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Pavlov’s Dog or Today’s Home Buyer?

May 7, 2015 By Doug Francis

classic vienna real estate

DING! – a classic colonial

Your head is spinning and then “DING!” chimes your iPhone. It’s Zillow alerting you to a perfect four bedroom colonial in the right school district…” – radio ad

I heard a version of this ad today in my car and all I could think about was Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov who studied an unconditional response in dogs who would salivate when he rang a bell expecting food.

Probably everyone who took Psychology 101  in college discussed Pavlov’s dog.

Today, home buyers are being trained too~ DING!

A DING! today shouts “new listing” to suddenly salivating home buyers… especially in tight markets like we have here in Vienna.

Maybe you know first hand what I am talking about? You can deny it for a few seconds, but you know I’m talking to you.

You’ve been trained.

DING!

Break the cycle and discover opportunities

Candidly, I know it is tough out there if you are waiting for the next DING! to arrive… when you will hop in the car and do a quick drive-by before you call your agent.

Hey, I understand, there seems to be no way out of this trap. It’s exhausting.

But, a creative solution you have been hoping for may be right here in front of you.

In hot real estate markets, sometimes you need to take a step back and adjust your strategy.

Ready?

Don’t worry, there aren’t any bells involved. You see, when new listings hit sites like Realtor.com or Zillow, the old listings get pushed down the page, and then to page two, or to page three and then page four.

The time has come to look at those overlooked dogs that were passed over without anyone salivating… or biting.

They may not be dogs at all, but may be missing or have inaccurate, critical data. It happens.

The solution is to look at those old listings again because, after 21 days, most sellers will be considering a price adjustment.

For once, you might be ahead of the pack.

And keep in mind, now these sellers may be hoping for an offer. Really, an old-school offer!

Essentially, go back through and look at some of those older listings because they may be discussing adjusting their prices or may be eager to look at any offer. It’s so old, hey, it’s new!

In the meantime, keep your apps on and listen for your next DING!

Epilogue: Please be prepared to experience a detox-like experience after you have found a home. This is an addiction called #RealEstatePorn that will take you a few weeks to get out of your system. Clients tell me, in confidence, that they keep looking even after settlement. 

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: buyer agent, Home Buyer Tips, Vienna Virginia

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.

Helping my clients add value to their home has always been important to me. My step-by-step recommendations are intended to increase market appeal, return more then invested, and help net more when selling.

Beyond just sellers, I have helped many new homeowners make smart design decisions when remodeling. We gutted our house and totally remodeled it, and I pass that experience along because living in a nice house is simply better.

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 of Vienna 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!

Filmed in Vienna and McLean

https://youtu.be/ClqEIV1zoQg
Viva Vienna Vienna Idol event on the Town Green sponsored by Caffe Amouri

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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 clients have been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients for Fall 2022 right 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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Doug: (703) 304-6827

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

Office: 703-319-3344
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