POTOMAC PREDICTIONS ~ A good year coming!

Thank you to everyone for your e-mails and phone calls. It is nice to know that I was missed during the last quarter of 2010.

I admit that I could have found time to squeeze in few reviews on Potomac properties during the last quarter. Honestly though - I was so busy with clients during the last few months I needed a little down time to recharge.

You will be happy to know that just because I did not report in writing - I still viewed homes in our marketplace daily. I am happy to report that the market hit bottom almost a year ago - and is getting healthier every day.

I can tell you with all candor that homes that are priced correctly are not only selling quickly ~ but often with multiple contracts. This of course, drives prices upward. The market in general was up in the Potomac area. The most recent Case-Schiller report was no surprise to me. Overall the Washington D.C. area was one of the few in the country with price gains for the year. With a low percentage of foreclosures and short sales - Potomac fared even better.

2010 may have seemed like a dire time in the Real Estate industry - but for me - was my best year in a long time. I have all of you to thank for my success - and I hope you will continue to follow my reviews of Potomac Real Estate.

You can expect to see 2 reviews a week from me on average. When I have the time, of course, I will share more. Feel free to e-mail me the addresses of homes you would like to see reviewed and I will be happy to get them published.

The most important think I can ask is for your business and referrals. I can provide a list of clients that would be happy to discuss their experience in finding their dream home in the Potomac market. Are you thinking of buying or selling in this market? Any market? E-mail me today and lets discuss your options!

2 Beall Springs Court - Beallmount - $1,095,000

Listed by Evers & Co.

Google Map Here

This is a lovely neighborhood about 5 miles outside of Potomac Village just off River Road. Built by Gosnell in the mid-1980's, these homes are quality built on mostly 2 acre lots.

This home is located at the end of the court on a lovely landscaped lot. All brick and well maintained, this house has nice curb appeal and plenty of room for a family.

A huge oak shades you from the sun as you walk to the frond door. A large hardwood foyer brings you into a formal space to welcome guests. A library and dining area are adjacent and are nice size and scale. The decor is a little stale, but some paint and color will bring these spaces right into place. The kitchen has been nicely renovated with granite and updated appliances. There is space for a large kitchen table with room to spare. A slider to a deck overlooks a pool and large, lovely lawn. The family room has a brick fireplace centered on the side wall with built in cabinets on both sides. There is a door in this room as well to allow access to the back yard and deck.

Upstairs has hardwood throughout which is a nice touch for an '80's home. The 4 bedrooms are large and the 2 baths serving them original. The master is large and the updated master bath and sitting area is nicely done. There is plenty of living space on this level for everyone.

The basement is fully finished with plenty of light. A wide area way takes you straight out the side of the home and provides easy access for large furnishings. A full bath here is original but perfectly suited to support a nanny suite on this level. A workroom and storage finished off the basement area.

This is a nice home in a lovely neighborhood. The price is right on this home - the neighboring home sold for $1.45 during the height of the market. Although this may need some decorating help - paint is cheap. Most of the hard and expensive stuff is already done. This home has been reduced $100K to generate interest. I think once folks get back into the buying mode in September - this should sell within a few percent of the asking price.

8412 Tuckerman Lane - Fox Hills - $699,000

8915 Falls Farm Drive - Falls Farm - $884,900

Listed by L&F

Google Map Here

It is unusual for me to look at a home's address in Potomac and not know where it is located. I was unfamiliar with the "Falls Farm" subdivision. Not much goes on the market for sale here - which is usually a good omen for a community. When people like where they live - they stay.

Falls Farm is on the northwest side of Falls Road near Copenhaver. Built in 1997 by Kettler Brothers, it is a relatively new community for close in Potomac. There is only one entry - on Falls Farm Drive. I have been passing it on Falls Road for years and never pulled in. It was nice to see a community that is well maintained and beloved by its owners.

This home is a brick colonial with nice curb appeal. The foyer is 2 story and adds a sense of space to the first level. Hardwood flooring here is light oak and continues through the formal space in the living room, dining room and den/office. The kitchen is large and bright with a long island. Corian counters are a bit dated - but cabinets and appliances are nice. Anyone that really wanted to update would only have to spring for some granite to update the space. A large breakfast room is added on the back of the kitchen with doors out to a lovely deck.

The upstairs is carpeted - typical of homes built in the late 90's. Bedrooms are teen size and nicely painted. The master is large with 2 large walk-in closets. Plenty of space for wardrobe and shoes. The master bath is white tile and gold accents. This can be updated if need be - but looks fine as it is.

The basement is large and unfinished. It has a step down and an exit to the outside. There is plenty of space here to add bedrooms or home theatre. There is also a rough-in for a bath for the next owner to utilize.

This is a nice home in a lovely community. Not much has sold in this community since it was built in the late 1990's. It is hard to gauge a price. I think it has been priced reasonably based upon the information available. There may need to be some adjustment - as there is a lot of inventory in this price range. The home is adjacent to power lines which is going to turn some buyers away. Time will tell to see if this home will sell or be reduced. Stay tuned - I will update you on what happens.