10607 Tulip Lane - Potomac Outside - $1,950,000

Listed by Weichert

Google Map Here

When you see "Potomac Outside" listed as the subdivision, you assume the property is on the outskirts of Potomac. This one is close to North Potomac off Glen Mill Road.

Tulip Lane is a nice street filled with custom homes. This home is at the end of a long pipe stem. With over 2 acres, it offers lots of privacy.

This home was built new in 1993. It has an open, contemporary design that has held up well over the years. Some of the early 1990 designs went out of style quickly. This one still shows well and will appeal to those that like a contemporary flair.

The long driveway takes you down to the end of a pipe stem. The driveway and lawn are lovely. I was cringing thinking about having to clear snow or replace it. The landscaping was done well, but needs some attention. Some of the shrubs and trees need to be pruned back to allow the home to show through. The brick entry is deceiving. Although the home has a 3 car garage, it looks modest from the front.

The front door brings you to a lovely, bright open foyer. High ceilings and an open stairway give a spacious view of the interior. Very few walls separate the space, and those that like an open feel will be in heaven. The bleached oak floors fit the space, and run throughout the first floor.

The decor is nicely done. Colors and furnishings fit the space. There is a living room designed for entertaining complete with granite bar for party cocktails. The windows let the outside in with lots of light.

The kitchen is on the back left side of the home adjacent to the garage. Cool black granite tile contrasts with white cabinets and nice (albeit older) appliances. The kitchen has held up well. Adjacent to the kitchen is a small guest room and full bath. A corridor brings you to a back (informal) entry and mudroom near the garage.

The upstairs has 3 nice size bedrooms, all en suite, and show well. One bedroom overlooks the family room through windows. Some will love this touch, while others will not. I thought it was cool.

The master is large and tastefully decorated. The only remnant of the 1990's design is in the master bath. Although high quality at the time, it is still "Miami Vice" pink. Some will love it, others will hate it, but it will be expensive to change.

The basement is large and completely finished. WIth high ceilings and open space, this is a dream family space. The walkout allows in light to make you forget you are in the basement. A weight room, bedroom with full bath, large granite bar and lots of storage makes me wish I was a kid in this home. The ping pong, Foosball and weight room would have kept me and my 3 siblings very happy.

There is a pool in the backyard along with a putting green and sand traps. I can imagine some late night contests between the husbands while the wives are up on the deck laughing. This is cool space.

What about the price? Well, it is new to the market at $1,950,000. It will be very difficult to get that price in this market. The home is not near the village, and faces stiff competition in this market. It is the homes above $1mm that are suffering during this recession. If you can find someone that is looking for a contemporary style in this price range it will probably settle somewhere around $1,550,000. Even at that price, it may be on the market for 6 months. I'll report back on this one and see where it lands.

Fox Hunt Lane - Potomac Outside - $1,150,000

Listed By WFP

What a nice piece of properly! This home is walking distance to Potomac Village, backing to multi-million dollar properties on a level 2 acre lot.

This split level was built in the late 50's and never truly updated. The original kitchen, baths and tile make this home a blast from the past. There were probably some great parties here over the years. The pool would be a great setting during the hot D.C. summers when homes did not have air conditioning.

It is really not worth saying too much about this home, as the value of this property is in the land. One block off River Road the home is surrounded by much larger properties. Its proximity to the village makes it an attractive knock down and the 2 acre lot would allow a larger home or McMansion. The only problem is the economy. Developers are finding it difficult to find the construction and development money for the upper bracket properties.

This home would be a great value for someone at $1,000,000. The lot could easily support a much larger home and as an owner occupied property, construction money is more easily available.

I see this one selling at between 1mm and $1,050,000.

Logan Drive - Potomac Outside - $2,895,000

Listed By Long & Foster
Google Map Here

I love the location of this home. In the interest of full disclosure, I also live on this street.

This part of Logan Drive has been going through redevelopment. Many of the older ramblers originally built in this community are being purchased and razed. The one acre lots they sit on are worth more to a builder then the old homes.

This is a new home with wonderful curb appeal. The builder hired StudioZ to design this home. Anyone in the business knows that StudioZ currently is the red-hot architect du jour.

With 6 bedrooms and 7 baths, this home is plenty large. The beauty of StudioZ's design is the balance. The home has 8100 square feet of finished space, but all of it is in balance. All rooms are proper proportion and do not overwhelm the overall design.

The finish level in this home is what you would expect in this price range. There is not any one feature that will knock your socks off. The builder is willing to customize any feature of the home at an extra cost. All you have to do is ask.

It is certainly worth looking at this home. It is fairly priced but in my opinion not a bargain. Depending upon the strength of the market in the spring, this home can sell at full price, or sell at up to 10% less. Time will tell.