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Industry Professionals

“Who Ya Gonna Call?” (When an Offer Comes In)

Listing Agents Who Call the Buyer’s Lender As a Buyer’s agent, how can you tell if the listing agent (representing the Seller) is taking your client’s offer seriously? They call the Buyer’s lender — specifically, the lender on the Buyer’s Pre-Approval letter — and verify key information. Like, whether they’ve previously worked with the Buyer;...
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“True Minnesotan,” Exhibit #23: the (Too?) Helpful Clerk at the Neighborhood Hardware Store

What’s the Opposite of “Upselling?” Jeff Bezos didn’t grow up in Minneapolis. Or if he did, he certainly didn’t work at a local hardware store (yes, they still exist in the Twin Cities; amongst other things, it’s where lots of local youth get their first job). I know that because twice in two weeks now,...
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Skylights vs. Solar Tubes

Quick! Find the Solar Tube (in the Photo above) From an energy and maintenance point of view, the perfect home is probably a cave: only one opening, deep underground or in the side of a mountain. But most people don’t want to live that way. So, modern homes have lots of (energy-leaking) doors and windows...
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Anticipating Multiple Offers? Have Your Home Pre-Inspected

Going From a Royal Carriage Back to a Pumpkin [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.] Any Realtor who’s represented a Seller in multiple offers knows the...
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The Case of The Far Away Fireplace (or is it??)

Fake News Photo “True or False” Quick! Is the photo (above) of a lower level Amusement Room real or enhanced (through a wide-angle lens, etc.)? Answer: it’s real. According to MLS, the room measures a whopping 45(!) feet long. The foundation size of the home — a rambler — is well over 2,000 square feet,...
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Staging Secret #17 (Especially for Smaller Homes)

Better Than Mirrors** How do you make a home that may be smaller and/or have a challenging layout, feel bigger and more flowing? Pick one floor covering to use throughout. Depending on the size home, putting in a new, neutral-colored Berber carpet can cost $5,000 (or more). But, it can easily add 3x – 4x...
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