Bristow-Gainesville Real Estate News & Opinion

Working with What I've Already UploadedAt the moment, I am fighting frustration on top of what was already a dip into depression.  The holidays are emotional.  They bring some great memories, and some not so great memories.  They bring the chance to celebrate with friends and family....but wait, ...

When a Buyer Finds "The One," There is No Stopping ThemThe year 2020 has been one of the most intense seller's markets ever.  In fact, having been licened since 2005, I can honestly say, I have never seen another market like this one.  The demand for housing is out of control.  Sellers were reluc...

A Very Cheap Insurance Policy for Every Listing AgentYesterday I was reminded of why I insist on making duplicate key copies for my listings.  Obviously, I always get a copy for the lockbox, but I also make a copy to keep at my desk.  When sellers ask why, I tell them that the minute I don't make...

Sending Out Christmas CardsSending out my Christmas cards to past clients, friends and family this year I am feeling a lot more joy than I normally would while doing the task.  Maybe it is the very strained year with the pandemic that is making me appreciate my relationships more, or maybe that I...

Just Having a Back Up Plan Alleviates PressureYet again, for the umpteenth time in my career as a Bristow/Gainesville real estate agent, the words temporary housing came up today.  No seller ever enters the market, with the plans to move up and downsize, thinking they will have to move twice.  Th...

It's Not Christmas Without Sugar CookiesThe other night I watched a Christmas cookie challenge or two on a cooking show.   The level to which these folks would go for Christmas cookie perfection was something else.  Made me feel like a slacker.  Then again, I don't have the tools of the trade to ...

The Sellers Should Not Be Making This Much MoneyEvery once in a while, a buyer emerges that truly has no appreciation for other people's real estate appreciation.  They will look at public records and obsess over what a seller paid for a home back in 1950, and then bellyache they are not going to...

Another Day in the Life of a Centreville Listing AgentStarting this week, it looked as though a few of my deals that were slotted to close were having delays.  No one likes a delay, but delays are minor problems.  If a buyer can still close, but a lender needs more time, generally it is not a big...

The MLS is a Powerful ToolAny top producing real estate agent knows how to do quick investigations using the MLS.  Early on in my career when I would sit as the floor agent in the office, I would get callers with not nearly enough information on properties wanting more information.  I quickly lea...

Does Your Agent Understand the Advantage of a Back Up Offer?  Not every real estate agent in the Bristow-Gainesville marketplace understands the value in being a ratified back up offer.  That goes for both listing and buyer agents.  The sad thing is that whenever there is a real estate agent with...