Or Maybe They Should be Called “Dismaying Jeans” Yeah, yeah, I know what fancy-schmancy retailers mean when they refer to “distressed jeans”: jeans whose various holes and patches somehow make them look chic ” and worth a huge mark-up (also referred to as “vintage clothing” in some quarters). My definition of “distressed jeans” is a...Read More
Human and Other Types of Capital What makes America wealthy? Some would argue that America is rich ” and it is the richest country in history, by far ” because of its people. Specifically, their ingenuity, drive, skills, diversity, etc. Call that the nation’s “human capital.” Some would say America’s wealth lies in its bountiful natural...Read More
Earlier this week, the C.I.A. concluded that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on the direct orders of the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. In response, President Trump issued this ultimatum to the Kingdom: “We know this came from you. And so you’re not getting a free pass. For...Read More
Is That “For Sale” Home Days Away From Market? Or Decades?? [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire.] Perishable food must display an expiration date. Similarly, to take advantage of...Read More
“We Can Always Drop the Price, Right?” Yes, But . . . Wait a second! Don’t leftovers come after Thanksgiving? Not when it comes to the housing market. In my own neighborhood close to Minneapolis’ Cedar Lake, I’m aware of at least half a dozen very nice homes which came on the market as far back...Read More
Recognize This House? Me, Neither Scarcely six months after I sold 2521 Kipling in St. Louis Park’s Fern Hill neighborhood last Spring . . . the home is a veritable construction site. Which explains why the Buyer’s inspection went so smoothly: my recollection is that the Buyer raised few (if any) issues, and quickly removed their Inspection...Read More
