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Home buyers need a plan, and be ready to pull the plug…

By Doug Francis

perfect home

It has taken a couple of months, but you are now walking up the stairs and into your new home. It’s actually a little bigger than you thought and you can’t wait to paint the kitchen, replace the carpet, get the FiOS set up, and turn in the keys at the old place. Maybe even take a dip in the pool!

Nice story, but this is the type of mental image that I want my home buyer clients to have in their minds before we start looking for houses. Setting a goal is important and visualizing the ideal or “perfect scenario” makes it  seem a little less intimidating.

Home buying is a rough sport at any level:

  • first-timers
  • move-up
  • retirement (move-out).

The primary complaint that I hear from today’s home buyers is… there is nothing to buy! Well, there are homes to buy depending on the region of the country you are in, and many of those homes may be short-sales (where the seller is asking the bank to forgive his loan for less than he owes) or foreclosed homes (a bank is the owner and seller). In either case, these homes may have issues like needing a lot of updating or fixing up, being sold strictly “as-is”, or the sale is a long-shot to ever get to settlement.

Even with the $8,000 first time home buyer credit, a home that needs all new appliances or carpeting isn’t that attractive. And a first time home buyer may understand why some homes went into foreclosure, like homes overlooking the Beltway or backing to an industrial area. And many people feel uneasy about buying anything for $400,000+ strictly “as-is” – yes, they ain’t fixin’ nuthin’.

home-affordability-index-apr-20091Okay, these scenarios may have scared some of you away but for the person looking for a good home at a discount (from even 1 year ago) and a mortgage rate around 5% then this is the perfect opportunity. Yes, the affordability index is off the charts.

I tell clients to not get emotionally attached to any home until we have completed the home inspection. This is always a contingency included in my client’s offers because our contract specifically states that “the Purchaser may void the contract” after the inspection. It is make or break time… we have a contract, is it still worth it? If not, then we submit the notice to the Seller declaring the contract void and the home buyer is back looking for better options.

By having a clear picture of what you want the end to look like, making the decision to move on to another home will be much easier.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: $8000 tax credit, buyer, buyer agent, home inspection, negotiating, short-sale

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?

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“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!

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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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