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Holidays at the County Courthouse

By Doug Francis

(Old) Greene County Courthouse

(Old) Greene County Courthouse (Flickr credit: jimmywayne)

If you are buying or selling real estate, you might just want to take a close look at the calender when you are picking out your settlement date.

First, cross out weekends.

Second, cross out national holidays.

Third, check your County Courthouse calender.

Huh?

The Courthouse Calender may screw up your plans

The Courthouse calender is very important because the deed showing the change in ownership needs to be properly recorded in the land records. Maybe you are lucky to live in a place where this process can be done electronically, but in most places it is essential to get the physical paper deed to the County Courthouse as soon as possible to get it on-record.

Attention home buyers: In some jurisdictions you won’t get the house keys until you have gone on-record.

Attention home sellers: In all jurisdictions, you won’t get the proceeds (cash) until you have gone on-record.

And if you are selling a home with an FHA mortgage, you better bank-in plenty of time so that your loan gets paid before the first of the month. Surprised? Read more about selling a home with an FHA mortgage.

REALTOR TIP: Plan Ahead!

Here is a line up of a few County Courthouse’s year-end calenders where I work:

  • Arlington County Virginia ~ Closed December 24, 25 & 31. Also closed January 1, 2013
  • City of Alexandria Virginia ~ Closed December 24, 25 & 31. Also closed January 1, 2013
  • Fairfax County Virginia ~ Closed December 24, 25 & 31. Also closed January 1, 2013
  • Loudoun County Virginia ~ Closed December 24, 25, 26 & 31. Also closed January 1, 2013

If you are time sensitive then knowing the Courthouse calender ahead of time may save your sanity over the holidays. Happy Holidays!

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

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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Doug: (703) 304-6827

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

Office: 703-319-3344
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