Resources for Home Owners

May 14, 2021

Real Estate Marketing 101: “Alcove” vs. “Studio” Apartment

Is an “alcove apartment” easier to rent than a “studio?” Apparently, at least one Twin Cities developer seems to think so. So far, the term only seems to be a feature of the rental market: out of almost 1,000 condo’s currently for sale on the local (NorthStar) MLS, only five use the term — and...

May 12, 2021

4-Season Porches in a 2-Season Climate (“Winter” & “Road Construction”) 🙂

“Screened Porches” vs. “3-Season Porches” vs. “4-Season Porches” [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.]. Quick! Which kinds of porches are included in a home’s finished square...

May 5, 2021

May Closings & (Minnesota) Property Taxes

But First . . . a Brief History Lesson I don’t know about other states — I’m only licensed to sell real estate in Minnesota — but here, residential property taxes are due twice a year: May 15 and October 15. Those non-randomly chosen dates stretch back to when Minnesota’s economy — like practically every...

May 4, 2021

“Changing the Closing Date” Multiple Choice

Contractual Assent . . . and a Veto Power [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.] To successfully change the closing date of a home sale, which...

April 29, 2021

“De-Clutter” vs. “Trash-Out”

It Depends Who’s Talking Have you ever noticed that their stuff is sh*t and your sh*t is stuff?” —George Carlin Part of real estate sales — make that a big part — is treating clients with sensitivity and respect. That’s especially true for elderly clients, who haven’t moved in decades and have strong emotional ties...

April 25, 2021

“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,...

April 15, 2021

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...

April 5, 2021

How to Spot Bad Electricians — and Realtors — in Less Than 2 Seconds

The Business Card Test Well, the really bad ones . . . are dead.” –Master electrician, explaining how consumers can tell the difference(s) between electricians. Fortunately, being bad at real estate sales isn’t life-threatening. Subpar Realtors simply tend not to make a living at it, and drop out. Perhaps that’s why something like 90% of...

March 30, 2021

The Très Magnifique Ceiling (or is it, “Tray?”)

I’ve got a hunch how — at least in some people’s minds — “tray” ceiling became “trey”: “très” is French for “very” (as in “very beautiful”). From there, it’s just a small step (and single letter) to “trey.” Of course, that’s also how the word sounds phonetically. However, the correct adjective for a recessed ceiling...

February 28, 2021

The Trouble with Tuckunder’s

Easier Sell in Summer? The problem with tuckunder garages is what’s “over” the “under”: usually, a bedroom. If that bedroom happens to have hardwood floors, and it’s Minnesota in the winter . . . it can be unpleasantly cold. The two other problems with tuck under garages: 1) they tend to be single stall; and...