Townhome Alternatives in the Age of Covid-19 In an age(?) of social distancing, so-called “townhome alternatives” may be getting a second look from Baby Boomers looking to downsize. So, exactly what is a townhome alternative? At least to me, it’s shorthand for a detached, single-family home with many of the following attributes: —Around 1,500 to...Read More
“Three Bedrooms NOT on One Level” Every once in awhile, you see a single family home being touted by the listing agent as a “townhome alternative.” What do they mean? Features At least to this Twin Cities Realtor, it’s shorthand for a detached home with many of the following attributes: —Around 2,000 to 2,500 square...Read More
The Four Types of Housing Market Participants, in One, Easy-to-Explain Graph Every housing market has its winners and losers. Every housing market. So, a decade ago, when the market was tanking, the big winners were first-time Buyers ” at least ones with (good) jobs and unblemished credit. With rock-bottom prices and an ocean of inventory,...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
Real Estate Euphemisms 101 It’s purely anecdotal, but I don’t think I’m wrong: something like >95% of the time, when a listing agent touts that a home has a “low maintenance yard” . . . there isn’t a yard (or at least, not much of one). Of course, if there’s only a postage stamp-sized yard...Read More
Housing Winners & Losers in Sellers’ Markets & Buyers’ Markets Every housing market has its winners and losers. Every housing market. So, 7-8 years ago, when the market was tanking, the big winners were first-time Buyers — at least ones with (good) jobs and unblemished credit. With rock-bottom prices and an ocean of inventory, many...Read More
