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5 Things Realtors need to know about Phil Dunphy

By Doug Francis

Phil Dunphy might not be on your radar screen, but for the millions of people who watch Modern Family on ABC every week, he’s the new REALTOR characture.

shrink wrap modern family mini van

Is this about selling real estate?

Commission Impossible

The producers have captured the essence of today’s very hip real estate agent who is always chasing the sale, using technology like an iPad, using Facebook, shrink wrapping their cars, and using YouTube videos to market themselves. Of course, they also capture the emotional (petty) rivalry between agents trying to earn a commission – made him real to me!

After one of the first episodes when Phil went off on a real estate agent tangent, a few of my friends told me that I “had” to watch the show. Okay, like Phil I am married, have kids, been a Realtor for 20-something years and have always joked about the absurd things I see week in and week out. “You should start blogging about it”, they said to me a few years ago… so here I am.

I think the show is a riot, and I am extremely happy that Phil doesn’t wear glasses… need I say more?

Phil’s view on his job: “A Realtor’s just a ninja in a blazer. The average burglar breaks in and leaves clues everywhere. But not me, I’m completely clueless.”

Here is Phil Dunphy at career day…

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Okay, what Realtors need to know about Phil:

  • Phil Dunphy is the new face of real estate for millions of people. Sorry Alec Baldwin (Glengarry, Glen Ross).
  • Phil learned to plan ahead if you are shrink wrapping your slogan on your wife’s mini van.
  • If you are doing a “first-time buyer seminar”, make sure your sister-in-law is in the audience when she is supposed to be.
  • Phil will allow anything to get a sale… speeding neighbors who are clients or an inappropriate kiss  (Greg Kinnear, “Me, Jealous?)
  • Phil hosted the SCARB (Southern California Annual Realtor Banquet)

Ty Burrell PaleyFest 10bTy Burrell plays the role of Phil Dunphy in ABC TV’s Modern Family

photo by Jennifer Tse via Flickr

 

Related articles
  • Greg Kinnear on Modern Family (polentical.com)
  • Luxury Home Builders betting on Vienna Virginia (dougfrancis.com)
  • Understanding inventory pressure (dougfrancis.com)

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Modern Family, Phil Dunphy, real estate

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!

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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!

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

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