Back from North Dakota One of the biggest constraints on new construction the last several years has been a shortage of skilled labor. Thanks to the fracking boom, thousands of workers once employed in home construction decamped for greener (blacker?) pastures elsewhere. With the now-accelerating bust in energy prices, that exodus might now reasonably be...Read More
Killing Three Birds With One Stone What do you do with a dated, functionally obsolete* 1950’s rambler a stone’s throw from increasingly swanky Cedar Lake? In the case of 2425 France Avenue South in St. Louis Park, pop the roof and add a second story. Such an addition, done well, accomplishes three things: One. Cashes...Read More
“If a property is worth $250k and you ask $350k and reduce it to $325k, it’s not an indication of a problem in the market. It’s a problem with overpricing.” -Hall F. Willkie, president of Brown Harris Stevens; “Prices Drop for Luxury New York Real Estate”; The NYT (1/15/16). OK, I have a confession: I...Read More
Kathleen Madigan: “What’s wrong with calling someone a ‘tool’? Jerry Seinfeld: “Tools are good.” Kathleen Madigan: “Right.” Jerry Seinfeld: “Tools are completely without consciousness.” Kathleen Madigan: “So are a million things; why aren’t you a ‘chair?’ “That guy’s a chair.” Chuck Martin: “That guy’s a real Ottoman.” Kathleen Madigan: “I would go for footstool. Or...Read More
Contrarian Indicator: My Perfect, 7-for-7 Forecasting Record Want to make a fortune? Don’t follow my advice. Do the opposite. In the interest of full disclosure, herewith are all the market calls I got wrong the last few years (in my defense, so did almost every other so-called “expert”): 1. Stocks: Prediction: ↓ Actual: ↑ Explanation:...Read More
MLS Style Category Definitions 1. (SF) One Story (ONEST) One story single-family house 2. (SF) One 1/2 Stories (ONEHF) One 1/2 story single-family house. Second floor only has adequate ceiling height in a portion of it. 3. (SF) Two Stories (TWOST) Two story single-family house. Has adequate ceiling height throughout upper story. 4. (SF) More...Read More
