Doug Francis Real Estate

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

On Veterans Day 2010

By Doug Francis

Fredercksburg VA National Battlefield

Fredericksburg National Battlefield

One thing about being a real estate agent is that my clients come from different professional backgrounds. Since Northern Virginia abuts Washington D.C. and is home to The Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and much more, there are plenty of veterans that I come in contact with in the real estate business.

On Veterans Day, these veterans pop into my mind:

  • A Navy Admiral introduced me to “Five Guys Burgers & Fries” in Arlington in 1999
  • A former POW who had been in the Hanoi Hilton was a home inspector I used a decade ago
  • A retired Air Force pilot told me about flying F-111’s low over a lake in Canada
  • A client used the Internet to search for homes, when he was stationed in Afghanistan
  • A Naval Reserve Supply Corps officer had to put off house hunting when he received orders to report to duty…  on Monday
  • While in Newport, RI at the Naval War College, a client broke his back playing volleyball. He retired as a Captain 20 years later
  • During Vietnam, a local home inspector was a medic

    USS Compton DD-705 Doc Francis High Line

    Doc Francis on high line Photo: Carl Ericson

  • An agent friend flew F-4 Phantoms in Vietnam
  • During the Korean War, my father left Newport on the USS Compton DD-705
  • Some friends are just about to move for the third time in five years (they have three boys)
  • When dropping off a client at the Pentagon, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter took off next to my car
  • I have seen many Tiki Bars in the basements of WW II vets (see South Pacific)
  • My neighbor flew DC-3’s over the Burmese Hump during WW II and holds the Chinese Air Force Red Star.
  • A client in the Navy now flies senior staff in a G-V around the world
  • A client was a tank driver in Bosnia
  • Another became the chief of a ground crew for a AC-130 gunship in Bosnia at 20
  • And another was left behind, accidentally, in Bosnia and had to catch up to his unit
  • A friend who bought and sold three homes, a Vietnam vet who then worked at NSA,  passed away recently and will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery

There is much more to come…

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Hanoi Hilton, Northern 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?

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?

Case Studies

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
Staged kitchen for real estate marketing

Here’s my home seller checklist… imagine you’re Getting Ready to Sell

Getting started is the hardest part for many clients. My Vienna home seller checklist will help you get the ball rolling today.

“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!

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

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