10409 Garden Way - Williamsburg Gardens - $849,900

Listed by L&F

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FORECLOSURES? In Potomac? In MY neighborhood?

YES. YES and YES. It is happening everywhere and very few areas are insulated from the economic problems that have plagued the US for the past 4 years. Expensive neighborhoods are no less susceptible than lower priced neighborhoods during this crisis. In the interest of full disclosure, I live a few blocks away.

This home is at the corner of Garden Way and Falls Road. It is a short walk to Potomac Village, and is situated on a half acre. The home is sited sideways on the lot - so the back yard is narrow with lots of room on the sides of the home. The driveway is large and can easily fit 4 cars in addition to the garage.

The home has a brick front, brick stoop and huge columns in front. The columns are a little overdone for my taste - but are not out of place. The landscape and outside can use a little TLC - but has some potential to look good with a little work.

The interior has a shallow foyer with ceramic tile. The mirrored dining room is to the left and a formal living room to the right. Both of these rooms have nice hardwood floors.

The ceramic continues through to the kitchen - which is nicely updated with white cabinets and granite. A gas range on the island is a nice touch - and a bright breakfast area has doors out to a raised deck in the back. The family room is nice with high ceilings and a lovely fireplace. Another set of French doors brings you out to the deck. This would be nice for circulation during parties. A powder room, laundry room and garage finished off the first level - and so far - so good.

Going upstairs you could see water damage on the ceiling in a few spots. The bank has done what it can to limit the damage - but certainly the drywall will have to be repaired in a few spots. The Master bedroom is a good size with a large master bath. The fixtures are a bit dated, but that is an easy fix. There is a separate room with a commode that has a skylight and shower. There is mold or mildew throughout this area. A large walk in closet is shelved out - but could be used more efficiently with additional shelving to make better use of the limited space.

There are 3 other teen size bedrooms on the upper floor. All of them are in decent shape - there is some minor drywall and painting work from damage around where curtains and ceiling lights previously existed. A hall bath is large and would be plenty of space for the teens in residence on this floor.

The basement door opened - and you can see where carpet has been removed from the stairwell and floors. Water damage is minimal and the space downstairs is nicely apportioned. A nanny suite with full bath and plenty of room for the family and home theater exists down here. A walk out door to the yard provides some light - and the space here works just fine. A bit of paint, drywall repair and nice carpet will make the world of difference down here.

Overall - this is a decent house on an OK lot. The neighborhood and location are blue chip. The schools are blue chip. It may be a great opportunity for someone to move to this side of Potomac for a great price. The home will need at least $20K to repair and paint and carpet. If the house was brought up to date and looked fabulous - it would sell in the $900K to $930K range. I see this selling at close to asking price within 45 days.