“Substantially the Same Condition” & The Golden Rule “I know it when I see it.” —Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, on the legal definition of what constitutes pornography. “Buyer has the right to a walk-through review of the property prior to closing to establish that the property is in substantially the same condition as of the...Read More
But First . . . a Brief History Lesson I don’t know about other states ” I’m only licensed to sell real estate in Minnesota ” but here, residential property taxes are due twice a year: May 15 and October 15. Those non-randomly chosen dates stretch back to when Minnesota’s economy ” like practically every...Read More
Runner-Up Name: “The Parking Lot Closing” [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.] To limit the risk of coronavirus exposure, Edina Realty — and no doubt other brokers...Read More
True or False On top of the “payout” commission listed on MLS, Sellers will sometimes dangle an extra incentive for Buyers’ agents. The most common (and straightforward) is simply a cash bonus, payable upon successful closing. How smart is that ” and in what situation(s) is that most effective? Read through the following three scenarios,...Read More
When Doesn’t “Sold” Mean “Sold?” When it comes to residential real estate, when does “Sold” not mean “Sold?” When it means “Pending” (as in, when there’s a big, bold “Sold” sign in front of a “For Sale” home). Huh?!? At least in Minnesota, once the Buyer’s Inspection has been removed,** the convention is to switch...Read More
In-bounds or Out? Test your real estate (and social) IQ, and see if you know which subjects are in-bounds ” and out-of-bounds ” for home Buyers and Sellers to discuss at closing: A. The home’s selling price. B. Any walk-thru inspection issues. C. The Buyer’s plans to remodel ” or raze(!) ” the home post-closing. D....Read More
