Doug Francis Real Estate

  • About Doug
  • How I Sell Your Home
  • Case Studies
  • Let’s Connect

10 Home Buyer Mistakes

By Doug Francis

Home Real Estate Agent Doug Francis sold on Brenner Court Vienna VA

Image by DougFrancis via Flickr

Even if you are an experienced, relocation home buyer moving to Vienna, VA with your company from California, it makes sense to go through this checklist. You will buy a better home and have a better experience.

The biggest home buyer mistakes:

  1. Choosing a real estate agent who isn’t committed to forming a strong business relationship with you. It is important that you have a solid connection because that agent needs to be dedicated to serving your needs right now, during the negotiations and after the sale.
  2. Not being “pre-qualified” by a lender before making an offer. Getting pre-qualified is actually very easy, will help you know what you can afford, and help strengthen your negotiating position. This is usually based on a credit score (FICO) and current income.
  3. Not knowing what the total costs will be. Sit down with your agent and go through an “Estimated Cost Worksheet” that will include closing costs, and inspection costs. Knowing the costs will help you plan your budget too.
  4. Thinking that there is only one style of home for you. House shopping is comparison shopping on a very big scale, so you need to have an open mind to what is available in your price range.
  5. Only looking at open houses, magazines or the Internet. The best homes rarely are available to see at an open house, magazines are often showing sold homes, and unless you are on the best site I know, your Internet search site may not be 100% accurate (garbage in, garbage out). Real estate agents are a strategic resource of the most current information.
  6. Not having a professional home inspection. Home Inspections can be the most informative three hours you will spend in your new home. And since most home inspectors look at two to three homes a day, they have valuable insight into potential issues or valuable upgrades.
  7. Waiting to make an offer. Real estate may seem like a commodity, but factors like natural sunlight, upgrades, superior condition, and price may make a home a real bargain. Making an offer before another buyer steps up may help you buy the right place today.
  8. Buying the lowest cost homeowners insurance. You are going to want “full replacement cost” if the house burns down the week after closing. Maybe that is too extreme, but a good policy will protect your financial position in case of a catastrophe.
  9. Buying with a short term vision. A home may seem too big now, but will it fit your plan in five to ten years? Planning ahead will prevent you from having to move too quickly.
  10. Not having the Seller provide a home protection plan or home warranty. Believe it or not, there are third party insurance companies that will cover the existing appliances with a low deductible during the first year (like your dishwasher, AC, or hot water heater). This does not replace the importance of a home inspection, because appliances with pre-existing conditions (like rust) are not covered.

Have a suggestion to help another home buyer? Then leave it in the comments below.

Related articles by Zemanta
  • Was it Real Estate Stats Day?(dougfrancis.com)

  • Home Inspections Confuse Home Buyers (raincityguide.com)

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: California, home buyer, home inspection, Real estate broker/agent, relocation, Vienna Virginia

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

Considering selling your home?

https://youtu.be/0ZSodCtsfkY

Just Sold!

Plum Street home with swimming pool

Looking for a house with a pool in Vienna, VA?

Sold!

https://vimeo.com/1003798838?loop=0

Planning to sell your home?

Case Studies

Continue Reading

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

Privacy: Hiding your name

Looking for testimonials?

Read through a collection of client comments originally posted on Zillow, Google and Trulia. See what my clients say...

Looking for a Custom Home?

Insights into New Homes in Vienna VA
Staged kitchen for real estate marketing

Here’s my home seller checklist… imagine you’re Getting Ready to Sell

Getting started is the hardest part for many clients. My Vienna home seller checklist will help you get the ball rolling today.

“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
– R. Pollard

“He truly was a partner integrating us unto the community and made it easy for us to take advantage of all Vienna has to offer.”
– A. D’Eredita

“We are so thankful we found Doug to guide us through the complex home selling and buying processes!”
– Scott and Jennie

About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

Search for a subject

Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
Why do people hire me?

Search for homes in Vienna

Vienna Real Estate Guide

This material can only be used with written permission.

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2025 Doug Francis · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in