“Just Sign Here” [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. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] Which sounds less intimidating (at least if you’re not a lawyer): “let’s meet at my office at...Read More
“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
WSJ: “Struggling Real-Estate Giant Realogy Strikes Deal With Amazon” [Editor’s Note: 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, and competes with Realogy subsidiary Coldwell Banker Burnet.] “We lose money on every...Read More
Technology Roadkill: Stock Brokers, Travel Agents, & Realtors FSBO’s “God is dead.” –Nietzsche. “Nietzsche is dead.” –God. Experts have been predicting the demise of Realtors longer than I can remember. Like stock brokers and travel agents a generation ago, advancing technology — and the democratization of information — were supposed to render Realtors obsolete. Instead,...Read More
Looking for Signs of a Market Top Once upon a time, a sure-fire yellow (or red!) flag for frothy home prices was Realtors buying homes for themselves, either as investments, or to fix up and flip. See, “Insider Buying & the Housing Market: Why Realtors are a CONTRARIAN Indicator.” The logic: agents were most bullish...Read More
Full Service vs. Discounted Limited Service Give the agent with the idea for that billboard credit: he got lots of people’s attention (including mine). But, I doubt he’ll attract much business that way. That’s because, once you convert that offer** into a dollar amount ($2,000? $5,000??), it’s just another discounted commission. In this business, there’s “full...Read More