Buy & Sell

OWNER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

At Gordon James Realty, we know finding the right property management firm to entrust with your investments is a critical process that’s bound to provoke questions. We’ve compiled the answers to the ones our prospective clients most often pose to help make your search a bit easier and give you a feel for the comprehensive services we offer. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us by e-mail or phone at 202-800-2610.

Buy & Sell

Yes, at Gordon James Realty all members of our team are licensed in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland. As licensed agents we understand and follow all applicable laws and be well versed in the practical aspects of buying and selling properties, including marketing, contract enforcement and negotiation. When you hire Gordon James, you can rest assured that your interests are represented with qualified, experienced professionals.
We purchase and sell properties for many types of clients, from seasoned property investors who own dozens of properties or mixed use commercial properties to individual homeowners. Our specialty is legacy clients - beginning with the purchase or sale of their properties and continuing to serve them for all their real estate needs. A crucial part of the decision to sell is determining the state of current market conditions. That’s where our team comes in. We can create a detailed comparative market analysis for your property to help you make a decision.
As Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland’s premier real estate firm, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality professional service to clients. Our approach always focuses on the client first. Our continued commitment to the evolution of our business and the knowledge of our team allows us to be thought leaders in the industry. To that end, we always employ cutting-edge industry technology, while relying on proven systems, data and effective marketing techniques to ensure our clients get the most money for their property while minimizing days on market. We want our clients to sleep well, knowing that we’re providing all needed services. Our vetted network of vendors allow you to pay less to get your property ready to list and ensure you spend less on any repairs that come up during the home inspection phase of the process. We understand federal laws, as well as those in each jurisdiction we serve, ensuring your investment is protected. We also want clients to get the highest possible return on their investments. We leverage our knowledge of the local market and extensive network of contacts.
Our customized approach, responsiveness, reliance on technology and expertise mean you can relax and reap the rewards of selling your home with a brokerage you can trust. When you partner with Gordon James, you put yourself in a position to maximize the profit of your home, while selling it at the fastest pace possible. We have a carefully vetted network of vendors and contractors available to provide high-quality service at a low price. Our team of highly skilled contractors handles renovations large and small.

Gordon James Realty always provides insightful feedback to sellers, recommending and coordinating what they should and shouldn’t do as part of the home inspection. Leveraging a vast network of industry professionals to help review, assess and perform home inspection related repairs at an average cost savings of 23%. Our GJ Mint program allows you to pay zero up front costs for repairs that may arise during the sale of your property.
Our team places an emphasis on responsiveness and proactive communication. We outline next steps and important information to ensure you have clarity on the process every step of the way. Once your property is listed, we communicate on a regularly scheduled basis, based on your preference, to keep you informed on the activities surrounding the sale.
Standard brokerage commissions paid by sellers range from 2.5% - 3% to the buyer’s agent and 3% to the listing agent. Gordon James Brokerage preferred package -- previously only available to institutional investors -- is now available to current residential clients. As a valued property management client, you're eligible for preferred pricing.
Our Gordon James Mint service fronts the cost of services that can increase the value of your home. From staging to painting to cosmetic renovations, no payment will be collected until your home sells. No upfront cost, no interest charged ever.
The Gordon James Brokerage preferred package -- previously only available to institutional investors -- is now available to current clients. If you utilized our company for any other real estate services, as a valued client, you're eligible for preferred pricing.
We've already worked with hundreds of clients to sell their tenant occupied properties. With our extensive experience in tenant relationships, we help to negotiate with your residents to ensure a favorable outcome for all parties. DC in particular has laws such as The Tenant Opportunity To Purchase Act that can complicate the sales process. Our agents have had extensive training in the navigation of these laws so we can help to make the complicated process of selling your rental property seamless.
The days on market depend on multiple factors, including the size, location, overall condition, asking price compared to similar properties in the neighborhood, and the time of year. While it is impossible to predict exactly how long it will take, we do everything possible to quickly find well-qualified buyers.

Gordon James Realty provides owners with a comparative market analysis and uses it to help owners arrive at a competitive sales price that maximizes returns and minimizes vacancy. We may also recommend repairs that will improve the property’s appeal. Our services include comprehensive, professional advertising campaigns that market properties on multiple websites, ensuring they get maximum exposure. So, though we recommend property owners allow four to six weeks to get the property ready to list and ultimately go under contract, the process usually takes far less time. Once you’ve accepted an offer, the typical close time frame is 30-45 days.
The date overwhelmingly says yes. Stats show that staging your property leads to faster property sales and higher offer prices. Premier staging allows potential buyers to picture themselves in the home, shows unique layouts as usable spaces, and highlights the best features while distracting from its flaws. We have vetted staging vendors for you to choose from and our team will provide you with multiple quotes and staging packages to choose from.
As part of our standard service, we will provide an in-depth comparative market analysis to aid in setting a list price for your property. We will recommend a sales price based on current market conditions, comparable properties that sold in the area, our current portfolio of properties, the amenities of the property, and its as-is condition. Additionally, we are able to recommend repairs and improvements that would increase your return and manage contractors to perform the work. Effectively marketing your property hinges on competitive pricing and having the property in the best possible condition.
Closings costs will vary, but sellers and buyers in DC can expect to pay between 3 and 5% of the total sales price. As part of our service, you will receive a detailed net proceeds calculator that allows you to determine expected closings costs.