What’s That in Dog Years??* Some 60 year-olds act (and look) like they’re 45; others, like they’re 75. The same is true, kind of, for roofs. While a typical roof lasts 20-25 years, there are plenty of exceptions to that rule — at both extremes. Of course, it’s the roofs that wear out prematurely that concern...Read More
Lower Level Surprise In a 1 1/2 story South Minneapolis bungalow, you’d expect to find the Master Bedroom on the first floor, or — if the ceiling height allows — on the second. So, it was a surprise* to head down to the basement with clients today to find . . . what could easily...Read More
Twin Cities For Sale, Rental Markets It’s widely known that the annual Twin Cities housing market generally peaks March-April (the exception being 2005, when the peak was November(!)). At least anecdotally, however, it sure seems like that’s when the local rental market peaks, too. That’s based on what I’m seeing with my own clients, as...Read More
That Would be *Five(!) Price Reductions (If You’re Counting) First, two caveats: 1) the home that goes with the rather brutal chart (above) — spanning over 2 years of market time — wasn’t my listing (I prepared it as part of my listing presentation for a home down the street); 2) it’s from a...Read More
“What Would You Do?” “You break it, you own it.” –The Pottery Barn Rule “You make it, you own it” (translation: if you make a decision for a client . . . you are responsible for the consequences). –Real estate corollary, Ross Kaplan Whether it’s in the context of choosing a home, negotiating a deal, resolving an inspection...Read More
First-Time Buyers’ Handbook Your Realtor just called to tell you that the Seller accepted your counter-offer, signifying that you have a deal. Who do you call first? A. Your best friend. B. Your parents. C. Your lender. D. The list of home inspectors your agent gave you. Answer: D. And yes, that’s the correct answer even...Read More
