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.