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When Should You Respond to Counter Offers?

By Doug Francis

The Waiting Room (documentary)

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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 vague and you need just a little more structure, then maybe these guidelines will help:

  • in by 10:00 a.m then respond by noon
  • in by 1:00 p.m. then respond by 5:00 p.m.
  • in after 6:00 p.m. then waiting until 9:00 a.m. is okay (you can sleep on it)
  • Communicate if there is a delay… and stick to that time frame

Problems happen when an offer comes in and then one party doesn’t respond back in a reasonable amount of time. In the Cold War days, it was acceptable to be a slow responder like if you were behind the Iron Curtain or if you were on the QE2 sailing to Sydney.

Here is the warning: When the submitting party has to wait,  festering begins. Are they “shopping my offer?” they ask. Are they using it to “leverage some other offer?” they ask. “Did they even get our offer?” they ask. Recently, clients negotiating on a house in Vienna broke off negotiations because the seller was dragging his feet and they, justifiably, were insulted.

DocuSign Digital SignatureToday it is just too easy to respond quickly using secure digital signatures on any laptop or iPad. A few years ago I started to use DocuSign after a client couldn’t fax his paperwork to me from Austin. This service alone has helped my clients respond quickly in competitive situations, and it actually comes across as much more professional considering so many companies have adopted digital signatures too.

DocuSign uses e-mail to secure your signature and “the cloud” to merge the completed document then delivering it back to me. Even if you are in your office in McLean, it is so easy that you will be able to respond instantly.

Remember, respond to real estate offers quickly for the best results.

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

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“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
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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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Doug: (703) 304-6827

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

Office: 703-319-3344
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