Begging 2 Questions I don’t recommend using adverbs like “currently” in combination with the word “listed,” because it begs (at least to my mind) two questions: 1) “what did it use to be listed at?”; and 2) “what will it be listed at after the (next) price reduction?” Better to make a firm, declarative statement.Read More
Deciphering Realtor-Speak To non-Realtors, “immaculate” suggests an updated home in mint condition. In real estate sales, however, “immaculate” simply means that the home is exceptionally clean and everything is in working order. So, the mechanical’s may all be functional, but they’re ancient; the Kitchen and Bath’s date to the 1950’s (or earlier); there’s no Master...Read More
Before . . . and After What’s the difference between the two photos (above)? Actually, surprisingly little. In place of ugly horizontal siding above the front door (upper photo), the new-and-improved curb appeal (lower photo) features diagonal half-timbers. Not only are those more consistent with the home’s Tudor style, but they create a dramatic focal point...Read More
I Do Now That’s what a former client just asked me, in order to find a local agent to sell some family property. To find out, I contacted Kay Mcdonough, the manager of Edina’s satellite office in Frederic, who gave me the names of two agents and a quick overview of the local housing market....Read More
Out: Gaudy. In: Practical Hummer’s are out, BMW 3’s and 5’s are in. Auto’s, right? Those, too, but I was thinking about the housing market equivalent: well-built and updated homes with all the bells & whistles in high-demand Twin Cities neighborhoods like Tyrol (Golden Valley), Fern Hill (St. Louis Park), and Linden Hills (Southwest Minneapolis)....Read More
Want ten years of selling experience distilled into one sentence? The way to sell houses is to exceed Buyers’ expectations (plus dangle a tempting price, and stir up lots of “pre-list” and “new list” buzz). The corollary to that would be, “the best way to lose a Buyer is to disappoint them.” Exhibit A How does that work ...Read More
