“Just Sign Here” Which sounds less intimidating (at least if you’re not a lawyer): “let’s meet at my office at 6:30 p.m. to go over the paperwork.” Or, “let’ s meet at 6:30 p.m tonight to review and sign the contracts.” At least to my ear, Option #1 — which is what I tell prospective...Read More
Agent-to-Agent Closing Courtesy While the Seller is busy passing house keys, garage door openers, etc. to the Buyer at closing, the Buyer’s agent often is transferring something to the listing agent, representing the Seller: the listing agent’s lockbox (no, the correct answer isn’t, “a flask of whiskey”). As a courtesy, Buyers’ agents will often ask...Read More
Coming Soon? Maybe (and Define, “Soon”) The Twin Cities’ Southwest Light Rail line sure has traveled a bumpy path. And that’s just the discussion phase — never mind the actual route. The latest, uhh . . speed bump: Whether a stretch of the line in Minneapolis is to traverse Lake of the Isles and Cedar...Read More
Liking the House . . . But Not the Price What do Buyers today do when they like a home — but not the price? (ditto for their agents). They save the search on MLS. That way, they immediately know if/when there’s a price reduction. See, “Who’s Watching the Listing?” “The Ayes Eyes Have It”...Read More
Nightmare Inspection Addendum: ‘Seller to Tighten Doorknobs, Dust Counters, etc.’ To the, oh, I dunno, 37 reasons why Buyers shouldn’t nitpick on the Inspection (it can cost them the deal, it jeopardizes Sellers’ good will (and assistance) post-closing, the scope of the inspection is supposed to be limited to material items, etc., etc.), add reason #38: anything on the Buyer’s list...Read More
“True” or “False” Quiz True or false: the purpose of the Minnesota Seller’s Disclosure is for the Seller to tell prospective Buyers everything the Seller believes is relevant for making a purchase decision. Answer: False. Correct answer? For the Seller to tell Buyers everything Buyers deem relevant. Which is why smart Sellers err on the...Read More
