10851 Glen Road - Potomac Outside - $809,000

Listed by Coldwell Banker

Google Map Here

Just off Glen Road, up a long pipe stem driveway, is a bank foreclosure looking for a new owner. The lot and home give hints of past grandeur, but time and disrepair has taken its toll. Are you a person with vision? This may be one to see.

This is a large contemporary home with a brick lower level and vertical wood siding exterior. A slate carport was probably state of the art in 1952 and provided a sheltered entry to the main lower level door. A single car garage is also on this lower level but a new owner may contemplate converting this space to living area.

When I say this lot is in disarray, I am speaking kindly. At one point this home had a yard but unless you look closely for the hidden retaining walls in front and stacked stone in the rear, you would think this was virgin woods. It will take a week to clear this lot and rake up the sticks and layered leaves, but it would be worth it.

The entry to the home on the lowest level at one point was set up as an office or apartment. There is a full bath here - but it is old and needs replacement. Laundry room, utility room with storage, a large office and garage finish out this first level. If redone, this would make a great apartment or in-law suite with a bit of work. The garage would be best converted to additional living space as it is really too small for newer cars.

Up the hardwood stairs leads you to a large, open family room with lots of light. The masonry fireplace is a nice touch in here. Some old built-ins separate this space, but I was surprised at how pleasant it was. A wing of the home that feels like an add-on has a few small bedrooms and and exit out to a rather nice (though dilapidated) greenhouse. A high tech electric venting system leads me to believe this house went downhill recently (in the last 5 years). Looking out from the greenhouse is a lovely tennis court with fencing. This is in remarkable shape although buried with leaves. This too leads me to believe that the downfall of this contemporary is rather recent.

The kitchen is lovely - although dated. Open and airy, there is a door leading out to a nice slate patio. A suspended fireplace in the corner will allow for cozy breakfasts. An attached dining room is large with a slider exit to a screened porch overlooking the back woods. A great spot for an after dinner drink.

Upstairs there are 3 large bedrooms and a decent size master. Both baths here will need to be redone, and the blue paint and faux treatment is garish. No worries, paint and carpet are cheap.

The 2 acre lot is heavily wooded with great potential. Years of falling branches and zero maintenance has allowed this lot to regress back to nature. Walking the lot I found a fenced pool in the back. Wow, what other surprises will this house hold?

This is a real project for anyone with vision. Is it worth $809,000? Not for me. This may be worthwhile for someone that wants to build a custom home and will knock down the existing structure. I say that the bank may listen to an offer at less then the $809,000 asking price. I'd start the bidding at $625,000 and see where it lands. If anyone from the bank has been to this property - they may want to get it off the books. Call me for a showing. I'd love to share your vision.

SOLD - 10019 Gable Manor Court - Potomac Village - $1,050,000

Listed By WFP

Google Map Here

SOLD for $955,000 on 3/23/09

There is a lovely community of homes between Counselman Road and Falls Road in Potomac Village. Initially developed for empty nest Potomac folk, all of these units have first floor master bedrooms and many have elevators.

It is difficult to try and place a value on these properties as there has not been much turnover. These well kept attached properties have community maintenance that is covered by the $300 a month homeowners association fee. This is very attractive to those that are not longer willing or able to do yard work on their own. Because of the convenience to shopping, the library, post office and main roads, this area is always in demand.

This 3 bedroom and 3 full bath home is built on slab and has a first level master. The home has many Victorian design features that are attractive on the inside and out. The home is set up as a center foyer with small living room and dining room in the front of the home and kitchen and breakfast area in the back. An attractive feature for the older set is an elevator that takes you upstairs.

The kitchen is original and a little dated, but cozy and efficient for a couple or very small family. Upstairs has two additional bedroom suites with full baths, one currently being used as an art studio. The decor is nice with light colored wallpaper in the foyer. The art throughout the home is very pretty and adds to the viewing experience.

This home is priced at $1,050,000. It is tough to determine a value in this market. There are not any recent comps to go by over the past few years. It is hard to imagine that a home this size would warrant more then a million dollars. I suspect it may sell at less, maybe as much as 10% less then list once a buyer is found. I will keep an eye on this one to learn a bit about this segment of the market. I will keep everyone informed of final price.