From Giant Key Lime Pies to Hemingway Look-Alikes ... Key West has it all!

One of the amazing things about living in Key West is there is always something unique going on. Many of you probably saw on the news that our small island recently broke the World Record for the largest key lime pie! I was lucky to get close enough to snap this photo on July 4. Volunteers were scooping out slices to benefit our local historic Firehouse Museum.

The pie itself measured more than 8 feet in diameter and was big enough to feed 1,000 hungry tourists (and a few locals like me ...). It contained 5,760 key limes, 200 pounds of graham crackers and 55 gallons of condensed milk. And, of course, the atmosphere was true Key West party! (See video below).

This weekend promises to be just as much fun with the finale of Hemingway Days. If you've never been to Key West in the summer, this is the week to give it a try. Imagine seeing Papa look-alikes on every corner doing every imaginable Key West activity. Here are a few photos a friend snapped this week at Sunset Pier. And, no, those are NOT all the same guy. Check out their wrist watches and you'll see that's three different Papas. Man, I love this town!

 "Papa" photos by: Al Nelson

Today's activities include a Look-Alike Fish-Off at Conch Republic Seafood Company where the Papas compete in a dockside catch-and-release challenge using traditional "Cuban yo-yos." Tonight is the second round of the actual 33rd annual Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe's. Former contest winners judge the event, which is free to watch.

Saturday is the big day with a Caribbean Street Fair closing down much of Duval Street until 9 p.m. You’ll find all sorts of treasures at eats in this open-air island market. And don’t miss a photo with Papa at noon. That would be a great keepsake for anyone’s scrapbook.
The Key West Running of the Bulls at 1 p.m. is a sight to behold and shouldn't be missed! This wacky event features past Hemingway Look-Alike Contest winners dressed in their Pamplona best — and a breed of "bull" found only in Key West.

Shortly after, proud Papas celebrate the 114th anniversary of Ernest's July 21 birth with a pre-birthday cake outside Sloppy Joe's. The crowning event of the celebration is the 6:30 p.m. Look-Alike Contest finale at Sloppy Joe’s.

More than 100 contestants compete compete for the honor of "Papa"

If you’ve got any energy left, Sunday morning’s arm wrestling championship is only $5 to enter and free to watch. Contest begins at noon at Sloppy Joe’s.

As fun and unique as this weekend sounds, it's pretty much the norm here in Key West. There's always something to do, even in the "off" season. If you're still dreaming of owning a home in Key West, let me help you find one. You can reach me at 305-304-1708 or email nexxthome@yahoo.com. Or search homes for yourself at http://keywestlistings.com.

Have a great weekend, wherever you are!

Photos of 1800 Atlantic #C230

We had so much interest in our last blog post about the currently available units at 1800 Atlantic Blvd. in Key West, that  we just had to let you know about the new photos of Unit C230. These pictures will really give you a visual idea of what it would be like to live in this amazing condo.

Living room with two balconies and ocean view

Master bedroom with balcony

Guest bedroom with balcony

Balcony view of pool and Atlantic Ocean

Look at the size of this hot tub!

Dining Room

Main Bathroom 

Kitchen 

Beautifully landscaped common area and pool

Walkway / Entrance

If you'd like to see this unit in person, please give me a call. You can reach me at 305-304-1708 or email nexxthome@yahoo.com. You can search more listings at my website.

1800 Atlantic: A Comparison

If you’ve looked into real estate in Key West, chances are you’ve heard of 1800 Atlantic. This large condo complex is named after its address on Atlantic Blvd., located right on the beach. Units have some of the best true “ocean views” in all of Key West, as well as an amazing private beach (right next to Smathers Beach), Jacuzzi, two saunas, three tennis courts, shared lending library, recreation room and a heated Olympic-size pool. Yes, I said Olympic-size pool. In Key West! The location allows easy access to Key West activities but with all the amenities, who needs to leave! (Kidding.)

Olympic-sized heated swimming pool right on the Atlantic Ocean

Views of the ocean and private beachfront

The complex has 168 units in four stories over parking on a beautifully landscaped property. Currently, five units are for sale (active), ranging in price from $435,000 for a 2^nd floor 2BR/2BA street-view with an original kitchen to $1,395,000 for a 3^rd floor 3BR/2BA ocean-view that has been completely remodeled. For comparison sake, let’s just look at the four lowest-priced condos for sale today. (Taking out the million-dollar listing.)

1800 Atlantic building from from the ocean side

View

Only one unit has a pool/courtyard view (C230). Two of the others have street views (C227 and C131) and one has a view of the nature preserve (A208). Courtyard view means you’re looking at the pool and the ocean from your spacious 34’ balcony, not the cars going by on Bertha Street. Point: C230

Use this map to see where each unit is located within the 1800 Atlantic complex

Balcony view from Unit C230

Living Space

Three of the units are listed at 1,375 square feet and one is listed at 1,311 (C227). All four units have 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. All the units at 1800 Atlantic have similar layout and size, so this isn’t really a factor in comparison. All four units have large balconies. Point: tie

Price

The units are priced at $435K, $469K, $525K and $595K. That puts the price/sq. ft. ranging from $331.81 to $438.47. Arguably a decent value for any home in Key West today. Point: C227

Interior

Only one of the units has been remodeled, and that is the most expensive of the four (C131). The other three units feature original kitchens, but décor and upgrades vary from unit to unit. All of them appear to be “turn key” and in good condition. Point: C131

Remodeled kitchen in Unit C131

Original kitchen in Unit C230

Transient License

None of these four units have transient rental licenses allowing nightly or weekly rentals, but a non-transient rental license (30 days or more) can be purchased from the City of Key West for $19.95/year. Point: tie

My Opinion

Interior of Unit C230. Nice view!

So, how do you distinguish which unit offers the most for the money? In my professional opinion, the best buy in the place is NOT the cheapest, but the next lowest-priced unit, C230, at $469,000 for a 2^nd floor pool/courtyard view. The cheapest unit (C227) has a street view. The remodeled unit (C131) has a street view AND it’s located on the first floor (even closer to loud and dirty traffic). The final unit (A208) didn’t win any of my categories. It’s higher priced and it has a view of the nature preserve. Not that I don’t like nature as much as the next guy, but I didn’t move to Key West to look at trees. It’s all about the ocean, baby!

I’d love to hear your opinion. Compare for yourself. What unit would you choose?

If you’re looking for a home in Key West, 1800 Atlantic has a lot to offer. Please give me a call to schedule a showing of Unit C230 or any of the other units currently for sale. You can reach me at 305-304-1708 or email nexxthome@yahoo.com. Or search other listings in Key West or the Florida Keys at http://keywestlistings.com.

Summer in the Keys

Greetings from the historic Florida Keys.

We are well into the summer season here and now is a great time to kick off the Independence Day weekend in the "back country" waters with family and friends! With recent water temperatures of 86 degrees and amazing visibility, we have experienced great weather for boaters and fishermen alike. The toughest decision you'll make is whether to spend the holiday at Snipes Key or Boca Grande.

Snipes Key

This month, Florida will look back and celebrate our rich and storied past as we commemorate the 500-year anniversary of Ponce de León's arrival on Florida’s east coast and his discovery of the Dry Tortugas! Ponce de León's convoy of explorers was the first group of Europeans to document such a landing and give a name to Florida – La Florida. As part of the Viva Florida 500 initiative, there will be special events held at Fort Jefferson to celebrate the occasion. Located 70 miles from Key West and accessible only by ferry or sea plane, Dry Tortugas National Park is truly one of the most remarkable national parks in the country and a must see for any modern-day explorer!

Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park

Now is a great time to invest in Key West! Inventory of highly coveted Key West homes under 500K continues to rapidly trend downward. Current inventory sits at less than one year and continues to drop every month. As the inventory plummets we will likely see a surge in mid-level home prices back to pre-market highs! Get your dream home today. Click here to view 50 homes under 500K.

You, too, can discover the Fountain of Youth in the Florida Keys. I look forward to seeing you out on the water! 

To search homes in the Florida Keys, check out my website or contact me directly at 305-304-1708 or nexxthome@yahoo.com.