Contractor: “We NEVER Get Callbacks” Is a “callback” a good thing or bad thing? It depends on the context. So, if you’re interviewing for a job or auditioning for a role (same thing, really), it’s good. However, once you’ve finished a job . . . it’s definitely bad. Fortunately, the workers who just replaced my fence...Read More
“Who’s on First?” — Real Estate Edition Exactly what role(s) do licensees, principals, agents, subagents, brokers, dual agents, and facilitators play in residential real estate in Minnesota? Consumers, I’m sure, have no idea. But their Realtor does. Moreover, it’s incumbent upon their Realtor to (briefly) explain it to them, at the beginning of the relationship. Step #2: document that they’ve...Read More
“Three Bedrooms NOT on One Level” Every once in awhile, you see a single family home being touted by the listing agent as a “townhome alternative.” What do they mean? Features At least to this Twin Cities Realtor, it’s shorthand for a detached home with many of the following attributes: –Around 2,000 to 2,500 square...Read More
Marvel’s “Fantastic Four” Goes 0-for-3 There’s not just one definition of a bad movie, there are several, age-dependent ones. Or if you prefer, “multi-generational” definitions. At least in my family, here they are: 12 year-old son: cheesy special effects. Me (mid-50’s): convoluted (or no) plot; poor acting. Father-in-law (mid-80’s): can’t nap during film (too loud)....Read More
“3 . . . 2 . . .1” “10 . . . 9 . . . 8 . . .” I’ve got to assume I’m not the only one thrown by this year’s (very) late Labor Day, September 7. It certainly feels like it should be this weekend. Proposal We tweak the start and end of...Read More
Hard Worker . . . or Swindler? Calling someone a “gem” or a “sweetheart” is clearly a compliment. Meanwhile, the terms “thug” and “jerk” are clearly a dis. But, what does the speaker mean when they call someone a “hustler?” — as in, “That Bob, he’s a real hustler!” (note: “Mary” and “she” works just as well)....Read More
