Doug Francis Real Estate

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

An Easy Real Estate Tip

By Doug Francis

Viva Vienna Virginia MuralIf you are like most hopeful real estate buyers in Northern Virginia, you are probably noticing that there aren’t many nice homes out there to buy right now. Not to bore you with more real estate stats, but from Vienna to Ashburn, it’s slim pickins out there!

You are not alone. I just read an article from Redfin’s CEO on TechCrunch about how challenging the market is in Silicon Valley – yes, California. In fact, inventory of homes for sale at one point in December was so low that every “agent in the San Francisco office represented a different home-buyer on that property.”

Oy, that’s a headache, and could have created a bit of an agency conflict-of-interest if one of their buyers overpaid.

Anyway, back to our nasty little situation here, and a real estate tip that may help your effort.

Real Estate Negotiation 101

One item that is crucial to have in your quiver is the quality of your “lender letter”. Yes, boring, boring, boring.

If you have never sold a home before or it has been a long time since you did, please understand there is a #1 concern of 99% of home sellers. The #1 concern: your ability to get the financing that you are telling them you are pre-approved for. From their perspective, they are taking a lot “on faith” when they decided to select your offer over another.

So, my easy real estate tip:

  • Get an updated pre-approval letter from your lender with a date no older than 25 days from the date of your offer.

For example, last fall an agent presented me an offer that included a pre-approval letter that was six months old. Since his client’s offer was very competitive, I asked him (out of professional courtesy) to get a new letter. He seemed surprised and a little embarrassed because without a “fresh” letter his client’s offer was not going to win.

If your agent is allowing you to submit an offer from a lender dated three, four months or older, then you should be fired! Yes, you the buyer should be fired for wasting that agent’s time.

You might not completely understand that the relationships between lenders and real estate agents has changed in the post-recession, highly regulated world. Mortgage lenders now have ID numbers and your loan officer may have a handle like NMLS ID # 510009. The consumer protection rules have changed and it is your responsibility to keep in touch with your mortgage lender. Okay?

I am not a mortgage lender or originator, but see the larger picture to help my real estate clients have a strategy to help achieve their goals in a challenging marketplace.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Northern Virginia, real estate, Vienna

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