Home Sales Advice: 3 Minutes with Lynne Austin from LVA Homes

Lynne Austin shares her favorite thing about selling homes in Virginia and what sets her apart from other real estate agents.

Patch: What’s the best piece of sales advice you’ve ever been given?

Lynne: Every transaction and client is different. Be flexible, humble, and know when to ask for help.Patch: What is your morning routine? I jump out of bed and get ready for the day, check email, touch base with clients and new contacts, review what I need to accomplish, and head out running!

Patch: What’s the best thing about selling homes in your area?

Lynne: The people I get to meet and help while enjoying the beautiful views of Loudoun County.

Patch: What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you when showing a house?

Lynne: Twice, I ran into men in their underwear...it’s not a profession for the faint of heart.

Patch: How’s the market in town these days?

Lynne: In Northern Virginia, the market is always active. We live in a transient area and there are always Buyers and Sellers.

Patch: What is your favorite part about working the real estate industry?

Lynne: The people I get to help, the peers I get to network with and the flexibility and unpredictability of the day.

Patch: What sets one real estate broker apart from another? And how are you unique?

Lynne: I have lived in Northern Virginia for over 23 years. Not many Agents can say that. Additionally, I am not a high pressure Agent. I do this because I want to and I will work at whatever pace you need to in order to ensure you make the right move.

Patch: What’s your advice to someone who’s looking to a buy a new home right now?

Lynne: Most buyers I meet are hesitant to talk to a Realtor and want to try and manage the process themselves. It is important that a buyer understands that Professional Real Estate Services are free to them in Virginia. There are so many laws, regulations and contingencies to manage in the process, I can not imagine why anyone would try to do this alone. Buyers Agents can also recommend other Professionals to assist in the process. The first step you should take is to find an Agent you feel comfortable working with. The next is to find a Loan Officer who can help you understand the many types of financing and how much home you can afford. You Agent can suggest several Lenders for your to Interview.

Patch: What advice would you give to someone trying to sell his or her house?

Lynne: Most Sellers people are attached emotionally to their homes. Although this is their “HOME”, they need to detach themselves and look at it as a commodity. We need to neutralize and depersonalize. Remember Most Buyers want move in ready -they do want to paint red walls. Many homes need to perform a de-clutter process so potential Buyers can focus on the house and not have to look past a sellers accumulation of “things”. Packing and storing some of your belongings may be recommended. Sellers have to try and see the house through the Buyers eyes. I also advise that this is one of the most stressful things they will do in life. A Ratified Contract is not the end of the Negotiating. In addition to a Home Inspection, they need to keep in mind that there are numerous Contingencies to work through. Its my job to walk them through these and make the transition as seamless as possible.

Patch: How can readers contact you?

Lynne: By email at Lynne@LVAHomes.com or online at www.LVAHomes.com.