“Starter home“: a relatively small, economical house or condominium that meets the requirements of young people buying their first home. My association with “starter home” ” and I’m sure many others’ ” is a small house, usually two Bedrooms (or three very small ones), that may (or may not) be in rough condition. Other popular adjectives: “cute,”...Read More
I’ve got a hunch how ” at least in some people’s minds ” “tray” ceiling became “trey”: “très” is French for “very” (as in “very beautiful”). From there, it’s just a small step (and single letter) to “trey.” Of course, that’s also how the word sounds phonetically. However, the correct adjective for a recessed ceiling...Read More
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
“Calendar Days” vs. “Business Days” [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.] In general, there’s been a trend (at least in Minnesota) towards lengthening the inspection and document review...Read More
Can You Copy From Yourself?? I’m not sure I can explain what “the singularity” is in physics, artificial intelligence or technology generally. But, at least in blogging, my definition is: “having so much online material that there’s effectively an infinite archive of posts that can be recycled in perpetuity” (not that I would — or...Read More
Red States, Blue Cities I’ve been filing my taxes for a couple of decades now, and once upon a time was even a CPA. Still, I’d never heard the term “SALT deductions” until yesterday (it’s an acronym for “state and local tax deductions”). Wanna guess what one of the biggest bones of contention in the...Read More
