Is the Listing Agent Phil Dunphy? Not Exactly [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.] At least to this Upper Midwest Realtor, three things stand out about the...Read More
[Note to Readers: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced.] As a Realtor, I know better than to challenge an acquaintance who, almost sheepishly, explains that they would’ve liked to hire me, but instead were obliged to use their...Read More
Home Buyer/Seller as Guinea Pig As a Realtor, I know better than to challenge an acquaintance who, almost sheepishly, explains that they would’ve liked to hire me, but instead were obliged to use their [insert relationship here**]. Far be it from me to poison — perhaps for years — an extended family’s Thanksgiving or Christmas,...Read More
1 + 1 = 3? Or, 1 + 1 = Minus 2? Is co-listing “two Realtors for the price of one?” Or is it effectively no Realtors, for full price? It depends on the circumstances, of course. Ideally, however, the Seller benefits from Realtors whose skills and market knowledge are complementary, and who communicate seamlessly with...Read More
Old soldiers never die, they just fade away. –General Douglas MacArthur Old Realtors never retire . . . they just co-list. –Ross Kaplan In “What’s 100% of $0?,” I discussed the various scenarios when co-listing makes sense. Here’s one more: an older Realtor is winding down their practice, and pulls in a younger associate to handle the...Read More
When to Bring in an “Insurance Agent” Question: when is a real estate agent actually an insurance agent? Answer: when they’re brought in to a deal by Realtor #1 who needs their expertise to clinch the listing. Every Realtor who’s been in business long enough has faced this conundrum: a prospective client is considering hiring...Read More