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.” Thanks to Lisa Meyer, Edina Realty’s Roseville Office Manager, for solving that one. P.S.: “Flatware” refers to eating utensils and plates.Read More
Perplexed by “Plex” Here in the Midwest, a “triplex” has a specific, defined meaning: it’s an apartment building with three, legally separate rental units. Ergo, a duplex consists of two units, a fourplex, four, and so on. The units may either be side-by-side or stacked vertically — same (legal) difference. Number of Floors vs. Units...Read More
A first showing is pretty straightforward: it’s when a prospective Buyer, accompanied by their agent, views a “For Sale” home. Ergo, a second showing is when the Buyer likes it, and doubles back for a closer look (sometimes with friends, relatives and/or a contractor buddy in tow). So, what’s a “sort-of-second showing”? (my term). When...Read More
Edina Realty’s 2016 Realtor Continuing Education, Cont. [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.] What does a former corporate attorney who’s been selling real estate for over 14...Read More
“Clean Litter Box . . . Clean Chimney . . . Clean TISH(?!?) No, the listing agent isn’t touting the condition of some obscure new appliance, or instructing anyone to clean anything. They’re referring to the municipal Truth in Sale of Housing inspection. Public vs. Private Home Inspection Required by about a dozen municipalities locally,...Read More
Discounting(?) for a Conservation Easement NimbÄ“ noun: “a person who objects to the siting of something perceived as unpleasant or potentially dangerous in their own neighborhood, such as a landfill or hazardous waste facility, especially while raising no such objections to similar developments elsewhere.” –definition, “Not in My Backyard.” In contrast to the traditional definition of...Read More
