Is There Such a Thing as “Solace Food??” Never mind comfort food. Whether it’s the local weather (cold, wet, and dark); the drumbeat of incessantly negative news (Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, mail bombs, immigrant caravans, etc.); or just unrelenting 24/7 Trump, the Kaplan household is lately craving something more . . . potent. Call it, “solace food.”...Read More
Answer: “About 50°” In the middle of August, on an especially humid day, a nice breeze — if necessary, generated by a ceiling fan — is especially welcome. Fast forward six months (or three, if you live in Minnesota), when local temps are 40º to 60º(!) cooler. That same breeze is now officially a “draft”...Read More
There Oughta Be a Word For That What do you call all the things outside a home ” like concrete steps, pavers, custom handrails, retaining walls, etc. ” that don’t quite qualify as “landscaping?” “Flatwork.” P.S.: “Flatware” refers to eating utensils and plates.Read More
Who’s on First?” ” Real Estate Edition [Editor’s Note: 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.] Exactly what role(s) do licensees, principals, agents, subagents, brokers, dual agents, and facilitators play...Read More
Sure, sure, Realtors show support for their colleagues any number of ways. They include: —Offering price opinions on about-to-be-listed homes; —Offering price opinions on homes that are already on the market (and not selling) ” plus, ideally, some marketing suggestions. —Simply offering a sympathetic (and discreet) ear when a colleague is wrestling with a challenging...Read More
Porsches, Picasso’s, and Stradivariuses A Steinway piano is a hand-made marvel, full of intricate detail and workmanship, sought by collectors and valued accordingly. A true “piece of work,” one might even say. Ditto such treasures as a Stradivarius violin, a Picasso painting, a Porsche sports car, and a Rolex watch. So . . . how...Read More