Jim Knows DC

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DC REAL ESTATE NEWS

Thank you for reading !

Every morning I read some of the On-line news highlights over my 1st 2 or 3 cups of coffee.  Often there is some news about how bad the housing market is or some dire prediction.

What so many consumers fail to see - and the media gets a big "F" to educate people - is that Real Estate is LOCAL.  Very local in fact.

The article this morning spoke of how home prices were terrible in places like Detroit and Vegas and was going to worse before it gets better.  Yes; we know - we have been hearing that for years now.  Sadly there are few signs of improving there.  Washington DC, however is not like most parts of the country.

In fact there most of the country are not "the norm".  I argue that there is no "norm" which you can put on housing.  Yes; we can discuss how the overall housing market in the country is bad or good; but in terms of - should I buy a home in THIS or THAT area - we cannot listen to the "National Reports".

It is sometimes difficult to educate home buyers moving from other states about the Washington DC housing market.  Since we work with many relocation clients - they don't understand our market and often end up on losing on a "good deal"; because coming from a different market - a "good deal" is something completely different.

That is why; as always - you must work with a local expert who can show you current housing data and trends.  Heck - No; I do not have a crystal ball and cannot tell you what the future will bring - however I can tell you the latest trends in one area of DC over another!  Don't just take their word for it - ask for the data.  We will show you - it's not a secret.

Just remember - when buying or selling a home - the "National News" - means very, very little to you and your current/next home.

During a Real Estate transaction there are many details which must be communicated and ironed out throughout the purchase/sale. The agents are the ones who are managing all these details and communication is key! 

Recently we were working a difficult purchase for our client. The agent on the otherside of the purchase was very difficult to communicate with. Every time we called with a question on a follow-up item or to check in on repairs,etc - we would get voicemail with no return call. Then an email would follow an hour or two later. 

So then we would start going back and forth on email, as opposed to just having a short phone conversation. Of course later in the transaction, while doing the final walk through, some issues came up. Again we go back to the phone call, email game. Why can't I just get a return call?! 

It would save so much! But alas, things did work themselves out... But it could have been much easier if we just communicated better.

Email is a great communication tool; when used properly. Great for follow-ups and summerizing a conversation; but some quick back and forth questions - pick up the phone!

On the market: Day 1

So the alarm goes off.  No snooze button today.  In fact that alarm is going off about 45 minutes earlier than usual.  Even the dog is confused as she groans and rolls over to the other side of the bed.

You see; my house is no longer just my house - it is now "a product".  So the new morning routine begins.  The bed is made.  Everything thing out of place is put away.  No dirty socks on the floor, the bathroom towels hung up perfectly, the window shades open and a couple of lights turned on.

Then we move to the kitchen, where not 1 dirty dish or glass is left, the counters are cleaned, the dishwasher run.  Then a quick vacuum, a check of the "plug ins" near the cat box and a few more lights on and pillows fluffed on the sofa just right.

WAIT - I have to clean the bathroom sick - I just saw some remnants of toothpaste !  My desk !  Things out of place.  That window; dog slobber.  The trash - emptied.

NOW...I am ready to leave the house.  Almost an hour extra this morning !

DANG - it's gonna be a long haul if I don't sell quick !