Free Sunsets! It could just be that we’ve had a streak of rainy/overcast days in the Twin Cities. But it’s hard not to be taken aback by the photo of Lake Calhoun (above). If you buy the nearby townhome, the sunsets come with. Twin Cities Trivia Lake Calhoun is named for that Calhoun — Senator John...Read More
Rates, Deductibles Both Jump “April showers bring May flowers.” “2011 insurance claims bring . . . 2012 rate increases.” Ok, so it’s not as catchy, but it’s still definitely the case that record 2011 insurance claims — due to unprecedented storms and claims nationally last year — are hitting homeowners two ways this Spring. First,...Read More
Avoiding (Seller) Guilt By Association Blue tarp is almost as ubiquitous in residential real estate as duct tape. Contractors use it to cover in-process projects. Homeowners use it to cover outdoor lawn furniture, firewood, and anything else that might be exposed to the elements. Unfortunately, at least in Minnesota after last year’s spate of Spring...Read More
Three Days on the Market vs. Three Months I don’t know about other Realtors, but my policy as a listing agent (representing Sellers) is to counsel that they leave Realtors’ business cards out the first few days their home is on the market (protocol is for agents who come through the Broker Open or do a private...Read More
“How Long Was the Home on the Market?” vs. “How Much Exposure Did the Home Get?” With multiple offers making a comeback in parts of the Twin Cities — I’ve been involved in three in just the last six weeks — it seems appropriate to ask, “Did that just-listed home sell TOO fast?” It’s certainly...Read More
“Life is Inspections are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” –Forest Gump (paraphrased) Why waste $300 or $400 inspecting a condo that doesn’t have a foundation, roof, or other structural elements? Why not just apply roughly the same amount towards a home warranty, that will protect the Buyer in...Read More
