“As Is” ≅ “Pass/Fail” [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] It seems obvious: if the Seller isn’t going to correct anything — the definition of “As Is” —...Read More
“We Can Always Drop the Price, Right?” Yes, But . . . Wait a second! Don’t leftovers come after Thanksgiving? Not when it comes to the housing market. In my own neighborhood close to Minneapolis’ Cedar Lake, I’m aware of at least half a dozen very nice homes which came on the market as far back...Read More
Lies, Damn Lies, and Realtor Statistics It seems straightforward: if you’re looking for the best Realtor, just find the local agent who sells the most homes, for the highest % of asking price, in the least amount of time. Simple, huh? According to at least one pro, however (this one), such statistics are at best a...Read More
Ironically, the better Realtors get at helping clients buy and sell real estate . . . the worse they can get at certain related tasks. Here are three areas where it’s easy for agents to let their skills atrophy — or never acquire expertise in the first place: One. Market reports/updates. Show me a listing...Read More
Is it good news or bad news that a home scheduled to be on “Broker Tour” — essentially, open houses for local Realtors each Tuesday in the Twin Cities — abruptly cancelled? Answer: it depends. It’s good news if the reason is that the home received multiple offers, and sold at 11 p.m. Monday night. It’s bad if...Read More
If you wanted to sum up this past, blizzard-dominated weekend in the Twin Cities in one word, it would be “cancelled.” As in, “cancelled flights,” “cancelled (home) showings,” “cancelled weekend open houses,” and “cancelled sporting events” (at least, the outdoor ones). The descriptive expletive? “%!#@&!” P.S.: Oddly, the only place I visited yesterday that had...Read More