Quick Answer: “It Depends ” But Usually Less Than Buyers Think” “At the closing table, the Seller will walk away with a check ” and whether the money comes from the Buyer or the lender doesn’t matter.” —”Do Home Buyers Who Pay Cash Get a Discount?”; The Wall Street Journal. The answer to the question,...Read More
In-bounds or Out? Test your real estate (and social) IQ, and see if you know which subjects are in-bounds ” and out-of-bounds ” for home Buyers and Sellers to discuss at closing: A. The home’s selling price. B. Any walk-thru inspection issues. C. The Buyer’s plans to remodel ” or raze(!) ” the home post-closing. D....Read More
Issues That Do (and Don’t) Come Up on Inspection Want to know how much it costs to fix a cracked chimney cap? A veteran Realtor probably has at least a ballpark idea. Ditto for a new roof, boiler, electric service panel, or central a/c. However, it’s a good bet that the same agent doesn’t have...Read More
Caution: Only Use if True Want to know the single most compelling pitch a Buyer can make to a prospective home Seller, especially if negotiations are at an impasse? This one: “I’d love to buy your home for $___ . If that’s acceptable, please let me know by [time]. Otherwise, I plan to make an...Read More
“Just Sign Here” Which sounds less intimidating (at least if you’re not a lawyer): “let’s meet at my office at 6:30 p.m. to go over the paperwork.” Or, “let’ s meet at 6:30 p.m tonight to review and sign the contracts.” At least to my ear, Option #1 ” which is what I tell prospective...Read More
WSJ: “Struggling Real-Estate Giant Realogy Strikes Deal With Amazon” [Editor’s Note: 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, and competes with Realogy subsidiary Coldwell Banker Burnet.] “We lose money on every...Read More