Of High Tides and Homes

A recession is when your neighbor loses their job.  A depression is when you lose yours.

–Harry Truman

A good economy is when you get a raise.  A great economy is when you get a raise and a promotion.

–Corollary, Ross Kaplan

What do those observations have to do with the housing market?

Notwithstanding broad trends in housing — which at the moment signal firming prices and tightening inventory, at least in many Twin Cities neighborhoods — ultimately the housing market comes down to one house:  yours.

For Sellers, it means getting a good price on the home you currently own; for Buyers, it means getting a home with the attributes you want at a price you can afford.

Broad trends are certainly relevant (“a high tide raises all ships”), but the unique thing about homes is . . . their uniqueness.

Exceptions to the Rule

Every veteran Twin Cities Realtor — myself included — can think of at least one unimpressive home (at least to them) that got snapped up, at full price (or above).

I can also cite examples of homes that would seem to have had everything going for them, including an attractive price . . . that sat, and ultimately got discounted before selling.

It’s cliché, but when it comes to homes, beauty — and potential — are in the eyes of the beholder Buyer.

P.S.:  For would-be Sellers who think I’m giving permission to skip prepping, staging and all the other steps that go into maximizing price (and minimizing market time), I’ve got one more thought:

Unh-unh.

As they say, “the race is not always to the swiftest, nor the battle to the strongest, but that is the way to bet.”

About the author

Ross Kaplan has 19+ years experience selling real estate all over the Twin Cities. He is also a 12-time consecutive "Super Real Estate Agent," as determined by Mpls. - St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business Magazine. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Ross was an attorney (corporate law), CPA, and entrepreneur. He holds an economics degree from Stanford.

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