“Only 61 53 46(!) Shopping Days Till Christmas!” Yeah, I know: there are still officially 53 days left in 2018. But, that’s cutting it pretty close for would-be home buyers and sellers who want to close by the end of the year. Here’s my math: Thanksgiving week: subtract Thursday and Friday (Nov. 22 and 23). Christmas: subtract Monday and...Read More
Monday Wednesday Morning Quarterbacking: The 2018 Midterm Elections [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.] “(Chief Justice) John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it!” –President Andrew...Read More
(Late) Fall vs. Spring Photos Normally, Realtors wait for the trees to open, lawns to green up, etc. to take home photos. All that color is more flattering than brown, leaf-less trees and landscaping. The exception? When in-season foliage obscures the home (or, at least some angles). No More Garage Shots Then, it can actually...Read More
Negotiate Formally or Informally? It Depends [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] OK, so “Written vs. Verbal Counter-Offers” isn’t a very sexy title. But it’s a fascinating...Read More
Home Maintenance “To Do” List, Late Fall Edition** At least from my perspective as a Realtor, less important than who takes responsibility for blowing out (winterizing) the sprinkler system in the Fall, is that someone does it. If not, the system can rupture due to freezing, causing both extensive flooding and expensive pipe repair. Common...Read More
Is There Such a Thing as “Solace Food??” Never mind comfort food. Whether it’s the local weather (cold, wet, and dark); the drumbeat of incessantly negative news (Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, mail bombs, immigrant caravans, etc.); or just unrelenting 24/7 Trump, the Kaplan household is lately craving something more . . . potent. Call it, “solace food.”...Read More
