8907 Barrowgate Court - Fox Hills - $319,000

Listed by ReMax

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This community is located just off Bells Mill and Willowbrook Road in a community of larger single family and luxury town homes. I suspect that this home is in a cluster of affordable homes called MPDU's that Montgomery County required developers to build when granting permits for larger more expensive developments.

This town home is a bit over 1500 square feet on three levels. With 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath, these homes do not have the optimal floor plan for a family. Running up to the upper level to use the bath can become onerous and should be a consideration for those looking at this type of home.

The glass though, is half full - not half empty. A 2 bedroom home in the prestigious Potomac zip code is near impossible to find in this price range. The schools, services and location are top shelf and will make many look past the inconvenient floor plan of this property.

Although a foreclosure, this home looks nice on the outside. Brick stoop, brick front and trimmed shrubs present nicely. The moment you enter the home the reality of foreclosure stares you in the face. The kitchen is in disarray with cabinet doors missing and the refrigerator gone. In its place is a giant stain on the attractive (though filthy) hardwood floor. Potential is great here. The light from the front window really keeps the kitchen bright, and the openness makes the space look large. The family room is behind the kitchen and is not very large - but usable. A slider goes out to a brick patio that is filled with old coolers of rotten food. Not pretty!

The stairs up are carpeted with Berber style carpet that will need replacement. 2 small bedrooms share a hall bath - all of which need updating.

The carpeted stairs down to the basement lead to a finished space in the rear of the home and storage towards the front. Please bring a flashlight as the lights are out, and stumbling around can be dangerous.

I have seen a lot worse foreclosures then this. With a little TLC and mostly cosmetic help this can be a nice 2 bedroom home. Although a horribly inefficient floor plan, you get to live in Potomac for just over $300,000. Not a bad start. Call me for a personal showing of this home. Lets see if we can grab this for under $300,000. Act fast though. Homes of this price won't last long.

1390 Canterbury Way - Potomac Woods - $539,900

Listed by Weichert

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Potomac Woods is a mix of small colonials and splits on the north side of Montrose Road. Built in 1964 - this home has been updated but will need some additional TLC.

Potomac woods is a nice neighborhood in a great location. Located in the Richard Montgomery Cluster - the home is less expensive then those of similar size with Churchill or Wootton High Schools. This neighborhood is fabulous for those who want the 20854 zip code without the Potomac price.

This home is brick and frame on a quiet street. The home seems to be well maintained from the exterior and has decent curb appeal.

The foyer is open to the living room and dining room and is hardwood throughout. The bay window and back slider have been updated with double paned glass at some time in the recent past. The far wall in the main rooms is painted paneling. Although the paint on the paneling updates the look - all of the walls in this home are in need of pointing up and paint.

The kitchen has been updated with dark tile on the floor and a recent countertop upgrade. The cabinets are newer with some type of dark reddish cherry stain. All appliances except for the range have been recently replaced. The walls in this room also need pointing up and paint. It could also use a thorough cleaning. They left some decorative beams in the ceiling area. They don't match the cabinetry and should be stained to match or removed.

Downstairs in the family room there is a fireplace with full brick wall. Pergo has been installed as flooring here and in the back utility room. The lowest level of the basement is unfinished and houses the furnace and water heater. There is also plenty of space for storage on this level.

There is brown carpeting on the stairs to the upper level that looks like it is older. There is an odor as you walk up to the stairs that is emanating from the hall bath. I don't know what this is, but it is strong and offensive. Something should be done to get rid of or at least calm this issue. Any potential buyers should investigate the cause to be sure there is no long term issue that will come back to haunt them.

The bedrooms are typical for a 1960 split. They are small but serviceable. The baths are in rough shape and should be on the top of the "to-do" list. Maybe gutting the hall bath will solve the odor problem. The brown carpet should also be taken up, especially if there is hardwood below. I'd rather see hardwood with stains then older brown carpet.

This is a short sale that at one point was under contract. Although priced attractively, this will need some work to make it nice. It would sell faster and at a higher price with a good cleaning and coat of paint. This should go for between $510K and $520K when the ink dries.

11035 Candlelight Lane - Old Coach Square - $369,900

Listed by Coakley Realty

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Candlelight Lane connects Tuckerman Lane and Gainsborough Road in Potomac. This is a good central location with schools in the prestigious Churchill cluster. The Olde Coach Square is a group of condominiums backing to the Mclean School just off Candlelight Lane.

Whenever I see a property for sale in Potomac below $400K I get excited to see it. With 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, it seemed like a lovely starter home for a family that wants Potomac schools.

This condo is located in a small 12 unit complex set back in a single family neighborhood. The building was sturdy brick, and the unit for sale was accessed from the side of the building. This is a ground level condo with an entry that is a bit overgrown with shrubbery. This is unusual in condominiums which usually provide exterior maintenance of a building. There are two full size windows facing the front that are completely obscured by the landscape. If removed or replaced, it may bring a lot more light into the unit.

The tile foyer is covered by indoor outdoor carpet runners. I am not sure why, as the tile is already old and dirty, but it looks horrible. There is a step down living room on the left with a sliding glass door to the back yard and small brick patio. A breakfast area - dining room is on the right. Large enough for a small table.

The kitchen is old and very dirty. I wonder why this place was not professionally cleaned before it was put on the market. It would look so much nicer if you were not afraid to touch things.

The bedrooms are average size and the baths, consistent with the rest of the unit are dirty and dated. The carpet is stained and will need to be replaced throughout the unit.

There is a decent size utility/laundry room that has a washer dryer and furnace and a/c unit. This also needs some cleaning.

This is a unit that will need lots of vision to fall in love with. If you did a complete rehab and added extra ceiling lights it could be an attractive place in a good location. With that said, the price of $369,900 is no bargain. There are not any comps for this property or complex to come up with a reference price. I say this will sell at much less. Look for this one to linger on the market for some time.

9801 Kendale Road - McAuley Park - $989,000

Listed by Burr Residential

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McAuley Park has always been one of my favorite Potomac neighborhoods. A mix of colonials, ramblers and newer custom homes, the community is a pleaser. Prices run the gamut from just under $1mm to $3mm+.

This is one of the original ramblers built in McAuley Park back in 1973. At the corner of Kendale and Kentsdale Drive, you could not ask for a better location. Sited on exactly 1/2 acre, this home looks regal sitting on a small knoll.

There is a circular driveway that suits this home well. Brick and frame with attractive landscape, this home has great curb appeal. It looks as though it has really been taken care of over the years.

You walk into a nice foyer and immediately see the kitchen on the right. It is large with blue delft tile and lots of light. A gas fireplace welcomes you to the space, and even though very dated, there is something warm and comfortable about the design. This would be a great home for a party. The kitchen is open and flow is circular. The kitchen will be expensive to re-do, but has the potential to be a stunner.

Behind the kitchen is a large dining room open to a living room on one side, and a solarium on the other. Lots of nice mouldings and hardwood floors. Some of the design will have to be updated, but what great bones this home has!

. There is an outdoor patio surrounded by a lovely brick wall. You get some great privacy for a cocktail, bar-b-que or simply a glass of wine mulling over the day. I really liked the way they built this outdoor space. It would cost a fortune to do this now.

There are 3 bedrooms on the first floor. All of them are good size with hardwood floors. The baths will need rehab, but you could certainly live with them as is. The basement has 2 additional bedrooms and a full bath. A large paneled recreation room with full bar is definitely from the 70's era, but the space itself would lend well for a large home theatre or rec room. There is also lots of storage space that is unfinished. Someone with vision could really expand the finished basement area for something special downstairs.

This home is well priced at $989,000. To get into McAuley Park under $1mm on a corner lot is a good deal. This home is assessed in 2010 at $1,245,000. You are not stealing it at its current price, cause it may cost $125K to update. Once updated though - you will have a gem. I see you getting $2 back for each dollar you spend on a good renovation. Look for this one selling within 30 days at $965,000.

11604 Le Havre Drive - Lake Normandy Estates - $949,900

Listed by Long and Foster

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Although Lake Normandy Estates is located just off Falls Road, you feel as though you are far away from the traffic and bustle of the world. The lots are almost 1/2 acre, and the neighborhood has been well maintained. Throw in Churchill schools, and you have the making of a winner!

This home is set back from the street with beautiful landscape. The home looks bigger then its neighbors and going inside, you will find it is. The foyer is formal but open with 10 foot ceilings. A library to your left extends into a large family room addition. A full stone wall fireplace and cathedral ceilings with skylights are a beautiful feature in this room..

The kitchen is updated nicely but retain a dated tile floor. The dining room has an elaborate wallpaper and art deco feel. This design feature is found throughout the home and will either be to the new buyers taste, or an expensive update once in the home. The back yard is beautiful. A deck, screened porch and gazebo is beautifully done. The hardscape and design is lovely and expensive. I wouldn't change a thing.

The art-deco and ornate design features continue upstairs. Great space with a large master suite and 3 other good size bedrooms. The wallpaper and decor is a bit over the top, but the room design has great potential.

The basement is finished with hardwood with a bar, dance floor and bedroom and full bath. There is also storage here that is unfinished.

This home is priced well in this market. Anyone purchasing will discount their offer taking into consideration the cost to remove wallpaper and decorate to their taste. With that said, I see this settling in the $925K range.

13509 Maidstone Lane - Rivers Edge - $1,050,000

Listed by Long and Foster

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Rivers Edge is a lovely community of custom homes about 5 miles out River Road from the Village. On mostly 2 acre lots, the homes are mostly upscale and built in the mid-1980's.

This home is one level rambler with a circular driveway. The landscaping is elaborate - though could use some TLC. At one point in time this was a showplace. It won an award for landscape design in 1996. There is a small greenhouse built behind the garage ready for someone with a green thumb to reclaim.

The slate walk brings you up to a slate porch and the front door. You enter into a large grand foyer that is large enough to host a cocktail party. Though the tile there is a bit dated, this is still great space. A huge living room on the right side of the foyer is more space for the party to flow. With embassy sized rooms, this home immediately appealed to my entertainment genes.

The dining room is on the right side, and is large, but modest compared to the foyer and living room. The kitchen is very nicely designed, but needs an upgrade. With original appliances and old counters it is a perfect candidate for a redo. The family room is lovely with a full stone wall fireplace and wet bar. Great spot for cognac and conversation after dinner.

The living quarters is in the right wing of the home. The master is large and bright with windows all along the back of the home. The bath is nice with a sunken tub and separate shower. Although dated, this room held up well. There is a small bedroom currently used as an office, and another large bedroom with nice sized hall bath.

The basement is accessed from an open stairwell in the foyer. You open the door to a enormous room that is fully carpeted with daylight access to the back yard. There is an office here, a bedroom with full bath and plenty of storage. Loads of potential for the next owners.

The back yard is beautiful. There is a pool and small pool house in the backyard. It is fenced and nicely landscaped. The lot continues beyond the pool fence to the full two acres. This is a nice piece of property. A large deck, and hardscaping surround the pool area with multiple access points to the home. A screened porch with vintage astro turf carpeted floors is the only glaring design faux pas. Otherwise the home is decorated with class, and easily updated. There is some wallpaper in a few rooms that will need to be removed, but what potential!

This home is listed for $1,050,000 which is the cheapest in the neighborhood. Part of an estate, this home may be a bargain for someone with vision and a few extra dollars after settlement. The landscape was once glorious. Someone with a green thumb can easily bring this landscape back to its past glory. This will easily add $100k in instant equity. This home was listed earlier in the year at $1,195,000. This price was no bargain. The new price of $1,050,000 is fair, and a deal for the right buyer. I see this one settling at around $1mm within 60 days.

7900 Declaration Lane - Regency Estates - $799,000

Listed by Long and Foster

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Regency Estates is a sought after community just off Seven Locks Road. This home is lovely brick colonial at the intersection of Declaration and Democracy. A former model home, this home has recently been completely updated.

This home is a center foyer colonial on a corner lot. The foyer has tile which runs straight back through the kitchen and laundry area. The rest of the home has lovely hardwood floors.

The center foyer steps down into a nice living room and dining room. Nice mouldings and new paint look great. The staging done for this home is fabulous. Kudos to the listing agent.

The family room on the right side of the foyer is nice with a fireplace against the side wall. The kitchen is completely redone with granite and all the latest stainless appliances.

The upstairs too has been completely redone. The Master has two walk in closets and a separate linen closet. The bathroom is small for a master, but it too has been upgraded. The other bedrooms are all hardwood and decent size. Certainly fine for a teen, child or guest.

The basement stairs are done with indoor outdoor carpet. There is a "short step" at the bottom of the stairwell that may be dangerous. Focus and watch your step going downstairs. The basement is finished in light colored Pergo and has a Nanny suite with full bath. The rest of the basement has plenty of space for a TV, couches and home theatre.

This is a nicely upgraded home with good location, schools and neighborhood. The home is sited so there is not much of a back yard. There is quite a bit of noise from busy Seven Locks Road which may turn some people off. This is by far the most expensive home in Regency Estates. A similar colonial settled in September at $675,000. Although not upgraded, it provides a basis for price.

The current owners probably spent $100K in upgrading this home. They should expect to get about 60% of that money spent back. I see this home going to settlement at close to its county assessed value of $643,000 when all is said and done.

9712 Beman Woods Way - Avenel - $1,299,000

Listed by Long and Foster

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Avenel was one of the few communities in this area that was approved for building homes in close clusters. Not quite a zero lot line, but similar. This type of development is tough to do well. Avenel is one of the few developments that does.

This is a great looking all brick home in a blue chip community.Although a detached colonial, this home shows like a large town home. With an open entry foyer, this home still has a colonial feel. Dining room right, living room left a center hall brings you past the main stairway and into the family room and kitchen in the back of the home. All of the rooms are well appointed with moulding and hardwood. Although not large in comparison to many Avenel homes, this home has good scale.

The kitchen has ceramic floors and upscale - though original - appliances. The Corian counters are now out of favor and can be easily replaced by granite. Although it needs some updating, the kitchen is well designed and comfortable. A breakfast area looks out to the yard and french doors bring you out to a lovely slate porch.

Upstairs the master bedroom has a fireplace and two "Juliette" balconies. The master has both shower and Jacuzzi tub done in all white tile typical of the era. A sitting room is attached and is nice space to read as not to disturb a sleepy partner. The other 3 bedrooms are decent size with en-suite baths.

The basement is finished with a wood burning fireplace and carpeted floors. A full bath and bedroom could be a great guest suite or spot for a Nanny. There are rough-ins for a wet bar and wine cellar.

This is a nice home that needs a bit of updating. The price is fair and reflects the update costs. For someone looking in Avenel, this is one to see. This should settle in the $1.2 to $1.225 range when all is said and done.

11712 Karen Drive - Lake Normandy Estates - $739,000

Listed By ReMax

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It is tough to find a nice contemporary home in Potomac. I have been working with some clients for the past few months trying to find one that suits their needs. We came upon this one in Lake Normandy Estates - I was impressed.

This is a half acre lot fully treed and hidden from the street. A steep driveway brings you to a lovely contemporary surrounded by trees. The exterior was lovely with Japanese Maples and other specimen trees throughout the landscape. A covered walk brings you to the front door from the carport.

The entry is bright and open. Integrated Japanese screens separate you from the Living room. When opened, you look straight through the living room to the back yard through a wall of windows. The lofted ceilings draw your attention to the full wall of cedar in the living room with a lovely fireplace centered there. The wood is original with a great patina in excellent condition. Classic contemporary look.

The dining room is good size framed by the back of the home, and a large screened porch on the side of the home. The kitchen is tiled and updated - the pickled oak cabinets - although dated, are in great condition. Replace the counters with granite, and you are in great shape.

The upstairs brings you to 4 smaller bedrooms typical of this type home. The hall bath is original and Master Bath updated. Both will need attention by the new owners. The carpet on this level is older and bunching up. It will certainly need replacing.

The downstairs has a lovely family room with direct access to the yard. The light in this room is fabulous. A fireplace on the long wall makes for a comfy spot to watch TV and entertain. A bedroom and full bath finish off this level. There are sliding screens on the windows in the bedroom that are fabulous!

The lowest level is finished in tile and has the laundry and lots of storage. What a great play space for the kids.

The back yard is probably my favorite space. It has been fully designed and hardscaped in a courtyard design. What a fabulous spot for an outdoor party. There were deer looking back at my as I admired the yard. This is a testament to that contemporaries are supposed to do. Bring the outside and nature in.

This is a great home in a very nice neighborhood. Great schools, great location and great lot. This will sell quickly - and I would think for close to full price!

4 Beman Woods Court - Avenel - $1,795,000

Listed by Long and Foster

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Avenel is a lovely planned community tucked in between Falls Road an Persimmon Tree Road. Upscale, it is the home of the TPC Potomac Golf Course that has just been selected to host the US Senior Golf Open. With a mix of detached, attached and zero lot line homes, this is a beautiful and well maintained place to live.

This Natelli built home is located on the golf course with views of the 17th and 18th fairways. A traditional brick colonial, this home shares a cobble driveway with a neighbor. The home is well maintained with groomed lawn and lovely landscape.

This home is a showplace. The foyer is open and warm with lovely hardwood and a 2 story foyer. Lots of windows let in plenty of light - you feel as though you are in a model home.

The large dining room is to your immediate right, with nice moulding and tasteful decor. You are drawn into the kitchen which is top end with granite and top of the line appliances. The kitchen has a nice breakfast area and is wide open to the family room. A slate patio looks upon the golf course and seems to be a great spot for a glass of wine, or front row seating for any golf event. A lovely dual fireplace peeks through to the living room on the other side. A large piano makes this room formal - once again open to the foyer.

Upstairs has 4 bedrooms, all en-suite. A large master bedroom has a smaller master bathroom attached. A full wall of windows keeps the room bright and a wall of built in cabinets hides the tv and stereo. There is a hall bath at the head of the stairs that seems out of place. Aren't all the bedrooms en-suite?

The basement has an open stair that leads to the main finished area. A large pool table, TV and seating makes for a great game room. A wine cellar will hold at least 500 bottles - even a tasting table to decant your favorite wine. Another large room serves as a library with floor to ceiling bookcases and comfortable seating areas. A full bedroom and bath for guests, or a very lucky Nanny in addition to plenty of storage space.

This home is priced right based upon the latest comps. This home is a perfect turnkey home for Tiger Woods, a CEO or high level executive. Great schools for the kids, chic golf and fabulous pedigreed neighborhood. If you are looking in this price range let me represent you. I want to negotiate for a case of the Opus One in the cellar with a ratified contract!