2300 Downham Way - Potomac Woods - $769,500

Listed by Coldwell Banker

Google Map Here

Potomac Woods is a lovely community of single family homes on the east side of Falls Road in the Richard Montgomery Cluster. Usually one of the better values in the Potomac market, those who do not mind the Richard Montgomery schools can get a bargain.

This home is the sole resident on Downham Way. Located near the water tower - this home is a corner lot with great curb appeal. A nicely maintained lawn - and painted brick front - this home begs you to come inside.

This is a colonial with a small tile foyer. The living room has been converted into a billiard room - with brown decorative paint and nice patterned carpet. A bar in the corner of the room will make this spot a favorite for pool players. A small powder room with high end vessel sink is lovely. The sink does not convey - and a sign promises it will be replaced before settlement. A small office is adjacent - and opens into a beautiful kitchen extension.

The kitchen is not large but beautifully finished. Granite and high end appliances complement the warm wood cabinetry. Lots of storage and separate pantry with sliding drawers will make any cook happy.

The kitchen opens to a back family room and dining room with skylights and cathedral ceilings. A nice bright room - the drywall will need to be repaired where seams are popping in many spots on the wall. Even with this problem - this is very nice space.

Upstairs are 2 nice size bedrooms and a lovely master suite. One of the bedrooms has been converted to a sitting room for the master. This could be converted back to a fourth bedroom if really needed.

The basement is finished very well. Although not large - the recreation room is well lit and cozy. A great place to watch movies or relax in front of a game. Laundry is also on this level as is a bath with shower. There is also some storage on this level.

This is a very nice house that shows like a model. If it sells at the list price of $769,000 it will be the highest sale in the subdivision in the past year by almost $100,000. This will have a tough time appraising - even if it does sell at full price. Although I am sure that with the improvements made - someone could justify the list price - it will be the most expensive home in the neighborhood.

I think this is a great home - but will have trouble selling at this price. This is more likely to sell in the $700K range when settlement does take place.

1405 Stratton Drive - Potomac Woods - $700,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

Potomac Woods is on the east side of Falls Road between Dunster and Wootton Parkway. A mix of colonials and splits - most were built in the early 1960's. This is a bargain neighborhood in Potomac. Because it is in the Richard Montgomery School Cluster - you get a lot more for the money then similar properties in Churchill or Wootton districts. Richard Montgomery is still one of the best schools in the State - and houses a renowned IB program. This is a must see community for those that want the Potomac address at a Rockville price.

This home is lovely from the street view. The brick is clean and yard is tidy - even after the prolonged snow. The front door is covered and brings you into a nice marble foyer. Four steps up on the left takes you upstairs to the Living and Dining Rooms with nice wood floors and tasteful paint. The kitchen is modern with granite and nice cabinets. It is small - but very well designed. You step down to a breakfast area with views of a lovely fenced back yard. Two more steps down you are in a great Family Room with Fireplace and sliding door out to a screened porch.

The yard is lovely and would be a haven for dogs or kiddies. A gardener has lived in this home at some point as the bulbs and landscape look great.

The basement is finished with Pergo and provides plenty of extra space.

Upstairs are 3 good size bedrooms that share an updated hall bath. The master bedroom is large for an early 60's house and offers all you need for sleeping and storage.

Overall - this home is a fantastic value. Ready to move in - plenty of built-in cabinets - a turnkey home.

At $700K - this should move pretty quickly. The only thing that may turn folks off is the lack of garage. A 1 car car-port could be easily converted - but what a value. Make an offer on this beauty before too many folks see it. Nice home for the money! This should sell within 5% of list within 30 days.

1390 Canterbury Way - Potomac Woods - $539,900

Listed by Weichert

Google Map Here

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.

2010 - The Year to BUY in Potomac

Happy New Year!

2010 should be a winner ~ and maybe your last opportunity to find a bargain in the Potomac market.

December was my busiest month all year. I found great homes for three buyers in the past month. Finding these gems is hard work. Inventory is low, and if priced reasonably homes less then One Million dollars are selling very quickly. Are you still waiting for the market to "turn around"?

Reviews of homes start again in earnest this week. I will be seeing homes in Regency Estates, Potomac Woods, Lake Potomac and Winterset. Let me know if there are any neighborhoods or homes you would like to see reviewed.

Thank all of you that have supported my site this past year. I am looking forward to remaining the top site on the web for reviews of Potomac homes.

SOLD - Lancashire Drive - Potomac Woods - $725,000

SOLD - $689,200 (After $3,300 Subsidy) on 1/30

This home is much larger then it appears from the exterior.

A nice colonial in the Potomac Woods neighborhood, this one should already be sold. The home is charming on the inside and in great condition. Unfortunately, it is packed with furnishings and looks much smaller then it really is.

A center hall colonial, this home has a large living room to the right and a nice sized dining room on the left. This home also has a hall that goes straight back to a sitting area and gives the home good flow.

Everything in this home is in beautiful condition. Built in 1969, this must have gone through a complete renovation over the past few years. Nice neutral paint, great trim and a spectacular kitchen make this home a winner. Why it is languishing on the market is a mystery to me.

The basement is fully finished, and is quite large. A full bath and bedroom in the back corner would be perfect for an au pair or teenage child. The basement is below ground, but has good light from the glass brick windows. This area too is packed with stuff. This home would look completely different if it were just a little bit less cluttered.

The price is right at $725K. It may be the upper end of the neighborhood, but it is also completely renovated and ready to move in. The kitchen is a beauty, and the fenced yard is filled with azalea and rhododendron. What would I do? I would repaint the shutters outside a less garish color. The current teal color is out of place and unattractive. Other then these small items, someone should scoop this one up soon.

This home should sell for somewhere close to $700,000. Anything less then that is a bargain for the buyers. The current owners paid $810K earlier this year. Their loss is your gain. Call me for an exclusive showing. I know this home inside out...