas, as your buyer agent. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. Contact me by phone at 305.766.2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com.

FLORIDA KEYS-DUCK KEY REAL ESTATE FOR SALE:  Visit the Key Property Guy web site daily to see the latest Duck Key Real Estate listings, Duck Key Single Family Home Sales, Duck Key Short Sales, and much more.  As we all know, Duck Key, which is located near the middle of the Florida Keys, is one of the Vacation Hot Spots for people that are looking to truly enjoy all the Florida Keys Has to Offer. Whether your looking for Luxury Vacation Rental Sales, an all inclusive stay at Duck Key Resort, to purchase a parcel of Duck Key Real Estate, take advantage of a fine Duck Key Bungalow, or explore all that Duck Key has to offer with it's many Fishing,Diving, and Site Seeing Adventures; I am sure you won't be disappointed!

Duck Key Market Update For 2/8/2010
(regardless of date listed above these links update daily)

All Duck Key Real Estate that is Actively For Sale Now - 81

Duck Key Real Estate that is Currently in Short Sale Status - 11

Duck Key Single Family Homes Actively For Sale Now - 35

Duck Key Condos and Townhomes Actively For Sale Now - 46

SPECIAL: ALL FLORIDA KEYS SHORT SALES THAT ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE - 727

Tour The Island

1212 Olivia Street - Key West - January 2009

Way back on January 12, 2009 I wrote a new blog entry on 1212 Olivia Street. CLICK HERE to read what I said then. The property was a newly listed bank owned house in Old Town Key West that was priced to sell at $599,900. I showed that house twice the day it was listed, and other agents were there right along with me at both showings. Someone had removed the kitchen and did some minor damage by removing bathroom sinks. But that house had a wonderful rear yard and large pool that more than made up for the inconvenience and cost to repair and replace things that were missing. That house went under contract within seven days of being listed and closed within 3 months for just $540,000. CLICK to see sold listing data.

The new owners engaged a local gay duo that "do" houses very well. Within a matter of months the place was spiffed up and made even better than before.

I received a phone call yesterday about this house. The gentleman mistakenly thought I wrote the blog in 2010, not 2009. I explained the house sold within days of being listed and told him know what a good deal he missed. I later recalled that I had received several other phone calls and emails on this particular property during the past few months.

I drove past 1212 Olivia Street earlier today. Right below you will see a photo I took today that proves my point about what a difference a year and a gay (duo) make. The guys that did the interipr dod a terrific job. I'm sorry to report I don't have any photos, however.

1212 Olivia Street - Key West - February 2010

If you are thinking of buying a house in Key West You can search the official Key West Association of Realtors mls website by CLICKING HERE. If you see something you like, 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. Our office is the exclusive lower Florida Keys affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

Key Colony Beach real estate, in the Florida Keys runs the spectrum from condominium to palatial ocean front estate home. Currently you can own Real Estate on Key Colony Beach for as little as $165,000 or splurge on a $3+million estate.

Whatever your budget Key Colony Beach has plenty to offer and is a wonderful place to call home or use as a vacation home.

• Located Ocean side
• Sunset Park and beach
• Bike Paths
• Cabana Beach Club
• Golf
• Tennis
• Key colony Inn
• Shopping
• Fishing
• Cabana Breezes
• Charter Fishing

Top LUXURY KEY COLONY BEACH WATERFRONT HOMES For Sale:

• Location: 15th Circle, Key Colony Beach
• 4 Bedrooms
• 4.5 Baths
• Built 1998
• Asking $3,999,999
• 5,079 Sq ft Home
• HUGE 38,078 Sq Ft Lot
• Oceanfront
• Inground Pool
• Spa
• Sandy Beach
• FULL MLS DETAILS

Listing agent remarks: One owner D'Asign Source constructed direct Ocean Front home located on almost an acre. Quality finishes and close attention to detail complete this 4bd/4.5 ba 5,000+ s/f home. Custom pool, spa, sandy beach and deep water dock just help to complete the dream. Garage space for up to (3) vehicles, plus workshop and elevator. Professional, tropical landscaping.

• Location: 14th St, Key Colony Beach
• Asking: $3,890,000
• 5 Bedrooms
• 5.5 Baths
• 5611 Square Feet
• Built 2000
• Lot 24,180 Sq ft.
• OceanViews
• FULL MLS DETAILS
• List Agent Remarks: This outstanding oceanfront estate w/ everything one could imagine. 320+-ft of waterfront on a half acre+. Ocean breezes, sunsets, attention to detail, makes for a true paradise. Master suite boasts aquamarine oceanviews and has close proximity to the pool for that evening dip. A cabana wing (built in 2004)provides an additional two bedrms, two bath, very private guest quarters.
  

• Location: Coury Dr, Key Colony Beach
• 4 Bedrooms
• 4 Baths
• 4110 Square Feet
• Built 2000
• Lot: 11,780 Sq Feet
• In Ground Pool
• Oceanfront
• Open Water View
• Asking: $3,595,000
• FULL MLS DETAILS
• List Agent Remarks: Price lowered... owner says SELL! For a limited time seller is offering a $50,000 furniture credit at D'Asign Source, 50 hour credit with a designer at D'Asign Source, new carpet was just installed, new landscape and a/v upgrades already installed. Don't miss out on this incredible oceanfront home in Key Colony Beach!!!
  

Call Coco Plum Realtors for all of you Luxury Florida Keys Real Estate and Oceanfront Homes needs.

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