1 Picture = 1,000 Words Not every garage billed as a three car garage on MLS comfortably accommodates three cars. Perhaps to dispel any Buyer skepticism, the listing agent included the photo above. Certainly looks like a 3-car garage to me ” with some extra overhead storage, to boot! See also, “That Garage is HOW...Read More
Staging “Do’s” and (Mostly) “Don’ts” At least IMHO, staging is at least 80% subtraction ” removing, uncovering, and emptying out ” rather than addition, i.e., adding wall art, accents, flowers, etc. to the about-to-be sold home. Exhibit A: NOT covering a big, light bay window with a dark, light-blocking panel TV (center right of photo,...Read More
Negotiate Formally or Informally? It Depends [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.] OK, so “Written vs. Verbal Counter-Offers” isn’t a very sexy title. But it’s a fascinating...Read More
“For Sale” Home Languishing on the Market? It (Usually) Shows Realtors constantly warn their home-selling clients about the risks of overpricing (especially in a soft market). Anyone who doubts that should tour a few homes that have just listed, then view homes that have been languishing on the market, unsold, for months (years?). Study in...Read More
How Motivated is the Seller Really? “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” —-Zen saying “When a listed home is priced right ” and well-prepped, photographed, marketed, etc. ” the Buyer will appear.” -—Ross Kaplan One of the most common lines listing agents (representing Sellers) hear from their clients ” particularly when their...Read More
“There Oughta Be a Word For That” Dept. What do you call all the things outside a home ” like concrete steps, pavers, custom handrails, retaining walls, etc. ” that don’t quite qualify as “landscaping?” Answer: “Flatwork.” “Flatware” — the word it’s frequently confused with — refers to eating utensils and plates.Read More
