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Some Home Selling Tips

December 1, 2010 By Doug Francis

Maple Ave and W&OD Intersection Vienna VA

There is a stoplight where the W&OD Trail crosses Rt. 123 in Vienna, VA

Northern Virginia home sellers need to understand how current home buyers are searching and finding their next home. In fact, anyone preparing their home to sell can achieve a lot over the next month or two to get their house prepared for those “picky buyers” who will emerge from the “holiday season trance” come 12:01 a.m. on 1/1.

A blog post on the use of technology including QR Codes (Quick Response) and Smartphone Apps generated some interesting discussions from believers and non believers. Understanding today’s real estate consumer is a challenge because behaviors can change quickly and meeting their expectations is the key to success. And today’s home buyers are starting their searches online at home (or work) but are also doing home searches on the fly using Google driven Android phones, Apple iPhones or iPads.

Northern Virginia home buyers are using the Smartphone apps

Yes, the condo did sell for 99% of the list price to a buyer who found the property online, looked through the clear photos and then called his agent. It was his agent who put together the 26 page NVAR Sales Contract including a Home Inspection Contingency and FHA Addendum. Like I have mentioned before, finding a home is the easy part thanks to the Internet and the search apps out there, but the next step of completing the offer, inspections, appraisal, mortgage, cost estimates and final closing is where having experienced real estate agent adds value.

Here are some tips for Northern Virginia home sellers preparing for the market:

  • Use the winter months to complete major projects (at least 30 days)
  • Understand the importance of the online photos
  • Try a home search online yourself, then load a free app on your Smartphone
  • Consult with me as early as possible to develop a plan of action

Most home buyers know the drill of what works online and what isn’t. In my opinion, most Vienna VA real estate buyers aren’t sitting through poor quality YouTube videos where some Realtor is sauntering through a house making off-the-cuff comments like “these are great hardwood floors” and then “this is a great kitchen upgrade”. Or are you? I bet you will look at 30 creative photos but not a 5 minute YouTube clip… Oprah’s house is the exception.

If I was planning to sell my home then I would be paying attention, let’s talk today.

See an interesting mention at Huffington Post in “Around the Web” of this post! (yes, I think it’s cool)

Related articles
  • Real Estate Apps meet the Mobile Web (dougfrancis.com)
  • House Hunting Fiction? (dougfrancis.com)
  • Things You Should Know Before Moving to Northern Virginia (dougfrancis.com)
  • Buyer Beware: 6 Types of Sellers Who Don’t Have to Disclose Home’s Flaws (walletpop.com)
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Filed Under: Blog, Home Seller Tips, Video Blogs Tagged With: 22180, Home Seller Tips, iPad, Northern Virginia, real estate, technology, Vienna Virginia

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he "starred" in a tech commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Being able to guide my clients through many real estate sales, either moving out, moving in, or just across town, has been a rewarding experience that helps when discussing a plan with a future client.

Being able to help them focus and understand our proven sales plan always eases their anxiety of this looming personal task. And, putting it into bite-sized steps always helps them get where they really want to be.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the town tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. 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 have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing ~ and my marketing starts here. My elite clientele has been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients now.

Thanks for reading... and feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or send me an email at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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Doug: (703) 304-6827

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

Office: 703-319-3344
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