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Vienna Home Blog Weekly Wrap

By Doug Francis

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There hasn’t been a week when I haven’t had an opportunity to share an old blog post with a current client or friend. And sometimes the analytical WordPress Plugin that I use (Lijit) shows me a post that gets read often. What is cool about this Plugin is that I see the term that was Googled and a link back to Google where my post matched the inquiry.

It’s kind of geeky but pretty cool.

But the Vienna Home Blog Weekly Wrap is going to be a regular post to help readers discover a few posts that are still relevant to today’s Internet searchers.

Yes, good content survives and is appreciated by new readers… and new comments are good too!

Home Inspection Reports Really Matter

This is a post that I wrote after a buyer’s Home Inspector gave him a hand written report that looked circa 1993 (okay, like crap). The home inspectors that I recommend use digital photography and generate clear online reports that easily show the issue which may be in a crawl space under a sink.

The purpose of the report is to be clear and digital photos or reports that are pdf’s are easy to see, understand, and present to a seller. A picture of a pool of water under the hot water heater is a good example… when did you last look at your hot water heater?

Read the full post here.

House Hunting Fiction?

I have always joked with clients about HGTV following us around like they do on House Hunters. There is always an HGTV moment that is funny… and always an inside joke. But when The Washington Post wrote about the “behind the scenes” of House Hunters in DC, a smile came across my face.

What? They buy the property and then shoot the episode?

Read the full post here.

Estimating Title Insurance Costs

If you are going to be buying a home then you will be buying Title Insurance at the settlement table. It is typically one of the largest expenses on the HUD-1 Settlement Sheet, but like many expenses it is hard to find out how it is calculated. Also, most home buyers want to know why they need it in the first place?

Here is my magic formula to calculate an estimate.

Fireworks Return to Vienna VA July 4th 2011

When the Town of Vienna shifted the location of the annual July 4th fireworks show to Southside Park, it was news to me. Where the heck is Southside Park in Vienna VA?

Read the full post here.

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: HGTV, home inspection, Vienna 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, many of those great neighbors have retired and I was able to help them take that next step smoothly.

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 help clients get organized helping maximize the value for today’s home buyer. 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?

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Termite in 2x4

A required termite inspection in your sales contract?

Updated for 2025 Yes, a termite inspection clause is part of the standard Northern Virginia real estate sales contract. You need to keep in mind, this inspection needs to be done within 90 days prior to Settlement. Last week, I received a question via email from an upset seller who had just been told that […]

“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

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

Office: 703-319-3344
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