“The Plausibility Test” One of the biggest questions for Buyers interested in making an offer on a particular home is, “who else is interested?” (i.e., “do I have competition?”). Of course, the ultimate expression of interest is an actual, written offer; if the listing agent has received one (or more) — believe me, you’ll know. See, “Is...Read More
“Wait Till Next Year?” (10 Days From Now) Tic tac toe? Try, my success rate getting confirmed showings in Minnetonka so far this week. Normally, two hours advance notice — at least for properties that don’t have renters — is enough. This time of year, though, you never know. So, on Monday, only 3 out of...Read More
“Sold Rented, No More Showings” When is a rental property officially “spoken for,” and therefore off the market? A. When the prospective tenant signs the lease. B. When the landlord deposits their security deposit and first rent check. C. When the landlord completes the tenant’s background check, including credit history. D. When the tenant moves in. Answer: ...Read More
The Nest Thermostat First, a caveat: I’ve yet to see a “Nest” thermostat in an actual home in the Twin Cities. And you’d certainly guess that the spate of recent (and well-timed) news stories extolling its virtues have as much to do with holiday shopping and marketing as the device’s revolutionary technology. However . . . in...Read More
“They Can’t Do That!!” (Can They??) Add one more item to the list of annoyances — and expenses — associated with buying a foreclosure in the Twin Cities. So, word the last week or so is that at least some banks in town selling REO (“Real estate owned”) properties — also known as foreclosures — are...Read More
What’s That They Say About Messengers? The worst part of my job? (at least the last few years). Telling many would-be Sellers that they’re home is worth $20k — or $200k — less than they thought (and not infrequently, what they currently owe on it). Blunting the sting: the next home they want to purchase will...Read More
