Doug Francis Real Estate

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Mobile Apps from Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com

Vienna home search 2016If you don’t believe that every home buyer is looking at homes on the Internet these days, then switch hats for a minute and plan to find your retirement home in… Miami!

I bet you will start with the Internet.

These are the most visited sites…

  • Zillow
  • Trulia
  • Realtor.com

Today’s home buyers live on their smartphones, and mobile-ready real estate apps are easy to use by anyone familiar with scrolling through an iPhone.

You see, they have captured the essence of the experience using the photos, maps, school. And added lifestyle information too.

Real Estate Apps are an Addiction

These apps are free and most buyers have three at any given time…

  • Zillow
  • Trulia
  • Realtor.com
  • Redfin
  • Homesnap
  • HomeFinder.com
  • Estately
  • Sotheby’s International Realty (Luxury)

If you are a client, then know your home will be on these sites. And over 100 more too!

Zillow is an Advertising platform only

These apps are great opportunities for advertisers and vendors to interact with consumers especially after trust and confidence are established through the app. I have seen it especially when people get addicted to the “ding” alert of a new listing in their profile.

Clients have called in a frenzy… weeks after negotiating a contract and possibly already moved in but unable to delete their real estate apps.

Zillow isn’t a real estate brokerage, but a web site designed for advertising mortgages, insurance and real estate agents. In many Zip codes, real estate agents pay $1,000 or more monthly to be listed a “Premiere Agent” to gain visibility next to listings that are not theirs giving the appearance of authority in a particular market.  It is highly profitable and you can buy Zillow (Z) shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Like most web sites facing consumers, mortgage companies and insurance companies advertise heavily to capture leads. Do you really want someone to capture you and sell you to the highest bidder? Probably not.

Consumers can also fall for advertising as credible from mortgage lenders or unscrupulous lead generation software – yes, AI, Artificial Intelligence. And yes, real estate agents are lurking too.

So, to effectively market your home to the most active consumers in the market, then your house must be available to all these apps. And I put it all there.

(Yes, I may be critical of the system, like Zillow’s “New Rules of Real Estate” but we have to pay to be where consumers are spending their time.)


Let’s Get More In Depth:

  • Digital Signatures

  • MRIS

  • Zillow Value Estimate vs. RPR Value Estimate

  • Home Inspections & Radon Inspections

  • Sotheby’s Lifestyle Websites

  • What is My Home Worth?

  • Facebook Marketing

  • Open Houses

  • Negotiation

  • 3D Tours & Floor Plans

 

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

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Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

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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!

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Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

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

Office: 703-319-3344
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