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5 Tips for Buying Luxury Homes in Vienna

July 13, 2011 By Doug Francis

Luxury Homes in Vienna Virginia Tear downs and infill homes

The original 1950's Vienna rambler was torn down

You have probably already started your home search online and noticed that most of the photos look great.

But after seeing about 50 luxury homes in Vienna, McLean, Oakton and Great Falls over the past two months, I have noticed that not all luxury homes are created equal. In fact you would notice how much styles have changed after seeing only a few homes.

Vienna’s quality of life drives demand

  • Infill Homes – Vienna’s ideal location has impacted land values, and most of the 1950’s ramblers now sit on lots worth more than the older homes. As a result, builders and investors are out buying those “obsolete” houses, tearing them down and building very attractive new homes, currently focused on craftsman inspired homes. Be prepared to see “the perfect house” next door to a future tear-down.
  • Budget to Renovate – Even luxury homes built five years ago are now looking a little dated. One client immediately put hardwood floors upstairs to replace the wall-to-wall carpet. Kitchens, decks, patios, or sometimes finishing the basement. Yes, I was in a wonderful home in Oakton the other weekend but the owners had never finished the basement… “next,” said my client. Be prepared do more than hire a good painter.
  • Vienna VA Vienna Home BlogTake time to look, then act quickly – There is a large available inventory of luxury homes in Vienna, McLean and Oakton (there were over 325 homes over $900k available on 7/12/11). You will need to drill down the criteria important to your needs, and have a strategy to act when you have ID’d the right place. (They aren’t all in top condition)
  • Financing is available – Yes, there are lenders who provide financing to $1.5 million at amazing rates. So don’t let the upcoming reduction in the maximum “conforming loan amount” get you panicked. Yes, I’m referring to banks… not some guy I know who knows “people”.
  • Buy within your limits – Nothing is more disappointing than going into a home to see that the owners never really “finished” the interior. Although I know you don’t plan to move anytime soon, making interior decorating decisions like custom painting, window treatments such as plantation shutters, adding an exercise room, home theater, or even ceiling fans will greatly increase the comfort of your home when you are there, and then return the investments when you get that dream job in Palo Alto. There is a distinct difference in luxury homes when the finishing touches have been added.

You can always see all the homes available using my Vienna Real Estate Guide.

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Luxury Homes in Vienna, Luxury real estate, Vienna Virginia

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he "starred" in a tech commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Being able to guide my clients through many real estate sales, either moving out, moving in, or just across town, has been a rewarding experience that helps when discussing a plan with a future client.

Being able to help them focus and understand our proven sales plan always eases their anxiety of this looming personal task. And, putting it into bite-sized steps always helps them get where they really want to be.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the town tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. 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 have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing ~ and my marketing starts here. My elite clientele has been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients now.

Thanks for reading... and feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or send me an email at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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