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Here’s a start… imagine you’re Getting Ready to Sell

December 10, 2020 By Doug Francis

Staged kitchen for real estate marketing

In 2021, my main strategy is helping each client’s home look its best online with careful planning, staging, and professional photography. The photo above didn’t just happen, it involved my staging team and a creative professional photographer to compose this warm and inviting space.

We follow certain steps to add market appeal to every photo. It’s work.

But right now, I know if you have some do-able home projects, they are just what you need to reduce your stress levels and see a brighter future at home. Really, it’s okay to pretend a little while improving your home and current lifestyle.

Putting together plans to help my clients prepare their homes to appeal to the real estate market is always fun, but, these days, I know everyone is seeing their homes differently now that they are spending a lot of time at home during this awful pandemic.

So, here are some ideas of smart home projects that you can do now which will improve the look and feel of your house while riding out this storm.

Let’s get started!

Here is a checklist to help you get rolling…

  • Think like a Home Shopper: All of the time you have spent looking at Houzz or Zillow over the last nine months have been preparing you for this moment. What has caught your eye in the dreamhouse you have been checking out? Why would someone “Like” or “watch” your listing?
  • Your top-ten projects list: You probably know projects around your house that need finishing, that’s okay, but write down only ten of those things that need changing, finishing, or really need deep cleaning.
  • Purging all that Stuff: We all live with too much stuff and now is the time to make some decisions. Ever been mortified to see a house online that has too much stuff? You don’t need to become a minimalist and toss everything out, but remove some old 1990s stuff, toss it or donate it. Don’t rent a self-storage place because you’ll never see it again.
  • Walls and Carpets: Painting is an easy way to change the whole look and feel of your home. You can always hire a professional, but some rooms you may be able to do yourself like a bathroom, rec room, dining room or kitchen. Tips from experienced painters can be found with an easy Google search, and since you have extra time, you’ll be able to appreciate your work. Here are my painting suggestion. Your carpets probably should be professionally cleaned when the weather warms up (so you can open windows).
  • Update light fixtures: New light fixtures are much easier to find and buy online these days. I always have clients update certain ones and they are always excited about the new look. ADD multiple LED lights inside a walk-in closet, replace a gold chandelier in the dining room, or replace your under cabinets kitchen lights with new GE Enbrighten lights… they have transformed my kitchen!
  • Clean Hardwood Floors: Some hardwood floors may need professional attention to look good again, but many can be cleaned with specially formulated cleaner that gently picks up dirt and revives that luster. Check out Lowes or Home Depot and start cleaning in a hidden area just in case… like under a couch.
  • Go to the bathroom: But seriously, take a look at your bathrooms. Home buyers want to see spotless, relaxing spa-like bathrooms. So, consider replacing your shower head, faucets, toilet seats, light fixtures, or paint. Fluffy new white towels are also a simple upgrade.
  • Your kitchen: Kitchens seem to be the obvious place to update. Renovation isn’t a functional option since it may take six to eight weeks, and replacement appliances could be back-ordered for two or three months. Start with a deep clean, especially in your refrigerator which may have old salad dressing bottles etc. that are just taking up space. Chuck them! Removed shelves and clean in your sink with hot water. Replace bulbs. As for appliances, today’s dishwashers are super quiet, new refrigerators are bigger inside, and a new gourmet range will make the whole kitchen look professional.
  • Light Bulbs: A lot has changed in the world of light bulbs over the last five years. “Soft White LED bulbs” are what you want to use… trust me! I often find old bulbs covered in dust, or those curly CFL bulbs looking like ugly fluorescent lights (they are). Toss them! Add a 120w equivalent LED floodlight in the garage for an immediate transformation. Or use new 75-watt equivalent LED Edison style bulbs in your exterior front door fixtures – clean that fixture too!
  • Laundry room: These are the work horses in most homes that rarely get any love. They do sell cleaners, but you can probably find sites recommending white vinegar to sanitize inside your machine. Get you vacuum out and clean lint out of the dryer. Wipe down the machines and get all that dust or soap off. Consider adding a shelf (Container Store), replacing the light fixtures, or adding brighter soft white LED bulbs.
  • Working from Home: The old school “home office” has taken on a higher prominence in today’s lifestyle. Remote workers aren’t driving into the office. If you have a home office, start to set up a modern yet professional backdrop for Zoom calls. Art on the walls, books and art on your bookcase, additional lighting, a professional mic. All too often I see people on TV who look like they are in their bedroom (maybe) or are in an empty basement room.
  • Upsizing: Believe it or not, people want larger homes since they are working and possibly virtual-teaching their kids. They need extra space so it is important to look at every room in your house with a 2021 lens. Upgrading high speed, fiber optic internet access isn’t a luxury but a necessity.
  • Plumbing: Replacing your hot water heater takes only a couple of hours but will immediately change your life. You will need a professional for this job, but if your hot water heater is more than eight years old then you are getting poor performance in the shower, dishwasher, and laundry.
  • Safety: Safety in a home project is important so know where the Circuit Breaker box is, the Main Water Shut Off valve, and when you are beyond your competency. Replacing smoke detectors is fast and easy and can provide an excellent level of home protection.

Before and After… for example

I hope that you will consider a few of these projects and then let me know how a home project turned out at your house. A photo or two will be great (before and after) and then I’ll feature it here in a series to inspire others.

To give you an idea, here is a room that I did for clients last summer.

Before:

Dining Room before updates

There were a few things in this 2012 dining room that I knew needed to change. The wall paint needed to have greater contrast to the extensive white trim work. The ceiling was painted similar to the wall color which dulled this bright room and hid the three piece crown molding. And, the “heavy” chandelier needed to have a modern vibe like what I see in competitive homes.

  • Wall paint
  • Ceiling paint
  • Chandelier

After:

Dining room after photo

This is the professional photo that I used. The ceiling has been painted white. The trim work was fine so it wasn’t repainted. The wall is a nice gray from Benjamin Moore. And, the modern farmhouse chandelier gives a minimalist feel.

Looking beyond this long winter

In the meantime, know that I am thinking about everyone who is sheltering from the virus at home, and dealing with this hardship on so many levels.

I look at data all the time and the Fairfax County real estate market has remained remarkably strong in the spring (2021). Buyer demand far outstrips the supply, and Federal Reserve Chairman Powell has essentially guaranteed low-interest rates for another two years.

All in all, this makes an excellent case for using your home as a hedge against future inflation. Lock in long-term loans or refinance, and understand that inflation will continue to lift the value of your home.

Current owners looking to move should start to plan now as we find that finding your next home, anywhere in the country, will be more difficult than finding a buyer for your home. There are some specific strategies that I plan to cover in a future post.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Seller Tips, Homeowner Ideas, Living Here Tagged With: Home Improvements, Home Seller Tips, Home Staging, Vienna Real Estate

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In-depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he was profiled in a commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" global ad campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna (#3!). He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house, we were thinking about raising the kids, updating, and building an addition. With our kids now out of college, our plans are looking at our next phase, especially after seeing friends move away and adjust their lifestyles.

So, what’s next after 25 years? It’s a conversation lots of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or move closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead to their new plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background… I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and 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 me help you too: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

6808 BROYHILL ST
MCLEAN, VA
Photo of 6808 BROYHILL ST, MCLEAN, VA 22101 (MLS # VAFX2137956)
$2,499,000
49
  • Lot Size
    16,989 sqft

  • Home Size
    6,708 sqft

  • Beds
    6 Beds

  • Baths
    7 Baths

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Vienna Real Estate

  • $2,199,888 102 JAMES DR SE
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  • $1,295,000 2511 BABCOCK RD
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  • $1,088,888 8807 HIGDON DR
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  • $1,495,000 610 MEADOW LN SW
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  • $3,600,000 626 HILLCREST DR SW
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  • $1,795,000 904 DALE CT SE
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  • $1,200,000 9838 CORAL BELLS CT
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  • $3,300,000 10009 MURNANE ST
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  • $2,525,000 131 KINGSLEY RD SW
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  • $599,000 3005 SPICE CT
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102 JAMES DR SE
VIENNA, VA
Photo of 102 JAMES DR SE, VIENNA, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2150256)
$2,199,888
Lot Size
10,019 sqft

Home Size
1,062 sqft

Beds
5 Beds

Baths
7 Baths

2511 BABCOCK RD
VIENNA, VA
Photo of 2511 BABCOCK RD, VIENNA, VA 22181 (MLS # VAFX2149442)
$1,295,000
Lot Size
14,811 sqft

Home Size
3,240 sqft

Beds
4 Beds

Baths
4 Baths

8807 HIGDON DR
VIENNA, VA
Photo of 8807 HIGDON DR, VIENNA, VA 22182 (MLS # VAFX2149464)
$1,088,888
Lot Size
10,455 sqft

Home Size
2,410 sqft

Beds
5 Beds

Baths
3 Baths

610 MEADOW LN SW
VIENNA, VA
Photo of 610 MEADOW LN SW, VIENNA, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2149952)
$1,495,000
Lot Size
N/A

Home Size
3,368 sqft

Beds
6 Beds

Baths
6 Baths

626 HILLCREST DR SW
VIENNA, VA
Photo of 626 HILLCREST DR SW, VIENNA, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2149036)
$3,600,000
Lot Size
23,523 sqft

Home Size
9,092 sqft

Beds
7 Beds

Baths
9 Baths

904 DALE CT SE
VIENNA, VA
Photo of 904 DALE CT SE, VIENNA, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2149540)
$1,795,000
Lot Size
10,455 sqft

Home Size
4,937 sqft

Beds
5 Beds

Baths
5 Baths

9838 CORAL BELLS CT
VIENNA, VA
Photo of 9838 CORAL BELLS CT, VIENNA, VA 22182 (MLS # VAFX2149568)
$1,200,000
Lot Size
20,038 sqft

Home Size
3,020 sqft

Beds
4 Beds

Baths
4 Baths

10009 MURNANE ST
VIENNA, VA
Photo of 10009 MURNANE ST, VIENNA, VA 22181 (MLS # VAFX2149646)
$3,300,000
Lot Size
21,780 sqft

Home Size
9,750 sqft

Beds
7 Beds

Baths
9 Baths

131 KINGSLEY RD SW
VIENNA, VA
Photo of 131 KINGSLEY RD SW, VIENNA, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2149584)
$2,525,000
Lot Size
21,780 sqft

Home Size
7,793 sqft

Beds
6 Beds

Baths
7 Baths

3005 SPICE CT
VIENNA, VA
Photo of 3005 SPICE CT, VIENNA, VA 22181 (MLS # VAFX2148724)
$599,000
Lot Size
1,307 sqft

Home Size
1,940 sqft

Beds
5 Beds

Baths
4 Baths

  • 102 JAMES DR SE
    VIENNA, VA
    Photo of 102 JAMES DR SE, VIENNA, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2150256)
    $2,199,888
    Lot Size
    10,019 sqft

    Home Size
    1,062 sqft

    Beds
    5 Beds

    Baths
    7 Baths

  • 2511 BABCOCK RD
    VIENNA, VA
    Photo of 2511 BABCOCK RD, VIENNA, VA 22181 (MLS # VAFX2149442)
    $1,295,000
    Lot Size
    14,811 sqft

    Home Size
    3,240 sqft

    Beds
    4 Beds

    Baths
    4 Baths

  • 8807 HIGDON DR
    VIENNA, VA
    Photo of 8807 HIGDON DR, VIENNA, VA 22182 (MLS # VAFX2149464)
    $1,088,888
    Lot Size
    10,455 sqft

    Home Size
    2,410 sqft

    Beds
    5 Beds

    Baths
    3 Baths

  • 610 MEADOW LN SW
    VIENNA, VA
    Photo of 610 MEADOW LN SW, VIENNA, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2149952)
    $1,495,000
    Lot Size
    N/A

    Home Size
    3,368 sqft

    Beds
    6 Beds

    Baths
    6 Baths

  • 626 HILLCREST DR SW
    VIENNA, VA
    Photo of 626 HILLCREST DR SW, VIENNA, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2149036)
    $3,600,000
    Lot Size
    23,523 sqft

    Home Size
    9,092 sqft

    Beds
    7 Beds

    Baths
    9 Baths

  • 904 DALE CT SE
    VIENNA, VA
    Photo of 904 DALE CT SE, VIENNA, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2149540)
    $1,795,000
    Lot Size
    10,455 sqft

    Home Size
    4,937 sqft

    Beds
    5 Beds

    Baths
    5 Baths

  • 9838 CORAL BELLS CT
    VIENNA, VA
    Photo of 9838 CORAL BELLS CT, VIENNA, VA 22182 (MLS # VAFX2149568)
    $1,200,000
    Lot Size
    20,038 sqft

    Home Size
    3,020 sqft

    Beds
    4 Beds

    Baths
    4 Baths

  • 10009 MURNANE ST
    VIENNA, VA
    Photo of 10009 MURNANE ST, VIENNA, VA 22181 (MLS # VAFX2149646)
    $3,300,000
    Lot Size
    21,780 sqft

    Home Size
    9,750 sqft

    Beds
    7 Beds

    Baths
    9 Baths

  • 131 KINGSLEY RD SW
    VIENNA, VA
    Photo of 131 KINGSLEY RD SW, VIENNA, VA 22180 (MLS # VAFX2149584)
    $2,525,000
    Lot Size
    21,780 sqft

    Home Size
    7,793 sqft

    Beds
    6 Beds

    Baths
    7 Baths

  • 3005 SPICE CT
    VIENNA, VA
    Photo of 3005 SPICE CT, VIENNA, VA 22181 (MLS # VAFX2148724)
    $599,000
    Lot Size
    1,307 sqft

    Home Size
    1,940 sqft

    Beds
    5 Beds

    Baths
    4 Baths

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Home sellers are often caught off guard when I explain that today’s home buyers will decide on their house before ever stepping foot in it. The days of spending hours driving around looking at seven, eight, or nine houses on a sunny Saturday are over. Yes, meeting at 9:00 a.m. to review the available listings […]

“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
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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 have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing, and my marketing starts here. My clients have been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients for Fall 2023 right now.

Thanks for reading, and 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

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