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Getting Inside | Being a real estate agent

By Doug Francis

Route 11 Potato Chips Sarah Cohen

Meeting Potato Chip Entrepreneur Sarah Cohen at her factory in Virginia.

Where you reading blogs back in 2008?

Back then, most blogs had a different vibe than they have today. They were much more conversational.

The majority of blog posts had an authentic tone where writer was thinking out loud, trying to work through problem they faced in their business or in their life.

Entrepreneurs were working out issues, sharing experiences and asking for creative ideas.

Readers would get to know the author, sympathize, give creative or helpful advice and then develop friendships. Really.


Inspired by that #podcast

Well, this morning, while drinking a cup of coffee and listening to a podcast about smart website strategy and lead-capture rates, I realized that I needed to get back to my blogging roots.

I started blogging when the real estate market tanked in late 2008 and I literally had to rebuild, retool, rebrand and reinvent my business after my core group of clients moved away. That meant putting on my start-up hat back on and building new skills on the valuable foundation of my experience.

Reading blogs gave me the encouragement to teach readers about my experiences in the Vienna real estate market, use photos that I had taken, produce videos, and embrace the new spirit of Web 2.0 inspired entrepreneurism.

So, it’s time to go retro ~ and blog a little like I did in 2009.

Lead Conversion strategists have taken over blogging

You see, the sales guys are now leading the conversation creating a murky world of landing pages optimized for lead capture and conversion.

And one line in that podcast set me off because it underscored the strategy of manipulating the consumer with an eight word, totally manipulative email sent “to your 1,000 dead-end email leads.”

The website lead-capture, landing page, close-the-sale sales focus just isn’t for me.

So, I am going to write a series about what I learned last week in the real estate business.

Short. Insightful. Educational.

A paragraph or two on real estate topics, like this…

On Monday, when I was reviewing an offer that someone’s buyer agent sent over to me, I noticed that the offer did not included a Settlement Date.

The blank was blank.

Selecting a Settlement Date is essential because it is gives the buyer and seller a deadline. It’s when papers are signed, and the keys get handed over.

It did raise an issue about training, or the need for more of it in the real estate business. The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors designs our standard forms with attorneys and licensed real estate brokers. These contracts are complex. Realtors are not attorneys, and it is critical that every agent thoroughly understands how to perform their role when completing the sales contract for a client.

Classes are important, but hands on training is critical too. Agents need mentors to spend time with them explaining scenarios, answering questions and adding insight.

So, on Tuesday, I sat down with a newer agent in my office for a half hour to review the other agent’s mistake. I just couldn’t let her do the same thing with a future client and looking at an actual offer from an agent at (another agency) was a valuable learning opportunity.

I always ask my clients when they want to close? If their apartment runs out at the end of May then their Settlement Date should happen just before that date. Or if it is July, then pick July!

When is your best case scenario? It’s kinda important.

Back to that agent’s offer on my client’s listing… there were multiple offers on the home and there was another glaring mistake she had made involving the amount financed. That type of sloppiness does not build confidence that the next 45 days before Settlement are going to go smoothly. So, her client is back looking at Zillow for a nice home to buy.

I hope you are interested and will follow me on this retro series of articles ~ follow me on Twitter.

[bctt tweet=”I’m following Doug’s series about his real estate biz” username=”dougfrancis”]

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Vienna 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!

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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