Doug Francis Real Estate

  • Meet Doug
  • How I Sell Your Home
  • Case Studies
  • Let’s Connect

A better perspective

By Doug Francis

Narragansett Beach Rhode Island

Decompressing in Narragansett
dougfrancis on Instagram

As the summer winds down, it is time to get back to work after summer vacation and many cups of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. And it is also time to reflect on lessons learned while on “holiday” in New England.

No matter where you maybe when you are a Realtor, people love to talk about real estate. Everyone has a story and I have learned to listen with an open mind since each real estate market is unique, has its own frustrations, and wishful thinking. And when I chime in with recent experiences in the Vienna real estate market, they always comment on how lucky I am to work where there is so much activity.

People love to talk “real estate”

While I was walking down the beach in Rhode Island with a childhood friend who lives north of Boston, he told me that they had “had” their home on the market but didn’t even have any low-ball offers, so, they decided to take it off the market. It was apparent that the house is now too big and they can downsize, but one of their biggest issues is the annual property taxes. “They are ridiculous!” my buddy exclaimed. When I discussed our real estate tax rate in Fairfax County Virginia, and the extra Town of Vienna real estate tax, it was obvious that my taxes are less than half of what he paid.

Another childhood friend that I spoke with on the beach now lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and has been a real estate broker there for fifteen years. Steamboat has a reputation as a fantastic ski resort which means there are plenty of “second home” home buyers and sellers. His comment that he was bummed out because he had become a broken record with his clients, repeating “you need to adjust the price” every time they spoke. It seems that the luxury second home market there has been a little slow over the past two years. When I discussed how the real estate market has been stable here and that the inventory of homes for sale in Vienna has dropped primarily because employment remains strong, it was obvious that we were talking about two completely different markets.

When I was in York Harbor, Maine staying with some friends overnight while on a trip to pick my children up at camp, the real estate discussion came up once again. It seems that there was much more activity along the Maine coast than there had been over the past couple of years. Now I didn’t dig too deep but concluded that prices had dropped and those summer homes were now attractively priced. Clients relocating to Northern Virginia often ask me about prices suffering a big drop, but with demand here strong it isn’t the case especially near Tysons Corner or Reston which are large employment centers.

Take a look at the “average” sold price of a home in the Town of Vienna Virginia:

Taking a look at this chart, as an outsider, you probably think that I made this up on my iPad. Understanding and interpreting what I have seen is where my input helps my clients most when they are relocating to Northern Virginia.

Another benefit for me (of vacation) is getting an understanding of other real estate markets like someone trying to understand my market – it gives me a better perspective on how I communicate with my clients. It all helps me help you better!

Well, it is good to be back with fresh energy and creative ideas after reading some good books that got my mind working. And yes, I miss my beach in Rhode Island but know it will be there next year when I return to recharge.

 

Related articles
  • The Summer Shift – Real Estate
  • Vienna Bakery Bake-off
  • Afraid of Delaying your Closing?

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: real estate, 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, 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

Continue Reading

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

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!

Search for a subject

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?

Search for homes in Vienna

Vienna Real Estate Guide

This material can only be used with written permission.

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2025 Doug Francis · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in