The Doubled-Edged Sword Called “Potential” Although you wouldn’t necessarily believe it looking at all the MLS listings with the word “potential” in them, Realtors use the term carefully, if not reluctantly (or at least I do). That’s for two reasons: One. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ” at least to a point...Read More
What’s a “1.5 showing?” When one partner in a couple has seen the house and likes it, and gives their partner a green light to take a look. Rules & Exceptions As a general rule, Realtors acting as a Buyer’s agent prefer that both (all**) decision-makers be present at all showings. That’s not only more efficient,...Read More
Novice Realtors Rush In Where Pro’s Fear to Tread “Never negotiate furniture.” “Never negotiate furniture.” “Never negotiate furniture.” “Never negotiate furniture.” Realtors who don’t know the above rule ” or forget it ” soon get the opportunity to (re)learn it. That’s because negotiating the sale of personal property, particularly furniture, can be more challenging than dealing...Read More
Mourning the Loss of a House: not “The One,” after all Just because no one died, doesn’t mean that home Buyers who feel compelled to cancel a deal — typically in the wake of a (very) bad inspection — aren’t disappointed. In fact, depending on how excited the Buyer was about the home in question, how...Read More
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. Who the Seller uses...Read More
Realtor-Speak, Translated I don’t know about other listing agents (representing Sellers), but I have to suppress an eye roll when, following a showing, the Buyer’s agent contacts me and asks to be “kept in the loop” if something happens. That “something,” of course, is another offer. Sometimes, Buyers need a day or two to put...Read More
