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Home Seller Tips for 2013

By Doug Francis

Shower Tile ideas

New tile is a selling point

Any home seller who plans to move up to a larger home should do some research on the current competition. It ain’t just pricing that is essential, it is the overall condition of the product you are selling.

Right now, I have a few clients who are planning the big upgrade from their first homes (pre-kids) to new homes… and one large enough for the five of them. Times have changed and today’s HGTV trained home buyers really are placing a premium on basic upgrades, and leaving any home without the basics in the dust. Yes, there are some homes that are so “dated” that the back of the listing sheet price list of updates becomes overwhelming.

In real estate: Small Updates = Good Results

These tips should get you started…

  • Replace those brass light fixtures! One of the easiest things for a homeowner can do is update their light fixtures inside and out.
  • Sellers, you gotta paint! Another inexpensive investments is fresh paint on the walls, trim and ceilings. Yes, I can recommend a professional painter but if you have the time you can get rolling this weekend. Another tip… look at some of those catalogs stacked up in your house for contemporary color combinations.
  • Do you have wallpaper? Wallpaper typically was selected to go with a theme you had in mind at the time. My two cents here: it’s gotta go!
  • How full are your closets, basement or garage? It is time to thin out those spaces of 35% of the stuff you see right now. Donate some old clothes. Make some executive decisions and toss some stuff that you haven’t used in five years. If you must keep things then consider renting a storage unit for three to six months. Basically, a brick rambler full of stuff has little appeal.
  • Updating your kitchen faucet can be another relatively inexpensive upgrade for a home seller, but if your counter is old orange Formica then you may need a counter and new sink. Bathrooms sometimes feature the original tile in shades of pink, tellow or blue… so know that new tile isn’t overly expensive but can be a great selling point.

You can do a lot to get you home ready to sell in 30 days if you are ready to try.

Yes, that’s the free Internet consultation. Let’s talk about hiring me… here is some more information about how I sell your home.

 

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: Arlington, HGTV, real estate, seller, Vienna Virginia, virginia

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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“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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– 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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