9404 Tobin Circle - McAuley Park - $1,245,000

WC & AN Miller

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McAuley Park is a lovely upscale community off of Bradley Boulevard where Potomac borders Bethesda. Halfway between the beltway and Potomac Village, the location is very desirable. Homes here will get a premium over similar communities deeper in Potomac.

This home is just off Kentsdale Drive across from Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. It is all brick and roofed with nice architectural shingles. With nicely manicured landscape this home has great curb appeal.

This 2 story colonial is traditional in layout with the exception of a spacious 2 story foyer. The floors are dark oak and run throughout the first floor. The living room has a fireplace with marble surround with lovely chair rail and crown moulding. Behind the living room is a small room with a wet bar. It could be used as a library or office. The kitchen is open and spacious. The kitchen will need an update. It has quality cherry cabinets, but dated corian tops and resilient sheet good flooring. There is a large laundry room behind the garage with cabinet storage and access to the outside.

The stairwell in the foyer leads you to an open landing overlooking the foyer. There are 2 smaller bedrooms to your left and a single larger bedroom to the right. The 2 bedrooms share a Jack and Jill style bath and the larger single bedroom is adjacent to a separate hall bath.

The master suite is at the top of the landing towards the back of the home. This is a suite, with sitting room, an upgraded full bath with skylight and plenty of closet space. The space seems somewhat flexible, as I was not initially sure which room in the suite holds the bed. I see this as a plus. You can have a small room with bed and large as a sitting room, or visa versa.

The basement is finished with a nice masonry fireplace and full bath. There is a room with French Doors that is semi-private. There is direct access to the bath from this room. This access would be a great spot for a guest bedroom or nanny bedroom. There is plenty of storage in an unfinished area as well as an area way for direct access to the rear yard.

This floor plan is super and home is well built. It is a shame the owners did not invest $10,000 to make this star shine. It would allow the home to show much better and make it easier to garner top dollar. In my opinion the $10K investment would yield a net price $40K to $50K higher. As it sits, I see this house settling for between $1.10 and 1.125mm.

1509 Kersey Lane - Horizon Hill - $639,000

Listed by Weichert

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This home is locate just off Falls Road in the community of Horizon Hill. Located in the Richard Montgomery school cluster, this community is well maintained and a must see for first time Potomac buyers.

This home has nice curb appeal With partial brick and a porch covering the front door, the elevation is both pretty and practical.

The foyer is dark hardwood and formal in nature. The balance of the first floor is also hardwood, but lighter in color. The Living room and dining room are nicely painted and well maintained. The kitchen has been renovated with granite countertops and small breakfast area. The family room has a fireplace and stucco treatment on the walls. French doors lead you to a deck overlooking a small backyard.

The upper level has a master and 3 additional bedrooms. The bedrooms are kid size and are serviced by a hall bathroom. The master is nicely updated and should satisfy most homebuyers in this price range.

The basement is finished with indoor/outdoor style carpet. There is a full bath and plenty of space for the family. There is room for a large TV or playroom for the kids.

This is a nice home in the ever popular Horizon Hill neighborhood. Kersey Lane is busy during peak travel times during the day. This will be a factor in marketing this home. The yard too, although well kept, is small - especially in the back where it slopes steeply near the rear of the property. The market for homes in Potomac below $700K has been very strong this Fall. Sales are brisk, and prices in this segment are rising. Although priced a bit high at $639K, this should bring between $610K and $620K once settled.

11710 Admirals Court - Potomac Hunt Acres - $847,000

Listed by Long and Foster

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Potomac Hunt Acres is located just off River Road a few miles north of of Potomac Village. There are a mix of home styles in the community. Some of these homes have been renovated and some are just waiting for a makeover from new owners.

This colonial is located at the end of a quiet court surrounded by trees. With almost 1.4 acres, this lot is has plenty of potential. Built in 1960, this home is build solidly with a brick exterior. With oil heat an attic fan, this home was built before air conditioning was in vogue. This will be an upgrade that will probably be a priority with new owners.

This colonial has lots of potential. The attractive brick exterior is partially hidden by overgrown shrubs and beds. A bit of TLC and mulch will make a big difference in a first impression here. The foyer and first floor have hardwood floors and attractive mouldings. The living room is large with a masonry fireplace and an exit to a large screened porch. The kitchen is vintage with a good design. A large butler pantry off the kitchen passes through to a large family room with additional fireplace. The knotty pine paneling in dated but makes for a cozy feel. A half bath completes the first floor.

The curved staircase brings you to the second level. Three teen size bedrooms are serviced by a full bath. The master is good size with plenty of closet space. The shelving is unfinished and a bit rough, but this would be replaced in the renovation.

The basement although partially finished is a complete re-do. There is a welled exit from the basement, and a full bath (Tub not shower) ready for update. The laundry is located here and there are lots of raw lumber shelving that is not very attractive. The fabulous part of the basement is the ceiling height - which is at least a foot higher then most homes. This will allow for a very comfortable, spacious finished space once renovated.

This home is in a nice community with lots of potential. It would be difficult to call this anything other then a complete renovation. It is very dated, but built solidly. The price reflects the condition of this home and assumes it will be a renovation. The question becomes, how much will the renovation cost, and how long will it take? My guess is to fully renovate will cost between $200,000 and $300,000. Where does the sales price have to be to get this home sold? I am guessing below $800K with a final sales price between $725k and $775K.

10417 Grey Fox Road - Glen Meadows - $1,499,000

Listed by Long and Foster

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Glen Meadows is a community of upscale homes built in 2001. With lot sizes around a half acre and larger, it is a community of brick homes with lots of curb appeal.

This is a pretty home. All brick and a side load 3 car garage makes it look huge. Located on a pipe stem lot, this home is a turn key purchase ready for your furnishings.

This is "Mitchell and Best's" largest model with every possible bump out. A beautiful 2 story foyer welcomes you into a bright nicely decorated home. Beautiful hardwood gleams throughout the first floor and plenty of windows let in lots of natural light. Upgraded moulding in these rooms add to the upscale feel of this home.

All the rooms on the first level seem oversize, in a good way. When builders offer a "bump out" option, it is usually for good reason. It adds a great deal to the space; both actual and perceived. The rooms are spacious and high ceilings only add to the feel of openess. The kitchen is fabulous. Everything you would expect in a home in this price range. A back stairway provides informal access to the living area upstairs.

The upstairs has 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. 2 of the bedrooms share a bath Jack and Jill style. The other bedroom is en-suite and the master is large and beautiful. A dramatic tray ceiling defines the space and adds volume to an already spacious room. Dual walk-in closets will please the most critical clothes horse. The master bath has both shower and separate tub for a relaxing oasis away from the world.

The basement is fully finished and features two bedrooms and a full bath. This gives you from for both a housekeeper and a nanny. Why not live the luxury life in this luxury home?

The basement is nicely finished with a walk out to the large back yard. With an incredible amount of space there is still room left for a home theatre, game room, and for my money, a wine cellar.

This is one of the nicer homes currently listed in this community and will probably be the first to sell.

This home has been reduced from $1,599,000, to $1,499,000. In this market, it will be difficult to find an offer this high. Although I feel this is the best of the bunch on the market now, this will have to be reduced to draw interest. A similar home without the bump-outs just settled on 9/30 for $1,279,000 (originally listed at $1.47mm) Another home in this community (Maybe a little smaller) sold on 4/30/09 for $1.28mm. This one could fetch $1.4 if the right buyer comes along.