8221 Buckspark Lane - East Gate of Potomac - $974,000

Listed by L&F

Google Map Here

My favorite section of the "East Gate of Potomac" subdivision is on the south side of Democracy Boulevard. These homes were built in the mid-1970's and did not follow the contemporary bent of the rest of East Gate. With great schools, location and the Potomac zip code - the community is a winner.

This home is larger than it looks from the outside. The home is currently being spruced up for sale and looks great from the curb. The foyer is large with nice hardwood floors which carry throughout the main level. Updated powder room and nicely re-done kitchen will save time and money for the new owners. Granite counters and island open into a breakfast area and the family room. A slider leads to a large deck overlooking a lovely backyard.

The upstairs has 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths. The baths have been updated but not fully renovated. The yellow, blue and pink tile in these baths remind you the homes were built in the 1970's. The cabinets and fixtures HAVE been updated and do not need immediate attention. Overall a great upstairs.

The basement is large and freshly carpeted. Plenty of space here to utilize in any way you like. A half bath and "bedroom" can house overnight guests and a separate storage area has plenty of room for shelves and boxes.

The last home similar sold earlier in the year at $950k. It had a breakfast room addition but may have been a bit smaller. This one shows well and is priced well. I see the final number somewhere around $945K when the home gets to settlement.

10709 Great Arbor Drive - Red Coat Woods - $799,000

Listed by Long and Foster

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Red Coat Woods is located adjacent to East Gate and is the home to many of Potomac's contemporary style homes. With lots of woods and third acre lots - it is a great spot for these 1970 era contemporary homes.

This is a three level contemporary without a garage. You enter between the 1st and 2nd level and walk up to the bright and open main living level. Hardwood floors and natural light allow this open floor plan to shine. A nice dining room and completely redone kitchen are all re-done beautifully. The kitchen gleams with hardwood and granite. Counters wrap around through to the entry of the dining room providing lots of counter space to coffee pots and kitchen toys. Two decks on this level allow you to enjoy the outside air while sipping coffee or enjoying a glass of wine.

The upstairs has 3 nice size bedrooms with volume ceilings. Lots of windows and light in all of these rooms are true to the homes contemporary roots. The hall bath has been nicely updated and is shared by the 3 bedrooms. The master suite is bright and airy with an attached sitting area. A partial update to the Master bath is nice and won't take much to upgrade should the new homeowner decide to.

The downstairs level has a nice family room and office. Both of these rooms have full walls of windows that look out into the woods. Berber carpet is new and looks great in the space.

This home is nicely updated and is priced reasonably. The last similar home settled at $790K and went under contract in a much slower market. For someone that likes contemporary - this is a must see neighborhood and a must see home. This should sell and settle quickly somewhere between $785k and $795K when all is said and done.

10330 Democracy Lane - East Gate of Potomac - $799,000

Listed by Forum

Google Map Here

This is a community of 90+ garden town homes set on 25 acres just off Democracy Boulevard. The homes have garages and brick courtyards in front, many with well tended gardens. For those that don't want the acreage, but do want the Potomac address, this community is a must see.

These homes are on small lots and attached. The feel of this community is not one of a town home, but more like a zero lot line home. This "L" shaped home has a 2 car garage and very little front yard.

The foyer of this home has a brick herringbone pattern tile floor. It is in good condition, but a bit dated. The foyer looks directly into the formal living room which has very nice mouldings throughout. An office with dated panelling is to your left. The room is an easy fix should someone needing a small office want to update.

There is a recently installed full bath in this home that you won't find in other models. The powder room was enlarged into a laundry closet to install a nice tiled stall shower. Why would you want a shower next to the front door? Who knows...but if you did, this is the home to see!

The old laundry closet is now smaller and not very well finished from the recent shower upgrade. When asking top dollar, you would hope this things would be done right. The family room is adjacent with a fireplace and some painted wood paneling. The kitchen has been updated with new granite and appliances. It looks like the old cabinets were just painted white. It would have been worth it to really get a good painter for this job. The painting throughout the house is less then first rate.

There is a slider to the back yard that is filled with an in ground pool. The patio surrounds the pool, and for some - this may be a nice feature. In many cases though - especially in a home with a small yard - buyers cherish the little bit of green they have to care for or garden. This would be more for someone that does NOT care about a yard.

The hardwood stairs have painted iron rails leading upstairs. The home has 3 surprisingly large bedrooms plus a Master with a sitting area. Very nice! The Bathrooms are a bit dated. The master has a horrible fluorescent fixture which would drive me nuts. You will see what I mean when you tour. The last owner installed some high end fabric wall covering and drapes. Obviously expensive - it may not be to every ones taste.

The basement is finished with carpet and drywall. The relocated laundry room has new high end washer and dryer. There is also a room for storage and utilities in the small unfinished area.

Overall, this is a nice house that may need some cosmetic updates. The pool is either an asset or liability depending upon the buyer. Three homes are under contract here - all at lower prices. Even with the market heating up, this one won't fetch $799,000. A more realistic price may be $750K even in this "brisk" market.

10332 Democracy Lane - Worland - $759,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

This is a community of 90+ garden town homes set on 25 acres just off Democracy Boulevard. The homes have garages and brick courtyards in front, many with well tended gardens. For those that don't want the acreage, but do want the Potomac address, this community is a must see.

These homes are on small lots and attached. The feel of this community is not one of a town home, but more like a zero lot line home. The home has a front brick courtyard that would be a wonderful spot for roses. There is good sun, and I envy having a manageable spot to grow annuals and showy flowers.

The front door brings you into a colonial feel home. The living room is on the left which flows into the dining room then kitchen. This home is larger on the inside then it appears on the outside.

The family room and dining room are good size and nicely decorated. Bold red paint in the dining room works well. The kitchen is tiled, with light colored cabinets and is in good condition. Adjacent, the family room has nice built in shelving and a stone fireplace. The powder room has been updated and nicely decorated.

From the family room you can walk out to a small yard that is beautifully tended. It is surrounded by a brick wall, and has the feel of an English Garden. This is the perfect size yard for a busy Potomac homeowner.

The upstairs has 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The rooms are not too large, but sufficient size for adults. The baths are in decent condition and overall show well.

The basement is unfinished with plenty of space for additional living space.

This home shows well. It may need a little updating, but not much. Someone could move right in. It is priced properly, and I feel it should settle within 5% of the list price. If the basement space was finished, it would easily fetch what is being asked.

8505 Timber Hill Lane - East gate of Potomac - $899,900

Listed By WFP

Google Map Here

East Gate is one of the more interesting communities that is still affordable in the Potomac area. Mostly contemporary designs, built in the 1970's. this community is quickly being renovated by new owners looking for an affordable entry price and a great location.

This is a very cool home. The foyer is open and welcoming. You cannot miss the back of the stacked stone fireplace that is centered in the middle of the home. The family room is on the other side of this beautiful fireplace which is nicely proportioned and perfect for entertaining.

The kitchen is a work of art. Taking up the majority of the right side of the home, it has been completely renovated. The cathedral ceilings are stunning,and the space is fabulous. When this home sells, the kitchen should get the credit. All high end appliances and cabinets, granite counters and beautiful hardware get top marks. Windows have been installed in the side of the home to allow plenty of light to stream through the space. There is room here for an enormous table if that is what you are looking for in a kitchen. There is also access to a extended deck with hot tub in the back of the home from this space.

The balance of the main level is taken by a master suite and 2 additional decent size bedrooms. Although not a huge home, the space between living and sleeping is well balanced and makes sense.

The lower level is nicely carpeted and also has a stacked stone fireplace. There is room here for a large TV and possible home theatre. There is currently an office that may be converted to a bedroom, and an additional bedroom for au-pair or teenager. A full bath services the lower level bedrooms and living area. There is also access by slider to a nice treed back yard.

This home has a lot going for it. $899K may be a bit steep for the size of this home. Because of the improvements, and quality of the improvements the price is not out of the realm of possibility. Someone will have to fall in love with the kitchen and deck of this home to pay the full price. I think this should end up around $840K, but would not be surprised to see it go higher.

8503 Timber Hill Lane - East Gate of Potomac - $839,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

East Gate is one of the few spots in Potomac to find contemporary homes. This community was built in the early 1970's, so many of the homes have had makeovers at various points over the last 40 years. You never know what you may find here. Sort of like Forest Gump's box of chocolates.

This home has been nicely upgraded over the past few years. The foyer is open with an office to your right and an open stairwell upstairs to the left. The family room is in the back right corner of the home adjacent to the kitchen. The family room has dramatic soaring ceilings that are filled with natural light. The kitchen and breakfast area are light and airy. The kitchen is modern and recently upgraded. There is a laundry area adjacent to the kitchen that is a nice touch.

The stairwell up to the bedroom level is open and natural wood. The master suite has a sitting room attached and is nice size. The master bath is carpeted with laminate counter tops. The other 3 bedrooms are on the small side and share a hall bath.

The basement is unfinished with a walk-out to the back yard and in ground pool. There is lots of space down here that can be used for a home theater, wine cellar or other custom space.

This is a nice home is a lovely community. This home has been well prepared for sale and shows well. I am guessing this one will be under contract within the next few weeks at close to the list price.