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Monday, March 30, 2009

Potomac Secret Agent is in CHINA

Did you know that Potomac Elementary has one of the best IMMERSION LANGUAGE programs for Mandarin Chinese in the nation?

It's true!  

Children that enroll in Potomac Elementary have the option of taking Mandarin Chinese from the day they enter Kindergarten.  It is fascinating to see the language skills of these children improve as they are promoted each year.

When the children enter 5th grade, the parents of the Immersion kids organize a trip to China.  This trip is generally for two weeks and is taken at the same time as the schools Spring Break.  
This year my youngest daughter is finishing her sixth year of study. We are traveling as a family of four and are all VERY excited to see how the country has changed since we were last there in 2006. We will travel for 2 weeks, returning on Easter Sunday, April 12th.

We travel directly to Beijing on a 14 hour flight from Dulles. Other cities we will travel to include Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Hangzhou and finally Shanghai.

I am bringing some notes from homes I have toured this past week. If I can find time in the business center of the hotel, I will try to post a few from the road.

I look forward to daily reviews once again when I return. Please continue to comment on my reviews, and I look forward to getting back to work in a strong Spring market in 2 weeks. Until then, Happy House hunting!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

8209 Hackamore Drive - Potomac Falls - $1,499,000

Listed by WFP

Google Map Here



River Falls is a wonderful community on the south side of Brickyard Road. Built in 1980, this community is a favorite because of its community spirit and local swim and tennis club.

This home is an expanded “Compton” model. It has been nicely updated from top to bottom. The brick exterior is nicely painted and the landscaping and front walk redone.

The marble foyer is welcoming. The living room on the left is nicely decorated with wonderful built in cabinets. The family room is open with decorative columns and half walls. A baby grand in this space reminds you there is plenty of room here. A wet bar in the corner survived the renovation and has been brought up to date. The fireplace is a beauty and once again, built in cabinets look great. All of this is nicely done.

The kitchen is white with tile floors. The expansion of this home left room for a great breakfast area and solarium. Lots of light and views to the deck and pool make this space shine.

The upstairs has 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths. The master suite has been nicely redone. Skylights provide plenty of light and lovely space. The other 4 bedrooms are teen size and share the remaining two baths with Jack and Jill entrances.

The basement is finished with parquet floors. There is a full apartment here for a Nanny or domestic help including a kitchen. There is a fireplace and plenty of room for TV or recreation.

This is a nice home. The renovation was well done, and the neighborhood is great. I think the price is a bit aggressive, but not unreasonable. The addition adds lots of space and the home is in good shape. I think this one will end up closer to $1,350,000 to $1,375,000 when it is finally negotiated.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

17 Bentridge Court - Fallsreach - $539,500

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

This is an end-unit town home in the Fallsreach community that was built in 1982. This home is in the Churchill school cluster, and provides a first time home buyer price point with a Potomac address.

When I pulled up to this town home I was pleased to see brick construction. At this price point you often see vinyl siding. The covered front door area leads you into a small ceramic foyer. The family room is a step down to the right and you walk straight back to a Living Room and Dining Room at the back of the home. There is hardwood flooring in the Family room, Dining room and living room that is in decent shape. There is also some nice moulding in the hall and living areas.

The kitchen looks as though it has been updated at some point although it will need renovation in the near future. The sheet vinyl flooring is showing its age and can be replaced when the rest of the kitchen is done.

Upstairs has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The master is decent size and the master bath has both sunken tub and shower stall. The other bedrooms are on the small side and share a small hall bath. The carpet on this level is a bit worn and could use a cleaning.

The basement is finished and has a half bath. The space in the basementis a bit cut up, and may ultimately benefit from a redesign.

There is a nice big deck out back that may be the best part of this home. You access the deck from the back Living Room area, and I am sure this space will get a lot of use. It is just above ground level, so there are stairs from the deck to the yard as well.

This home is a great starter home in the Churchill school cluster. Although not large, it has potential. The home really needs a thorough cleaning. It would show lots better once that is complete.

This should get lots of traffic at this price. I would say this should sell in 30 to 45 days. The last unit to sell in this community was in January of 2008. Look for a final sales price of around $525,000.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

1499 Kimblewick Road - Potomac Woods - $569,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

Potomac Woods was built in the early 1960's. This cute brick split is on a nice corner lot at the intersection of Kimblewick Road and Chilham Place.

This home is pretty from the street. Someone has taken a lot of time working on the outside working with the plants and landscape. The care is obvious. The yard is not pretty because of a quick cleanup. The outside is tended by someone with passion for the earth. Gardeners...are you listening?

This is a small split. You walk in the foyer and you are already in the middle of the living room and steps from the dining room and kitchen. This is not unusual, it is actually typical of homes built in this era. The dining room has a door that used to go to the garage. This area has been finished into a bedroom and full bath. There is also a small greenhouse room (Gardeners?) that weather sensitive plants can live out the winter.

The kitchen is original...but the cabinets are freshly painted a light blue. Sounds horrific, but it actually works in this case. Although the space is dated..it will serve a family well until funds or motivation come available for a renovation.

The upstairs is original with 3 bedrooms and 2 small full baths. The tile of the era...yellow in one and blue in the other are in good condition.

The lower level has a mix of flooring. There is parquet, tile, laminate and more....take your pick. Although not matched, the flooring is laid properly and is ready for carpet or reflooring. A fireplace in this space will make for a cozy family room with a half bath just down the hall.

Although this home is neat and clean, it will need some updating. The price is a bit aggressive at $569,000 and will have to come down a bit to attract an offer. I see this one settling at $539,000.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Monday, March 23, 2009

9704 Kendale Road - Bradley Farms - $1,795,000

Listed by WFP

Google Map Here

This is a lot of home for the money. I know it is difficult for some to understand how a $1.8mm home can be a value...but trust me...this one is a steal.

This is a brick and stone colonial on a 2 acre lot in the prestigious Bradley Farms community. This home is beautifully landscaped with mature trees and specimen plants. A tennis court and pool in the back yard along with extensive patio and stonework will allow you to put the country club membership on hold.

Most of the first floor is hardwood with the exception of the kitchen and breakfast area. The family room has a great stone fireplace that will keep you cozy during football season. Mouldings and finish level throughout the rest of the first floor are consistent with what a $1.8mm home should have.

The kitchen in this home is huge. High ceilings and enormous center island make this a cooks dream. High end maple cabinetry provides plenty of storage. For those that have parties where folks tend to congregate in the kitchen, this will take your fetes to new heights. The only thing I did not like about the kitchen and breakfast area was the ceramic tile. Although I am sure it is high end, the color will not suit everyone's taste.

There is also a bedroom with en-suite bath on the first level adjacent to the kitchen. This would work as a nice in law suite, or possibly a sumptuous retreat for Nanny or live in assistant. There is a door to the exterior that would provide a convenient exterior exit. There are not any stairs here currently, so be sure to keep this door dead bolted to keep the little ones safe.

The upper level has 5 bedrooms and 4 full baths. The master is plenty big with large master bath. The other bedrooms are all large with a few sharing a Jack and Jill bathroom.

The basement is finished with a bedroom and full bath, a recreation area with fireplace and an exterior exit to the outside. There is also room for storage as needed.

This is obviously a very aggressive price for this home. The agent took the time to ask the owner if they wanted to sell quickly and move on, or wait to get the maximum price possible. This home is assessed at over $2.65mm for the 2009 Montgomery County tax roles. Although prices have fallen a bit, this home will be a bargain for someone looking in the below $2mm price range. I would hope to see a contract on this home within 30 days. It should settle for at least 95% of list price. I am designating this home as the Potomac "Value of the Week"

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Sunday, March 22, 2009

5 Meyer Point Drive - Avenel - 1,519,000

Listed By Long and Foster

Google Map Here

Avenel is an upscale planned community developed by Natelli in the early 1990's. Lots were sold to various developers, this one was built and sold by Mitchell and Best.

This is an attractive brick colonial located on a small cul-de-sac in Avenel. It backs to the TPC Avenel golf course and the grounds are well maintained by the Avenel Community Association. The homeowner fee that includes this maintenance is around $275 per month which needs to be considered when calculating your cost of ownership.

The home has nice curb appeal. There are many specimen trees on the lot which while certainly valuable, should be pruned back by the new homeowners. The front door is sheltered by a porch which will keep your house guests out of the weather. The foyer is open and beautifully designed. The marble tile is timeless and makes this space impressive. An office to the right has lots of built in cabinets that probably cost a bundle when new. Although the design is a bit dated, the room will be a windfall to those that want a home office. The family room is nice size with a fireplace and more built in cabinets for a home theatre. It looks like the wiring remains for you to hook up your system without fussing with running wire through walls. These laminate cabinets are very dated and will probably be removed by the new owners. It looks like the past owners left in a hurry as all the cabinets in the home are filled with stuff from the previous owners.

There is a nice sun room off the family room area that can be used as a 3 season room. There is a heating unit there which will extend your enjoyment of this space to all but the coldest (or hottest) months. The kitchen is nice but needs a thorough cleaning. If you are OK with Corian counters, a range replacement is all that is needed to make the space look good. The breakfast area is a large bump out and is all windows. There is plenty of natural light which will please most that like their coffee in the kitchen every morning.

The dining room and living rooms are impressive with elaborate mouldings and hardwood floors. There will be no complaints about this space from even the most critical of homeowners.

Upstairs has 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. The master bedroom is good size, but not palatial. The bath is typical for homes built in the early 1990's. Lots of white tile and vanities with gold trim on the shower enclosures, mirror supports and fixtures. Although functional, this is currently out of style. At some point in the future a renovation is in order. The shower has room and shower heads for two. The sunken tub adds to the romantic theme that was big in the early 90's.

The baths upstairs are all original and in good condition. The laundry room is on this level, and has vinyl sheet flooring which is buckled and needs replacement.

The basement is fully finished and large. With a bedroom and full bath for Nanny or teen there is also a large office with built in white cabinets and computer space. There is also a large wall of built in cabinets for a basement theatre and an outside entrance to the back yard and patio. There is LOTS of space in this home.

The home next door sold late last year and settled on December 15th for $1,410,000. These homes are similar in size and finish and this neighborhood sale is a good predictor of what this home may ultimately sell for. This one should go for $1,410,000.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Saturday, March 21, 2009

11704 Greenlane Drive - Regency Estates - $672,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

This is a 1965 era split level in the Regency Estates community. Located in the Churchill school cluster, this community is ever popular because of schools, location and price.

Although you can find homes below $700K in Potomac, it is not often you can find them renovated at this price. With a new two car garage and double width driveway there are a lot of value added improvements in this property.

The home has been completely renovated from top to bottom. A leaded glass front door leads you into a newly laid marble foyer. The kitchen is to your right, recently updated with high end appliances and Pergo flooring. The adjacent breakfast area is large enough for a good sized table with great light from a large bay window. The flooring throughout the main level is refinished hardwood in great condition.

The upstairs has 4 bedrooms. All are decent size, typical of homes of this era. The master bedroom was updated in 2007 with marble in the bath and shower area. There are ceiling fans in all of the other bedrooms. The hall bath has also been upgraded with marble tile.

The lower level is finished with a bedroom and full bath. There is a large recreation room with fireplace with newer wall to wall carpet. There is access from this level to the back yard through a sliding glass door.

The roof, air conditioning, furnace and water heater have all been recently replaced. With a third of an acre, this home has a lot of added value. Why am I not jumping up and down singing the praises of this home? The upgrades in the foyer and baths are done in a brown onyx and marble tile. If this style and color was only done as an accent, it would have worked beautifully. It is in the foyer, on the stairs to the lower level, in the baths....a bit overdone. If you happen to like this style, this home is a winner. If it is not to your taste, you will be underwhelmed.

The last split sold in this neighborhood was on Greenlane Court in August. It did not have the upgrades that this one has, and sold for $625,000. This leads me to believe that this home is fairly priced. Look for this one going fairly quickly at $650,000

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Friday, March 20, 2009

1984 Lancashire Drive - Potomac Woods - $699,000

Listed By Long and Foster

Google Map Here

Potomac Woods is located just south of Wootton Parkway between Falls and Seven Locks Road. This home was built in 1968 and has been updated. This one is worth a look for those in the $700K price range.

This home is a brick colonial with a columned front elevation. The home seems to be nicely maintained with freshly trimmed landscaping and clean yard. The foyer area is narrow and floored with ceramic tile. You step down into a living room which is in good condition with vintage hardwood floors. The dining room is good sized and leads you into a newly renovated kitchen. The maple cabinets and granite tops nicely accent the space. The Family room is a nice size in the back corner of the first floor. There is also an office in the front corner of the house. Plenty of space in this 1968 era colonial.

The upstairs has 4 nice size bedrooms. The hall bath has updated faucets and is in good condition. The master bath has been upgraded. I only wish they did not leave the original vanity.

The basement is fully finished with lots of space. There are nice mouldings on the wall and the carpet is in great condition. This would be a great spot for a TV room. There is also an area way out to the back yard.

The yard in back has a large slate patio. Over the years the slate has heaved in many spots and will have to be replaced or repaired. There are large trees that can shade this spot in the summer. It would be worth the investment to repair or replace the patio, or add an appropriate deck.

This is a nicely upgraded home with a lovely floor plan. Much of the upgrading needed for a home of this age has been done. Potomac Woods is a lovely neighborhood and the home is well priced. When all is said and done, this home will probably settle at $665,000.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Thursday, March 19, 2009

SOLD ! 8038 Cobble Creek Circle - Potomac Crest - $1,475,000


Listed By Long and Foster

Google Map Here

SOLD for $1,200,000 on Oct. 23rd 2009

Potomac Crest is a upscale community near the intersection of Seven Locks Road and Tuckerman Lane. It is a mix of town homes and single family homes all built in the early 1990's.

These homes are not for those looking for a large yard. With small lots and homes sited close together, there is not a lot of yard work to be concerned about. The homeowners can spend more time in the office allowing them to pay for the privilege of living in these luxury villas.

This home was a lovely surprise. The outside is pretty and well groomed. You cannot help but notice a patio over the garage in front of the home. It was tough to tell from the outside if this was for show or actually could be used.

The foyer was striking. High ceilings and tasteful colors were inviting and soothing. The decor was exquisite without feeling formal. A nice touch. The dining room and living rooms were inviting as well. Built in cabinets and fabulous ceiling lights added to the drama of the space. The kitchen was beautifully done. Modern and upscale, any cook would love to work in this space. The breakfast area was light and spacious. Plenty of room for the family.

The master bedroom in this home is on the first level. It is tucked away in the back corner of the home with huge closet area. A door to the back deck area is off the bedroom. The master bath is what you would expect. Tasteful with plenty of space.

Upstairs has 3 additional bedrooms and 2 baths. One of the rooms is used as an office and is beautifully organized. The other bedroom has access to the porch in the front of the home over the garage. All of the bedrooms are good sized and beautifully decorated.

The basement is fully finished with fabulous built in cabinets. The home theater here will thrill the most critical videophiles. The exit to the back yard on this level will take you to your own personal putting green. A bedroom and full bath are here for a nanny or older teen. The wet bar and exercise area will keep them busy and well hydrated.

This home is difficult to value. The last sale in this community is in June of last year at $1.275mm. Although this is one of the nicer homes I have seen in some time, the market is down since last year. This one may end up at $1,225,000 when an offer finally comes in.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

8116 Jeb Stewart Road - Montgomery Square - $569,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

This part of Montgomery Square is on the north side of Montrose road in the Richard Montgomery school cluster. This small brick rambler was built by Kettler in 1965. The exterior is well maintained, and the home has nice curb appeal.

This home is located on a low traffic dead end. Close to Montrose and route 270, this is a commuter dream.

This home is a good example of a vintage rambler. It has good bones, but anyone buying will want to make come cosmetic improvements. The dark hardwood is throughout the first level. There are 3 small bedrooms with 2 full baths on the main level. The kitchen is dated but has nice light. A renovation here will pay big dividends.

The lower level is finished and has a nice stone fireplace. A bedroom and craft room on this level look out into a wooded back yard. There is also an exterior exit on this level.

This is a nice entry level home that needs some TLC. The price should attract folks to look, but the offer will come from someone willing to put some work into the property. Look for an offer and sale in the $535K range.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

11810 Tifton Drive - Regency Estates - $625,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

Regency Estates is a community built in the mid 1960's. It is located south of Montrose Road between Seven Locks and Falls Road.

This is a nicely maintained split level on a flat lot. The home has good curb appeal. Partial brick with open carport, this home also has a nice porch on the front that is large enough to use. Nice touch in this neighborhood.

The foyer is tiled and leads you directly into a hardwood living room and dining room. These rooms are decent sized, very typical for homes of this era. The kitchen is bright with a large bay window in front that allows lots of natural light. It looks like the kitchen was upgraded in the 1980's. It has a tile floor and does not look bad for a home of this era.

Upstairs are 4 bedrooms. The master has a bath with upgraded cabinets and skylight, but both baths on the second floor have original blue and pink tile. The basement (Lower Level) is finished with a walkout to the back yard. The floor is tile with a nice fireplace. There is also a small office and laundry facilities on this level.

This home shows well and will get a lot of traffic because of its price point. This should sell in 30-45 days, and should settle around $600K.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

1105 Cedrus Way - Fallsmead - $709,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

There has been a great deal of activity in Fallsmead over the past few months. The homes that are priced right and properly prepared for sale are selling quickly. Those that are not clean as a pin or overpriced are languishing.

This home is at the end of a cul-de-sac off Fallsmead Way. It is a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home built in 1968. It looks nice from the street. The yard is tended, the position at the end of the court keeps traffic down and the Wootten Schools are a good draw.

The foyer is welcoming with a laminate tile throughout the foyer and updated powder room. The living room,,family room and dining room have hardwood that are in good condition. The family room also has a nice brick fireplace that warms the room.

The kitchen has been updated at some point, but the original avocado appliances remain. The floors seem to the the same laminate tile that is in the foyer and powder room, but the color does not match. It would be nice to have them consistent. The Smithsonian may have some interest in these older appliances, but someone paying $700K for a new home will not. The kitchen is on the short list for renovation.

There are 4 bedrooms upstairs with original baths. The older carpets do not show well and would be better off taken up. The home will show much better with the clean hardwood.

The basement is unfinished and has a walkout to the yard. The floor is finished in Linoleum square tile, probably original to the home. The basement has potential to be finished. It smelled dry and would be some welcome additional space in this smaller colonial.

This location has a lot going for it, but the home does not compete with others in the extended Fallsmead community. All of the homes currently on the market are in much better cosmetic condition. Cedrus has a better location since it is not on busy Fallsmead Way.

I will be curious to see how much the home on Infield settles for. It is under contract and settles tomorrow, March 16th. It was listed for $749,000 and I should settle at $725K or more. This home is gorgeous and showed beautifully. It had a lovely lot that showed much better then the Cedrus property. It has also been completely redone.

The final settled price of Infield will set a precedent for the Cedrus property. Cedrus would be more reasonably priced at $674,900 where it may get some traffic and maybe an offer.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Are you interested in McLean, Va homes?

Saturday, March 14, 2009

10610 Great Arbor - Red Coat Oaks - $975,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

Great Arbor is a long street just off Bells Mill Road. It is one of the few communities of Contemporary style homes in Potomac.

Lets start off by saying that contemporary homes are generally NOT my style. My personal taste is for more traditional homes which are plentiful in Potomac and surrounds. This home surprised me. I loved it.

This home is built into a hill and the exterior has been completely redone in stucco. Not a cheap stucco job, a very thoughtful, expensive stucco job. It looks great. The driveway is a bit steep, but azaleas and flowering trees surround you on your walk up the slope. There is a one car garage and parking pad that come off the side of the home near the front entrance.

A heavy wood door allows you into a hardwood foyer. Immediately to your right is a step down sitting area and coat closet. With the enormous amount of light from the skylights above, this would be a great place for a planting table where an indoor garden will thrive.

The floors are cherry/teak color and are throughout the home. The paint and decor is simple and superb. I could not wait to look further. There is an office on to your right side at the front of the home. There is enough space for 2 people and desks here. It is a large room. The powder room is fabulous. Vessel sink and open architecture stand, natural slate style tile and everything done right.

The kitchen is stunning simplicity. Clean lines, sleek black granite counters and back splash, cherry cabinets, Fisher and Paykel drawer style dishwasher and table space breakfast area...Wow! The family room and dining room are on the back of the home. The cathedral ceilings give enormous volume to this room. It is a "Great Room" style. The windows along the entire back wall bring the outside in. The sliders open to a great rail free deck. At one one of the deck there is an arbor with a built in hot tub below.

Upstairs has three large bedrooms. All of them beautifully decorated with 2 full baths one en-suite. The master has a great walk in closet outfitted with a high tech, sleek organization system. No expense was spared.

The lower level has a laundry area, a bedroom or office area and another small room. This area was the only space that I could not figure out what it would be in a moved in home. If there is a bedroom on the lower level you would have to walk through it to get to laundry. There is very little storage in the home, so that back room may be better allocated to storage and utility.

This home is a great value. My concern is it will not appraise at $975,000. There are not many if any comps in the community to support this price although the community is starting to renovate. I would advise clients to leave the appraisal clause in the offer to purchase. You may get an additional concession when the appraisal comes back.

Friday, March 13, 2009

8116 Paisley Court - Inverness Forest - $845,000

Listed By Prestige Properties

Google Map Here

Paisley Court is a lovely cul-de-sac just off Deborah Drive in the Inverness Forest community. This quarter acre lot backs to trees and offers great privacy and shade for nature lovers.

This is a pretty brick and vertical siding colonial with nice curb appeal. The first thing you notice when walking into this home is the white paint. Everything is freshly painted white. Not a bad option when renovating a home, but in this case there is too much of it. There is a lot of natural light in this home, and it may take a moment for your eyes to adjust. The living room and dining room are bright with shiny hardwood. The kitchen has been updated and has a nice tile floor. The windows in the rear of the home bring plenty of light into the kitchen and breakfast area.

The stairway upstairs is hardwood with a period wrought iron rail. The bedrooms are all decent sized and the baths have been renovated recently. The bright yellow tile from 1969 (Groovy baby!) will surprise you in the hall bath...be ready!

The basement is finished and has a Bilco style door to the back yard. The stairs here are steep. Because of the grade and steep slope in the backyard, the stairs could not stretch out too far into the yard. There is also a room with sink that is finished with lots of shelving. I would bet that at some point that this was a darkroom. It would make a perfect darkroom for anyone that still develops their own photos.

This home looks as though it was renovated quickly without any thought of living in it. It should be looked at as a clean canvas that someone buying can paint with their own vision. Door hardware is old and should be upgraded. The wrought iron stair rail could be replaced with a natural wood rail. It would make an enormous difference in the look of the place. A little color on the walls, instead of white will make this show a lot better. Paint the mouldings white and allow the wall colors to contrast.

The house is very nice and can be transformed into a much more attractive home with some paint and elbow grease. The lot is not the best because of the slope in the back, but it ensures privacy. I think that a good price to offer on this home is $800,000.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

7704 Masters Drive - River Falls - $1,100,000

Listed by WC &AN Miller

Google Map Here

River Falls is a fabulous community sandwiched between Brickyard Road and McArthur Boulevard. This is a sought after community because of its great location, cohesive neighborhood and great schools.

This is a "Haverhill" model that was built in 1971. It was a popular model when new, and still has lots of fans. This home is still mostly original and will need extensive updating when sold.

The main level has hardwood throughout. There is worn carpet in many of the rooms, which hides the hardwood underneath. The kitchen is mostly original as is the rest of the first floor. The family room has a sliding glass door that exits on to a large screened cement patio in back. This is a nice feature and can be dressed up during the eventual renovation.

The basement is partially finished with a stairway exit to the back yard.

This home has 5 bedrooms upstairs. The rooms are all decent size, and two of the rooms have en-suite baths.

The bones of this home are good. I have seen fabulous things done with this model when remodeled. It is unfortunate that this home is priced as if partial renovation was already done. It is new to the market and may be an estate sale. The sellers may be taking a stab at the market with the current price with plans to lower it at some time in the future.

This home needs to be on the market at below $1mm. It will get good traffic at that price point and may attract an offer. The home should settle around $950K when all is said and done.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Are you interested in McLean, Va homes?

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

11713 Ambleside Drive - Roberts Glen - $749,000

Listed by Remax

Google Map Here

>Roberts Glen is a lovely community just off Glen Road in Potomac. In the Churchill Cluster, this home is a great single family at a fantastic price.

It MUST be spring. It seems everywhere I turn another gem comes on the market. It is even more gratifying when the home is priced below $800K. This 4 bedroom colonial has been completely updated. You could move in tomorrow, and not need to do a thing. These turnkey homes are selling quickly if they are priced right, and this one is priced right.

This home has great curb appeal. On 1/3 acre, this home has nice lawn and landscape as well as a picket fenced back yard. The front doorway has a sheltered entry that leads to a traditional hardwood foyer. The rooms are not super large, but have great scale. The living room and dining room and family room all have hardwood floors. The kitchen is in great shape. Recently updated with granite counter tops there is also a breakfast area with space for a family size table.

Upstairs has the master bedroom with full bath and 3 additional bedrooms. The bedrooms are not too large, but certainly kid size. The hall bath is plenty big to handle traffic from these 3 bedrooms. Lets just hope the rooms are not filled with teen girls.

The basement is finished with a full bath. Plenty of room here for TV or recreation. There is also a screened porch on the back of the home ready to entertain guest in the cool fall and spring evenings. A brick patio is adjacent for a chaise lounge to sunbathe.

This one shows too well to stay around long. (Ignore the missing shutter in front...it is being repaired) Do you have interest in this price range? Can I assist you in writing a contract on this gem? Let me know! This one will go for around $725K unless there are multiple offers.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

CONTRACT - 11904 Coldstream Drive - Highland Stone - $649,000

Listed by Weichert

Google Map Here

This home is located in the Highland Stone community. This affordable community is east of Falls Road between Victory and Liberty Lanes.

Potomac below $700K? That is a hard price point to find, especially in a single family home. This 1966 split level is a fabulous opportunity for someone looking for a home in the Winston Churchill H.S. cluster.

This home has great curb appeal. The yard is nicely tended and the front door is freshly painted a colonial red color. The foyer is bright with nice paint and you may step up to the living room from this spot. The living room is large with great natural light from the large bay window to the front. The dining room is decent size and has a door into the kitchen. The kitchen, although older, is in good shape. There is a great island in the middle of the kitchen which will accommodate stools to eat a quick meal, or allow your guest to watch the host cook. A table spaced breakfast area is on the other side, looking out as a very pretty, tidy backyard. There is also a laundry room with an exterior door adjacent to the kitchen. This is a nice feature unusual in splits of this style. The basement is unfinished with plenty of room for storage.

This home is in great condition and shows well. It has been properly priced, and I think it should sell within 30 days. It is one of the better homes I have seen at this price point in the Churchill cluster. Don't wait, this will be under contract before you know it.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Are you interested in McLean, Va homes?

Monday, March 9, 2009

9520 Falls Bridge Lane - Heritage Farm - $1,147,000

Listed By WC and AN Miller

Google Map Here

I will disclose in advance that this is one of my favorite communities in Potomac. Located within walking distance from the village, it is a hop skip and jump to anywhere you want to go.

This is one of the largest colonials in this community. A formal foyer is bright with hardwood floors and nice mouldings. A large living room is on your right side and a panelled office and powder room on your left. You flow from the foyer into the family room which is large with lots of sunlight. The full wall of windows in the back of this room allows the natural light to stream in. The stone fireplace and built in cabinets make this a great room to relax and watch TV.

The kitchen is recently renovated, and is well done. The back wall has a slider and additional windows were installed behind the sink and counter tops. The natural light from the windows and quality white cabinets make the room look fabulous. This is a great kitchen to cook and to entertain. The slider leads you out to a large TREX sundeck that overlooks the manicured half acre lot. The dining room is large enough to seat 10 easily. It is hard to find a home that will allow you to entertain formally and informally with equal ease. The main level finishes with a large laundry/mudroom between the family room and garage. This is a great space for the kids to store coats and boots during the winter months and not drag mud through the house.

A curved stairwell brings you upstairs. A large master bedroom and connected bath and dressing area are well designed. These have been updated at some point with cultured marble sinks. There is an attached sitting room that could be an additional bedroom if needed. A large walk in closet as well as 2 additional closets make storage a breeze. The other bedrooms are all teen size and in great condition. The decor and finish of this home is exceptional.

The basement is a nice surprise. A full walkout, it has a bedroom and kitchen just right for an au pair apartment. A bath and plenty of space for TV or recreation finish out the basement.

This is a home with an exceptional floor plan. They do not come up often for sale in this community, and this one is ready to move in. I think it is priced perfectly, and it should sell within 30 days at close to full price. Don't miss this one. It is a great home in a wonderful community!

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Are you interested in McLean, Va homes?

Sunday, March 8, 2009

10306 Norton Road - River Oaks Farm - $1,825,000

Listed By WFP

Google Map Here

Norton Road has a nice collection of homes on spacious 2 acre lots. Located halfway between South Glen and River Road, this home is convenient to everything.

This is a very pretty home from the street. With extensive landscaping and a circular driveway, this home has great curb appeal.

The home is a expanded brick colonial with stately columns in front. You walk in to the foyer and know right away you are in for a treat. The home is tastefully painted and decorated. Gleaming hardwood floors and elaborate moulding draw you to the back side of the home.

The kitchen is fabulous. Extremely large and perfectly outfitted it is a cooks dream. It is wide open with high end appliances and plenty of room for food preparation and storage. An extensive counter surrounds the kitchen where stools allow your guests to relax while food is being prepared. This counter also serves as a perfect boundary between the kitchen and living area. A breakfast area along the back wall of the home is large and well illuminated. Adjacent to this area is a large laundry area and exit to the garage.

The family room is large with cathedral ceilings and skylights. The back of the home has been expanded to add this space and the enlarged kitchen. No expense was spared when the work was done and it shows.

The upstairs has a Master suite and 3 additional bedrooms. The rooms are all large, but not overdone. The master bedroom has a great fireplace and modest full bath with granite tops. The kids rooms are nicely decorated and SO clean. (Do kids really live here?) I opened a door thinking it was a closet only to find an elevator. What a great feature to have in a home of this size.

The basement is finished with a bedroom and full bath. A fireplace and exercise room and plenty of room for storage. There is plenty of room for a home theatre if one is needed.

The back yard is large with plenty of room for pool and pool house if wanted in the future. A separate 2 car garage is on the left side of the home. This space has great potential to be expanded in the future.

If you have the ability to purchase in the $1.8mm range, this home should be on your short list. You can move in without any need for upgrade or repair. The 2 acre lot has great potential for the future, and the location cannot be beat. The agent priced this home right, and should sell within 5% of list price.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

Are you interested in McLean, Va homes?