Cost: More Than a Furnace, Less than a Roof (Usually) One of the biggest stealth expenses for homeowners is a new driveway. Depending on the driveway’s size and construction material (concrete vs. asphalt), the cost can easily exceed $10k. When should would-be home Sellers contemplate replacing it?** The Consistency Criterion; Eliminating Any Achilles Heels My 2¢:...Read More
Cost: More Than a Furnace, Less than a Roof (Usually) One of the biggest stealth expenses for homeowners is a new driveway. Depending on the driveway’s size and construction material (concrete vs. asphalt), the cost can easily exceed $10k. When should would-be home Sellers contemplate replacing it?** The Consistency Criterion My 2¢: the most important variable...Read More
Fine Print: You “May or May Not” Get an Offer [Note to Readers: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire.] It turns out there are three main catches (at least) with Twin Cities...Read More
Biting the Bullet vs. Discounting the Sales Price Can Minnesota homeowners sell a house with a red-tagged furnace? The somewhat surprising answer: “You betcha!”** Ahhh, but is it smart to sell a home that needs a new furnace? The answer to that is more nuanced. Here’s mine: “Usually not — but it depends on the home’s...Read More
Buyer’s Agent: “Can You Please Send Me the Seller Disclosures?” You’re a busy, well-prepared listing agent (OK, me) who has both uploaded the various Seller disclosures** to MLS, and provided hard copies in the “For Sale” home. Nevertheless, the Buyer’s agent contacts you to ask that you send them that information directly. When is that...Read More
Worst-Case Scenario Don’t feel too sorry for homeowners: in today’s Seller’s market, they’re calling the shots (and getting top dollar). But, if you want to see Sellers in a more sympathetic light, consider this: selling a home now can involve not one inspection, but — including required re-inspections — eight to ten(!) separate visits, depending on the Buyer’s financing;...Read More
