Doesn’t “FD” Stand for “Fire Department?” “Things should be made as simple as possible — but not simpler.” –Albert Einstein I’m all for making things simpler when it comes to real estate terminology. But, there comes a point where it . . . becomes kind of silly. Exhibit A: showing instructions that refer to the...Read More
“Did You Hear? Sue Got That Plumb Job in Marketing!” I actually got into an argument recently with my 14 year-old about whether the adjective “plumb” was a dictionary-approved synonym for “choice,” “desired,” or “sought after.” The rub? None of the alternative meanings under “plumb” matched my definition. A few days later, I realized what...Read More
Negotiating is a crucial part of any deal, and lays the foundation for a clear, enforceable contract. Haggling is . . . an annoying waste of time. What’s the difference? Exactly two decimals. $10,000 vs. $100 So, a $10,000 item on a $250,000 house is the stuff of negotiation. A $100 item (or less) is haggling. (Note: accountants’...Read More
Fixtures vs. Personal Property: The Proactive Solution It’s not always clear whether something is a “fixture” or “personal property.” In theory, the test is straightforward: is the item in question permanently attached? The rub, of course, is what constitutes “permanent”: one person’s easy removal and repair (usually by the Seller) is another’s “of course it...Read More
Not Measuring Up? There’s no harm in touting that a home has an especially nice backyard, sits on a large or impressive piece of land, etc. However, the term “double lot” ” at least to me ” has a specific, defined meaning. Namely, it’s a least twice the size of a standard city lot. In...Read More
Coming Soon? Legal Cannabis in Canada At least to me, the standard definition of “tabling” something is this one: “to remove (something, such as a parliamentary motion) from consideration indefinitely.” So, what’s the opposite of that? At least in Canada (I visited Toronto earlier this Spring), it’s this: “to present formally for discussion or consideration...Read More
