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Saturday, May 22, 2010

11005 Hunt Club Drive - Fox Hills - $869,900

Listed by Forum Properties

Google Map Here

Fox Hills is a very large community on the South side of Tuckerman Lane east of Gainsborough. Built in the late 1960's - the community has been updated over the years and is one of the best choices for those looking for a home below $1mm in Potomac.

This home is on a quiet street with a nicely landscaped yard. The foyer is bright with black and white tile. The family room is to the right with a nice fireplace centered on the wall. The living room is on the left with lovely hardwood leading back to the dining room. The dining room is typical for a home of this era - with a french door leading out to a narrow screened porch.

The kitchen has been updated with cream cabinets and solid surfaced counters. The island is topped with ceramic tile - that may or not be to your taste. The flooring is terra cotta tile - which seems to be in great shape for its age. The appliances, while not new - are in good condition. there is a table space breakfast area which gets great light from the sliding glass door leading outside.

There is a large 2 story addition behind the garage along the back of the house. With cathedral ceilings and an open loft - this is lovely space. A circular stair brings you to the second level which has been outfitted as a large home office. A stand alone wood stove provides extra heat on those cold winter days.

The upstairs has 3 large bedrooms that share an original hall bath. The master bedroom has a connecting door to the home office addition and the master bath room has been completely renovated with granite tops and new shower. Although not large - it is nice space and the access to the office loft makes for convenient access.

The basement is fully excavated - which is unusual for a Fox Hills home. Most are only half excavated. Half of the space is finished here - but the work is dated and could use an update. There is a walkout slider to the backyard. Although this lot is nice size - it is completely wooded. There is not a usable back yard which will take this home out of contention for many. On the flip side - your yard work will be minimal.

This is priced at the upper end of the range for Fox Hills - but it is also a bit larger with the 2 story addition. The market is hot in this price range - so I cannot blame the owner and agent for trying for a premium. I think this home should sell within 5% of its list price within 30 days.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

6 Canfield Court - Fallsreach - $899,000

Listed by Weichert

Google Map Here

Fallsreach continues to be one of the most popular communities in the Potomac area. With lovely single family homes built in the late 1970's and early 1980's - this community sells very well - especially when priced right. This beautiful brick colonial is located on a cul-de-sac which only adds to its charm.

This home has been well maintained on the exterior and has great curb appeal. The foyer is bright and freshly painted and looks great. Hardwood floors on the this level are in fantastic shape and show well. A living room on the right side is good size and well lit by 3 large front windows. The dining room is also large and bright - with plenty of room for a large family gathering or Thanksgiving dinner.

The kitchen has been redone beautifully with granite, stainless and beautiful cabinets. Although not large - it is nicely done with a bright breakfast area looking out back. A small deck and screened porch area provide plenty of space to recreate - or hide from the kids if needed. The family room is nicely balanced with a fireplace and room to kick back and read the paper.

The upstairs has 4 small bedrooms and a nicely updated master bathroom. Although this is not a large home - it is nicely redone and is ready to move in.

The basement is finished and has a good sized rec room with a walk out door to the yard. There is a nice wine bar in this area with a sink and a nanny suite with full bath. There is also another room set up as a bedroom for guests or in-laws.

This home shows very nicely. It has been updated and nicely painted ready for new owners. In this neighborhood and at this price - this home should FLY off the market. Look for a super quick sale - at close to full price. You heard it here first folks - the market is still hot.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

13512 Maidstone Lane - River Falls - $1,195,000

Listed by L & F

Google Map Here

River Falls is located about 5 miles beyond Potomac Village off River Road. With most of the homes sited on at least one acre - this community has great spacing between homes, and plenty of room for the lawn of your dreams.

This home is a lovely brick colonial with a wide circular driveway. Nicely landscaped and maintained - this home has great curb appeal. Nicely pruned trees provide shade where needed - but still allow light through the floor to ceiling windows.

The foyer is large and open with beautiful hardwood floors. A large office is to your left and a spacious living room to your right. This is a lovely colonial floor plan. The dining room is large and bright and looks out on the rear of the home. The kitchen has been updated with granite and lovely cream colored cabinets. It is adjacent to a large breakfast area with a view of the pool and large backyard.

The family room is fabulous. A floor to ceiling stone fireplace provides warmth and coziness in a large room. This would be a fabulous house to entertain. Attached to this room is a large screened porch that looks out onto the fabulous yard. A fenced pool will keep all in the family cool in the summer with plenty of room for chaise lounges and suntanning.

The upstairs has 5 bedrooms. There are 4 large bedrooms - all with lovely hardwood floors. There are two updated baths that service these four bedrooms in addition to a large master suite. The master bedroom has a large sitting area - 2 large closets and a fabulous master bath with shower and whirlpool.

The basement is fully finished with Berber carpet and nice decor. There is a au-pair suite with a full bath in addition to a large finished area with fireplace that would make a great recreation room or home theater.

Overall - this home is finished beautifully and shows very well. The home based upon recent sales is priced well - and should sell pretty quickly in this brisk market. The only down side to this property is it backs to River Road. There is not much traffic on River - and a row of fast growing Leland Cyprus would quickly screen this area from view and cut any residual noise.

Kudos to the agent for prepping this home well - marketing it well and pricing it well. The reward for hard work will be a quick sale at somewhere between $1,050,000 and full price. If there are competing bids - this could actually go slightly over asking price.

Monday, May 10, 2010

9420 Winterset Drive - Winterset - $995,000

Listed by L&F

Google Map Here

I have been spending a lot of time in this neighborhood over the last few weeks. The more time I spend here, the more I like it. Great location and great schools make this community and easy sell. With well tended landscapes and larger lots - this community has moved up on my must see list for Potomac buyers.

This home sits on one of the nicest lots I have seen this year. With over a half acre - this lot has lovely trees - but enough sunlight for a fabulous lawn. I was joking with one of my buyers that I would kill for a yard like this one. The home has great curb appeal. A wide driveway provides access to the separate 2 car garage and additional driveway parking for those with larger families.

The entry is covered and opens into a nice foyer that opens into a large living room. The dining room flows through to the back of the home and looks out on the lovely back yard. There is a first floor guest suite tucked away to the left of the foyer with its own full bath. A great location for a room - and out of the way of the family for privacy.

The family room is square with a fireplace on the far wall. Barnwood accents may not be to everyone's taste, but is easily removed. A sun room has been built behind the Family room with access directly. Good size and done in ceramic tile, this room can be used for three seasons or more. Windows keep out the cold and let in the sun heating this area even during the chilly fall. This is a great add on for this home.

The kitchen has been beautifully renovated with stainless and granite. A large breakfast area looks out onto the side yard with plenty of space for all around the table. The laundry area is in a mudroom area adjacent to the breakfast room.

The upstairs has tired green carpet leading up the stairs and halls - but this is easily replaced. The master bedroom is small for Potomac - but has good closet space and a surprise exterior door in the walk-in closet. Open the door and you have your own private sun deck that occupies the roof of the sun room downstairs. The master bath is a blast from the past. Green laquer cabinets match the carpet outside. Mirrors galore and a sunken green soaking tub with brass fixtures. Very early 1980's. This would be on my short list of things to replace if I were the new buyer.

The other 3 bedrooms upstairs are good size and share a updated hall bath. There is good light in all of these rooms - and any kid would be happy to grow up here.

The basement is huge! It is partially finished (and well done) and includes a half bath. Although the finished area is not super large - there is plenty of space for expansion should the new homeowner want to add to the space.

Although I love this house and lot - it is priced a bit too high for the neighborhood. Even with all this home has going for it - it has too much other competition in Potomac to sell for $995K. Look at this one to sell for between $935K and $960K when all is said and done.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

9028 Copenhaver Drive - Copenhaver - $1,175,000

Listed by L&F

Google Map Here

Copenhaver is on the Northwest side of Falls Road and is a lovely community of single family homes. Home of Cold Spring Elementary - this is a sought after neighborhood because of its schools and proximity to all that Potomac has to offer.

This is an all brick split that has been completely redone. The landscape is meticulous and every bit of the home has been brought up to date. This is what all homeowners dream of doing when buying a home in an older community but few ever do.

This is the Baltimore model - one of the more popular floor plans in Copenhaver. This home was expanded in the rear to expand the kitchen and add a breakfast room. There is lots of space and the renovation was very well done. The rooms on the main level are all "Supersized" and staged beautifully. There is not much not to like here. The lower level has a family room, laundry area and mud room.

The upstairs has a wide center hallway and a beautiful master suite. Four additional large bedrooms - 2 with their own baths finish off the top floor. Even the most critical home buyer will appreciate the way this home flows.

The back yard is flat and fenced nicely. The grass is green and fenced along the back property line of this large lot. The major downside to this dream home is the high tension wires that cross behind the home. The property backs to the right of way for the electric company. Although there are some large trees screening much of the view- the wires are still visible. This home was originally listed at $1.2mm. It has since been reduced to $1.175mm. This is still too high. Although redone beautifully the high tension wires are a deal breaker. It is hard to justify the premium price with the wires crossing the back horizon. This one is assessed at $904K. It is worth a $100K premium Look for this one selling in the $1mm to $1.05 range when the right buyer comes around.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

12825 Huntsman Way - Fox Hills West - $879,000

Listed By Weichert

Google Map Here

While legally this area is called Potomac Commons - most refer to this neighborhood as "Fox Hills West". These homes were built in 1970 for the move up market. They were considered large for the day at just over 3000 square feet on the living levels. The neighborhood and designs have stood the test of time. Fox Hills West is still one of the nicer communities along the Falls Road corridor.

This home has very nice curb appeal. Made of brick and frame with a covered front entry - the lawn and landscape are well cared for. What usually looks this good on the outside - carried through to the inside. I was not disappointed.

The large foyer is impressive with square polished tile. The formal entry is typical with a large living room on the right with a centered fireplace. A large dining room is to the left with plenty of space for a large table. The family room is behind the stairwell along the back of the home. A slider brings you out to a nice deck overlooking a fenced back yard. Although this lot is only 1/4 acre - it seems much larger as it backs to the Watts Branch Park.

The kitchen has been recently updated with granite and white appliances. A breakfast area has room for a real table and real family. A large window allows the light to really brighten this area. A laundry and mud room is adjacent to the kitchen and allows access to the garage. Muddy kids shoes can be changed here to keep the rest of the home tidy.

The upstairs has a large master bedroom with sitting room and recessed lighting. Lots of closet space and an updated master bath complete the room. The other bedrooms are teen size and share a hall bath that has been somewhat updated. Overall - a nice floor plan upstairs.

The basement is HUGE. This space is open and 63 feet long. With a sliding glass walkout to the back - this space has huge potential. If this basement had a full bath it would be close to perfect.

This is a nice home that has been very well maintained. Many of the upgrades have been done - it is ready for someone to bring their ideas and design to make it their own. The location is fabulous as are the schools. The neighborhood has stood the test of time and is still one of the "go to" neighborhoods in Potomac.

This one has a lot of updates and has been kept in very good condition. The $879K price tag may seem rich for the neighborhood - but it is not far off the mark. I see this selling around $845K when this finally gets to settlement.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

11813 Winterset Terrace - Winterset - $1,274,900

Listed by Llewellyn

Google Map Here

Winterset is a gem of a neighborhood that runs parallel to Glen Road in Potomac. Built in the early 1980's - these homes have it all. Great location, great schools and great floor plans keep the neighborhood in demand.

This home is tucked off of Winterset Drive on Winterset Terrace. With just over a third of an acre - this home is screened by trees in the front. When you peek in behind the trees the home is pretty - frame built with natural stone highlights and chimney. The yard is well kept and the slate walk leading to the front door gives it good curb appeal.

The foyer is spacious with a living room on the left and a dining room with fireplace on the right. The wide hall adjacent to the stairwell leads back to a large open family room. The room is large with windows all along the back of the house. The light just amplifies the space. The kitchen is large and updated with granite and high end appliances. Especially cute is a corner pantry with a etched glass door.

There is lots of square footage in the kitchen and family room. This space is open and great for entertaining. There are closets galore for storage of coats, pots and pans and Costco groceries. There is a room with washer and dryer that has built in "lockers" for kids to store coats, backpacks and instruments. Anyone with kids will appreciate this lovely touch. The back of the house has a nice tiered stone patio and a grassed area for the kids to play. Although not deep - this space is more than adequate for everyday play and entertaining.

The master suite is also on the first level. Tucked in behind the stairs - the room is large with a wonderful master bath suite. This home is a must see for those that want a downstairs master - a tough find in the Potomac market.

Upstairs there are 4 large bedrooms. One is located above the master bedroom and has it's own bath. This would be perfect for a guest room or nanny. The other 3 bedrooms are large - one can be further enlarged by opening a set of pocket doors. Once again - there is plenty of space in this home. There is a laundry room here (and downstairs) with closets for linens and towels for the baths. The bathrooms have been cleverly updated with bead board and look nice. Although this is a design not everyone will like - it works in this home.

The basement is finished with a billiard room and large area for TV and video. There is a full bath here - and plenty of storage. The space is flexible and it is easy to picture "your" stuff here.

This is a lovely home - and a lovely neighborhood. Originally listed at $1,344,000 - this home has been reduced by $70K to its current price. Although this price may be justified by square footage - the house will find extreme competition in this price point. The home has been enlarged - but it is a bit out of balance. There are lots of other homes in this range in Potomac that have more to offer. This home may find a buyer at this price - but more likely closer to its assessed value when all is said and done.