Yes, another buyer agent secret search strategy for a lucky client living in Vienna, Virginia
When I meet with buyer clients, I like to discuss how our home search is going to involve a multi-pronged effort in order to be successful. The client will use the resources of the Internet with sites like Homesdatabase.com, Realtor.com, Trulia or Zillow, and a few other super secret strategies. Yes, I will have the MRIS/MLS along with a network of successful agents that I have cultivated over the years and a few clever old school ideas.
But a few weeks ago when some clients were being extra specific, I drilled down through the Fairfax County tax records to look for old-timers who may be getting ready to move. You know, the old “come on lady, move out now while you can still walk” strong-arm strategy, similar to the training tape we just watched last week featuring Alec Baldwin.
But seriously, I found some folks who had been in their home 20+ years and sent them a compelling letter with followed up phone calls. As fate would have it, one guy who was just starting the pre-listing process and received a letter called his agent asking if my letter “was for real”.
“Who is it from?” she asked.
“Some guy named Doug Francis with Remax real estate” he responded.
“Well, I have known Doug for 17 years, so I feel it’s legit” she said.
So we saw the house, made an offer that was accepted, and now just have to wait for the appraisal to get finished. A successful home search, even in Vienna, Virginia, needs more than one strategy to get the job done.
Old school!
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