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help you Testimonials from my clients
Dear Lola,
We would like to thank you for all of your work selling our home and helping us find the perfect new home. From our initial meeting to discuss selling our house through the closing of our new home, you were responsive and dedicated to helping us.
On the first day we met you, we were impressed with your enthusiasm, as well as your professionalism and breadth of knowledge regarding real estate. When we requested our house go on the market two short weeks after our initial meeting, you were able to meet our needs. In two weeks the pictures were done, brochures were made and the house was on the market. You also went the extra mile and brought in a designer to give helpful staging ideas. Thanks to your help and expertise, even in a tough market, our house was sold in eleven days! You then professionally negotiated complicated seller requests and were there to support us throughout the selling process to closing.
Having sold our home, our next journey together was the search for a new home. We scoured all of Fairfax County in search for the perfect home. On 90 degree days and in torrential downpours, from Falls Church, to Oakton, to Fairfax Station, to Clifton and finally to Mantua in Fairfax, you were always patient, positive, energetic and understanding of our needs. Thanks to you, we did find our new home and are settling in and enjoying home ownership in Mantua. Just as you did when we sold our home, you worked extremely hard behind the scenes to negotiate the difficult demands of the other parties involved.
Again, we really appreciate all you have done for us over the past several months. Also please thank Susan for all of her hard work and support as well. You both were not only professional, but also easy to work with and very personable. We recommend you highly to anyone thinking of buying or selling their home. You are truly top notch!!
Sincerely,
Caryn and Jeff F.
Barcroft Woods
Dear Prospective Home Seller,
After a series of brutal blizzards in 2009 it became apparent that my 82-year-old mother could no longer stay in her home of 45 years in Barcroft Woods. She was having more and more difficulty climbing stairs and the overall upkeep of the house and property was becoming impossible. My siblings and I resolved that this would be the last winter my mother would spend alone in Virginia and we would find her an apartment in New York where all of us now live. My mother asked me to call Lola LeCraw at Weichert because she had seen her signs in the neighborhoold and had heard that she was one of the best realtors in the area.
When my mother and I met with Lola in March of 2010, I was feeling overwhelmed about the amount of work that would have to be done to the house in order to make this move happen. My mother was a collector and borderline hoarder. Every room was completely overtaken with piles and piles of stuff, some of it quite valuable and some of it just junk. It seemed like a Herculean task considering that none of us lived nearby in Virginia. Lola was able to relieve me of this worry when she said that all we had to do was put aside the things we wanted for my mother and ourselves and that everything else could go in an estate sale. Lola arranged for us to meet with two different estate sale companies and after consulting with her, we picked "Four Sales" who did an amazing job of selling my mother's trash and treasures.
The bones of the house were good but the interior was in poor shape - rooms that hadn't been painted for decades, stained and peeling wallpaper, mold, damaged wood floors and ancient fixtures and appliances. Lola advised us against selling the house "as-is" because it would lower the value of the house by several hundred thousand in the current depressed real estate market. This was the best advice we could have gotten and she set about finding us great people to undertake all of the repairs. If a company that she had used in the past didn't provide the service that she demanded, she quickly found a replacement. She was always mindful of getting the best work for the best price for all the repairs.
What I loved the most about working with Lola was her accessibility and attention to detail. She was always prompt to return phone calls and she was constantly updating me about the progress of the repairs and anything else that related to the sale of the house. She thought of things that needed to be done that would never have occurred to me but in the end made a huge difference to how the house would show.
Although I was the point person for most of the business decisions about the sale of the house, Lola made frequent calls to my mother to keep her updated and to see how she was settling in to her new life in Brooklyn. When my mother had a serious fall in October, Lola immediately sent her a lovely gift basket in the hospital. Lola is a genuinely warm and caring person and that came through every time we talked about my mother and her situation after the fall.
When I finally saw the pictures of the house after all of the renovations, I was floored. It looked almost brand new! In addition to overseeing all the work to get it to that stage, Lola had hired a stager at her expense who added wonderful touches to show off certain areas of the house.
The house went on the market in October and Lola worked tirelessly to set up open houses and call back any prospective buyers. I am happy to say that the house went to contract in early January and we got a great price that more than made up for the money we had to spend to fix up the house. Lola is such a pleasure to deal with that I almost feel sad not to chat with her on a regular basis. Her assistant Susan was also a wonderful asset. In conclusion, Lola LeCraw is an amazing realtor who knows this area and market and will work tirelessly for you to sell your house.
Sincerely,
Carol B. Brooklyn, NY
Barcroft Woods
Lola is the best realtor I have ever known. My wife and I met her by chance 15 years ago when we walked into an open house she was holding. We immediately felt comfortable with her, and asked her to help us find a house. With her help we found a very nice place to live and subsequently, also with her help, sold that house and bought and sold yet another. We have maintained a friendly relationship over the years, even when not buying or selling a house.
Our most recent sale was during this current slow market. We felt confident she would do a good job and were not disappointed. She put together a fantastic color brochure and effectively advertised across several media. In the end, we were very happy with the result.
I give Lola LeCraw my wholehearted recommendation for anyone buying or selling a house in Northern Virginia.
James J. MD
Dear Sir or Madam,
We are writing to extend our appreciation for the services of Lola LeCraw and her team at Weichert.
They have consistently provided ArchiBuild LC with efficient and professional real estate acquisitions, sales, and advice.
We look forward to doing future business with them. Do not hesitate to use us as a reference.
Sincerely,
Tito Cortes, Managing Member, ArchiBuild LC
703-924-5800
ArchiBuild, LC - Architecture, Building, Masonry
Dear Lola,
I became aware of you soon after I moved to Lafayette Village in Annandale in 1994. I said to myself then, "If I ever move I'm going to call Lola, she gets it done." I've watched your signs go up through the years quickly topped by "sold" signs.
Well, thirteen years later I did give you a call and I couldn't be happier with the results. I called you on a Friday night thinking I had found the home of my dreams and not only did you answer the phone, but you set an appointment to meet with me that Sunday. Although that house did not end up being "the one," you were patient while I did find the home I wanted. Of course I found it before mine was on the market...
My lender told me, "Do whatever your agent says to get the house sold." You were diplomatic but right on with your staging suggestions. Your contacts for painting and carpet cleaner contractors were great and able to accommodate me quickly. We had a contract in 33 days which I felt was fairly miraculous in this "challenging" market.
You and your staff were always available either by phone or e-mail. I always felt like I could talk to you if I needed to. Your expertise was essential in both the negotiation of my new Reston home as well as the sale of my Annandale townhouse. For sale by owner? - at your own risk! I say...call Lola!!
Thanks again for your help!
Ann S.
Dear Prospective Homeseller or Buyer,
Last week we went to settlement on the third house we have sold through Lola LeCraw. This time it was our primary residence and a major move for us after over 30 years in the area.
Lola's knowledge, expertise, reputation and enthusiasm are legendary. She can be trusted completely. She told us what our house should sell for, and instructed us as to what we needed to do to get that price. No detail was too small. She even gave us decorating hints and provided potted plants where they were needed. She had a list of recommended contractors so we didn't have to worry about whom to hire. When one contractor did not do a good job, she insisted that he come to the house and make everything right, at no further cost to us. She was always available to answer any question, knowledgeably and cheerfully.
We followed her directions to the letter, and our house sold at the price we wanted, even before the listing went on the open market.
Lola knew that this particular sale would be very difficult for us. We were moving out of state, leaving behind many friends and many years of memories. She took extra steps to be sure that she approached everything in a cheerful, friendly and caring manner. She made this move as pain-free as it could have been, and we all had fun in the process. We have not hesitated, nor will not hesitate, to recommend Lola to anyone wanting to buy or sell real estate in Northern Virginia.
Sincerely,
William B.
I have been a professional in the mortgage business for approximately 12 years. I have bought two homes, refinanced one mortgage loan, and sold one home. In all these transactions, I have often become frustrated with the level of customer service provided to me. Being a member of the industry means I expect only the highest level of customer service. I have finally received that level of service from you.
As you know it was difficult to deal with the sale of my town house from 1,500 miles away. You recognized the obstacles I had to deal with and made each step of the process as easy as possible. You gave me solid advice, negotiated hard, and never lost patience with a difficult buyer. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without your assistance.
I would highly recommend you to any buyer or seller. You understand the real estate and mortgage industry much better than every other real estate agent with whom I have been in contact. Thank you for meeting my high demands. I wish you the best in the future. I look forward to introducing you to my beautiful wife who feels she knows you quite well already. Take care.
John F
Director of Risk Management
To whom it may concern,
If you are selling your house, I recommend Lola LeCraw without reservation! If results are the true measure: Our house sold in three weeks for a great deal more than we had thought was possible!
But beyond simple results is the fact that it is simply a joy to have Lola as part of your team! Her energy and her ideas are unbounded. Lola really knows how to sell and loves doing it. But at the same time she knows how to listen to your suggestions and desires as well as to the needs of potential buyers. And when she meets a buyer with potential, her follow-up is gracious and effective. Lola’s ability to turn an “Open House” into a sale is phenomenal and if that leads to a “dual agency” situation, her integrity and direct dealing makes it a win for everyone.
And, so I would say, “Ask Lola to be on your team!” I certainly wish I could take her with me to Oregon!
Genie M.
Dear Prospective Homeseller,
During the process of selling our home recently, we were fortunate to have the best real estate agent in northern Virginia (or anywhere else we have lived) – Lola LeCraw of Weichert Realtors – to guide us every step of the way. She represented the very finest experience in the real estate field, complete professionalism in the way she marketed the house, and caring concern for us throughout the process.
We were aware of Lola’s reputation as one of the top real estate sales people in this area before we initially contacted her. That was confirmed by her thorough knowledge of the real estate market in northern Virginia, and the things that she suggested could be done to enhance the resale value of our house and property.
Lola presented us with a thorough, step-by-step approach to marketing the house for sale. She arranged for very attractive brochures, advertised the house in multi-media outlets, and informed her peers in advance of the house formally going on the market. She left no stone unturned in ensuring that its availability for sale was widely known throughout the area, both within the real estate industry and in adjacent housing areas where prospective buyers might live.
Finally, Lola realized that the process of leaving the home we had owned for almost 30 years would be traumatic, and she did everything she could ease our anxiety. She provided helpful suggestions concerning our preparations for moving, so that the could wouls how well without too much disruption in our lives.
In sum, Lola arranged the sale of our house efficiently and in a most businesslike way. The most concrete proof of her competence in finding us a buyer is that we had a contract on the house within 48 hours of its going on the market! We recommend Lola LeCraw as the real estate agent of choice in northern Virginia – you and your house will be in the hands of a caring and experienced professional who has a great record.
Sincerely yours,
B.C. M., Jr.
To Future Home Sellers
The purpose of this letter is to highlight the outstanding service that Ms. Lola LeCraw provided my wife Nancy and I in preparing, advertising, and selling our home, and to recommend to other home sellers her services as a real-estate agent. Through her efforts, we had 150 prospective buyers visit our house during a three- hour “open house” on a Sunday afternoon, and received seven written offers to purchase the home the following evening.
We met Lola while touring another townhouse, to get ideas about marketing our own home for sale, and we were immediately impressed by her gracious demeanor, engaging personality, and knowledge of the home selling market. In addition to being a consummate professional, exhibiting both style and grace, I am certain that many prospective buyers find it hard to walk away from a sale because she is also such a nice person.
Lola’s efforts on our behalf included an initial survey of our home to advise us about items that should be repaired or improved for better presentation to prospective buyers, and to caution us about items which would not return an investment in resources. She referred us to contractors, known personally to her, for correction of deficiencies for a reasonable price. Lola also advised us to obtain short-term storage to remove as much “clutter” from the house as possible, to make it appear more spacious. At the completion of these preparations, she loaned /staged plants throughout the house, and arranged for a professional photographer to take pictures, and compile brochures for visitors during the open house. Her post-contract involvement through settlement was equally impressive.
My wife and I unequivocally endorse the professionalism and personal attributes of Lola LeCraw. Through her efforts, we received the highest possible gain for the sale of our home; and although our association has been relatively short, we consider her a good personal friend.
David B.