10706 Great Arbor Drive - Red Coat Woods - $769,000

Listed by Weichert

Google Map Here

The fabulous part of Red Coat Woods and East Gate homes is the way that folks renovate them. This is one of the few communities that were developed exclusively with Contemporary design in the Potomac area. Built in the early 1970's many have been beautifully renovated - all of them a little bit differently.

This home is across the street from a home I reviewed last week. Both are renovated - both done differently. This home has had a multi story addition on the front to extend the foyer area and stair landings. The addition made a big difference in the feel of the home - and is very different from the home across the street.

This home is on 3 levels. The bottom level is for the Family Room - Powder Room and storage. The Family room here has been used as an office with lots of built-ins and storage. Large windows flood the room with light. The powder room on this floor is the only remnant of the 1970's left in this home. The orange sink made me smile - and looks great in this design.

The second level and kitchen was renovated in the late 1980's early 1990's. Although not completely up to date - the modern white still works in the decor today. The hardwoods and large windows give an open feel to the space. The wooded lot is true to the modern design - bringing the outside in. Any lover of modern will like what they see.

The bedrooms are typical for a home of this style and era. Lots of glass - lots of light and in this home - lots of built in storage. This home has a lot going for it. The two car attached garage makes the price "right on".

This is a nice home that is ready for some inexpensive upgrades. The price is right at $769,000 and the market should snap this house up priced at this level. I see this one selling within a few weeks at around $760K.

8705 Hidden Hill Lane - East Gate - $869,000

Listed by Weichert

Google Map Here

There has been a surge of listings in this neighborhood. I recently reviewed the 8702 Hidden Hill, which is across the street. The neighborhood is a popular. When priced right homes move quickly. A home at 8814 Hidden Hill just went under contract. It was priced aggressively and was on the market for less then 30 days.

This home is an expanded contemporary built in 1972. The kitchen and dining room have been bumped out to allow for a large sky lit breakfast area and a larger then normal formal dining room. A sliding glass door leads you to a large deck that provides a vista of a private wooded back yard.

This home has been completely renovated over the last few years. All the hardwood in the home is in good condition. The baths are upgraded, walls tastefully painted and kitchen large and modern. So, why hasn't it sold?

The home is empty except for a small bedroom in the basement. There is someone living down there as the door to this bedroom is dead bolted. There is food in the fridge and clutter in the butler pantry desk. The home needs to be thoroughly cleaned. The granite counters need washing the floors swept and the bathroom (Especially downstairs) cleaned. The home could be best described as "sloppy" with a lot of potential.

This home has been on the market for some time. The price is too high at $869,000. It needs to be reduced by $30,000 to bring it in line with its competition.

If the sellers are proactive and have the home thoroughly cleaned they stand a chance of getting a decent offer. If they do nothing they are inviting low offers.

The market is already competitive. With all of the additional homes that have come to market in this neighborhood, it is VERY competitive. Only those homes that are looking their best and priced properly are going to get offers. Based upon what I have seen with this home, it should sell around $820K when all is said and done.

8702 Hidden Hill Lane - East Gate of Potomac - $899,000

Listed by WC & AN Miller

Google Map Here

East Gate is one of the few communities in Potomac where you can find a high percentage of contemporary homes. Built in the early 1970's, this community is convenient to shopping, the beltway and is located in the Churchill High School cluster. This continues to be a popular community in Potomac for reasonably priced homes.

This home has decent curb appeal, but does not have a lawn. The front yard is filled with hostas and ground cover which will appeal to those that like a more naturalized look.

This home has been completely redone. There is a custom laminate floor that covers the foyer into the kitchen. Durable and attractive, this is a nice touch. The kitchen has been recently renovated with contemporary white cabinets and granite counter tops. The living room is adjacent to the kitchen and back of the home. A large picture window gives you a lovely vista of the small backyard.

The upstairs has three teen size bedrooms and a pretty master. There is hardwood floors throughout this upper level in very good condition. The 2 baths have been updated and fit in nicely with the homes tasteful decor.

The basement is fully finished and bright. There is a slider that allows you to walk out to the backyard patio. A full bath with lots of space for storage completes the space.

This is a tastefully decorated and fully renovated contemporary. The listing claims 3600 square feet of finished space, but I believe this included the below grade finished basement.

At $899K this home is not cheap, but offers an opportunity to just move your stuff in and live beautifully. There are many less expensive homes in the neighborhood, but many of them will require renovation of some type to bring them to the finish level of this home. This one shows beautifully and in a better market would probably fetch full price. In this market the home will probably settle in the $860K to $875K range.

10408 Great Arbor Drive - East Gate of Potomac -

East Gate is one of the few communities in Potomac to find Contemporary homes. Located in the Churchill school cluster, this home will attract those with a love of contemporary architecture and a need for good public schools.

This home is sited on a 1/4 acre lot with decent size yard. Heavily wooded, this home has privacy and shade to keep the home cool in the summer. Contemporary design means large windows and lots of them. Although they bring in great light, they can be a liability to your utility costs. Some of these windows have been replaced to provide decent insulation. Others may need to be replaced to make this home energy efficient.

The main feature of this home is a Master Bedroom loft on the second floor. Open to the cathedral ceiling family room, the loft gives an open and modern feel to this home. A stand alone modern fireplace becomes a focal point as the flue rises dramatically from the first floor, past the loft thorough the roof.

This home will attract those with contemporary tastes. The home currently lacks color or flair and will need a buyer with vision to fall in love. This home has great potential. Unfortunately, is is priced as if the complete rehab has already been done. It needs to come down in price significantly to sell. I see this one selling at 25% less then the current $995,000 list price.