“Location” x 3 Quick! Test your knowledge of today’s Twin Cities housing market, and guess how much this Spartan-looking, 400 square foot cottage in South Minneapolis is listed for: A. $89k B. $149k C. $249k D. $400k Before I give the answer, here are a couple clues: —-The property is located just west of Cedar...Read More
[Note to Readers: in the wake of the jarring news that President Trump and a growing number of his inner circle have been stricken with Covid-19, the phrase “out of an abundance of caution” is once again making the rounds (Example: “After attending a White House ceremony without a mask earlier this week, Congressman So-and-So...Read More
Calculating Premiums & Discounts in a Comparative Market Analysis (“CMA”) How much value do Realtors and Appraisers assign to an upstairs Laundry when estimating a home’s fair market value? The honest answer is, I’ve never seen it broken out as a specific adjustment, with a corresponding price tag (or even range) assigned to it. That’s...Read More
The Gold Standard for Staging Advice “Nice listing . . . Congrats!” —Uttered by exiting Buyers’ agents at a broker open; when the listing agent knows the price is right and the home is likely to sell quickly. See, “Realtor Compliments.“ The equivalent for a staging job well done is when the client appreciatively remarks...Read More
Before . . . and After(!) Staging a home’s interior is usually more about subtraction than addition. Key steps include reducing clutter; showcasing desirable features like windows and any fireplaces (rule #1: don’t block them); and generally making the home as clean and light as possible. Improving a home’s exterior — and specifically, its curb...Read More
Will U.S. Democracy Survive the November Election? “Stand Back and Stand By” (AFTER You’ve Voted) [Note to Readers: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced.] Last night’s Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden has almost universally been...Read More
