Attention Bargain Hunters: At Home in Key West just listed 1018 Thompson Lane, Old Town, Key West, Florida at the asking price of $600,000 or $526 per sq ft for this 2 bed two bath 1140 sq ft house with a cocktail pool and off street parking. Best yet is the fact that this property is a Short Sale. A short sale means the seller is offering to sell the property for less than the amount the seller owes to lenders on condition that the lenders agree to accept the lesser amount as full payment on the amount owed. Where, pray tell, is Thompson Lane? you ask. It runs parallel between Eaton and James Street (east-west) for one block. It intersects Grinnell Street on the west and Francis Street or the back end of Manley deBoer Lumber Company at the east. Thompson Lane is only one block long. I... 03/27/2009

The sharp Key West Conch Cottage at 712 Southard just had a price reduction. The new asking price is $899,000. The house was extensively remodeled a couple of years ago so everything is in very good condition in my opinion. I have hosted two open houses at the property and have had time to poke around a bit. My observations later. The listing Realtor describes 712 Southard Street thus: "Location!Location!Location! Just two blocks from Duval Street, sits this beautifully appointed shotgun on the best block in Key West. Two nice size bedrooms and bathrooms, great new kitchen with cathedral ceiling that opens to the glass tiled kidney shaped heated pool surrounded by tropical landscaping." The house is 1026 sq ft according to Monroe County tax records and sits on a 2259 sq ft lot just two... 03/26/2009

Hello, A month ago on my blog, I posted my opinion on two things to watch out for that would signal the start of a recovery. Link:  http://activerain.com/blogsview/916279/Recovery-Signals-to-look-for The first was that bad assets need to be taken off the books of the banks.  Yesterday, the Treasury Secretary officially announced the White House's plan to clean up bank's balance sheets.  I won't bore you with the details.  Suffice it to say the stock market responded with a nearly 500 point jump in the Dow.  The smart money obviously agrees that this is a critical part of leading us out of this crisis.  Any recovery will now largely depend on the success (or failure) of the execution of this plan.  So we can say the first signal has now arrived. The second piece was that homeowners who a... 03/24/2009

Just Listed, but not by me: 602 Southard Street (corner of Southard & Simonton Streets). This is how the listing Realtor describes this property: "Grand Historic Home (3 legal Units)located in the Old Town district. One block off Duval. Featuring Entry Porch, Hardwood Floors, Walk in Closets, High Ceilings, Ceiling Fans and Metal Roof. The perfect historic Conch Home!" CLICK HERE to see more info and several photos of the interior. I have never been inside this place, but I have admired this house since the first time I came to Key West. There is something so "old" about the place that makes me feel safe or content. It's a big house, 2746 sq. ft. according to tax records. The lot is big too, 5573 sq. ft. at a major point in Old Town. The property is presently configured as three units,... 03/24/2009

This distinctive Mid Century house at 3533 Flagler Avenue is bank owned and it has been on the market for quite a while. It was previously listed with a real estate agent in Miami. I've carped about them carpetbaggers before coming down here and listing homes in Key West. They join one of the Monroe County association of Realtors and start to list houses as if one house is like another. Well, it did not sell and it was put in a national auction. It didn't sell there, either. It was recently listed by a local Realtor and this is what that Realtor says: "Great family or shared home in New Town.,Key West, Florida. Spacious 3/3 with dip pool. Downstairs are a bedroom and bath, laundry room, large kitchen/dining area and living room. Multiple French doors provide lots of light and great vie... 03/23/2009

There is something so comfy-cozy about 821 Southard Street in Old Town Key West. It kind of reminds me of my grandmother's house. It sits back off the street protected by a white picket fence. It sits up high and has a front porch to watch the world go by. There is even a screen door, a site rarely seen in Key West. Inside the rooms are large. All of them. Except for the kitchen and baths, the rooms are pretty much now as they were when the house was built. The kitchen looks like new cabinets were installed around 20 years ago. I've seen the same cabinets all over town in houses and condos from that era. The stainless steel appliances are new, however. And the maple floors throughout the house add real warmth to the place. But the primary thing you see when you enter the house is that ... 03/21/2009

Thanks to all the readers who made such nice comments on yesterday's blog "You do the Math". I appreciate it when my shills are awake. Your checks will be arriving soon. Diana, the reader that prompted all the comments,was looking for kid friendly area other than pricey Old Town that her family could afford. They are in that under one million threshold. I just created a list CLICK HERE of houses in the Meadows and Casa Marina areas that are priced under the one million mark. I think all prices are negotiable these days, so don't let the asking price on any property prevent you from looking at it. I eliminated houses that are on busy streets. Some are affordably priced, but kids do run into streets. I think locals are pretty careful about driving on side streets. But you need to watch o... 03/21/2009

I thought it would be interesting to let the readers compare two similar yet dissimilar houses for sale. Both houses are often referred to as cigar maker cottages or shotgun houses. Some people call them Conch Cottages. Call them what you want. Both houses are for sale and here are the details that may make them attractive to you. 1216 White Street is located about five blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. It is a Bank Owned house listed for sale at $344,900 or just $262 per sq ft. CLICK HERE for more photos and detailed information provided by the listing Realtor. I've shown this house several times in recent weeks and I think this could make a great project for someone who doesn't mind spending some time and money turning this place into a little gem. Here's why: I am assuming the prior o... 03/20/2009

The Federal Reserve will buy 300 billion in bonds and 750 billion in mortgage backed securities by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to fund the liquidity.  The 1.2 trillion dollar surge available money will lower interest rates and credit card interest rates,  There has never in the history of our country been a better time to invest in real estate.  If you have reservations about buying now because you are worried about the price of real estate declining then you should read my article about EquityLock Financial. Maya Thomas Realtor Exit Realty Old Island Key West 1511 Truman Avenue Key West, FL  33040 (305) 522-1398 www.ShowcasePortfolioProperties.com    03/20/2009

The asking price of the beautiful home at 1122 Seminary Street in the Casa Marina Area of Key West has just been reduced to an incredible $1,090,000. It was originally listed at $1,795,000 with one company. It was then listed with the current company at $1,595,000. This is how the listing agent describes this property: "Only the finest throughout! This impeccable Casa Marina area beauty has endless recent upgrades including gorgeous Venetian Paint & a $40,000. 00 fully integrated Crestron Sound system. With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths there is plenty of room for everyone, even has a mother-in law guest suite with its own kitchenette. Enjoy the wonderful ambiance of a large gourmet kitchen that opens on to a pool & relaxing waterfall. Every bathroom is new & beautiful & other features incl... 03/19/2009

Key West Real Estate Company Testimonials My goal is your complete satisfaction “Key West Style”—no worries, no hassles, no problems. I am always delighted when a client takes the time to acknowledge a job well done. I share a few of their comments with you now. …When I put my home in the Florida Keys on the market, I ignored Lori’s suggestions on doing some minor fix ups. I just didn’t want to do anything. After awhile, I finally took her advice on some inexpensive updates and furniture re-arrangement and my home went under contract within a week. She even helped with my garage sale. I recommend her without reserve to anyone looking to buy or sell real estate in the lower Keys. -- Lydia Wong I am a real estate agent in North Florida and after careful research, I hired Lori Bender to se... 03/18/2009

Purchasing Key West Real Estate With the right Realtor, buying into paradise can be as delightful as living here. I thoroughly and continually research the market to uncover what's sold recently, what's for sale now, and my being entrenched in the community gives me inside information as to what properties will be coming onto the market. I'll help you to locate the house of your dreams, and I'll help you to relocate and settle into your new home and the community. I can promise to: Stay thoroughly current with available Key West property inventory, saving you time Locate a choice of desirable homes, based on your 'wish list' Show you the finest condominium apartments, townhomes, or single family homes Give careful attention to each of the details that follows an offer Guide you to the b... 03/18/2009

Key West and Things To Do There are many charters available for sightseeing in Key West. From a variety of go fast type boats that can take you for a ride around Key West and it's neighboring islands to a slow and comfortable sailing adventure out of Key West Harbor to the reef and back, there are many options available. Key West Fishing - Key West offers world class fishing on the flats, in the backcountry and offshore. The pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico meet along the Florida Keys offering great fishing opportunities on reefs and wrecks, in the shallow flats around mangrove islands and in the deep drop offs where the Gulf Stream flows offshore between the Florida Keys and the coast of Cuba. Key West Snorkeling & Diving - Snorkeling and diving on North America... 03/18/2009

Living in Old Town Key West gives residents the option, to not own a car. Due to the parking situation and streets, Bicycles, mopeds or walking is the preferred way to move around town. If you do use a car, be aware that parking can be difficult in Old Town. There are however parking lots and garages just off Duval that can definitely help the situation. The original Key West neighborhood in the west (although perceived as south) is called "Old Town" and comprises the Key West Historic District. It includes the major tourist destinations of the island including Mallory Square, Duval Street, the Truman Annex and Fort Zachary Taylor. It is where you find the classic bungalows and guest mansions. Generally, the structures date from 1886 to 1912. The basic features that distinguish the loca... 03/18/2009

About Key West Key West is one of the most popular destinations in the World. Because of this, Key West Real Estate and Florida Keys Real Estate is some of the most desireable property there is. Key West is both a place and a state of mind. It lies about as far away as you can go in this USA, almost part of the tropics, some four hours and 150 miles south and west of Miami. See Keys Newsletter You cross a lot of bridges and spectacular blue and green water to get there, and when you get there you’re only 90 miles from Cuba. Cruise ships consider a stop at Key West part of their Caribbean itineraries! It’s not a big place, and it is a place where real people live. It has a year-round population of just over 26,000 and a median resident age of 39 years. Key West also includes the neighbor... 03/18/2009

Twenty Five years ago this week I sat foot on the Island of Key West for the very first time. I had read about Key West a few years earlier in a magazine called "After Dark". Things were different back then. We did not have 24 hour per day news channels and travel channels to tell us about the world. We had magazines and books. The photos above are from the issue I read. (That's Randy from The Village People in the top photo. Those pics attracted my attention. I read the article and decided I must see for myself. I drove down from Miami and thought if I didn't like Key West, I could return to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale for the second week of my vacation. When I got to Key West, I did what any red blooded American guy would do. I didn't read the map. I guessed which direction to take. I dr... 03/18/2009

Seaside Resort Condominium is a lovely private community 10 miles from Key West that feels more like a fishing village.  The quiet, idyllic setting has rows and rows of neat and clean modular homes and mobile homes nestled on the Atlantic Ocean.  There is a meanering canal that flows through the property.  When you drive around every person you see waves and has a big smile on their face.  Nearly everyone is on a bike although there are a few golf carts.  They have a pancake breakfast once a week, an art group, a bible study group and boats everywhere!  There are 199 lots and 2 common area laundry areas.  It's a lovely community with a guard gate to screen your visitors.  There are 17 properties available as of March 17, 2009 ranging in price from $140,000 to $550,000.  There are ocean ... 03/17/2009

Did you watch House Hunters last night on HGTV to Cory Held of Preferred Properties show and sell a second home in Key West? If not and you are looking for a place in Key West, try to find it on re-run. It's helpful even if you are not looking in the same price range as the buyers who were willing to spend up to $2 million for a second home. On the program Cory showed her customers three houses. In reality, they looked at about 20. I'm going to share the gritty details on the three houses on the program. Only one remains unsold and it is temporarily off the market but.... (more later) House No. 1 is located at 804 Elizabeth Street in Old Town. It is an eyebrow house that was recently renovated and has a spectacular pool. The living room and dining area are just captivating. The second ... 03/16/2009

I can already hear the chorus beginning to chant "location, location, location" or something like that as a reason not to even consider this cute two story duplex that in a newly listed Bank Owned investment property. The property is located at 921 Eaton Street. Busy street during the daytime, for sure. Quiet at night, however. Asking price for this 1240 sq ft property near the corner of Eaton & Grinnell Streets is only $424,900 or $343 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to see the listing information provided in the mls. And CLICK HERE to see additional information that the previous Realtor provided and much better photos prior to bank ownership. I took the photos above today. Look at the neighbors. The immediately next door to the west (CLICK HERE) at 917 Eaton is offered at $1,795,000.Not a typo... 03/13/2009

The house at 409 William Street is located on one of the best blocks in Old Town Key West. Some of the oldest and most beautiful houses in Key West are located in the three, four, five, and six hundred blocks of William Street. 409 William Street is known as the Gideon Lowe House. Several years ago it became Whispers Guest House. And then in June 2005 the present owner purchased the property for $2,000,000 and began the renovation process. That's not a typo dear reader. The owner paid $2,000,000. The property is offered at $1,995,000. The owner put over one million dollars in to the renovation. The math is simple. The seller is going to lose a lot of money no matter what the price is paid for this house. Read on. The house was built in 1908. The Listing Realtor shows the square footage... 03/12/2009