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In real estate, get it in writing.

April 20, 2009 By Doug Francis

“Let’s get it in writing so there isn’t any confusion later,” is advice that I give my clients all the time. And you would assume that all real estate agents give their clients the same line when a potential sticky situation presents itself.

Did I say “assume”?

Prior to a home inspection on one of my listings, I mentioned to the buyer’s agent that the glass in the foyer light fixture would be replaced as it cracked when my client tried to replace the bulbs. Unfortunitely this item was not mentioned specifically in the home inspection report or repair addendum (but it should have been). So, my client thought that the buyers were okay with it and must plan to replace it with their own fixture.

You guessed it, when the agent did the final walk-through inspection, she said it was an issue for the buyer that the glass was broken.

Especially in real estate transactions, it is the smallest issues that can get everyone’s blood pressure up to dangerous levels. Buying a home is stressful and issues like this one push people over the edge or ignite a short fuse.

It is clear in the state real estate regulations that all real estate agreements must be in writing to be enforceable. Paper, we love paper! The courthouse loves paper too, so that is why they want an old fashion paper trial trail.

So with everyone’s reputation on the line, I stopped by Home Depot to pick up a similar fixture that I could cannibalize for that precious glass, drove to the house and climbed my trusty Werner step ladder to screw it in place… and then took a couple digital photos to show the buyers at the closing table. Case closed.

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: agent, buyer, home inspection, seller

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" campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Being able to guide my clients through many real estate sales, either moving out, moving in, or just across town, has been a rewarding experience that helps when discussing a plan with a future client.

Being able to help them focus and understand our proven sales plan always eases their anxiety of this looming personal task. And, putting it into bite-sized steps always helps them get where they really want to be.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the town tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. 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 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 elite clientele has been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients 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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