8310 Fox Run - Fox Hills - $824,000

8310 Fox Run - Potomac
Listed By Weichert

Fox Hills is a community of single family homes on the south side of Tuckerman Lane between Seven Locks Road and Falls Road.  Located a short walk from Churchill High School and Cabin John shopping center - this is convenient to everything anyone moving to Potomac could want.


This home is the largest of the Pulte homes built in this community in the mid-1960's.  With 5 bedrooms upstairs and 3 full baths - it is a great floor plan.

This home has been well taken care of and recently updated.  New windows, upgraded landscaping and refinished floors top the list.  A fresh coat of paint has it ready for showing - and boy - it shows well.

The foyer and lower level is traditional with formal living room and dining room.  There is also a private library or office in the front of the home.  The family room is in the back of the home - with a large masonry fireplace keeping the room cozy.  The kitchen has been updated with granite counter tops and some newer appliances.  it looks like the cabinets are original - but in great condition.  Overall - the kitchen looks great.  A large laundry and mud room is behind the garage - as well as a powder room.  I LOVE the space in this Williamsburg model.

The basement is full - but unfinished.  Loads of potential for those that may want additional space.

The upstairs has 4 teen size bedrooms - 2 of them sharing a Jack and Jill bath.  The hall bath serves the other two bedrooms and all of the baths on this floor have been nicely updated.  The master bedroom has good space and a nice size master bath.  This is a great floor plan for the upstairs.

The home sits on a third acre and has a privacy fence in back.  The corner lot makes this space seem a lot larger - and the house has great curb appeal.  A deck and professional landscape throughout will make this a turnkey purchase for the lucky buyers.


So - what about the price?  At $824,000 it may seem to be reaching - but I say not.  With all of the upgrades and lack of inventory - this is a fair and fantastic price.  With Churchill School Cluster and convenience to shopping and commuter routes - this one will sell quickly and at close to the offer price.  Should more than one person fall in love with this property - it could escalate above list price.  Kudos to the sellers and agent for presenting such a lovely product and pricing it well.

9904 Betteker Lane - Glen Park - 629,900

9904 Betteker Lane - Potomac
Listed By Sotheby's

Glen Park is an enclave of homes located on the north side of Glen at the end of Ambleside Drive.  Built in the mid 1960’s – these homes are a mix of split levels, ramblers and split foyers.  This home is located in the Churchill High School Cluster which is a draw for those moving to Potomac.

This rambler style home sits up on a knoll and has a full walkout in the rear.  The roof is extended to provide a sheltered front entry – and a carport adjacent provides room for a single car.  The main entry opens to a small foyer and entry closet with the kitchen to the immediate right.  The kitchen is small – but typical for a home this size.  It has been recently updated and most folks will find it an attractive feature.

Behind the kitchen is a large living room with windows looking out to the back yard.  A large deck with access through a slider provides outside entertainment space and a view of the yard below.  At some point the yard was hardscaped and was probably planted with annuals and perennials.  Even in February you can see bulbs for tulips and daffodils already peeking up out of the beds.

The left side of the home is the living area and contains three good size bedrooms and two updated baths.  The home has lovely hardwood floor throughout the upper level.  Overall – the home seems to have good bones.

An open stairway at the rear of the home is a vestige of modern design in vogue in the 1960’s.  Open to the lower level – it allows light to pass through between levels and is a positive feature.  The lower level is finished – and surprisingly large.  A family room with windows makes this basement space feel like anything but a basement.  The family room is bright and cozy and a perfect spot for a TV or X-Box for the kids.  A bedroom, full bath and laundry are on this level.  Storage space and a few different doors out to the backyard make the space flexible.

Overall – this is a nice house with good bones.  Simple floor plan – with updated kitchen, baths and windows – this is a great starter home – or a great spot to downsize to in the Potomac market.  The yard needs some dressing up – and the home could use a little color – but overall – it seems to be in good shape.  At $629K this home is priced near the top of the market for a home of this style and size.  More likely – it will settle in the $560K range when all is said and done.

12204 Espalier Place - Montgomery Square - $757,000

12204 Espalier Place - Potomac
Listed by ReMax 100

Montgomery Square is a lovely community of single family homes on the North East side of Potomac.  It was built in the mid to late 1960’s and appeals to first time Potomac buyers because of the affordable price point.  Potomac feeds into 3 fantastic high school clusters – which keep families moving to the area.  Most feel that a higher mortgage payment is a better investment than private school tuition.

This house is neat as a pin.  The yard is neatly tended and groomed – and has fantastic curb appeal.  Built by Kettler Brothers in 1968 – this home has been completely updated.  The rooms are tastefully painted and decorated – it is easy to picture your furniture already in place.  The family room has a nice fireplace for chilly winter nights and has a cozy feel.  This kitchen has granite counter tops and really shows nicely. 

There is a glass sun room on the back of the home that can be accessed from the kitchen.  This is a great 3 season room – and will be well utilized by the new owners.  There is a hot tub and brick patio out back – and obvious care and planning has been put into the landscaping.  It looks fantastic.

Upstairs has 5 bedrooms.  2 teen size – 2 kid size and a large master suite.  Hall baths and master baths have all been updated.  As I said earlier – there is nothing left to do!

Although priced at the upper end of the comparables in the neighborhood – all of the renovations here have already been done.   This home shows beautifully and will appeal to most that take the time to see the inside.   Appraisal at full price will be tight – but could work.  More likely – this should sell in the $725K range when all is said and done.

11432 Cedar Ridge Drive - Potomac Crest - $849,900

11432 Cedar Ridge Drive - Potomac
Listed by Long and Foster

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Potomac Crest is conveniently located near the intersection of Tuckerman Land and Seven Locks Road.  A stones throw from the Cabin John shopping center - it is a fabulous location.


Built in 1995 - these town homes were a perfect fit for those in Potomac that wanted to downsize from Single Family homes but stay in Potomac.  These were upper end town homes with high end finishes and plenty of room.

This town home is at the back end of the community where it is nice and quiet.  An alcove at the front door will keep your visitors dry in the rain.  This has always been a nice feature in the rain.

The foyer has a lovely marble floor and tasteful wallpaper.  A step down to the lower level has a full bath, bedroom and decent sized family room.  Some of these homes are not partitioned off - I think this is the better arrangement as it makes for a great guest room, office or AuPair suite.  A sliding door out to a small slate patio below the main deck is a nice space to escape if you need to get outside.

The floors are terraced in this town home.  You go up a half flight of stairs into the living room area.  A large open space and cathedral ceilings make the room spacious.  A window wall and slider to a TREX deck bring in lots of light.  The wooded view from the deck offers great privacy - and the synthetic deck boards promises no maintenance.

You step up to the dining room level which is open to the Living room.  This open space really gives you the perception of a large room.  The kitchen is towards the front of the home and features a nice breakfast area, and island and space for a small table.  The kitchen is modern and looks great. The Corian counters dates the kitchen to the 1990's - but still looks great.

Upstairs there is a large master suite.  The bath has been beautifully updated and no expense was spared using high quality materials.  Large windows let in plenty of light and 2 closets leave plenty of room for clothing.  The other 2 bedrooms are teen size and the hall bath easily serves both rooms.

This is a great town home and would be perfect for those that want to downsize of someone looking for less yard maintenance.  Great schools - good proximity to commuter routes and the Potomac zip code are all winners.  The price is fair - especially with the upgraded master bath.  Look for it to sell within 60 days within 5% of list price.

9229 Bentridge Avenue - Fallsreach - $1,149,000

9229 Bentridge Avenue - Potomac
Listed by Long and Foster

Fallsreach is a fabulous neighborhood on the west side of Falls Road.  Built in the late 1970's through early 1980's - this was a "move-up" community for many in the Potomac area in the 60's and 70's.  The homes are solidly constructed and well appointed.  Most have been updated to some extent and as with most neighborhoods in Potomac ~ the schools are fabulous.


This home is tucked in on a pipe stem just off Bentridge Avenue.  The location is off the main street and offers a nice private enclave shared with another home.  There is an enormous amount of open space next to the home that will never be built upon. Although some will be concerned about the high tension wires - others will see it as a guarantee of privacy for the future.

This home was built by Mitchell and Best in 1980.  The owners have recently updated the home with a huge side addition.  You enter into a tile foyer with nicely painted walls and trim.  An extended dining room is to the right and a large family room and fireplace to the left.  Lovely hardwood is laid throughout the first level - including the addition.

The kitchen is HUGE.  Granite and high end appliances with a very large island highlight the kitchen.  Plenty of space for bar stools - and a great spot for a party.  The kitchen extends to a breakfast area that is large enough to fit half of the neighborhood.  Filled with windows - it has great light and pleasant views.

There is a large room behind the garage that is a fabulous office.  This large space would be perfect for a home based business.  It is unexpected space - discretely tucked in behind the garage.  This home is full of surprises.  The addition on the right side of the home is quite large.  Two rooms can be used for purpose you like.  Living room, dining room - larger family room.  Make your choice and furnish appropriately.

Upstairs has 3 large bedrooms and a fabulous extended master suite.  A large master bath with Green marble - extra large shower stall and lots of light will please the most critical of buyers.  Other bedrooms are large enough for teens to stretch out and never complain about space.

The basement is finished - so if you ever need more space - here it is.  The basement has not been updated in a while - but who cares?  More space than you will ever need are on the main levels.

Wow - this home is big!  On a square foot basis it is a steal at the price.  My only concern is will the neighborhood support the value?  It would be the most expensive home sold in Fallsreach ever.  With the power lines and private pipe stem - it may not appeal to all buyers.  I see this one selling for over a million - but where over a million?  Depends upon the market.  Look for this one to settle between $1,025,00 and $1,050,000 when all is said and done.  It may take a while - as many of the million plus buyers are looking for a location closer to Potomac Village.

11514 Gainsborough Road - Regency Estates - $569,000

11514 Gainsborough Road - Potomac
Listed by Long and Foster

Regency Estates is one of the few remaining neighborhoods in Potomac that you can find a single family home for under $600,000. Located between Seven Locks and Falls Road - It is well located for commuters and feeds into the Churchill High cluster - one of the best schools in the Tri-state area.


This community was built in the early 1960's - and most of the homes in the neighborhood have been updated over the years.  This home is a tidy brick rambler that sits on a third of an acre.  It looks like the driveway was just replaced - and the slate walk has recently been re-pointed.  This is always a good sign when walking into a home.

The foyer is shallow - with the door to the kitchen on the immediate right.  The kitchen has been updated with nice tile floor - stainless steel appliances and hardwood cabinets.  There is plenty of room for a kitchen table in front - and the bay window lets in great light.

The foyer continues in to a living room and dining room combo in the back of the home.  Nice hardwood floors - typical of the era - are well maintained and look great.  Neutral paint colors make it easy to picture how your furniture will fit in the open space.

Three large bedrooms and an updated bath round off the upper level.  The master bath has been updated over the years - and look great.  A large stall shower - and newer toilet and sink are contemporary and need not be updated.  Once again - neutral colors - neat and clean make this very attractive.

The lower level is larger than you think.  A large family room leaves plenty of space for TV or toy room.  A bedroom and full bath are perfect for an Au-pair or rebellious teen.  An exit via area way gives easy ingress and egress to this space.  A laundry room and storage finish off the space - and overall - a nice package.

The price? - Anything under $600K for a mostly renovated house is a good price.  This one is priced reasonably and should sell very quickly.  It should probably sell within 5% of list price.  The inventory in this market is low - which bodes well for the seller. 

10313 Logan Drive - Heritage Farm - $995,000

10313 Logan Drive - Heritage Farm
Listed by Long and Foster

There are still people out there that are crying the blues that the real estate market is in bad shape.  The lack of inventory in the Potomac market is providing a strong indicator that the market may be on it's way back to normal.

Heritage Farm is one of my favorite neighborhoods in all of Potomac - without regard to price.  It is located within a short walk of Potomac Village - has GREAT schools - and is an easy commute to the Beltway.  Built in the early 1970's - the neighborhood is a mix of original homes and those that have been updated.

This brick colonial on Logan Drive is lovely.  It has been updated by the current owners - and a significant addition has been added to the rear of the home to enlarge the kitchen and family room.

The home is set up on a knoll - and seems nicely maintained on the exterior.  A slate walk brings you to the main entry and into a hardwood foyer.  To your left is a step down office which is typical for this model.  To your right is a large living room with large windows that allow in plenty of light.  The dining room is adjacent.  It is decent size and has a convenient entry to the kitchen area.

The kitchen has been completely redone.  Stainless and granite - with good quality cabinets and thoughtful lighting.  The extension increases the size of the room dramatically.  A large space for a family size breakfast table opens into a large family room with masonry fireplace.  Wide open - this will appeal to those that entertain and those that have kids.  You would never be more than a few steps away from your guests or little ones.  A laundry room is just off the family room - isolated from the public space - and en-route to the 2 car garage.

The upstairs has also been updated.  The master bedroom is a step down and features 2 full baths.  One is more elaborate than the other - but certainly will work well for those that fight over bathroom space in homes of this size.  Another 3 teen size bedrooms are on the right side of the home and the hall bath serving them has been nicely updated.  Overall - lovely space for sleeping upstairs and lovely space for living downstairs.

The basement is a "Half" basement. - crawl space under part of the home and finished nicely on the other side.  There is plenty of room for storage - a full bath - and place for a kitchenette should you need a live in nanny.  The space feels good - and has been well thought out.

The downsides?  Not much to complain about in this home.  The backyard is fully fenced - but the bump out  of the living area limits the usable space.  A decent size lot - but there is an uphill that takes away from the usable portion of the lot.  This may be a perfect setup for a large ground level deck.  The new owners can get creative once they figure how they will need the space.

I think this is priced well.  It was smart to market at below the $1mm mark.  This is not one of the larger models in the community - but the bump out and upgrades will allow it to stand toe to toe with all comers.  I like this house - and I love the neighborhood.  Look for this to sell in the $940K range when all is said and done.

Speed Cameras... Safety or REVENUE?

KUDOS! to Geoff Tracy.....


It was just over two years ago that a speed camera snapped my photo on Route 28 and Seneca Road in North Potomac.  I was travelling 40 miles an hour - at 1am.


Anyone that travels that road knows that it is a high volume and speed roadway which lends itself to higher speeds.  I have long claimed that for Montgomery County and other jurisdictions, this is less about safety and more about revenue generation.

Geoff Tracy - Celebrity Chef

I was thrilled to see Jeff Tracy on the news last night protesting the speed cameras that have been snapping pics of cars on Foxhall Road near his home at an alarming rate.  


He is set to hire someone to hold a warning sign that will give potential speed camera victims a heads up and a chance to slow down.  I love the fact that he is willing to put his money where his mouth is, and stand up for what he believes is an unfair money maker for the District.


Today I am going to try and save Geoff some money - and provide signs for this camera location to give drivers some warning.  I hope to save at least a few people  a ticket - and stand in solidarity with one of D.C.'s great chefs - and speed camera opponent.


Please share this post if you agree - let's get Geoff and this issue some attention!

7846 Oracle Place - Bells Mill Springs - $599,950

Listed by Long and Foster

Bells Mill Springs is a community of upscale town homes built in the early 1990's. Most are brick veneer with a one car garage underneath. This home has the main living level on the second floor with steps going from the ground level to the foyer.

The foyer is a few steps down from the main living level and is done in ceramic tile. There is a coat closet conveniently adjacent - with two steps up to the main floor.

There is hardwood throughout the first level - and it has been freshly refinished. The kitchen too has hardwood - which gleams from light streaming in from a large bay window in front of the home. The kitchen has been upgraded with new granite over top of original cabinets. I am not a big fan of these partial refinishes - but it looks fine here.

The dining room is in the middle of the town home and there is a step down to the family room and fireplace in the back. A slider takes you out to a small deck and yard in the rear.

Upstairs is carpeted with 2 bedrooms. tow of the bedrooms are teen size and the master is good size. The master and hall baths are somewhat dated - but there would be no urgency to refinish. Green Marble tile must have been the rage when this community was built - as it is installed in the bathrooms and powder room on the main level.

The basement is finished in carpet. There is a laundry area - powder room and garage down here. There is also a family room for TV or playroom for the kids.

The last unit to sell in this community was a nice end unit - which was 400 square feet larger with a 2 car garage. This settled at $617,500. I see this one settling in the range of $575-590K.

1435 Longhill Drive - Horizon Hill - $599,000

Listed by Weichert

Horizon Hill is a lovely community bordered by Falls Road and Wootton Parkway. Physically located in the City of Rockville - this is one of the communities that is served by the Potomac zip code.

This home is just off Wootton Parkway. It is a brick colonial that seems well maintained and has good curb appeal.

The foyer has been recently updated with laminate tile floor. The living room and dining room both have hardwood. The powder room too has been updated with the same laminate tile It is painted baby blue which somehow fits the vintage.

The kitchen is original - including the "Harvest Gold" appliances. The furnishing and decor throughout bring you back to the 70's when this home was built. The family room has a nice stone fireplace and hardwood floors. A slider goes out to a small patio.

The upstairs has two teen size bedrooms, one kid size and a decent master. The bathrooms are all freshly redone in tile laminate (Must have gotten a good deal on this tile) - and will both need updating in the near future.

The basement is unfinished. It has laundry facilities and a fireplace that would look great when the basement is finished.

This home is older but has "good bones". It will certainly be an ongoing project for someone that wants is willing to make the improvements - but this neighborhood is one of the few to get a home this size for under $600,000. The neighboring home at 1435 Longhill Drive settled for $550K in January. This one should settle in the neighborhood of $560-$575K when the ink dries.

12025 Smoketree Road - Regent Park - $625,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Regent Park was built by Kettler Brothers in 1963. Just south of Montrose Road - this neighborhood funnels into Winston Churchill - and is very desirable for entry level Potomac.

This home has great curb appeal. With nicely trimmed shrubs and a slate and brick walk leading to the front door - it shows very nicely from the street. The home looks smaller than it really is - because the garage is not attached. There is a separate 2 car garage built behind the house on the left side.

The foyer as you enter has the staircase up to the left and a large brightly lit living room on the right. The large bay window in the front floods the room with light and showcases the hardwood floors. The dining room too benefits from the bright window - and is in the back corner of the home.

The kitchen has been updated (2006) - and has white 12x12 tiles throughout. The cabinets are new and the kitchen redesign provided lots of cabinet storage and pull out shelves. The only think I might change is the white Corian tops. They date the kitchen a bit - and would be well worth an upgrade to granite.

You step down from the foyer area a few steps to the powder room and extra large laundry room/mud room on the lower level in front. This entire area has tough laminate floor that looks great and will wear well. This room is one of the best features of this Kettler model - and is generally held in high regard by the family member responsible for laundry. A folding area, closets, laundry tub and space to hang delicates is a nice touch.

The family room is carpeted with Hunter green carpet. The walls are half paneling and older built ins tend to date the room a bit. A full brick wall fireplace anchors the room - and a slider provides access to the back yard and a small patio. The back yard is fenced and has plenty of room for kids with a swing set ready for action. The lot is only .23 acres, but ALL usable.

The stairway up to the bedroom level has new carpet that runs through the hall. A master bedroom has an updated bath but could use a style lift. The master bedroom is on the small side compared to today's standards, but it gets you into Potomac at a great price. The other bedrooms are kid/teen size - and the hall bath has been updated at some point in the past.

There is a bonus room on this level that could be used as a large bedroom or office. Someone in the past installed file cabinets in the side eave walls, and there is also a closet. A side window brings in plenty of light and the hardwood gleams. What a nice surprise for a home at this price point.

The basement is partially finished - but quite dated. It also needs to be aired out. The home is now vacant - and I don't think it gets much circulation. Laundry area is located here with plenty off additional space to finish the basement properly.

This home shows well - but needs some updating. The buyer's can make this one their own on a limited budget. Choose some granite - minor cosmetic updates to baths and family room - and you will have a winner. When the time comes - refinish the basement to give yourself room for the kids or your personal "mancave". This is priced fairly - but there is room to negotiate. I see this one settling in the $600K range.

9737 Pleasant Gate Lane - Avenel - $429,000

Listed by ReMax 2000

Avanel is an upscale planned community between Falls Road and Persimmon Tree Road in Potomac. Developed by Natelli Communities, it was built out by five or six builders through the 1990’s. It is a lovely, well maintained community, with all the amenities one would expect in a high end neighborhood.

There is a mix of housing here. Town homes, patio homes, single family homes and mansions are all part of the mix. The grounds and laws are all professionally maintained by an outside company – so the community always looks manicured. A strict association assures that homes are properly maintained which adds to the value of the community.

Montgomery County – when approving these large communities – forced builders to set aside a portion of the community for “affordable housing”. They called these units MPDU’s (Moderately Priced Dwelling Units). These homes were generally smaller then the surrounding homes with far fewer amenities than most homes in the community. This home is a former MPDU.

Pleasant Gate is located just off Oaklyn Drive in the middle of the Avenel community. The restriction on selling these former MPDU units long ago expired, so these homes can be sold without restriction – at whatever the market will dictate. These brick homes are similar to Cape Cod style homes without the dormers. There are generally one bedroom and a full bath on the main level with 2 additional bedrooms and a full bath upstairs. There are basements – and many have been finished over the past 20 years by homeowners.

The front door has a storm door which needs repair. The interior of the home has PERGO style laminate floors throughout the first floor. The bathrooms are original – but are in decent shape. The kitchen is original with laminate counter tops and builder grade appliances. There is a door in the kitchen to the exterior – a nice alternate egress to the yard or grill outside.

The laminate flooring in some rooms has been replaced with similar grade laminate – but not matching laminate. The walls could use a coat of paint and the home needs to be aired out. The AIRWICK solid air fresheners in various locations throughout the home are not quite the same as getting a little fresh air.

The basement is unfinished and looks as though there may have been some flooding in the past. The carpet on the stairs has been removed, and there is a noticeable scent of mildew or mold. A humidifier has been placed in the basement running full time to try and dry it out. There seems to be a rough-in for a full bath here. This is a big plus for someone looking for a bit more living space in these homes.

Overall - this home has great potential for someone wanting to get into Potomac schools at a Gaithersburg price. There is outdoor parking for 2 cars, and the community fee is a reasonable $273 per month. This property is bank owned - and in a great location. I think this is a great opportunity for an investor as there is a real shortage of rental properties in Potomac. This would rent for $2600 a month. If you could get this for $400K - that would be close to a 6-7% return on investment. Look for this one to settle between $400 and $410K.

12323 Overpond Way - Copenhaver - $949,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Copenhaver is a fabulous move up community with great location just off Falls Road. Close to all commuter routes, it is a breeze to get to shopping, schools recreation and work. Homes that are priced right in this community sell quickly and often with competing offers.

Overpond Way is a short street that ends in a circle. This home is on the right side of the street just before the circle on a manicured lot. There is very little traffic coming into the circle - and the setting is lovely.

The foyer has hardwood flooring and is quite welcoming. A large living room on the left side is bright - with overhead lighting which is a recent upgrade. The dining room and living room are boldly painted red - which works with the current decor - but may detract some. It makes the rooms warmer - but seem smaller then they are. The powder room is nicely updated and shows well.

The kitchen has been completely renovated. The cabinets are dark cherry and appliances are cream colored. A pass through to the Family room has been added - which is a nice touch. The kitchen has been expanded into the back yard to make room for a breakfast area. Surrounded by windows, this area is a great place to enjoy your coffee.

The family room is somewhat isolated. It sits down a few steps in the back corner of the home. A slider will take you out to the yard, and a full brick fireplace makes the room cozy and intimate.

The upstairs has 4 bedrooms PLUS the master. Modern "Light Tubes" (Skylights) - do a great job of bringing natural light into the bathrooms and hall. It is amazing how bright these are for a passive system. All the bedrooms are teen size. The master is large with an updated bath and room for a king size bed. The 2 additional baths are also nicely updated. Overall - this is a lot of space.

The basement is fully finished - but dated. A half bath is convenient and could use some cosmetic updating. The bones here are good. It will take some creativity and personal touches to make it your own.

Overall, this is a nice home. With 2 offers that did not work out - it leads me to believe that there is not much flexibility in negotiations. In this market - that can be the kiss of death. This should sell in the next 60-90 days if there is some flexibility in price. Based on other similar homes that have sold and settled - this one should sell in the $900K range.

12712 Lincolnshire Drive - Potomac Commons - $725,000

Listed by ReMax

I was e-mailed by a reader and asked why I often clump together listings from the same or adjacent neighborhoods. The short answer is because I am looking in these neighborhoods with clients. Believe it or not folks - I don't make a living by doing home reviews. I am an active agent touring folks through Potomac homes every week.

This home is in Potomac Commons - which is behind Hadley's Park - off Falls Road. Lincolnshire is a nice street which connects Falls Chapel Way with North Commons Way. The homes here are nicely maintained - and I have come to meet many people that grew up on this street.

This home has great curb appeal The colonial has stately columns and a nice open front yard. The overhang from the roof keeps visitors dry while waiting to enter the front door. The brick front is in great shape - but once you enter - you realize there is some work to be done to bring this home up to date.

The foyer is a dark slate and original to many of the homes in Potomac Commons. While it is often replaced, it can also work well with a modern decor. The first thing you notice in this home is the grand staircase that curves up to the second level. While the colors and carpet may be dated, it only takes a modern color palate and some new carpet to make this look grand once again. Dramatic entries never go out of style.

The living room and dining room both have hardwood floors and crown moulding. The size is typical for the style and age of the home, and although not large - they are adequate for today. The family room also has hardwood with a large masonry fireplace on the back wall. The paneling and cosmetic beams on the ceiling give away the age of this home, but are easily removed and replaced with drywall. This would dramatically update the look and make the room seem bigger.

The kitchen is dated and will need updating. The old dark cabinets and florescent lighting should be replaced and will make the kitchen look larger and brighter.

Going upstairs there are 2 teen size bedrooms and a good size master. These rooms all have hardwood floors and adequate closets. The decor and baths need updating, but the results should be worth it.

The basement is a blast from the past. Paneling and decor from the 70's bring me back to my childhood.

This home has great bones and is in a great neighborhood. Good schools, convenient access to shopping, work and play - what is not to like? This home is priced right - and should sell quickly. This should sell within a few percent of the asking price - and will be a good investment for the buyers. $25,000 of cosmetic updates should get them $50,000 in equity.

8728 Falls Chapel Way - Potomac Commons - $749,000

Listed by Weichert Realtors

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 is across from Hadley's Park and has nice curb appeal. The wrought iron rail on the second floor elevation may not be to everyone's taste, but the home is well maintained and inviting.

With bright tile in the foyer - this home has been nicely updated. The tile carries back through the kitchen, which has been renovated with light color cabinets and lovely granite. Although not a large kitchen, the design allows a breakfast table and L-shaped design makes the most of the space. A large picture window brings in plenty of natural light to the breakfast area and kitchen.

The living room and dining room are tastefully furnished and show off the hardwood floors. The family room has a brick wall with fireplace and decorative beams across the ceilings. The flow through the rooms is good - and this home would be great for entertaining.

Laundry is located in a mud room behind the garage. There is plenty of room for the updated washer and dryer. It is accessed through the kitchen - and is typical for this design. There is a powder room located here as well. It has been updated with a nice pedestal sink.

There is an upgraded sliding door going out to a large deck in the Family Room. The deck is in good condition and looks out over a flat, fenced back yard. This is great space for entertaining or for a play set. A gas grill is all you need to enjoy summer weekends cooking out.

The upstairs has 3 teenager sized bedrooms in addition to the master. There is hardwood throughout the upstairs area. The hall bath serving the bedrooms has been updated with granite counters and tile floor. The master suite has also been upgraded and is ready for you to move right in.

The basement is unfinished - but in very good condition. This could be easily finished to provide plenty of additional room to families that may need it.

This home is fairly priced at $749,000. A similar home sold at this level late last year. I am surprised this has been on the market for 60 days. This home really needs nothing more than some cosmetic updated to make it your own. This should settle somewhere around $720-735K.

9416 Copenhaver Drive - Copenhaver - $659,900

Listed By Rosselle Realty Services

Potomac has the reputation of being an affluent suburb of Washington, D.C. Many of my buyers are surprised to hear that some of the homes here are short sales and foreclosures. The difficulties of the economy over the past few years has hit everyone hard. Potomac has not been excluded from the pain.

This home is located in the Copenhaver community. 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 community because of the gifted and talented program based there. It is also conveniently located close to all Potomac has to offer.

This home is a foreclosure and needs some TLC. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the main level. Built in 1973 - it has somewhat of a contemporary - open feel.

The main entrance has hardwood throughout the family room and kitchen. In decent condition - it shows well in the broad open family room. The kitchen is off on the right side - and has been updated in the past. Granite counter tops and updated fixtures can use some design help to make the kitchen more open. A large breakfast area and signature large brick fireplace is one of the best features of this model.

The bedrooms are quite dated. The carpet is old and worn and will need replacement. Some of the rooms have been poorly painted - and do not show well. One of the bedrooms has been converted to an office - and is a good fit for a buyer that does not need the additional sleeping quarters.

The basement is finished in wood panelling. The look is dated, but new paint technology allows paint to adhere to the panelling for a inexpensive updated look - and brightened impression. A full size brick bar takes up a large corner of the room. With a new counter top this could be impressive. Those that want to remove the bar are in for some backbreaking work. This is REAL brick!.

A laundry area is hidden in the back corner of the basement in an unfinished corridor. The home has been french drained and the in-ground basement smelled dry.

The yard is a bit overgrown - which is not unusual with bank owned property. With some time and money - the yard can be brought back to its original glory.

This home has good bones and would be a great project for someone looking to get into Potomac at a reasonable price point. The last few homes that sold of this model were in significantly better condition. This one has been priced to reflect this - and could end up being a good value. The bank may look at offers of significantly less than list price if contingencies are limited. Someone willing to take the time and effort (and cash) to update this home will be rewarded in the future. A cash offer could possibly get this home at it's assessed value of $633,880.

Churchill High School - AP Accolades

Confirmation of why I moved to Potomac to educate my children !

When I was in high school - taking an AP (Advanced Placement Exam) was reserved for those kids that took advanced classes and excelled in accelerated academic programs. Although I do not remember the exact numbers - I believe that less than 25 students sat for the AP tests my senior year - and approximately 70 percent received scores of 3 or higher.

I was stunned to read that 1060 students took one OR MORE advanced placement courses at Churchill. The amazing fact is over 90% of these students received scores of 3 or higher. This score potentially qualifies them for college credit. AMAZING!

It is not just upper grades that are taking these classes. Completing AP coursework for some students starts in Sophomore year. Many Sophomores will be taking as many as 3 AP exams this spring. A grade of 3 or higher on the exam may make get the student University credit while in high school.

There are some students leaving Churchill High School with the equivalent of 30 college credits. With the average cost of college rising each year - there is a significant potential savings for these kids as they may place out of a full year of university.

Yes, I am one of the parents that was drawn to Potomac because of the schools. It was worth paying a significant premium to move here in order to enroll my children in some of the best schools in the country. This data regarding the success of Churchill High School - and Montgomery County schools in general is just a confirmation that my family and all other families with children here made the right decision.

You can read the full article regarding the AP results in this article in the PotomacPatch. Click through for all the details.

30% Off Complete Restaurant Bill in DC Area

Not just YOUR dinner - but your whole group's! Includes drinks!

GROUPON - Living Social - 2for's - WTSO....... The offers seem to roll in every day. Always a can't miss deal and a moments notice opportunity.

When I was "invited" to Village Vines - I was sceptical that this was just another program that would clog my inbox with daily offers that are 95% useless. Sure - they may be a good deal on dinner - but you can generally use only one coupon per table - or the coupon did not include drinks.

It is not my idea of "LivingSocial" if to use the coupon - I have to sit at the bar by myself.

This concept is different. It gives you 30% off your entire bill for your entire party. No fuss, no muss - just a hefty discount. I went to Indique Heights in Bethesda on Saturday and ran up a bill of $200 with my wife and group of friends before a late movie. The bill was promptly discounted to $120 - after the discount was applied.

I don't know about how others live - but eating and drinking for me is social. A 30% discount on the entire table is pretty sweet.

What is the catch? Well - you have to sign up - which takes about 5 minutes. You have to look at the current DEALS and see which restaurants are participating for the day you want to eat. Make a reservation through their system (Think Open Table) - and pay a $10 charge.

Did I say CHARGE? Yes I did. For me - paying $10 for the reservation was well worth the $60 discount.

You can also get credits for convincing others to join. They will credit your account $10 for each person or group that signs up on your recommendation. Certainly worth a try.

Go to Village Vines Website by clicking HERE!

10409 Garden Way - Williamsburg Gardens - $849,900

Listed by L&F

Google Map Here

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.

7849 Coddle Harbor Lane - Inverness Knolls - $267,000

Listed by Best Address RE

Google Map Here

Who knew there were 2 bedroom condos in Inverness Knolls? It was tough to find this unit, as it is behind and underneath town homes from the street. There is a whole line of these rear units that are set up as 2BR condos.

The walk around back to find this unit is interesting. There seems to be a lot of personality on the outside of the other units along the walk. Some over the top gardening and decor had me wondering if there was really a condo association that kept a reign on what the place looks like.

The condo has a small fenced front entry with a swinging gate in front. The unit is not unattractive with a lovely brick and siding veneer. The front door is freshly painted red, foreshadowing a complete rehab inside.

This small 744 square foot unit was completely gutted. A combo Kitchen, family room and breakfast area takes up the front of the condo. New wood floors and an attractive stainless and granite kitchen look great. There is decent light, even with the dense woods in front of the unit.

The 2 bedrooms are very small. I wondered if it would be better to consolidate the two rooms into one. The bathroom is small, but completely redone as well. Looks nice!

This is a nice, albeit small, two bedroom condo. I am not a fan of the physical location of the unit, but the community location is great. At $267,000 they are pretty close to market price. An identical unit sold for just over $360K early last year after concessions were paid.

I think the seller has done their research and has this priced properly. It should sell somewhere above $360K based upon previous sales. If the right person sees this unit - it could go for full price. See my review on the unit that sold early last year by clicking HERE.