Doug Francis Real Estate

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Let’s Review those Closing Costs Again

By Doug Francis

Good and bad

Update: Today's Washington Post (2/12) has a revised advertisement from the credit union that was the subject of this blog post, stating that they will pay $10,000 toward closing costs. Not the $100,000 that they previously advertised. ORIGINAL POST: When a real estate client came to me all pumped up because his Credit Union was offering to Continue Reading

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

When Should You Respond to Counter Offers?

By Doug Francis

DocuSign Digital Signature

There isn't anything worse than waiting for an answer. Yes or No. Come on man, just let me know! The tip that I give my Northern Virginia real estate clients is to respond to any type of offer quickly, and to take every one seriously. Speed is very powerful when negotiating. In real estate, a quick response is powerful If that answer is too Continue Reading

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: DocuSign, Home Seller Tips, negotiating, Northern Virginia, real estate, technology, tips, Vienna Virginia

Another Vienna VA Real Estate Blogger?

By Doug Francis

Bobby Carroll Dakno Marketing Real Estate Blog Review

In late 2008, the real estate market was shifting  (actually down-shifting) and I found myself with a little extra time on my hands. And so began the planning for the blog that you see today. My blog didn't happen overnight! There have been many late nights reading through real estate blogs from Phoenix, Seattle and San Diego (list to the right) Continue Reading

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Bobby Carroll, technology, tips, Vienna Virginia

Sweating the Appraisal Contingency?

By Doug Francis

real estate blog page design

Image by wallyg via Flickr Almost every real estate sale involves an appraisal contingency designed to protect the home buyer and mortgage lender from paying too much for the property. Appraisals are generated by licensed appraisers who are contracted to generate a third party's opinion, using established criteria, to determine and document Continue Reading

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: appraisal, Appraised value, Northern Virginia, real estate, tips

Will Your Real Estate Offer Make the Cut?

By Doug Francis

Side Door Vienna VA

Every home buyer tries to figure out what it will take to buy the home that they have decided to make an offer on. Determining the right price, or how much wiggle room there is, is the bottom line here for everyone from the first time buyer to the savvy investor. If you are sitting at your kitchen table pondering this question, then it is time Continue Reading

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: buyer agent, negotiating, Northern Virginia, real estate, tips

Estimating Title Insurance Costs

By Doug Francis

U S Capitol 2012

When I review estimated closing costs with home buyers, we always spend time looking at Title Insurance because it is typically one of the largest expenses on the worksheet. Since most people buying real estate are going to have a mortgage, title insurance is going to be a requirement of the lender if you want them to provide the loan. Title Continue Reading

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: buyer agent, Northern Virginia, real estate, tips, Title insurance in the United States

Real Estate Contracts Require a Termite Inspection?

By Doug Francis

Termites can cause damage to homes

Image by Editor B via Flickr Editors's Note 9/2014: This post has been edited from the original article to reflect current lender requirements.   The Northern Virginia real estate contract can require that a termite or "wood destroying insect" inspection be conducted. This election is made by the Purchaser in their offer. And, if Continue Reading

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: home buyer, Home Seller Tips, tips, Vienna Virginia

The Real Estate Consumer has changed…

By Doug Francis

Okay consumers… did you know that people buy homes differently today than ten years ago? Today’s real estate consumer has so much information available that is specific, in depth and literally on demand that it has transformed the role of the real estate agent… for the better. The way consumers get mortgage information is better too as home Continue Reading

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Add new tag, agent, buyer agent, real estate, seller, tips

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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
Why do people hire me?

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Vienna Real Estate Guide

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