Smoking Guns & Yellow Flags I think it’s fair to say that — as a rule — compared to “laymen,” Realtors put much less stock in things like Seller motivation; historical information like what the owner paid (unless it raises the prospect of a short sale); and even representations (or lack thereof) in the Seller’s Disclosure....Read More
Upper Bracket No Longer Immune The rich are different than you and me. –F. Scott Fitzgerald When it comes to escaping the scourge of foreclosure, the rich have three singular advantages — and one distinct disadvantage — relative to mere financial mortals. First, the advantages: One. Bigger financial cushion. More affluent home buyers frequently put down...Read More
19(!) Showings in Six Days Where: 5201 Pennsylvania Ave. North in New Hope. What: 4 BR/2BA rambler with 1,455 FSF. Who: listed by Alex Boylan and Tracy Gazett, Edina Realty. How much: $80,000 (tax assessed value = $170,000). When: 6 days on market. Since hitting the market last Wednesday (July 20), this New Hope foreclosure has...Read More
Every field has its most and least favorite activities. As a Realtor with a decade of experience, here are mine: Agent Favorites –Closings (Yeah!!). –Getting a call from a former client who relocated elsewhere but who’s passing through town. –Hosting a Broker Open (the first time). –Multiple offers (representing the Seller). –Full-price offers with hefty downpayments...Read More
30 Slated for Edina So, where is residential new construction in the Twin Cities booming? Try . . . staid, mature — and now sizzling — Edina. At the moment, the city has issued 30 permits to tear down existing housing and construct new. Land and building costs being what they are, you’d estimate that...Read More
“Birds of a Feather . . . ?” When it comes to hiring a Realtor, which is better: the younger, presumably less experienced Realtor, or, the older one who’s done more deals but whose energy level and technology skills may not compare? Before I answer, first a definition: Notwithstanding my 83 year-old Dad’s definition of...Read More