Not just another real estate search site
As I was doing some dougfrancis.com performance maintenance over the summer, I started reading through some of the older blog posts deep inside this blog. Part of my effort was to clean up issues that Google Webmaster Tools told me were causing Crawl errors… but, anyway, it forced me to read through some of my older blog posts. This little exercise helped me see that my blog is unique, and not... [Read full article]
A Zillow.com Poll?
Jeepers! I go out of town for a family vacation (as most of DC does in August) and come back to get an e-mail from Zillow.com (yes, that Zillow.com) that I am included in their D.C. REALTOR Blogger poll? Vote for DougFrancis.com right now Now, this might just add a little sunshine to my day if you take a minute and give me the “thumbs-up”. Thanks for your vote. By the way… my primary... [Read full article]
A Quote in MSN Money
I was surprised the other day to get a Google Alert that there was a quote attributed to me on the MSN Money site in an article by Marilyn Lewis. Back in May, I wrote a post warning home buyers to refrain from adding new credit lines before they actually “closed” on their new home. Since mortgage lenders are now running a second credit report just prior to closing (did you know that?),... [Read full article]
A Quick Blood Donation… Now a Vacation
Next to INOVA Fairfax Hospital As I get prepared for my annual summer vacation trek up to Maine and Rhode Island, one of my things-to-do is to stop by the INOVA Blood Donor Center on Woodburn Road in Annandale, VA. For the past few years, planning to go away has been a good reminder that I should walk in and spend an hour with some of the most dedicated people in the medical field. Have you donated... [Read full article]
Trimming your neighbor’s tree?
Oak Trees in Oakton, VA “Doug, these trees are wonderful!” exclaimed a client last fall as we drove along Miller Heights Road in Oakton, VA looking for a home to buy. For those of you from San Diego or Colorado, we have very large Oaks (hence “Oakton”), Maples, Sycamores, and Sweetgums that can give the impression we have forests amongst our manicured suburban landscaping. Many... [Read full article]
Town of Vienna VA Vehicle Tax?
Image by Haole Punk via Flickr If you live in the Town of Vienna, VA or anywhere in Fairfax County, then you will be paying a $33 per vehicle license tax in 2010. Motorcycles will be $18. Sorry, you won’t get a vehicle decal… Residents used to pay an annual “decal fee” until 2008 when it was abolished. The reinstatement of this tax in 2010, due to the economic downturn,... [Read full article]
1110 16th Street S. Arlington VA 22202
A nice opportunity to live in Addison Heights in one of the original duplex or side by side homes built in 1939. Overall it is in good condition and move-in ready, but it would also be perfect for someone looking to remodel a classic that is within walking distance of the Metro station at Pentagon City, shopping at the Fashion Centre, or a nice dinner at Pentagon Row. This home has a finished, walk-up... [Read full article]
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About Me
Today's Real Estate sites all show you the listings, but home buyers and sellers need real, strategic advice more than ever. You can start right here! Northern Virginia areas like Vienna, Oakton and McLean have some excellent home buys right now. My blog has plenty of insight into today's market, some practical advice, ideas to get you moving, and also a way to search for homes. I live here, know the market, and look forward to talking with you about real estate. Also search for homes totally free, see "REsources" below. Cheers! Read more.
