real estate – Dean Townsend Team

STUNNING KEY WEST HOME RENOVATION

Posted by Dean in Before and After Home Renovation, Homes We Love, Key West Real Estate

“We immediately loved the potential of the property—from the moment we walked in the door and saw the direct view of the ponds behind the property, we knew we could make everything in the middle exactly what we wanted. The view from the back, framed in palm trees, was a little piece of paradise we wanted to claim as our own.”
—Brandon Jones

In the summer of 2015 we were invited to help Robert Jensen and Brandon Jones discover their Key West dream home. At the end of a productive morning of showings—and with much anticipation—we introduced them to a property a bit outside of their stated parameters. With fingers crossed, we hoped that the unpolished gem that had recently captured our imaginations, would do the same for them. It was love at first sight.

Shortly after closing on the property Brandon and Robert assembled their renovation “A” team and began a two-year recreation of their two bedroom and two bath mid-century home. With stunning results, they have polished their Key West diamond in the rough to perfection.

Brandon and Robert feel very lucky to have collaborated on their project with top notch Key West professionals. Jordan Holtkamp of Holtkamp Construction did outstanding work as their General Contractor and Rob DeLaune, Architect, brought his skill and talent to the remarkable home transformation.

Feeling that Key West is the perfect place to experiment with bold color choices, the owners had the front door painted their favorite shade of orange and carried the color theme throughout.

By beautifully combining her creative and artistic expressions with her clients’ personalities, Debra Butler, of Debra Butler Design Studio, fashioned a bright and open modern design for the interior.

All the art and accessories were chosen by Robert and Brandon—with each treasure holding a special meaning for them.

The outdated and tiny original kitchen was reconceived as a sleek and stylish chef’s delight.

Robert and Brandon love the décor of the Florida room. Its varied hues of blues and blue-greens take them to the alluring waters of Key West.

The Luke armchairs in Flagstaff Deep Water, by custom furniture maker American Leather, are special favorites.

The tranquil master suite opens to an unforgettable private oasis. Surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, the serene outdoor shower and intimate seating area provide the perfect setting for surrendering to island life.

A master of his craft, Mark Harris with Diggin Key West, created the home’s spectacular gardens.

The things about the home that really make the owners happy are the simple architectural and design aspects—even down to the faucets and fixtures chosen for the new bathrooms.

The resort-worthy guest accommodations are a welcomed retreat after a day of sun, sand, and sea.

With its peaceful water views, the custom-built office almost makes working from home a treat.

The awe-inspiring transformation of the home’s backyard is undoubtedly the renovation’s crown jewel.

Having a top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen makes hosting friends and family a pleasure.

Brandon and Robert’s favorite “room” of the house is the outdoor sitting and dining area beside the pool and ponds. They spend most of their time there, kicking back, watching the water and the visitors it brings.

“It’s a great place to entertain, or just soak in paradise without distraction,” Brandon said.

Key West’s salt ponds are a hidden treasure, largely undiscovered by tourists and locals. Alive with crabs, shrimp, fish, herons and other birds that visit daily, the engaging ponds at the back of the property have not fallen from the top of the list of reasons why Robert and Brandon purchased the home.

Nothing is more gratifying than seeing friends and clients bring their vision for their new home into reality. Simply put, Robert Jensen and Brandon Jones have created a Key West dream home to die for. We could not be more delighted for them both.

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
www.Facebook.com/DeanTownsendSellsKeyWest

THIS CLASSIC KEY WEST COTTAGE CHECKS ALL THE BOXES!

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

1019 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040—$1,099,000.

While enjoying a quiet morning stroll along Whitehead Street, on your way to the world famous Southernmost Point, you will certainly savor the splendor of the Ernest Hemingway House and the Key West Lighthouse. Just a few steps beyond, the classic island cottage at 1019 Whitehead Street is bound to catch your eye and capture your imagination.

Built in the early years of the twentieth century, this three bedroom, two and a half bath, historic sawtooth cottage has been beautifully renovated for contemporary living. On our list of THE TOP 10 FEATURES KEY WEST BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR IN THEIR DREAM HOME, 1019 Whitehead Street checks all the boxes!

THE TOP 10 FEATURES KEY WEST BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR IN THEIR DREAM HOME—1019
WHITEHEAD STREET HAS THEM ALL!

10. OLD TOWN LOCATION
It’s no wonder that the Key West neighborhood topping the lists of home buyers is our unforgettable, historic Old Town. Amid picturesque Victorian era streets and a lifestyle lived visiting on front porches and walking to dinner at favorite neighborhood eateries, Old Town is the authentic version of classic small-town America that the New Urbanism movement has been trying to successfully recreate across the country.

9. PALM TREES
Key West buyers simply can’t imagine purchasing a home without palm trees in its 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. OUTSTANDING RENTAL POTENTIAL
Even though we get rental number for a great many of our buyers, most of them grow to love their Key West homes so much, they never offer them for rent. With its dynamite location (close to best of Uptown Duval Street), two living areas, ground floor master bedroom, upstairs guest accommodations, and so much more, 1019 Whitehead Street has the potential to garner a strong rental income.

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 Hurricane Irma 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’ requirements for flood insurance. Luckily, the majority of Old Town—and 1019 Whitehead Street—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. 1019 Whitehead Street is ready for you to schedule your movers.

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 island dream home. With the possibility of mobility issues looming down the road, a ground 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 meander by?

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

We bet you will love 1019 Whitehead Street as much as we do! Call us today to schedule your private tour of this charming Key West cottage. It might just check all your boxes too!

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
www.Facebook.com/DeanTownsendSellsKeyWest

1413 Eliza Street, Key West, Florida 33040—SOLD $460,000.

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

Planning to retire to paradise in the next few years? Looking to add a Key West property to your income portfolio? Ready to escape to island life? Don’t miss your opportunity to break into the hot Key West real estate market with this charming Old Town rental income cottage.

Nestled on a quiet block of historic cigar makers’ cottages, 1413 Eliza Street features two bedroom and two baths in 962 square feet of living space, on a 2,453 square foot lot. The long-term rental is configured with a spacious living room, kitchen, bedroom and bath in the front of the home and a one-bedroom in-law suite in the back. With the island’s high demand for long-term rentals, the property is currently leased at an under-market rate of $2,400.00 a month.

With its quintessential front porch, bricked off-street parking, large covered deck, desirable location, and endless possibilities to make it your own, this priced to sell Key West cottage is not to be missed.

We will be delighted to give you a private tour of 1413 Eliza Street. Give us a call today!

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

STAGING YOUR KEY WEST HOME FOR SALE

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

In today’s digital technology driven real estate market, staging your Key West home is essential for successfully marketing and selling your property. Web appeal is the new curb appeal. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 100% of buyers use the internet to search for a home and 70% tour the inside of properties online. While a well-written online description is important in conveying your home’s selling points, high quality digital images of your beautifully staged home will speak volumes and garner the most attention. Before the photographer shows up to capture your home’s story in pictures, make sure it is ready to win the hearts of buyers.

Dedicating your time, energy, and budget toward staging your home will benefit your bottom line on closing day. Staged homes sell for 17% more on average than non-staged ones—and they sell 87% faster.

We have broken down the somewhat daunting task of staging your Key West home into ten fundamental elements that will help potential buyers fall in love with your property and make a winning offer.

LET THE LIGHT SHINE IN
Key West plays a leading role in the Sunshine State with an average of 259 sunny days a year. Buyers are drawn to the island’s sunshine like Ernest Hemingway was to a whiskey & soda. When staging your home, let the light shine in. Clean your windows and doors: inside and out. Take down heavy window treatments. Throw open the curtains and pull up the shades. Replace burned out lightbulbs. Turn on all the lights in your home for the photoshoot and for every showing.

REFLECT ISLAND LIFE
Buying a Key West vacation home is not just about purchasing a property, it is about embracing a lifestyle. Whether your property is a Victorian cottage, a Classical Revival estate, or a modern seaside condominium, adding elements that evoke our tropical island’s sand, sea, and sky will help buyers feel they are coming home. Casually placing a conch shell on a side table, featuring paintings and sculptures by local artists, and displaying orchids and tropical cuttings, will connect buyers emotionally to your property through a sense of place.

SPIC AND SPAN IT
Grandma used to say, “Soap is cheap, and water is free.” Water may no longer be free, but the cost of water and cleaning supplies is a small price to pay for the payoff they provide. With a little elbow grease, a super clean home is easy to achieve. We have learned from experience that buyers will look past outdated kitchens and bathrooms when they are spotless, and they will see dollar signs when dust, dirt, and grime cover expensive finishes and furnishings. Cleanliness and staging go hand in hand.

COLOR IT KEY WEST
If the exterior of your home needs a fresh coat of paint, color it Key West to capture the attention of buyers. When successfully selling any product, you must give buyers what they want. People dream of owning an island escape that looks like their fantasy. Reflect the island’s tropical hues in the colors you paint your home and you will harness the imagination of eager buyers.

CREATE CONVERSATIONAL AREAS
In today’s chaotic world, people are longing for a simpler time—one of visiting with neighbors and spending quality time with family and friends. Placing both indoor and outdoor furniture in arrangements that are conducive to conversation creates a welcoming sense of home that elicits positive responses from buyers.

BOX IT UP
Declutter, declutter, declutter! Removing unnecessary items is essential to make your rooms feel tidy and spacious. Buyers can’t see themselves living in your home if they can’t get past an overabundance of knickknacks, art, furniture, or plants. You are going to be relocating anyway, so box up your beloved treasures and store them away, ready for your upcoming move.

MISTER FIX IT
Don’t wait until the inspection period to make necessary repairs to your property. Potential buyers see every cracked window and broken fixture as a reduction to your asking price. The clear majority of Key West’s buyers are looking to purchase move in ready properties. Multiplying minor repairs can distract people from making the lasting connection that will lead them to purchase your home.

SHOWCASE OUTDOOR LIVING
Indoor/outdoor living is one of Key West’s greatest marketing features. Staging your home to showcase a flow from inside to outside is an important component of selling our coveted tropical island lifestyle. Many buyers are coming from regions where, avoiding the elements, they spend much of the year indoors. They are accustomed to living in much larger spaces than are typically found in Key West. Painting the picture that your outdoor relaxing and entertaining spaces are a natural extension of your home is vital to help buyers overcome the sticker shock of living in paradise.

FOLLOW YOUR NOSE
Unpleasant odors can tank a showing. Neutralize unwelcoming pet, food, bathroom, and musty smells. Ban smoking in your home. Avoid scented air fresheners, scented candles, and perfumes—you never know what will be a turn on or a turn off for buyers. Opening your home to the island’s clean fresh air is always a good bet. Don’t forget to take out the garbage before every showing.

SHOP THE WHITE SALE
Nothing is more inviting than a bed adorned with beautiful linens. Invest in the best bedding you budget will allow. Fluff your pillows and make your beds with freshly laundered, crisply ironed sheets before your photoshoot and for each showing. Make sure your bathrooms are well appointed with fresh towels. Create an environment that says luxury resort and buyers will want to check-in for a lifetime.

Ensuring that your home is ready for its close-up—before it is photographed and for every showing—is essential for getting your home sold for the highest price, in the shortest amount of time. Stage with the intent of empowering potential buyers to fantasize about living the laid-back Key West lifestyle in your home. Create a picture-perfect environment through staging and you will reap the rewards on closing day.

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

“The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Mark Twain

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

One week has passed since Hurricane Irma began picking a fight with our beloved island. We are glad to report that the bitch did not win. Life in Key West has not been easy for us over the past seven days. Together, we faced many challenges and overcame countless obstacles. We have witnessed the best of our island community: friends, neighbors and strangers looking out for one another.

Our 1890’s cottage on Olivia Street suffered no damage—although waves of our neighbor’s trees are resting on our fence. As we checked on the places of our friends, neighbors and clients, we found intact homes waiting for their families to return. Texting them images of their standing strong houses brought us a joy we will never forget.

CNN may be reporting that 90% of Key West’s structures are damaged or destroyed, but that is not true. Very, very few of the island’s buildings are in bad shape—and most have gone unscathed. Trees are down everywhere, but our endless summer will breathe new life into our once beautiful tropical canopy.

As our hearts ache for those in the Middle Keys that have lost their homes and livelihoods, the residents of Key West will be here to help them rebuild their lives. As evacuees begin their journey back home, we will welcome them with open arms.

Our corner of paradise might be temporarily down, but it is not out. As Mark Twain said, “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”

—Dean & Keith Townsend, Grateful Key West Citizens