Whitewash One of the best ways I know to render a scary basement . . . less so, is to paint it (white, obviously). The floors, the ceiling, the posts and beams ” everything. Not only is the space more appealing, it invariably feels bigger and lighter, too! P.S.: Tip #2 ” adding a couple...Read More
Built for Baby Boomers ” By Their Parents! Like narrow ties and bell bottoms, wait long enough and the most dated fashions come back in style. The same is true in real estate. As Baby Boomers age, the unheralded, ’50’s-era rambler is making a comeback. I can think of (at least) four reasons why. One....Read More
Tackling the Big Stuff ” or Just Cosmetics? Occasionally, I see a listing agent who takes pains to assure Buyers’ agents in the “Agent Remarks” field on MLS (seen only by Realtors) that the home “is not a flip.” What’s going on? The listing agent (representing the Seller) wants Buyers to know that the home...Read More
Home Buyer Dis: “Looks Like Too Many Trips to Home Depot” What makes a home “stuck in Pergatory?” Too much Pergo, for one thing (sorry, bad pun). For those who don’t know, Pergo is a laminate made to look like hardwood floors, and is about half the price per square foot as the real thing....Read More
Negotiating One Deal ” or Two?? [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. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] Good agents instinctively know that “he who negotiates least, negotiates best.” Which is why...Read More
When “Sold” Doesn’t Mean “Sold” At least in Minnesota, when you see a “Sold” rider above a “For Sale” sign in front of a house, it doesn’t mean “Sold” ” it means “Pending.” Huh?? The (admittedly confusing) convention is to pronounce a home that’s under contract and past Inspection ” but not yet closed ”...Read More
