Potomac Secret Agent is in CHINA

Did you know that Potomac Elementary has one of the best IMMERSION LANGUAGE programs for Mandarin Chinese in the nation?

It's true!  

Children that enroll in Potomac Elementary have the option of taking Mandarin Chinese from the day they enter Kindergarten.  It is fascinating to see the language skills of these children improve as they are promoted each year.

When the children enter 5th grade, the parents of the Immersion kids organize a trip to China.  This trip is generally for two weeks and is taken at the same time as the schools Spring Break.  

This year my youngest daughter is finishing her sixth year of study. We are traveling as a family of four and are all VERY excited to see how the country has changed since we were last there in 2006. We will travel for 2 weeks, returning on Easter Sunday, April 12th.

We travel directly to Beijing on a 14 hour flight from Dulles. Other cities we will travel to include Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo, Hangzhou and finally Shanghai.

I am bringing some notes from homes I have toured this past week. If I can find time in the business center of the hotel, I will try to post a few from the road.

I look forward to daily reviews once again when I return. Please continue to comment on my reviews, and I look forward to getting back to work in a strong Spring market in 2 weeks. Until then, Happy House hunting!

8209 Hackamore Drive - Potomac Falls - $1,499,000

Listed by WFP

Google Map Here

River Falls is a wonderful community on the south side of Brickyard Road. Built in 1980, this community is a favorite because of its community spirit and local swim and tennis club.

This home is an expanded “Compton” model. It has been nicely updated from top to bottom. The brick exterior is nicely painted and the landscaping and front walk redone.

The marble foyer is welcoming. The living room on the left is nicely decorated with wonderful built in cabinets. The family room is open with decorative columns and half walls. A baby grand in this space reminds you there is plenty of room here. A wet bar in the corner survived the renovation and has been brought up to date. The fireplace is a beauty and once again, built in cabinets look great. All of this is nicely done.

The kitchen is white with tile floors. The expansion of this home left room for a great breakfast area and solarium. Lots of light and views to the deck and pool make this space shine.

The upstairs has 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths. The master suite has been nicely redone. Skylights provide plenty of light and lovely space. The other 4 bedrooms are teen size and share the remaining two baths with Jack and Jill entrances.

The basement is finished with parquet floors. There is a full apartment here for a Nanny or domestic help including a kitchen. There is a fireplace and plenty of room for TV or recreation.

This is a nice home. The renovation was well done, and the neighborhood is great. I think the price is a bit aggressive, but not unreasonable. The addition adds lots of space and the home is in good shape. I think this one will end up closer to $1,350,000 to $1,375,000 when it is finally negotiated.

17 Bentridge Court - Fallsreach - $539,500

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

This is an end-unit town home in the Fallsreach community that was built in 1982. This home is in the Churchill school cluster, and provides a first time home buyer price point with a Potomac address.

When I pulled up to this town home I was pleased to see brick construction. At this price point you often see vinyl siding. The covered front door area leads you into a small ceramic foyer. The family room is a step down to the right and you walk straight back to a Living Room and Dining Room at the back of the home. There is hardwood flooring in the Family room, Dining room and living room that is in decent shape. There is also some nice moulding in the hall and living areas.

The kitchen looks as though it has been updated at some point although it will need renovation in the near future. The sheet vinyl flooring is showing its age and can be replaced when the rest of the kitchen is done.

Upstairs has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The master is decent size and the master bath has both sunken tub and shower stall. The other bedrooms are on the small side and share a small hall bath. The carpet on this level is a bit worn and could use a cleaning.

The basement is finished and has a half bath. The space in the basementis a bit cut up, and may ultimately benefit from a redesign.

There is a nice big deck out back that may be the best part of this home. You access the deck from the back Living Room area, and I am sure this space will get a lot of use. It is just above ground level, so there are stairs from the deck to the yard as well.

This home is a great starter home in the Churchill school cluster. Although not large, it has potential. The home really needs a thorough cleaning. It would show lots better once that is complete.

This should get lots of traffic at this price. I would say this should sell in 30 to 45 days. The last unit to sell in this community was in January of 2008. Look for a final sales price of around $525,000.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?

1499 Kimblewick Road - Potomac Woods - $569,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

Potomac Woods was built in the early 1960's. This cute brick split is on a nice corner lot at the intersection of Kimblewick Road and Chilham Place.

This home is pretty from the street. Someone has taken a lot of time working on the outside working with the plants and landscape. The care is obvious. The yard is not pretty because of a quick cleanup. The outside is tended by someone with passion for the earth. Gardeners...are you listening?

This is a small split. You walk in the foyer and you are already in the middle of the living room and steps from the dining room and kitchen. This is not unusual, it is actually typical of homes built in this era. The dining room has a door that used to go to the garage. This area has been finished into a bedroom and full bath. There is also a small greenhouse room (Gardeners?) that weather sensitive plants can live out the winter.

The kitchen is original...but the cabinets are freshly painted a light blue. Sounds horrific, but it actually works in this case. Although the space is dated..it will serve a family well until funds or motivation come available for a renovation.

The upstairs is original with 3 bedrooms and 2 small full baths. The tile of the era...yellow in one and blue in the other are in good condition.

The lower level has a mix of flooring. There is parquet, tile, laminate and more....take your pick. Although not matched, the flooring is laid properly and is ready for carpet or reflooring. A fireplace in this space will make for a cozy family room with a half bath just down the hall.

Although this home is neat and clean, it will need some updating. The price is a bit aggressive at $569,000 and will have to come down a bit to attract an offer. I see this one settling at $539,000.

Are you interested in Chevy Chase homes?