Realtor vs. Non-Realtor Definitions To a non-Realtor, the idiom, “I’m not buying it” roughly translates to, “I don’t believe your [obviously bogus] explanation.” To Realtors, however, the phrase means something much more literal. Namely — at least when uttered by a Buyer’s agent — “I’m not buying it” translates as, “I’m not buying the home . ....Read More
“And the Owner’s Dog is Ugly, Too!” In the land of “Minnesota Nice,” listing agents (representing Sellers) don’t encounter it often. But, at today’s office meeting, another Realtor made reference to a recent, “brutal” showing on one of their listings. Invariably, here’s what they meant: “The prospective Buyer trashed the home’s price, condition, curb appeal,...Read More
Strategic Use of Showing Feedback Forms It can be a conundrum for both Buyers’ agents and listing agents (representing Sellers): a new-to-market property in a hot neighborhood looks like it’s going to sell quickly, and everyone wants to know what’s going on. Without overplaying their hand. As a listing agent, it’s presumptuous to call an...Read More
Days on Market: 5 Status: “Sold, Subject to Inspection” A good chunk of my weekend was spent negotiating a deal on my new listing at 3806 W. 32nd St, a 2,400 FSF townhome by Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis that backs up to the Midtown Greenway. Everything was signed, sealed and delivered late last night; I...Read More
Will Scathing Feedback Lower the Seller’s Price? I’ve certainly taken my swipes at the seemingly ubiquitous showing feedback forms that Buyers’ agents receive after they show a home. The main knocks: they ask for information no good Buyer’s agent is going to provide — e.g., “what is the home worth?” — especially if they have a client...Read More
It won’t really work with an entire home that needs fix-up. But when there’s a lone, seasonal repair that’s waiting (and waiting) for warmer weather, telling prospective Buyers that the fix is “Coming Soon!” is a terrific idea. I just saw a $1 million Edina home where just such a sign was prominently displayed on the rather rough-looking...Read More
