POTOMAC - SnoPocalypse - Sno-mageddon - Oh My!

BLIZZARD 2010

Well, I had all the best intentions of working all weekend. I am sure many of us in Potomac had our plans thwarted by the incredible snowstorm.

Although I constantly shoveled through the storm - last count 5 complete sweeps of the driveway and walk - it was almost impossible to keep up with Mother Nature.

Many of us woke up this morning to a cold house. A majority of Potomac lost power starting at 1 a.m. last night. I was frustrated thinking of how long I waited in line for food to get us through this storm only to realize I couldn't cook anything without power. Thankfully - Pepco restored power to our neighborhood about 1 p.m. this afternoon. The house was down to about 52 degrees. I am happy to report that the furnace is running full speed and we are back to a toasty 65 degrees.

How long will it take for us to recover from this storm? Typically - my street is not plowed until a few days after a big storm like this. I am pretty sure that whether I like it or not, I am stuck at home through Tuesday. My guess is that Montgomery County will close schools Monday and possibly Tuesday to allow them to clear the school lots and sidewalks. Looks like those kids that wore their pajamas inside-out will have their wish. No school - exhausted fun in the snow - and very tired and frustrated parents by mid-week.

Needless to say - I am not going to be able to get out to do many reviews over the next few days. I believe I have a few in the hopper that may get me into the middle of the week. Please be patient - and check back often.

Most importantly - be safe in this weather. The snow is heavy - take your time shoveling the driveway and walks - do it in sections and don't risk your health. If possible hire a neighborhood kid to help you out.

Take a few moments to put the panic and anxiety aside. Look at the beauty in the snow - and enjoy the time with your spouse, friends, family kids and Mother Nature. Enjoy!

8223 Tuckerman Lane - Highland Stone - $600,000

Highland Stone is a mix of split levels, colonials and ramblers built in the mid to late 1960's. Tucked in between Tuckerman and Falls Road the convenient location and Chrurchill schools keep this community in high demand.

This home is right on busy Tuckerman Road. For some this will be convenient - for others it will just mean road noise and potentially dangerous traffic. This brick and frame split does not look bad from the exterior. When I saw this was a "short sale" I was curious what I would find inside.

The foyer is tile with a dated powder room on your right side as you walk in. The kitchen has pinkish 12x12 tile on the floor with pink counters and white appliances. A half wall separates the kitchen breakfast area from the family room

You step down into the family room which has parquet flooring. A fireplace is the focal point in the room which also has a door to the basement. The basement is finished, but cut up in a disorganized way. It looks like there was an apartment down here as there is a small kitchen and very small bedroom. There has been water leakage in the past as there are areas that are very musty. There is also a full bath - but all of the basement is a renovation.

The upstairs has 3 small bedrooms and a master suite. The baths are in rough shape and will need to be re-done. A door leads you up to a finished attic space that was built as an office. A wall air conditioning unit leads me to believe it gets very hot in the summer. Nice potential bedroom or spot for expansion with a renovation.

The price tag of this home is going to get a lot of attention. Once again though - you are getting what you pay for. With all of the work this will need even $600K is too expensive. It is probably worth $525K as-is. This is also a short sale. Any offer will have to be approved by the bank before it can proceed to settlement. In my experience this is a home for a professional to renovate and buy with cash. The bank is going to be difficult to negotiate with. Caveat Emptor on this home. Know what you are getting into!

908 White Pine Place - Orchard Ridge - $799,000

Listed By Long and Foster

Google Map Here

Orchard Ridge is a nice single family community located south of Wootton Parkway between Seven Locks and Falls Road. Part of the Richard Montgomery School Cluster - these homes are affordable in comparison to those in the Wootton or Churchill district. For those looking to move up to Potomac but don't want to pay the school "premium" this is a great spot to look.

This colonial has great curb appeal The brick front and landscaping look great and invite you in. The foyer is hardwood as is mist of the first level. The home shows beautifully and is well maintained. The family room is in the rear of the home with cathedral ceilings that is open to the upstairs hallway above. The fireplace is the central focus in this room which seems warm and convenient.

The kitchen is beautiful and recently redone. New cabinets, appliances and granite are all well done and good quality. A nice tile backsplash is a lovely touch and really bring the design together.

There is a slider from the family room that leads to a deck and the backyard. The lot is on the smaller side, about 1/5 acre. The home backs up to other homes - but this is typical in these neighborhoods. There is plenty of room to recreate -even with the smaller lot.

The upstairs has 3 medium size bedrooms and a large master suite. The baths are a bit dated, but in great shape. There will be no rush to update baths if the budget does not allow.

The basement is partially finished with a small family room and Nanny bedroom and bath. The basement is in ground - so "bedroom" should be interpreted as a room without a full size window.

This is a nice home that shows well. There is competing with a home in the same community at 1828 CLIFFE HILL WAY. It may be worth a look at this one too. With the market as tight as it is with low inventory - this home should sell within 30 days. Look for a sales price around $765K to $780K.

10500 Scarboro Lane - Windsor Hills - $999,000

Listed By WFP

Google Map Here

Windsor Hills is a lovely community just off Bells Mill Road between Gainsborough and Cabin John Regional Park. This community is convenient and in demand. Homes if priced correctly do not last long. This mix of colonials and splits were built in the early 1970's and many have been updated.

This corner lot is lovely. The landscape is well maintained and the home has great curb appeal. The wide driveway is on the court and makes for easy access in and out. A slate walk leads you to the home and the front door brings you into a lovely marble tile foyer.

A formal colonial, the foyer hallway is long with a lovely hardwood stair taking you to the second level. The living room is large with hardwood and fireplace with pleasant decor. The dining room is also well decorated with floral wallpaper and higher end window treatments. The family room is cozy with a fireplace and built-ins - but may show better with less furnishings. It seems a bit cluttered.

The kitchen is on the smaller side, but is nicely renovated. Granite and new appliances are lovely - and the metallic tile backsplash is fabulous! I am sure it was a bold choice, but worth the risk, it looks great. There is a lovely slate patio off the kitchen which would be a lovely place for coffee and toast in the morning. The back yard has azalea and other flowering shrubs and seems to be well maintained. Upstairs is larger then it seems. All hardwood - there are 3 nice size bedrooms and a large master suite. The baths have been updated - but are by no means new or high end. They can be upgraded at the new owners whim, and leisure. Overall - upstairs has a nice floorplan.

The basement is finished with hardwood floors and carpeted stairs. There is a bedroom and full bath down here for a nanny or guests. There is also laundry and a large storage area in an accessible crawlspace.

Overall, this is a nice and well maintained home in a nice community. Although this may be priced a bit aggressively - it is new to the market and not far off value. With inventory tight, this one may fetch the asking price. More likely it will sell between $965K and $985K when all is said and done.