Weighing Three Variables Homes on busy streets typically fetch a discount. Is there an equivalent discount for homes located across from a school? (which, in a way, is really just a subset of the “busy street” discount). I’ve never seen data on this, but I’d guess “yes.” I’d further speculate that the discount varies depending...Read More
Universal Staging Principles How do you stage an outdoor, in-ground swimming pool in the backyard of a “For Sale” home? The same way you stage anything else: by adding accents, focal points, and color — and removing clutter. For an outdoor pool, that means opening up any poolside umbrellas, arranging nearby lawn chairs, and throwing...Read More
Piggybacking on the Uptown Art Fair If you’re a Realtor listing a home in or near Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood, what does this weekend’s art fair represent? Free advertising — and tons of extra foot traffic! Which is why there is sure to be a bumper crop of open houses there this weekend. P.S.: If you’re interested in...Read More
Market Exposure > Days on Market; When 1 Week on the Market ≠1 Week on the Market I’m a big fan of aggressive, pre-list marketing. One of the easiest (and cheapest!) methods, especially for a home in a high-profile, high-demand location: install the “For Sale” sign early, and attach a “Coming Soon” rider (note:...Read More
Cost: More Than a Furnace, Less than a Roof One of the biggest stealth expenses for homeowners is a new driveway. Depending on its area and construction material (concrete vs. asphalt), the cost can easily exceed $10k. When should would-be home Sellers contemplate replacing it? (Note: even when the driveway is practically unpassable due to cracking, heaving,...Read More
Practice Tip for Agents Whose Listing Sold in Multiple Offers “Whoever has the gold, makes the rules.” –The Golden Rule What trumps The Golden Rule (at least temporarily)? What I’ll call “The House Key Rule”: whomever controls access to an MLS-listed home controls the sale. That’s particularly relevant in the wake of multiple offers, when...Read More
