Decoding Realtor-Speak [Note to Readers: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire.] There’s usually not much mystery about which homes fall into the “fixer upper” category. Either the pictures give it...Read More
Realtor Version: ‘I’m Out Selling Houses’ It’s certainly possible that this Linden Hills photographer is out on an extended photo shoot, that just coincidentally straddles the long, Labor Day weekend. 🙂 Theory #2: they’re taking a little time off. Ditto for lots of Twin Cities Realtors, who just finished as busy a Spring-Summer stretch as...Read More
From Flailing to Flourishing, With No Pain or Sacrifice “GE Capital Chief to Retire After Pivoting GE’s Finance Arm” –headline, The Wall Street Journal (8/30/2016) Once upon a time, corporations, sports teams, and election campaigns(!) that were flailing underperforming got restructured, overhauled, or otherwise remade (presumably, into something more focused, efficient, and — hopefully —...Read More
Not That There’s Anything Wrong With That . . . (on the contrary) Wanna guess what the phrase, “well-cared home ready for a new owner” invariably means? A. Everything in the house is in working condition. B. The owner’s lived in the home for decades. C. The home is hopelessly dated. Correct answer: all of...Read More
When the Best Defense is a Good Offense Not every “For Sale” home is in “mint, move-in condition” — nor is that a realistic goal for many sellers (be it due to limited time, money, energy, or simply a cold-eyed cost-benefit analysis). When that’s the case, though, getting top dollar for the home hinges on...Read More