The Buried Mea Culpa Once upon a time, the likes of William Safire and George Carlin could be counted on to call out linguistic curiosities. In that spirit, I offer up the very confused expression, “Out of an abundance of caution.” Overcompensating Practically dripping with CYA (“Cover-Your-A**”), it’s almost always invoked by a contrite person...Read More
Lender-Speak, Translated What they said: “the check’s in the mail.’ Translation: “I’m late paying the bills.’ What they said: “The dog ate my homework.’ Translation: “I didn’t do the assignment.’ What they said: “I have been holding off on submitting the file until we are within 60 days of closing (for both the rate lock and because the...Read More
Just Doing What a Good (Ex)Attorney Would Do or, The Many Guises of CYA Occasionally, clients assume that, because of my legal background, I can field a (non-real estate) question or problem that they’d otherwise have to take to their attorney. Even if I could — increasingly doubtful after a 20-plus year hiatus from practicing...Read More
The Buyer’s Inspection on a Cancelled Deal One of the knottiest issues in real estate for awhile now is, “what does the listing agent do with the Buyer’s inspection on a deal that ultimately falls apart?” The question is problematic because — at least in Minnesota — home sellers and their agents have an independent duty to disclose any defects...Read More
Lender-Speak, Translated What they said: ‘the check’s in the mail.’ Translation: ‘I’m late paying the bills.’ What they said: ‘The dog ate my homework.’ Translation: ‘I didn’t do the assignment.’ What they said: ‘I have been holding off on submitting the file until we are within 60 days of closing (for both the rate lock and because the...Read More