What’s a “1.5 showing?” When one partner in a couple has seen the house and likes it, and gives their partner a green light to take a look. Rules & Exceptions As a general rule, Realtors acting as a Buyer’s agent prefer that both (all**) decision-makers be present at all showings. That’s not only more efficient,...Read More
Hint: What’s In Between a Buyer’s and Seller’s Market? Along with most large metro housing markets, the Twin Cities has favored Sellers for so long — about 5 years now — that Buyers and Seller (if not their agents) can be forgiven for forgetting that there are two other kinds of markets. The first is...Read More
What’s a “1.5 showing?” When one partner in a couple has seen the house and likes it, and gives their partner a green light to take a look. Rules & Exceptions As a general rule, Realtors acting as a Buyer’s agent prefer that both (all**) decision-makers be present at all showings. That’s not only more efficient,...Read More
Yes, I know: when people talk about whether it’s a “Seller’s Market” or a “Buyer’s Market,” they’re referring to whether Buyers or Sellers currently have the upper hand (news flash: the Twin Cities housing market has strongly favored Sellers the last several years). But, there’s also a pendulum for hosting weekend open houses. Although I personally like...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
Using a Lowball Offer . . . to Get One That Isn’t “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.” –Paul Romer (repeated by Rahm Emanuel and many, many others) “A lowball offer is a terrible thing to waste.” –Ross Kaplan [Editor’s Note: a least in the Twin Cities, lowball offers on well-priced, well-marketed homes...Read More
