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How HGTV has helped real estate

By Doug Francis

Photo by: Stephanie Diani, HGTV

Photo by: Stephanie Diani, HGTV (permission requested)

There isn’t a buyer client I meet who hasn’t watched HGTV. And, that’s a good thing!

Last week while waiting for my daughter’s dental appointment to finish, I got sucked into watching an exciting HGTV show called Flip or Flop.

Okay, maybe exciting is a little much for a TV show, but, as a real estate agent, I often see the potential when looking at older homes around Vienna. Homes that aren’t tear downs but can, or could, be remodeled to appeal to today’s smaller-is-better home buyer.

Before the highly addictive HGTV entered our lives, most of us real estate junkies eagerly awaited episodes of This Old House on PBS. Watching Tom Silva confidently discuss a renovation project and then execute the renovation was must-see TV for me.

Tom would transport me back to my summer jobs in Boston when I helped my future brother-in-law renovate old buildings in the South End. It was the late 1970s and old buildings just off Tremont Street could be purchased for $20,000 (not a typo). That’s a story for another day.


Today, HGTV has helped real estate consumers see the potential in mid-century homes. Always hoping to capture the original concept of the architecture.

But the greatest impact in the real estate business, as a Realtor, is that home sellers are on notice that they must up their game to get top dollar.

We now live in an HGTV influenced world where home buyers expect to see three homes and then pick one to buy. Homes where they see updated baths with subway tiles, updated kitchens with plenty of counters, and a special “me” space inside or out in the yard.

The reality is that only 50% of the sellers grasp any of these concepts, and will spend the time and energy to prep/stage/remodel before selling.

To be as basic as possible, the strategy is to increase perceived value. Swapping out faucets isn’t valuable… but opening up a wall exposing the kitchen is valuable.

What I found interesting watching Flip or Flop was the reality of possibly “doing it wrong” and then winding up with an expensive disaster. Remodeling or renovation is difficult and certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes time, planning, and money.

For typical home sellers, planning can be as easy as stepping back and viewing your home like a home buyer would. Best yet, that research can start with looking at open houses or with an online home search.


The sad truth for home buyers is that not every home seller cares about the HGTV mindset. And these homeowners need the most help.

How to get your house ready to sell in 30 daysThere are sellers who convince their desperate agents that people won’t care about the mess and will see the potential. But savvy HGTV watchers know they are making an incorrect assumption especially when buyers see a messy home after seeing one following the HGTV game plan.

Right?

In the long run, homeowners who catch even a few episodes of HGTV programing will likely have a competitive edge over the competition. They will “net” more money and typically have to endure fewer months of gut wrenching anxiety waiting for an offer.

Although I can’t bring in HGTV, I guide my seller clients to prepare for today’s savvy buyer with a smart strategy to spend resources effectively to maximize the perceived value of their homes. Selling your home in 2016 and meeting the expectations requires a lot more effort that just watching the tube, it is important to take action early.

But I confess: Watching TV can be helpful even when it is obviously contrived, binge watched, real estate drama.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips, 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

Office: 703-319-3344
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