Gary Thomas

The first day I arrived in Key West some 25 years ago was amazed by all of the neat old houses in Old Town. I only ventured to Casa Marina for a party that first trip. And other than driving past New Town, I don't think I really ventured out there until a trip in 1987. New Town did not amaze me.

Back in 1984 many of the houses that look so damned wonderful today looked like a lot of the still "undone" or "non-restored" houses that still exist all over Old Town. There are not just as many of them today. And I have seen enough of the houses that were "renovated" or "remodeled" back in the 1970's and 1980's to safely say they may need a bit of updating now. I'm not calling for the introduction of granite or more stainless steel and certainly not calling for vessel sinks or other fads. Perhaps there were some things added over the years that might make a property look or even function better. Back in 1984 it was the simplicity of design and the sturdy construction that endeared me to the houses of Old Town. Nothing has changed.

The house at 1025 Thompson Lane is a good example of an old house built circa 1891 that has been updated over the years. You walk inside and you either love it or you don't. The rooms are colorful and cozy. I find the place absolutely charming. There is a fake fire in the livingroom that reminds you why you chose to move to Key West. The house is very livable. None of the rooms are really large, but they work. The upstairs is presently divided into a sitting room, a bedroom, and a bath.

There is presently a small second floor deck and spiral staircase (CLICK HERE) that are not historic to the house. I think it should be removed. That would allow the homeowner to utilize the ground area better. I think there is room for pool and still comply with the set back requirements. Any serious buyer will need to verify the ability to add a pool and should not relay what I say.

1025 Thompson Lane has 1341 sq ft of living area and sits on a 1600 sq ft lot. The house has two bedrooms, two baths, a lovely living room and an open kitchen. It is offered for sale at $525,000 or $391 per sq ft. CLICK HERE for more information and to view photos of the interior and exterior.

Thompson Lane is a lot like many of the other slow lanes in Key West: quiet. It runs one block long from Frances Street on the east to Grinnell Street on the west. Finnegan's Wake is located on Grinnell Street and just a few feet past the exit from Thompson Lane. The City of Key West parking structure is located across the street from Finnegan's Wake. And the Historic Key West Seaport is a minute walk further to the north. The house and its location are very quiet but the property is located within easy walking distance to so many things that make Old Town Key West so vibrant and fun.

1025 Thompson Lane is a listing of Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email me at kw1101v@aol.com to set up a showing.

The listing Realtor describes the new offering at 800 Fleming Street #A-1 (The William Fleming House) this way:

"The perfect home for someone who wants carefree condominium living but desires the charm of a historic Old Town Key West home. The William Fleming House was constructed in the mid 1800's and is located in a premium location - the corner of William and Fleming Streets. Just completed renovation includes a new kitchen and two new baths. The kitchen includes granite and butcher block countertops, stainless steel appliances and new cabinetry. Baths are beautifully outfitted with polished chrome fixtures, tile shower enclosures and stone floors. There are only 9 units - each with assigned offstreet parking and a very large tropically landscaped common area with free form pool, sun deck and covered bar."

CLICK HERE to see the listing details and photos of the interior of this two story in town condominium located in the heart of Old Town Key West. This 1281 sq ft unit occupies two floors of the building and has views of the pool and gardens. The units in the building are constructed of Dade County Pine walls, floors and ceiling and have that "old Key West feel" that some many buyers want. The ceilings are very high and the doors and windows open to decks overlooking the pool below and the pristine homes on William Street. This unit is offered at $995,000 or $777 per sq ft. The condo is located on one of the best blocks in Old Town and is a convenient walk to everything. The property is 3 blocks to Duval Street and 3 blocks to the Historic Key West Seaport.

If you are looking for a pied-à-terre or just a plain old condo, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty Inc. in Key West, Florida.

The "Seller" of 1107 Olivia Street just reduced the asking price from $1,250,000 to $1,150,000 for the thoroughly renovated house with a valuable Transient Rental License. The house has two bedroom, two baths, new everything, a pool, but no off-street parking. The furniture is not included at the asking price. The price per square foot for this 1125 square foot is $1,022 per sq ft. This property has been on the market since May 21st. CLICK HERE to see the mls listing info and photos.

The listing Realtor describes 1107 Olivia Street this way "Transient Licensed Charm in Old Town! Completely renovated from top to bottom. Excellent location! In Vacation Rental program so may be rented. Furniture negotiable. Owner is Lic. RE Broker." I went to the property management website to see what the house rental fee is and what kind of rental history it has. Many local property management companies have excellent websites that make looking at fees and history a breeze. The company that manages this property requires an email request. I declined.

I recently sold a two bedroom two bath unit with a beautiful pool, off-street parking, a transient license and a "great" rental history for $549,000 or for $515 per sq ft. There have been several other recent sales of single family houses in Old Town that have transient licenses that have sold at similar prices. On November 9th a Realtor friend listed a two bedroom two bath house with Transient License in a great Old Town location for $575,000. It went under contract on November 16th. That's a steal even at full price.

I think 1107 Olivia Street has really good street appeal and I like the neighborhood. The location requires a couple of minutes extra walking time to reach Duval or the Historic Seaport, but only a couple of minutes. The location is quiet and the neighboring houses and area is very nice.

You are probably scratching your head and asking why did Gary write about something that he thinks is over-priced. The answer dear Reader is that you never know how motivated a seller is to sell until he is presented an offer. The better the offer, the better the chance a deal can be reached. I don't know anything in particular about this property other than what I have written. But I have a feeling that a deal can be reach for a price grounded in reality. I think it is worth taking a look at this property even though the asking price is very high on a per square foot bases.

If you would like to see 1107 Olivia Street, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

Attention Bargain Hunters: Just Listed (but not by me) 512 Margaret Street priced at only $739,000 or $505 per sq ft. That's a lot of money, but this is a lot of house for the money. It was built in 1889 and has 1462 sq ft of living space. It sits on a tight lot (1560 sq ft or 24' X 65') on one of the better blocks in Old Town Key West. CLICK HERE to read the detailed info on this house and view photos of the interior and pool.

The absolutely beautiful house next door at 510 Margaret Street is listed for sale at $1,590,000 $815 per sq ft CLICK HERE to view. That house is bigger and has a separate guest cottage, but I offer it to support my statement about the location. And if you know the location you know that super chic Scheppens Lane is located at the rear of both houses. Another absolutely charming house I wrote about before that is located at 416 Margaret Street CLICK HERE recently increased had a price increase and it is now offered at $1,240,000.

This is how the listing Realtor describes 512 Margaret Street:

"Beautifully renovated and restored Historic Home in one of the most desirable Old Town Key West neighborhoods. Attention to detail and beauty are the hallmarks of this historic treasure. Dade County pine walls, gorgeous wood floors, large master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, en-suite bath and room for a king size bed. Two large bedrooms plus a bonus home office area, chef's kitchen, and elegant crown molding. Wonderful outdoor spaces including two covered porches plus a sexy open porch off the master suite for morning coffee or sunbathing. Heated pool with comfortable deck area. Walk to Key West Seaport, restaurants and nightlife. An Old Town Historic Treasure For The Most Discerning Buyer"

View Larger Map">GOOGLE MAPS a good aerial perspective of the area. Michael's Restaurant is up at the corner at Southard Street and Mangia Mangia is located across the street. Azur Restaurant is located one block away at the corner of Fleming Street and Grinnell. The Historic Key West Seaport is two blocks north of that and Duval Street is a five minute walk.

So many second home buyers want the same thing: two or three bedrooms, two baths, Dade County Pine, pool, the Key West Conch house or cottage "look", good location, and off street parking. This house has all except the off street parking. The house at 510 Margaret Street does not have off street parking either. But the one at 416 Margaret does. But 416 argaret costs $501,000 more. I created a list of other three bedroom two bath houses in Old Town that are priced at $739,000 or less. CLICK HERE to do your own price comparison. Or CLICK HERE to search the Key West MLS.

I think 512 Margaret Street may be a bargain for the right buyer. It is priced considerably below many similarly sized homes in the Old Town area. If you are looking for a home like 512 Margaret Street, please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to schedule a showing. I am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West, Florida. We are an affiliate of Christie's Great Estates.

One of my favorite Key West houses just got a lot more affordable. The asking price on 915 Angela Street is now $998,000 or $739 per sq ft. This house was originally listed for sale at $1,299,000. The price has been reduced a couple of times. But now the price is at a point where the market ought to react.

You will either love 915 Angela Street or you will hate it. Oh, you'll love the house. There's nothing not to like about the house. It's the neighbors.

This is how the listing Realtor describes 915 Angela Street:

"Pristine Old Town cottage with a little bit of everything including 3bd/2ba + delightful outdoor bath, 2 off street parking spaces, heated pool with waterfall & private spa. An outstanding use of space brings the outdoors in with the family room nestled between spacious covered decks & lush landscape. Enjoy the historical character with exposed Dade County pine walls and ceilings, renovated kitchen with new stainless appliances, remodeled baths, cathedral ceilings and lots of glass doors, windows and skylights. Beautifully styled and impeccably cared for both inside and out with optional designer furniture package negotiable for a truly turnkey Key West residence."

Let me tell you about the neighbors. The house next door to the west sits at the corner of Margaret and Angela Streets. CLICK HERE to view this incredible Key West property. The neighbors to the rear are a couple of very large homes accessed off Canfield Lane. The neighbor to the east is a nice house at the corner of William and Angela. Angela Street is a one way street that runs from Margaret eastward to White Street. It is just one lane wide. Across Angela Street is the Key West Cemetery. CLICK HERE to see the view from 915 Angela looking directly south. If you are concerned about flooding remember that the cemetery is near the highest point on the island. The big skies and bright sunshine from across the street will never be built upon nor will the neighbors to the west or east. What you see is what will be for eternity. Knowing the future in real estate is not necessarily a bad thing.

The cemetery bothers the hell out of a lot of potential buyers.Some people refuse to even look at houses anywhere near the cemetery. I guess I understand. But not really.

This is why I really like 915 Angela Street. First, the place is really nicely laid out for Key West second home living. It is large enough for a couple that has a small family or friends that may drop in for an occasional visit. There are three bedrooms and two baths. The living room opens on the east to a beautiful pool. The living room also opens to the left onto a secluded deck with a hot tub. The master bedroom and bath also open onto that same deck. There is an incredibly sexy outdoor shower tucked away to the side. A second bedroom is located at the right front of the the house. The kitchen and dining area complete the main floor. There is a decent sized third bedroom or office on the second floor. There is enough separation between the rooms to provide the kind of privacy you don't see in many Key West houses. There are two separate off street parking spaces each of which is bricked. The house is just as cute as it can be. This 1350 sq ft home is offered at $998,000. The view from the front porch or the master bedroom looking south across the cemetery changes with each passing cloud. The view is the exact opposite of what you would expect. CLICK HERE to see more detailed information on this listing and view lots of interior and exterior photos.

This house is an easy walk to Duval Street or the Historic Key West Seaport. Both are about 5 minutes away. There is no commercial activity anyplace within sight. The Conch Trains and Trolley Cars can't go down Angela Street because it is too narrow. What a rotten shame! Boo Hoo! Locals don't use it as thoroughfare because there are speed bumps. Tourists tend to walk fast or run because, well, it is the cemetery after all.

The view from the master bedroom is just beautiful. This place is super quiet. I can't think of anything a new owner would need to do. If you are looking for a quiet little place and don't mind the neighborhood, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by e-mail me at kw1101v@aol.com.