Doug Francis | Real Estate

  • Meet Doug
  • How I Sell Your Home
  • Case Studies
  • Let’s Connect

Knowing the Real Estate Market

By Doug Francis

Vienna VA house for sale VirginiaPeople are always surprised when they ask me about a house, and I tell them that I have already been inside.

Realistically, I can’t see every new listing in Fairfax County without making that my full-time job. But, I do make an effort to see as many as possible especially when a home is interesting to me or to one of my clients.

That market research helps me keep up with pricing, floor plans, lot sizes, builder quality and interior condition.

Although this may seem like just another story, recently I received an email from a guy who was moving here with his family and wanted to know what I knew about a specific house in Vienna.

He was surprised to read my quick response since I had toured the home a week or two before, and then gave him an analysis of the location near busy Lawyers Road. It was a nice home with a three-car garage, but it was too close to a road that I feel will be widened over the next ten years encroaching on the property probably negatively impact on future resale value.

He really appreciated my response and hired me.

Having specific knowledge is really important especially when the market is starting to swell with luxury inventory. That’s a trend that might not be obvious to someone looking only at a list like the one below.

“Wait, what did he just say?” you ask.

Yes, the inventory of new custom homes for sale has spiked recently. Some new and resale are just sitting there…

The inventory of homes priced over $1.2 million has been growing at a fast clip. McLean, Falls Church, Vienna, Oakton, Centreville, are all now competing for the same home buyers as our workforce works all across the region.

With that in mind, understanding your future lifestyle is critical before you fall for the sales pitch from the agent at that open house.

Yes, you will miss a good opportunity or two. Or you may not realize that that great school’s boundary is going to change in 2018.

Why are 5 houses for sale over on that street? Is there a problem or are the sellers just cashing in after listening to NPR’s report about the crazy DC real estate market?

Knowing the real estate market or really knowing the real estate market.

It’s your call.

This sample list of homes for sale in Vienna was updated 10 minutes ago!

[idx-listings zip=”22180″ minprice=”900000″ maxprice=”4500000″ statuses=”1″ propertytypes=”721″ orderby=”DateAdded” orderdir=”DESC” count=”40″ showlargerphotos=”true”]

 

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer 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, many of those great neighbors have retired and I was able to help them take that next step smoothly.

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 help clients get organized helping maximize the value for today’s home buyer. 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?

https://youtu.be/0ZSodCtsfkY

Just Sold!

Plum Street home with swimming pool

Looking for a house with a pool in Vienna, VA?

Sold!

https://vimeo.com/1003798838?loop=0

Planning to sell your home?

Real examples of before and after real estate work by Doug Francis

Case Studies

My step-by-step guidance | before and after pics Continue Reading

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

Privacy: Hiding your name

Looking for testimonials?

Read through a collection of client comments originally posted on Zillow, Google and Trulia. See what my clients say...

Looking for a Custom Home?

Insights into New Homes in Vienna VA
Termite in 2x4

A required termite inspection in your sales contract?

Updated for 2025 Yes, a termite inspection clause is part of the standard Northern Virginia real estate sales contract. You need to keep in mind, this inspection needs to be done within 90 days prior to Settlement. Last week, I received a question via email from an upset seller who had just been told that […]

“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!

Thank you for electing me to the Vienna Town Council!

Yes, I am a candidate for the Vienna Town Council this year, 11/4/2025. Learn More Now!

Search for a subject

Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
Why do people hire me?

Search for homes in Vienna

Vienna Real Estate Guide

Note from Legal…

My clients deserve my undivided loyalty and priority scheduling. Therefore, I exclusively serve buyers and sellers with whom I have signed representation agreements.

Washingtonian Magazine Top Agent 2025 logo
This material can only be used with written permission.

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2025 Doug Francis · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in