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The Real Estate Brochure, too basic?

By Doug Francis

Vienna VA Realtor Brochure

Use simple bullet points

Recently, when a client was interested in putting together an offer on a particular house we had seen, he asked me if I had picked up a brochure.

“No I didn’t. Did you?”

Since neither of us had one I decided to contact the listing agent to ask her to email one over to me so I could note any updates or recent improvements to the house. It seemed like a reasonable request since the home has been on the market over 250 days and we had seen it twice.

Here was her response:

“Yeah I do not have a brochure..I am sorry..I used to do brochures back in the day but with the internet clients had no use for them…”

Um, “back in the day”… are you kidding me?

Maybe you are an experienced Internet real estate surfer, but you are probably looking for something you can hold when you check out a house in person.

Am I wrong?

Seeing a house online is only the first step. You know, when you can check out the photos, the location, local schools or local shopping. R-E-S-E-A-R-C-H!

Internet clients still want to see the house

The next step is to have your buyer agent set up a convenient time to see it when the house can be yours. Don’t wait until the Sunday open-house where three other people will be on your tail in the kitchen, bathrooms or living room. Most of those people at the open house are distractions from making one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

A good real estate brochure doesn’t have to be complicated but should include bullet points like HVAC updates, interior upgrades, kitchen information, and list community high points if possible. Walk to Whole Foods or near the W&OD Bike Trail are selling points people! No one is going to buy a home because of a fabulous brochure, but when there is a helpful list it may provide insight into the age of the roof, heating system, or something else equally important.

Get it?

Sorry for the rant, but not putting a basic piece of helpful consumer information is a costly oversight for everyone.

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: Home Seller Tips, real estate, W&OD bike trail

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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