Doug Francis | Realtor

  • Our Business
  • About Me
  • Home Sellers
  • Contact

Locking-In, Commuting, Schools, and …

May 6, 2019 By Doug Francis

Three common question I’m hearing in 2019 are:

  • When should we lock-in our rate?
  • I’m commuting to _______, how’s the commute?
  • What do you know about the school?
  • Is there shopping nearby?

Locking-in a mortgage rate

Mortgage rates dropped unexpectedly in early 2019 providing a unique opportunity for anyone who is house hunting to lock-in a long-term mortgage rate. This is really cheap money and it can really help you financially since it is a fixed expense (although taxes may go up).

You will “lock-in” your rate after you have a contract on a home.

Mortgage rates typically vary depending on your credit, but also based on the time-frame from contract to closing. Lenders want to reduce risk, so you will get a better rate if you are closer to the scheduled Settlement date.

Although that sounds simple, two problems we have in the Vienna real estate market is a lack of inventory and the cost of housing. To live here you may have to compromise since the location and overall community is so desirable.

Unless you are a risk taker, lock in your rate today.

Commuting, commuting, commuting

No one really wants to spend time in traffic, missing appointments or being late to a game.

Now, with Interstate 66 getting an overhaul, the bottlenecks are getting worse as Waze addicted drivers discover neighborhood cut throughs (which used to be my secret) and cause back ups on streets with four-way stop signs. Traffic here isn’t a new concern, it’s the drivers who are the problem.

Include a commuting element in your plan, your home buying wish list.

Absolutely understand your future commute before submitting an offer.

The school ranking isn’t an 8+

Fairfax County Public Schools are getting a little backlash from the rating systems that real estate websites assign to a school. In fact, a poor rating can impact real estate values for years.

So people are asking and asking where my own kids went to school… maybe hoping for a testimonial.

The FCPS system remains strong although class sizes remain at capacity in nearly every school I know. Langley High School is the only one with room to grow and we may see a little redistricting in McLean in the future.

Although I do share information with clients like where the French immersion program is, or IB Programs and AP High School Programs. It is food for thought and can impact your home search criteria.

Good teachers retire, schools get renovated, school rankings change.

Lifestyle: Trader Joe’s or Caffe Amouri

Shopping has always been a concern because it can impact daily quality of life.

Maybe grocery shopping is critical, or having a coffee shop that isn’t another Starbucks?

Some want a CrossFit place like The Mill on Mill Street in Vienna. Or easy access to the W&OD Trail for an after-work workout.

Each of these can be the basis for the community you want to be a part of, that defines your lifestyle getting you excited about life. Getting jump start on that lifestyle is part of my work when finding you a home.

I get that.

Let me know if you have a question about living in Vienna… I’ll answer it.

Share this with a friend...Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Living Here Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, 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 "starred" in a tech 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!

Thinking of Moving?

Let me know if you want to talk about your house and getting it ready for the market. Let me know if it's a second opinion, it's okay. Start here and let's talk.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

Privacy: Remove 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
Home project during pandemic

It’s Okay! Pretend like you’re Getting Ready to Sell

Right now, having a do-able home project may be just what you need to reduce your stress levels. 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 Vienna real estate market is always fun, but, these […]

“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 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 send me an email at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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

Logo for Washingtonian Best 2020
This material can only be used with written permission from Doug Francis, Realtor. Copyright 2020

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2021 · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Deciding where you should start is often the most complex decision when planning a move.

I help my clients achieve their real estate goals starting with a plan.

Let’s talk, and give your dream a deadline.


Please know that we don’t share your phone number, email or any other information you provide.