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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

8220 Windsor View Terrace - Windsor Hills - $1,100,000

Listed by L&F


Google Map Here

Windsor Hills was built in the late 1970's off Gainsborough Road backing to Cabin John Regional Park. Mostly brick colonials, these homes were built for the "move up" market. There was a need for larger homes for those that grew out of other Potomac communities with smaller homes. This is still a fabulous community with good schools and great location.

This home is one of the nicer homes I have seen in a long time. The home is neat as a pin with great curb appeal. Fresh mulch, edged beds, daffodils blooming - it looks like a postcard from the outside. This lovely vision foreshadows what you find inside.

A formal foyer and beautiful decor greet you as you enter. The paint, furnishings and trim are all impeccable. The rooms are light and updated - all done with good quality materials and good taste. The back of the home has been extended to add a fantastic kitchen. White cabinets galore with high ceilings and plenty of storage. The white subway tile and stainless appliances will please both the cook and designer. This looks like a page out of House Beautiful.

The kitchen looks over to a cozy family room with lots of windows out to the back yard. Although not super large - the yard is fenced and beautifully groomed. Shrubs, flowers and specimen plants will be a great canvas for the artistic gardener.

Upstairs too is pristine. How can kids rooms be so neat? Nicely painted and tidy - you can just move your kids stuff in. The hall bathroom is already updated. There is no need to spend time at Home Depot after buying this home. The master is light, airy and large. The master bath is an oasis after a long day at work.

The basement is fully finished with integrated storage throughout. A full bath and bedroom area for a nanny is no surprise in a home that has everything. there is plenty of room down here for the kids, home theatre and hobbies.

So, what is this worth? I think it is priced fairly at $1.1 million. I will have to hope that my wife does not somehow find this gem - or I may find myself moving. I don't think this one will be on the market for more then a few weeks, if that. Nice job by the homeowner in preparing the home for sale - and the agent for pricing it right.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

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.

Friday, March 26, 2010

7817 Turning Creek Court - Turning Creek - $640,000

Listed by Evers & Co.

Google Map Here

Turning Creek is a lovely enclave of attached homes just off Seven Locks Road across from the Heights School. It backs to Cabin John Creek Park - and is close to all commuter routes, shopping and great schools.

This home was built in 1984 and recently updated. The renovation is very well done and will please the most critical home buyer. You enter on the lower level into a tile foyer. The stairway to the living level is on your left and a powder room on the right. The hall leads you to a large family room that has a nice brick fireplace and windows to the yard.

Upstairs is the main living level. The kitchen is very nicely done with windows in the front looking out towards Seven Locks Road. The white cabinets and high end appliances surround a granite island that serves as a table in the small breakfast area. Although not large - this space is nicely done.

The dining room is large with a bay window looking out the side of the town home. This allows in plenty of light and makes the room look larger. A large living room is along the back. You look out on a lovely slate patio and at least 100 acres of parkland. Nice view - and nice yard for a home of this type.

Upstairs is the sleeping level with 3 bedrooms. The two smaller bedrooms are beautifully painted and decorated. They show very well The smaller bedroom is used as an office and would work as a great nursery. The master is large and light with a nicely updated master bath. Overall - this gets a thumbs up.

The last home to sell here was a year ago and closed at just under $600K. That was a much slower market - with much higher inventory. Although this may be priced a bit high - it is reasonable in this market. This is a turnkey home that needs nothing more then the new buyers furnishings to make it theirs. I see this one selling within 5% of the list price within 30 day.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

10709 Great Arbor Drive - Red Coat Woods - $799,000

Listed by Long and Foster

Google Map Here

Red Coat Woods is located adjacent to East Gate and is the home to many of Potomac's contemporary style homes. With lots of woods and third acre lots - it is a great spot for these 1970 era contemporary homes.

This is a three level contemporary without a garage. You enter between the 1st and 2nd level and walk up to the bright and open main living level. Hardwood floors and natural light allow this open floor plan to shine. A nice dining room and completely redone kitchen are all re-done beautifully. The kitchen gleams with hardwood and granite. Counters wrap around through to the entry of the dining room providing lots of counter space to coffee pots and kitchen toys. Two decks on this level allow you to enjoy the outside air while sipping coffee or enjoying a glass of wine.

The upstairs has 3 nice size bedrooms with volume ceilings. Lots of windows and light in all of these rooms are true to the homes contemporary roots. The hall bath has been nicely updated and is shared by the 3 bedrooms. The master suite is bright and airy with an attached sitting area. A partial update to the Master bath is nice and won't take much to upgrade should the new homeowner decide to.

The downstairs level has a nice family room and office. Both of these rooms have full walls of windows that look out into the woods. Berber carpet is new and looks great in the space.

This home is nicely updated and is priced reasonably. The last similar home settled at $790K and went under contract in a much slower market. For someone that likes contemporary - this is a must see neighborhood and a must see home. This should sell and settle quickly somewhere between $785k and $795K when all is said and done.