Classical Revival Architecture – Dean Townsend Team

OUR TOP 10 FAVORITE KEY WEST HOME SALES OF 2017

Posted by Dean in Homes We Love, Key West Real Estate, Key West's Top 10's

2017 proved to be another banner year for The Townsend Team. We joined forces with Compass Realty to be a part of the successful launch of KELLER WILLIAMS KEY WEST COMPASS REALTY, survived an unwanted date with Hurricane Irma, and sold some unforgettable island homes.

We hope you enjoy our fourth annual list of our favorite Key West home sales of the year. Not only did we wish we were buying these beautiful properties for ourselves, family or friends, we had a great time working with the sellers, buyers, real estate agents, closing attorneys, loan officers, photographers, and all the industry professionals that helped to make these transactions happen.

We can’t wait to see what tropical treasures we’ll be marketing and selling in 2018.

Happy New Year!

Dean & Keith Townsend, The Townsend Team
305-942-1369, www.DeanTownsend.com

OUR TOP 10 FAVORITE KEY WEST HOME SALES OF 2017

10. 1211 Washington Street, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $915,000.
Our buyers traded up from their historic Old Town cottage when they saw the value in this lovely, garden street home. With a spacious 2 bedroom/1.5 bath main house and a 1 bedroom/1 bath poolside cottage, they now have plenty of room to relax into their island retirement.

9. 1423 Patricia Street, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $987,298.
It took winning five, nerve-racking, online auctions to secure this large, 4 bedroom/ 3.5 bath, investment property for our buyers. They have lovingly transformed La Bella Capri into a family-friendly monthly vacation rental.

8. 53 Seaside South Court, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $842,400.
With its stunning ocean views from four levels, we knew this 3 bedroom/4 bath, end unit townhome would not stay on our roster of listings for long. To the delight of our sellers, we received a full price offer in no time flat.

7. 1711 Von Phister Street, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $604,000.
After purchasing this charming cottage in 2016, our sellers outgrew this, 3 bedroom/2 bath, home before they even made their move to paradise. We helped them find the perfect home for their retirement and were thrilled when friends of ours chose this cottage for themselves.

6. 1410 Reynolds Street, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $1,670,000.
Dean represented our sellers in 2008 when they purchased this stunning home for $1,262,500.00. We had so much fun staging, marketing, and selling their spacious, 3 bedroom/2.5 bath, Casa Marina gem.

5. 1407 Rose Street, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $845,000.
With its well-designed floor plan and sparkling pool, this pristine, 3 bedroom/2 bath, mid-century modern home captivated our buyers and us. We wished we were buying it.

4. 1127 Packer Street, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $600,000.
When he had it under contract the first time, the buyer of this picture-perfect cottage got cold feet in the days following Hurricane Irma. Once he understood that—like most of structures in Old Town—the property saw no damage from the storm, he went on to happily purchase the charming, 2 bedroom/1 bath, home from our sellers.

3. 1209 Grinnell Street, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $798,000.
After spending a few years building a lasting friendship with our buyers as they searched for a single-family home, they decided that this move-in-ready, 2 bedroom/2.5 bath, townhouse was their ideal Key West starter home. Located in a small, gated, Old Town compound, the low-maintenance property won them over with its beautiful shared pool and garden.

2. 2601 South Roosevelt Boulevard, A207, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $480,000.
We staged this beautiful, 1 bedroom/1 bath, Key West by the Sea condominium to sell. To our delight, the turnkey property sold for a record breaking price.

★1. 1209 Knowles Lane, Key West, FL 33040—SOLD $958,170.
As REALTORS®, we never know when we will meet new friends. We hit it off with the buyers of this exquisite historical renovation when they toured our favorite home sale of 2016: the unforgettable Carpenter Gothic church conversion at 824 Thomas Street. After taking them to see many Old Town properties, they saw past construction chaos and went under contract on this, 2 bedroom/2 bath, saw-tooth cottage months before the renovation was complete. Their patience paid off when they closed on the Key West home of their dreams.

TAKE A PEEK INTO YOUR KEY WEST HOME’S PAST

Posted by Dean in Homes We Love, Key West History, Key West Real Estate

Back in 1965, the Monroe County Property Appraiser’s office took on the arduous task of taking a Polaroid photograph to document every structure in the county. The resulting group of 4,470 architectural images offers an extraordinary glimpse into a time in Key West history just before homes and commercial structures began to be restored en masse. It is surprising (if not shocking) to see how rundown much of the island’s buildings were at the time. The collection serves as a testament to the commitment of countless individuals that have—over the past fifty years—invested their money, blood, sweat, and tears into returning Key West’s historic structures to their previous glory.

Photo taken by the Property Appraiser's office c1965; 1405 Olivia St.; built c1906; Tract 7, Sqr 2, Pt Lot 13 — Photo taken by the Property Appraiser’s office c1965; 1405 Olivia St.; built c1906; Tract 7, Sqr 2, Pt Lot 13

The treasure trove of photos was endowed to the Monroe County Public Library in Key West. Luckily, the library has made the entire collection available online at http://bit.ly/keyspix.

Click here to visit the website and you will be able to explore a vast array of historic Keys photographs. The 1965 Property Appraiser’s Polaroids have been grouped together in the album The Way We Were—Key West 1960’s.

You can search for the 1965 picture of your Key West home by clicking on the search icon just above the photographs (not the Flickr search icon at the top of the page). Type in the number and street name only. Do not include Street, Avenue, Lane, etc. Undoubtedly, you will be delighted to see how your home looked over fifty years ago. Download the image to your computer and share it with family and friends. Frame a print and proudly hang it on the wall of your Key West dream home. The peek into your home’s past will surely spark many memorable conversations.

THE TOWNSEND TEAM
Dean & Keith Townsend, REALTORS®
Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty
333 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33040
305-942-1369, www.DeanTownsend.com

Photo taken by the Property Appraiser's office c1965; 1209 Knowles Lane; built 1920's; Gwynn Sub, Pt Tract 13 — Photo taken by the Property Appraiser’s office c1965; 1209 Knowles Lane; built 1920’s; Gwynn Sub, Pt Tract 13

Today, beautifully renovated 1209 Knowles Lane shines brightly.

Photo taken by the Property Appraiser's office c1965; 719 Eisenhower Dr. aka 720 Eisenhower Dr.; house was originally located on the water @719, c1975 house moved across the street to 720 Eisenhower; Tract 7, Lot 5 — Photo taken by the Property Appraiser’s office c1965; 719 Eisenhower Dr. aka 720 Eisenhower Dr.; house was originally located on the water @719, c1975 house moved across the street to 720 Eisenhower; Tract 7, Lot 5

720 Eisenhower Drive has changed a great deal in the last half-century.

Photo taken by the Property Appraiser's office c1965; 813 Frances St.; built 1920's; Tract 6, Sqr 4, Pt Lot 10 & 11 — Photo taken by the Property Appraiser’s office c1965; 813 Frances St.; built 1920’s; Tract 6, Sqr 4, Pt Lot 10 & 11

Beautiful 813 Frances Street today. — Lovely 813 Frances Street captivates today.

Photo taken by Prpoerty Appraiser's office c1965; 530 Grinnell Street; built 1923; Sqr 46, Pt Lot 1 — Photo taken by Prpoerty Appraiser’s office c1965; 530 Grinnell Street; built 1923; Sqr 46, Pt Lot 1

One of the most charming cottages in Old Town Key West, 530 Grinnell Street as seen today.

OUR TOP 10 FAVORITE KEY WEST HOME SALES OF 2016

Posted by Dean in Homes We Love, Key West's Top 10's

With over 13 million dollars in sales, three current listings, and four transactions set to close after the first of the year, 2016 has proven to be a banner year for The Townsend Team. From stately Classical Revival homes, to charming historic cottages, to sunny beach condominiums, we listed and sold many unforgettable Key West dream homes in 2016.

We hope you will enjoy our third annual list of our favorite home sales of the year. Not only did we wish we were buying these wonderful properties for ourselves, family, or friends, we had a great time working with the buyers, sellers, real estate agents, loan officers, closing attorneys, and all the individuals that helped make these transactions happen.

Happy New Year!

Keith & Dean Townsend, The Townsend Team
www.DeanTownsend.com

OUR TOP 10 FAVORITE HOME SALES OF 2016

10. 3632 Sunrise Drive, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $1,345,500. When we first toured this beautiful canal front home, we knew we had to find the buyer. Our clients fell in love with its amazing outdoor living and had to make it their own.

9. 418 Amelia Street, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $545,000. Ideally located just steps from Upper Duval Street, this historic fixer upper was the perfect match for our first-time Key West home buyers. They are off and running, turning it into their dream cottage.

8. 1711 Von Phister Street, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $530,000. We had so much fun working with our buyers, we were thrilled that they found their Key West starter home. They will undoubtedly transform their charming cottage into a showplace.

7. 1405 Olivia Street, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $1,315,000. After helping our sellers purchase a picturesque waterfront home up the Keys, we were delighted to list, market, and sell their historic Classical Revival gem for them.

6. 639 United Street, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $810,000. When one of our favorite local mortgage loan originators asked us to help he and his wife purchase their Key West dream home, we were delighted. Their detailed renovation of the historic home is stunning.

5. 11 Whistling Duck Lane, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $375,000. We were thrilled to assist the Executive Director of one of our island’s terrific non-profit community-based organizations in the purchase of his first home. The low-maintenance Key West Golf Club townhouse was the perfect match for his busy lifestyle.

4. 1211 Newton Street, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $1,185,000. It was a kick when our buyers chose to make the gorgeous home of the Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter, their tropical island escape. We really enjoyed searching with them for just the right property and we are very happy to call them friends and neighbors.

3. 1022 Roberts Lane, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $699,000. Our sellers created a masterpiece when they meticulously renovated this island style Old Town cottage. It was love at first sight for our buyer.

2. 1500 Atlantic Boulevard, Unit 107, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $1,200,000. We wished we were buying this stylishly renovated Key West Beach Club condominium. After being listed unsuccessfully with other agents, we went to work restaging and creatively marketing the property and sold the home for our client.

★1. 824 Thomas Street, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $924,500. When ZILLOW.COM selected this extraordinary church-to-home conversion as its Unique House of the Week, our seller was thrilled. The excitement grew when it was featured on TODAY.COM. Going under contract—just one week after we listed it—was the icing on the cake. Selling this 1867, Carpenter Gothic style, former home of the Zion Primitive Baptist Congregation was unquestionably our favorite transaction of the year.

1022 Roberts Lane, Key West, FL—SOLD $699,000.

Posted by Dean in Homes We Love

If you have enjoyed fantasies of owning a charming Key West cottage, tucked away on one of Old Town’s historic hidden lanes, then the beautiful island style home located at 1022 Roberts Lane is your dream come true. We love everything about this meticulously renovated 1 bedroom/1.5 bath corner of paradise.

Stroll down tranquil Roberts Lane (off the 600 Block of Frances Street) and you will discover this unforgettable cottage nestled at the end of the lane. Artisan-crafted features abound in this truly one-of-a-kind home. Entering to inviting open-plan living, you will be captivated by the spacious kitchen’s beamed ceiling, handcrafted copper countertops, and reclaimed Dade County Pine bar. The gorgeous living room’s exquisite teak floors and soaring bamboo ceiling echo South Pacific dreams. French doors carry you to a private side porch overlooking the lush tropical garden. Nirvana.

Beams grace the ceiling of the lovely and serene master bedroom. The light-filled master bath is unforgettable. With its vaulted ceiling, double vanity and shower, and magnificent windows, it rivals a five star spa. A bright Balinese inspired powder room opens to a wonderful sundeck, outdoor shower, and enclosed laundry.

As REALTORS®, we do not always have the opportunity to sell a home that has captured our hearts. 1022 Roberts Lane is not only a listing we are more than proud to have, we wish we were buying this adorable island style cottage for ourselves.

—Keith & Dean

Click here to enjoy a virtual tour of this beautiful island style cottage.

Click here to see THE TOP 10 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT 1022 ROBERTS LANE, KEY WEST, FL.

The Top 10 Features Key West Buyers Are Looking For In Their Dream Home

Posted by Dean in Key West's Top 10's

Countless people fantasize about owning a home in Key West. Each year, hundreds of lucky dreamers descend on our island looking for the perfect Victorian cottage, seaside condominium, or tropical estate. The best thing about our job, is helping our clients find the Key West home of their dreams.

With years of experience selling Key West real estate, we pretty much know what people desire in their dream home. We’ve compiled a list of the top ten home features that Key West buyers are looking for. What are your Top 10?

—Dean

The Top 10 Features Key West Buyers Are Looking For In Their Dream Home

10. Old Town Location
It is no wonder that the Key West neighborhood that tops the list of home buyers is our beautiful, historic Old Town. Amid picturesque Victorian era streets and a lifestyle lived visiting on front porches or strolling to dinner at favorite neighborhood eateries, Old Town is the authentic version of classic small town America that the New Urbanism movement has been recreating across the country for decades.

9. Palm Trees
Key West buyers simply can’t imagine purchasing a home without palm trees in the yard. With a subtropical climate offering an eternal growing season, and over 2,500 species of palms to choose from, palm trees abound in our island’s gardens.

8. Covered Outdoor Space
The sun in Key West is intense. Dreams of enjoying a cool tropical drink in the shade of a lazy veranda, live in many a heart and mind. Having covered outdoor space undoubtedly adds to sweetness of island living.

7. Off-Street Parking
Although they will likely find themselves walking and biking most of the time, buyers are looking for a home with a parking spot for their vehicle. In our historic neighborhoods that were densely built before the introduction of cars, off-street parking can be elusive.

6. High & Dry
With images of the flooding caused by 2005’s Hurricane Wilma lingering in the minds of many buyers, the desire for homes that did not take on water during the storm, is strong. A flood zone “X” certification eliminates most lenders’ requirement for flood insurance. Luckily, the majority of Old Town sits high and dry.

5. Move-In Ready
There will always be those looking for a cigar maker’s cottage to renovate, or a neglected Classical Revival mansion to restore, but most buyers are in search of their move-in ready corner of paradise. With many properties being sold turnkey, it is possible to find a home where you can move in with just your toothbrush.

4. Indoor/Outdoor Living
With an abundance of great weather to enjoy, our buyers want to be able to open their windows and doors and live a lifestyle that flows seamlessly from the indoors to the outdoors—especially if they have just endured a Chicago winter.

3. First Floor Master Suite
Let’s face it, Key West is not an inexpensive place to live. Most of our buyers have reached a stage in life where they can afford to buy their dream home in paradise. With the possibility of mobility issues looming down the road, a first floor master suite is an important feature for many baby boomers, retirees, and those with elderly parents.

2. Front Porch
What is more quintessentially Key West than kicking back on an old fashioned front porch and watching the world stroll by?

★1. Pool
A pool and Key West go together like rum and Ernest Hemingway. Is it any wonder that having a pool tops the list of the features our buyers are looking for in their dream home?