Brand Confusion Since Manager Josh Kaplan’s switch to another office (actually, two) last Spring — see, “Edina Realty Shake-Up!” — I’ve been the sole “Kaplan” in Edina Realty’s City Lakes Office. Which has meant a dramatic drop in errant email’s, voice mails, etc. But not to zero. I received a forwarding message the other day...Read More
Put-Upon (Grand)Parents According to the Census Bureau, what percentage of young adults aged 25 to 34 are currently living in their parents’ home? A. 6.5% B. 14.2% C. 22.3% D. 41.9% Answer: B Gauging from the headlines or even an informal poll of your friends, you’d certainly guess that that number was much higher. And...Read More
A Brand Name Dan Quayle Could Love* What’s today’s hottest new home amenity? No, it’s not silestone counters, ever-thinner wall TV’s, or Fireplaces in unexpected places (Master Bedroom, anyone?). It’s a . . . deluxe shed. At least, that’s based on a very unscientific polling of a couple families we know (including mine). Winter Prep...Read More
“If I Can’t Get My Price . . . I’ll Rent It!” Lots of Buyers’ agents — myself included — have heard that line lately from Listing agents (representing Sellers). How credible is that threat? My take is that it depends on the following variables: –Condition. The nicer the home, the less believable. A Seller...Read More
Note the (Very) Fine Print One of the sleazier come-on’s I’ve seen the last few years is a very official looking document — complete with a “Case Number” and Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) seal (right) — that begins like this (all italics theirs): Dear [Home owner]: Your home loan has gone under review for the...Read More
Testing an Unrealistic Seller It seems to be happening a lot in today’s housing market: Buyers find something they like, but — based on the Comp’s — the Seller’s price appears to be high. What to do? One option is to simply wait. Overpriced listings have a way of coming down to earth, and Buyers...Read More
