You wouldn’t make the deadline for continuing education credits for CPA’s April 15. So it’s always struck me as ill-timed to have Realtors’ continuing education credits due May 31, at (just past?) the height of the Spring housing market in Minnesota. In fact, the Minnesota Commerce Department’s actual deadline is June 30. However, admin logistics...Read More
“Caption Fatigue” I’m sure I’m not the only Twin Cities Realtor suffering from what I’ll call “caption fatigue.” An unintended consequence (my guess) of upping the maximum allowed photos on MLS from 10 to 18, caption fatigue sets in when you realize that you actually have to write — and edit and size and proof...Read More
“Shhh! Don’t Tell Anyone My House is for Sale” “Listing agent will not also represent Buyer.” –Clause added to every listing contract I sign If your Realtor will agree to the foregoing clause — as I do on every listing I’ve ever handled — you don’t need to worry about a “pocket listing.” That’s because the Realtor...Read More
Recognize This House? Where: somewhere in Minneapolis. What: a classic, older home with 4 BR/3 BA and over 3,000 square feet. Features gorgeous mill work, built-in’s galore, hardwood floors, beamed ceilings — and on and on. How much: list price now $989k, down from $1.395 two-plus(!) years ago. Property taxes: a gazillion dollars per year....Read More
“Your Mileage Points May Vary” Once upon a time, it was (fairly) safe to tell Buyers that the maximum contribution that a Seller could make toward the Buyer’s closing costs was 3%. No more. Here’s the current, updated “cheat sheet,” courtesy of Edina Mortgage’s Keith O’Brien: FHA is 6% regardless of down payment. Conventional is...Read More
(Non-Local) Realtor Gaffes and Flubs You might be a redneck if you think Sherlock Holmes is a housing project down in Biloxi. –Jeff Foxworthy, comedian In the spirit of Jeff Foxworthy’s “you might be a redneck if . . .” litany of jokes, I thought I’d offer my own Minneapolis-based Realtor version — mostly drawn from my...Read More
