9517 Overlea Dr. Rockville MD 20850

Beautifully sited on 5 acres, this unassuming brick rambler's main level has been nicely renovated and is offered at $799,000.. The brick and vinyl siding house is just under 2000 sq. ft. The floor plan is open, with  living room, dining room, kitchen and family room all opening to each other. Rear windows and doors  have all been replaced and open up to beautiful vistas of the 5 treed acreage. Nicely updated, the kitchen has light wood cabinets and black granite countertops. The appliances are in good condition. The family room is a high ceilinged addition with a wood burning fireplace. Three bedrooms and two baths complete the main level. The bedrooms are decent sized and the baths have been updated with new tile and fixtures. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and the master bath has a double sink,  large shower and a soaking tub with open views to the yard.
The lower level smells a bit musty and has a recreation room with outside access, barn siding and a wood fireplace. There is also a bedroom and a full bath. The laundry area and utility room complete the lower level.
The small two car garage is accessed trough the kitchen.
The house is on well and septic. The taxes are $8748 per year.
The schools for this house, at the current time, are Fallsmead Elementary, Robert Frost Middle School and Wootton High School. Bus service is provided for elementary and middle schools.
Homes of similar size, in this area, have been recently selling for $659,000-$715,000 but have much less acreage to them. A similar sized home in the neighborhood is offered for $950,000 but is not under contract.
The home has been on the market for 170 days with an original asking price of $849,000. The asking price was recently reduced to $799,000.

The house appears to be in excellent condition on the main level and average condition on the lower level. The lot is beautiful.

Zillow's estimate for this home is $800,600.

10408 Great Arbor Dr. Potomac MD 20854

This Croyer-Irwin built  4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home, constructed in the 1970's is located in the East Gate community of Potomac and is offered at $679,000. The exterior is brick and vertical wood siding- typical of the 1970's style. The yard is filled with large trees, some in questionable condition. Inside, the foyer has been updated with granite tile and all other floors in the home are hardwood. The living room and dining room are well sized for entertaining. The kitchen however, is small and dated. There is little cabinet and counter space although there is a butlers pantry connecting the kitchen and dining room. An older large sliding glass door in the kitchen eating area opens to the rear yard. Landscaping is minimal.
The family room has a wood cathedral ceiling and a classic 1970's fireplace. A rear door exits from the family room to the rear yard. There are large windows throughout the home to let in the sunlight.
Upstairs is a large master bedroom with an attached sitting area, overlooking the family room, and master bath. The master bath has had some remodeling, but the new owner would likely want to do more updates. Three well sized additional bedrooms share the hall bath.
The lower level is tiled and consists of a recreation room, large full bath and laundry/utility area.
A two car garage is accessed through the kitchen.
Neighbors on either side are fairly close and the lot is not particularly private.

This home has tremendous potential but does need significant updating, which is reflected in the price. Other similar sized homes in this neighborhood have sold in the last year for $690,000-$825,000, depending on condition. This home is in inferior condition to all of them. The homes that sold in the $800's have been thoroughly and beautifully remodeled.

The schools for this home, at the current time, are Bells Mill Elementary, Cabin John Middle School and Churchill High School.

Taxes are $8503 per year. HOA fee is $92/year

Zillow's estimate has it priced at $787,000. The home has been on the market for 160 days with an initial asking price of $699,000.

605 Watts Branch Pkwy Potomac MD 20854

This nicely updated  4 BR, 2.5 BA home is in the Saddlebrook subdivision, between the Rockshire and Fallsmead neighborhoods. The owners have done a nice job with renovations and have taken advantage of the lovely views to the rear yard.

Entering into a charming entry foyer with hardwood floors and classic molding, the living room is on the left and the family room on the right. With the exception of the pink carpet, the living room and dining room are ready for entertaining.It is unlikely that there is hardwood under these carpets as these homes were not built with hardwood flooring. The dining room has been upgraded with a large bay window overlooking the rear yard.  The family room has hardwood floors and a beautiful slate fireplace as well as French doors opening to the deck. The kitchen has been nicely renovated with quartz counters, white cabinets and hardwood flooring. A half bath completes this level.

Upstairs are 4 well-sized bedrooms and two baths. The hall has hardwood floors and the bedrooms are all carpeted. Both baths have been nicely renovated with neutral porcelain tile floors and new fixtures.
The hall bath retains its original shower/tub and wall tile, but the owners'  bath shower has been completely renovated in porcelain tile. All three additional bedrooms are of similar size.


The lower level has been finished with a drop ceiling and green berber style carpeting. The laundry and a storage room are located in this lower level.

Upgrades to the exterior of this house include replaced siding and windows, cement and brick walkway and stoop and new landscaping.

The large back yard offers privacy and wooded views.

Watts Branch Parkway is a double yellow lined street and can get traffic,  particularly at rush hour.

There is no HOA in this neighborhood. The home is located in a Potomac zip code but is located with the city limits of Rockville. An outdoor pool, located in the next neighborhood of Rockshire,  has available outside memberships.

There is no garage, but there is a short driveway  for off street parking.

Similar sized homes in similar condition, but with a garage (or a converted garage) have sold  between $625,000 and $635,000. A similar sized home with a one car garage in extraordinary condition and with n additional full bath in the basement, recently sold for $660,000. The two homes that sold for $635,000 and $660,000 were both located on cul-de-sacs. The home that sold for $625,000 was on a double yellow lined street and had a one car garage, hardwoods on the first level, a small addition, a porch and basement half bath.

7918 Declaration Lane Potomac, MD 20854

 

This 4/5 bedroom  brick home, offered at $859,000, has a wonderful location at the bottom of the cul-de-sac, overlooking woodlands. It definitely needs some cosmetic updating, but the systems, including the roof and windows, have been recently replaced.

Entering into a spacious entry foyer, floored with somewhat dated tile,  the family room is to the left and the living room to the right. The entertaining spaces have hardwood flooring, but the old style with the beveled edge on the boards. The family room has dark beams on the ceiling. Open to the dining room, the living room has a metal railing that divides the two rooms. There is recessed lighting throughout much of the house. Updating is needed in the fairly large kitchen- the formica counters, oak cabinets, dated tile and older appliances are functional but tired. Access to the deck is in the breakfast area through a sliding glass door. First floor laundry is a plus! A powder room and a two car garage complete the first level.

Upstairs are 5 spacious bedrooms off an open hallway. One bedroom has been opened up to the owners suite to create a study. The bedrooms have the old metal closet doors which cry out for replacement. The  large owners suite has three closets (one a linen closet and one a small walk-in) and a nice sized bath with single vanity/sink, jetted tub and corner shower. Both baths need some updating but are functional and clean.

The finished  walkout lower level is large but has a distinctly musty odor. The slope of the back yard might favor dampness in the basement. This issue needs to be examined by any buyer. There is a full bath in the basement.

Views from the back of the house towards the woods are beautiful and are the real strength of this home. The yard is spacious and private.

According to the MCPS website,  residents in this house would currently attend Beverly Farms Elementary School, Herbert Hoover Middle School and Churchill High School.

This home is in close proximity to shopping, restaurants, houses of worship, Regency Estates Swim Club and public transportation.

There is no HOA.

Other homes of this size and condition, in nearby neighborhoods, have sold recently in the $730,000-$775,000 range. In updated condition,  nearby homes of this size and on similar lots have been selling in the $800,000-$845,000 range.

421 Hurley Avenue Rockville MD 20850

This well cared for  3 bedroom, 2.5 bath bilevel home, offered at $560,000, is located on Hurley Avenue, across from Woottons Mill Park. The house has been nicely updated.

The entry foyer is small with oak stairs going  up to the main living level and down to the family room and 2 car garage. Hardwood floors cover most of the main level- in the living room, hall and bedrooms. They have remodeled with  crown molding, chair molding and recessed lighting. The dining room has been opened up to the kitchen and is also open to the living room. The kitchen has been nicely renovated with rich wood cabinets, Jenn-Air, stainless steel double ovens, stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator,  gas cooktop and dishwasher. There are Pergo like floors,  granite countertops and a breakfast bar. A nice-sized  pantry cabinet gives good storage space. There is one kitchen drawer that will not open due to obstruction by the dishwasher- this may not be a difficult fix. A large deck extends across the entire back of the house and can be accessed through the dining room and the owners suite.

Three bedrooms are down a hall on the main level. All are good size (approximately 12 x14 and 10.5 x10.5 for the additional bedrooms) and nicely maintained. The two baths have been renovated with new tile walls and floors and new fixtures. The owners suite bath has a Jacuzzi tub and a corner shower.
A linen closet and coat closet are in the hallway.

The lower level  has a spacious, beautiful family room with a lovely fireplace as its focal point.There are two windows in this room which bring in  nice light. A half bath on this level has a door to the laundry room and utility area. A glass door entrance to the large 2 car  garage should probably be switched out to a fire rated door. The garage is well lit and clean.

Well maintained, the exterior of the home has new windows and doors throughout, a large deck, replaced siding and a roof which appears to be in very good condition. The homeowner has brought gas to this home- where most in this area are all electric- so the furnace is gas fired and is fairly new, as is the air conditioner. The driveway and walkway are in good condition and there are nice brick retaining walls.

The lot is on the smaller side, with most of the back yard take up with the deck, although there is still some flat space beyond the deck.

Hurley Avenue  can be a cut through street at commute hours ( there are, however, traffic calming measures in place), but the Ride-On bus to Rockville Metro is certainly very convenient. The tennis courts and community garden are in the park across the street, as are numerous walking paths. Giant Supermarket is very close to this home.

There is no HOA for this home.

According to the MCPS website, the residents of this home would currently attend Lakewood Elementary School, Robert Frost Middle School and Wootton High School. A bus takes the studens to Lakewood Elementary, but there is no school bus service to Frost or Wootton- they are within walking distance.


There have been very few bilevel homes on the market lately in this area. The last one, in similar condition, but on a cul-de-sac and without a garage ( the space was a room), sold in Dec 2010 for $550,000. Similarly sized split levels have sold in the last year between $517,000 and $560,000, depending on condition.

1424 Fallsmead Way Potomac MD 20854

1424 Fallsmead Way Potomac MD 20854

Located in the beautiful Fallsmead neighborhood, this 4 bedroom colonial is offered at $724,000.
With over 2400 sq.ft., this is one of the larger homes in Fallsmead.

The first floor rooms are all well- sized and have hardwood flooring throughout, custom moldings and recessed lighting. The windows are original and are in moderate condition, although one in the family room is clearly broken.  The kitchen could use some updating- its formica counters, dark oak cabinets and spindle railings make it look a bit dated.  A large brick walled fireplace is the focal point of the family room, complemented by nice built-ins flanking the fireplace. The first floor office also has a wall of  built-in cabinetry. Off the kitchen is a screened in porch that has potential to be a wonderful spot. Some wood on the porch framing is rotted and needs attention, but the porch overlooks the yard and has a relaxing feel. A two car garage completes the first level.

Upstairs are four bedrooms and two baths- all bedrooms with hardwood floors under carpeting. The bathrooms have been somewhat updated but the master bath definitely needs some additional work.

The finished basement is not a walk out basement, but it has a small room off of the recreation room and a full  bath.

Throughout the home. there is wallpaper that the new owners are likely to remove and several rooms that need updating.  The roof does not appear to be newer but the exterior is in decent condition.

The Fallsmead community features the Fallsmead pool, pond, playground, tennis courts and  19 acre park.  Fallsmead has a swim team in the Montgomery County Summer League.

The HOA dues are currently $1100/year and include use of the pool, pond, park, playground and tennis courts.

According to the MCPS website, residents of this home would currently attend Fallsmead Elementary School, Robert Frost Middle School and Wootton High School. All three are within walking distance and there is  school bus service from this home to Fallsmead Elementary but not to the middle and high schools. 


A home of similar size and in similar condition, but with a one car garage, a smaller lot and one less bath, sold in the spring for  $700,000 with the sellers paying a $12,000 seller subsidy. Houses of similar size, but in better condition, have been selling in the $760,000-$785,000 range.

1826 Greenplace Terrace Rockville MD 20850

This charming five bedroom home is located in the Fallsmead neighborhood, situated on a lot that backs to the pool, park and pool parking lot. The home has good curb appeal with its brick front, pleasant landscaping, slate walkway and new roof.

The  2700 + sq. ft. home, built in 1973,  has been nicely maintained and shows well.The recent price reduction has brought this house into range with comparable sold homes. Similarly sized homes, in similar condition, in Fallsmead and surrounding neighborhoods have been selling in the $775,000 - $790,000 range.

The entry area has  the original slate floor and metal stair railings and attractively painted walls with chair rail and wainscoting.. There is wood-like flooring in the foyer and main level hall. The well-sized living room and dining room are also elegantly painted with chair rail and wainscoting and have hardwood floors in very good condition. The long galley style kitchen has been updated from the original with a neutral granite countertop, but has somewhat outdated oak cabinets and black appliances- although all appear to be in working condition ( there is no built in microwave, but there is an old style second oven above the stove). The kitchen and eating area have Pergo flooring. The family room is open to the kitchen with a small step down to enter the family room. A brick wall with fireplace is the focal point of the family room. There is currently carpet over hardwood in the family room. An office, with basic style built-ins and hardwood floors is a plus in this house. A powder room and two car garage complete the first floor. An expansive deck is entered from the kitchen- there are lovely views past the parking lot to the park, pond and pool.

Upstairs are 5 bedrooms, all good sized. The owners suite has two fairly small closets- one is a walk-in and a master bath that could be renovated to make better use of the space. The hall bath is in good, but largely original condition. The bedroom over the garage is quite large and has two large closets as well as eaves storage.

The walk out lower level has a carpeted recreation room ( beware of lunging stuffed large cat on the wall if you have little ones), a small kitchen area, laundry area and full bath. The basement space under the family room has been excavated for a convenient storage/work space.

All windows have been recently replaced.

Originally heated with oil,  this house has been converted to gas heating. The status of the old oil take is currently unknown.

The rear yard is well landscaped and is open to the Fallsmead pool,  pond,   19 acre park and parking lot. Fallsmead has a swim team in the Montgomery County Summer League.

Greenplace Terrace has traffic at school opening and dismissal times, but is otherwise not terribly busy for a double yellow-lined road. This house is within the city limits of City of Rockville.

The HOA dues are currently $1100/year and include use of the pool, pond, park, tennis courts, and neighborhood playground.

According to the MCPS website, residents of this home would currently attend Fallsmead Elementary School, Robert Frost Middle School and Wootton High School. All three are within walking distance and there is no  school bus service from this home to the schools.