Winter 2019 One-Two Punch: Record Snow Followed by Thaw, Heavy Rains [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] In the wake of this week’s soaking rain and relatively...Read More
High Washout Rate [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced.] One of the last things that can come up before would-be home sellers officially hire an agent is what Realtors call an exclusion (or sometimes protected) list. In...Read More
Good Luck Finding a Comp (“Comparable Sold Property”) Full disclosure: I haven’t shown the unit, have no firsthand knowledge of its features, and don’t know the Seller or their listing agent or broker. But, based solely on MLS photos and stats, I’m hard-pressed to think of another condo in Minneapolis — or anywhere in Minnesota...Read More
Definition, Please Realtors use the term “Chef’s Kitchen” all the time (sometimes further embellished with the adjective, “Gourmet” ” as in, “Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen”). But, after 17-plus years selling homes, I’m still not sure that I have a good definition, except that: a) it’s big; and b) it’s full of high-end features and appliances. That...Read More
Or More Like Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater? Funny that New York Times columnist Ross Douthat’s latest column compares Bernie Sanders to Ronald Reagan (yes, Reagan). I was just thinking Sanders is more of a latter-day Barry Goldwater. Douthat’s case for Reagan: “Like Reagan following his attempt to primary Gerald Ford in 1976, Sanders is coming...Read More
“When is the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago.” –Chinese saying; “The Overstory.” Fortunately, area homeowners don’t need to buy flood insurance years in advance to be covered — one month is usually enough. But, give the deluge of snow in the Twin Cities the last month or so, and the surprisingly...Read More
