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Perspective Impacts Local Real Estate

By Doug Francis

Beach in Lewes DelawareI went out of town over July 4th to enjoy the beach in Lewes, Delaware with the family, and accidentally observed the local real estate market and the way agents work there. Having been an agent in Northern Virginia for 19 years and seen behind the advertising/image personas (the curtain) of many real estate agents, I thought about how easily home shoppers can believe that one agent must know the local real estate market better than any other.

It was finally obvious to me since I was assuming (like most people) that those folks with the ads in those glossy magazines must be the experienced ones since they were advertising those nice properties.

But, since this wasn’t my first time in Lewes, I knew that Nick or Jack had tried to sell the place (we rented) for three years and that Skip had not yet sold the other house we had rented last year. In fact, there were signs in front of a number of homes that had been there for a couple of years. Jeepers, was I the only one noticing that this market was totally different than mine?

This got me thinking about my area where I live and the perception home buyers coming to work with me  looking at real estate in Vienna, VA must come with. From the looks of it based on MRIS statistics, there really isn’t any one agent who stands-out commanding 5% of the market here but there are some agents who work with local builders who get there signs up longer than 90 days because, on average, the typical real estate sign is up far less time than 90 days in 2010. (That’s because our homes sell.)

So I arrived in Lewes applying the same Northern Virginia perspective, but, after a few days of R&R, the true picture of their local real estate market surfaced. What I am driving at is that I learned something about how I need to educate my buyer clients who are relocating from California, Florida or New York so they have a clear perspective of my our real estate market. And a key part for me is understanding what they see back home… for me to understand their perspective!

Real Estate in Northern Virginia is in high demand because there are well paying jobs here with businesses that are expanding or moving here from other parts of the country. Yes, Washington DC is 12 minutes away, Dulles International Airport is a major international airport, and Virginia is a pro-business state. Plus there are exceptional hospitals, a big tourist industry and more. These are key factors that power our local Northern Virginia real estate market.

So, to understand any real estate market, it is essential the home buyers get a clear perspective of what impacts local real estate values. Let’s since down and talk about your plans, goals and perceptions of Northern Virginia real estate.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Random Musings, Real estate broker/agent, Vienna Virginia, 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!

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

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