Buyer: “My Offer is (WAY) Below Your Asking Price Because . . .” It’s no sin trying to buy a home at a discount. Of course, especially in a strong Seller’s market, such a strategy has almost no chance of succeeding . . . but there’s no harm in trying (as they say). What I wouldn’t recommend...Read More
Good in May > Perfect in June “Good is the enemy of the Great.” –aphorism, Voltaire “Great is the enemy of the Good.” –real estate corollary, Ross Kaplan At least a few Twin Cities Sellers this Spring are making a strategic mistake prepping their homes for market. Namely, they’re taking too long. So, instead of listing now,...Read More
The Best Adjective for “Home”? “Sold!” What do you call an Edina rambler that — at least according to my open house traffic the other weekend — was “too big,” “too small,” “too open,” “not open enough,” “too dated,” “too expensive” . . . and about 10 more fussy comments in a similar vein? Give up? Try, “Sold!” “Too, Too ....Read More
Buyers Who Misunderstand the Scope, Purpose of the Home Inspection Here’s some advice to Buyers tempted to impose requirements like the one above following their home inspection. “Don’t.” There are two reasons for that: 1) it could easily cost the Buyer the home, especially if the Seller has other, serious interest (or even a backup...Read More
Nightmare Inspection Addendum: ‘Seller to Tighten Doorknobs, Dust Counters, etc.’ To the, oh, I dunno, 37 reasons why Buyers shouldn’t nitpick on the Inspection (it can cost them the deal, it jeopardizes Sellers’ good will (and assistance) post-closing, the scope of the inspection is supposed to be limited to material items, etc., etc.), add reason #38: anything on the Buyer’s list...Read More
Telling the Difference Between “Good” and “Bad” Real Estate Business Much has been made about today’s cautious, fussy Buyers. Not only do Sellers’ homes need to be updated and in pristine condition — they need to be tantalizingly priced, too. A lot less ink has been spilled about today’s fussy Realtors (including yours truly). Taking...Read More
