11 Birchwood Drive, Key West - Price Reduced

The asking price on 11 Birchwood Drive, Key West was just reduced from $789,000 to $759,000 and that makes this brand new and never-been-lived-in home an even better buy. This home is located in Key West's official bedroom community - Key Haven at Mile Marker 6.  This community evolved  over the decades as an alternative to Old Town which increasingly became very expensive for young locals to afford. Most of the lots here are located on canals which have relatively quick access to open waters. Locals have grown up playing on and in the water. Having quick access at night or on the weekends is a much sought after feature for many local buyers. This is a single family area where you won't find condos or multiple family situations. Other than the gas station up on US 1, there is no commercial activity here. CLICK HERE to to see a Google aerial view of the lot and the area as a whole. Use the toggle switch in the lower right side of the map for a higher or lower aerial perspective of the area. You'll see the cut from the lagoon which allows boats to pass through to the larger canal that leads to open water. Within a matter of minutes, a boat can be in open waters heading to a day of fun on the ocean. That is why so many locals favor Key Haven as a place to live.

The listing Realtor describes 11 Birchwood Drive this way:

"This brand new three bedroom, two and a half bath home is sure to please the most discerning buyer. Located on a lovely quiet street, this home is move in ready. The long list of custom upgrades include 9ft. ceilings on each floor, an over sized master suite with spa tub and separate shower, double sinks and a walk in closet. Two more bedrooms upstairs share a bath. The dream kitchen has solid wood cabinets, granite counter tops and a breakfast bar. The kitchen opens to the dining room and living room and has views of the outdoors. Adjacent to the kitchen is a bonus area which can be used as a breakfast room or an office. A half bath on the first floor adds to the convenience. The living room and dining rooms are spacious and will please those who love to entertain. This home has abundant closet and storage space. The yard is sodded and landscaped with mature trees and foliage. Most importantly, this home is built to the highest building codes and is resistant to 180 mph. wind and features hurricane rated doors and windows. Additionally, the home is built 2ft. above the required grade. The building features result in lower cost of insurance and lower cost of living. This home is a great value and will save the new homeowner on cost of living expenses. Aside from that, it's a wonderful, sunny and bright home in a great location. Easy to see."

The modern open living area concept is clearly evident as soon as you enter this home - especially when you notice the nine foot ceiling. I suspect the view from dinging area at the front of the house will create some anxious moments as it has a great view of the the lagoon across the street where a new owner might want to moor the family boat.  Imagine sitting at the family dining table looking out at the boat bobbing and weaving in the water with a bell clanging begging to go out to the sea. In the meantime, mealtime will have to do. The  opposite end of the kitchen opens directly into the living area where the rear decks looks down onto the rear yard where there is room for a private pool.

Readers of my blog should appreciate the long term cost saving features that are built into this home. They include Hardiboard siding which is a man-made material that looks like old fashioned wood siding but that is more resistant to the sun and moisture and which does not require painting as often and wind impact resistant windows and doors that are built to withstand high winds and which coupled with the new roof and compliance with Florida's tough building code will result in lower fire and liability insurance and reduce wind insurance by 30% over homes that do not meet the new code. These savings area measurable year after year.  A cost conscious buyer who compares insurance costs will quickly appreciate the maintenance and insurance savings once he or she compares the costs of ownership of this home to a stick built house in Old Town or mid-century home in New Town.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet of 11 Birchwood Drive, Key West which is now offered at $759,000. Then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing of this home. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.