This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Adam Gallegos of Arlington-based real estate firm Arbour Realty, voted one of Arlington Magazine’s Best Realtors of 2013. Please submit follow-up questions in the comments section or via email.
Q. What’s going on with these “Coming Soon” signs? In my neighborhood, there’s one that has been saying that for more than a month, another that said that for about two weeks before saying “For Sale,” and another that was “Under Contract” in less than a week without going to “For Sale.” Is this some new marketing gambit? I assume you don’t use my name or email if you answer on ARLnow?
I want to assure you and anyone else that sends me a question… I will not use your name or any other identifying information in my articles.
In order to explain the “coming soon” phenomena, I need to discuss days on market (DOM). Once your listing goes live in the multiple listing service (MLS), it starts collecting DOM. As this number increases, it decreases the perceived value of the home. Potential buyers start to assume it is overpriced and/or something is wrong with it. Instead of being a hot new property that buyers will clamor and compete for, it starts to attract low-ball offers. Leverage in the negotiation essentially shifts from the seller to the buyer.
By marketing a home as coming soon, the agent can generate interest in the property and maybe even a contract, prior to gaining a single DOM in the MLS. Agents generate interest with a coming soon sign in the front yard and grassroots marketing through their website and personal network.
This strategy is particularly prevalent this time of year. A homeowner may have interest in selling as soon as possible, but does not want to risk exposing the home to more days on market during the slower real estate season. There is a house in my neighborhood that has been coming soon since November. My expectation is that it will go active some time this month as real estate activity kicks into a higher gear.
The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARLnow.com.
Recent Stories
The “nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant” is coming to Arlington. Atlanta-based Chicken Salad Chick is set to open a location in Arlington next spring, a spokesperson tells ARLnow….
Yet another traveler has tried to bring yet another gun onto a flight at Reagan National Airport. The Transportation Security Administration says it confiscated a loaded .380 caliber handgun from…
Get ready for some Metro construction disruptions. Four Orange Line stations will close starting this Saturday, June 3 through Sunday, June 25, to allow for replacement of four-decade-old steel rails….
Arlington Library App Updated — “Beginning May 30, 2023, Arlington County residents and Library patrons can download an updated Arlington Public Library app from the Apple Appstore and Google Play…
The 44th Leeway Overlee Community Day and Yard Sale will be along the John Marshall Drive/Ohio Street greenway on Saturday, June 3 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The community will be out in force to exchange information and greetings, sell unneeded household items, and pick up a few bargains.
About 100 families set up tables for the festivities, which take place along the six-block stretch of the greenway from near Langston Blvd. to Washington Blvd. Attendance is free, but a $10 fee will be collected from individuals and families selling household items during the event. Ensure that all goods and rubbish are removed from the greenway by 1 p.m. Leave dogs at home.
For more info, call 703-532-6101. If planning to sell, start labeling your items for sale NOW! Event will take place as long as there is not active rain. Rain date is June 10.
36TH FESTIVAL ARGENTINO
ARLINGTON JUNE 3RD, 2023
Sat, June 3rd I 3:30 pm / Shows 5:50 pm I Kenmore Auditorium I Glencarlyn
The 36th Festival Argentino USA celebrates Argentine Day and Cultural Freedom. The folkloric group Los 4 de Córdoba and 25 more artists from Argentina, World, and Solidarity Tribute, 200 years of friendship between USA and Argentina!.
Homebuying 101: Steps to Getting Pre-Approved
Are you ready to jump into homeownership or started considering it but don’t know where to start? Financial preparation is key when thinking about purchasing your first home and the first step to getting pre-approved.
Join ACFCU’s mortgage loan officers
4th of July Celebration & Fireworks
Treat yourself this Independence Day with a world-class, private 4th of July extravaganza at the Military Women’s Memorial – a premier National Capital Region site.
Great food, fun, and the best views of Washington DC’s spectacular fireworks display. Relax, enjoy,
