Tax Records vs. MLS I don’t know about other Buyers’ agents, but before I show clients a 1.5 story home — or one that’s billed as a 1.5 story home on MLS — I first check the county tax records. When the county says “1.2 stories,” I know that any upstairs Bedroom is marginal at...Read More
“So, T-H-A-T-‘S What That Dial Is For!” Thanks to Minneapolis City plumbers Doug Anderson and Rod Petrik, I now know what that small blue dial on my home’s water meter does. Make that, my brand new water meter — replaced last week, courtesy of the city, in a speedy 30 minutes by the same gentlemen. According...Read More
Establishing Credibility With Sellers I was on a (successful) listing appointment in Linden Hills last week, when the topic of neighborhood expertise came up (I had it to spare). It certainly helped that I had handled several recent transactions within a few blocks; used to live less than six blocks south, in the adjacent Fulton neighborhood;...Read More
When to Skip Home Improvements In general, I applaud homeowners who want to make improvements to their homes and property. See, “Let’s Hear it For Granny Flats!” However, at least when it comes time to sell, there’s one scenario where owners are better advised to save their cash, and simply market their home to builders: ...Read More
Home Buyers Who Get a Post-Closing Lump of Coal When there are hardwood floors in the closets, you usually expect to find them under the carpet in the adjoining room. Usually. The exception, in my experience: 1950’s construction — often ramblers — that were built just as high-quality, affordable carpeting took the housing market by storm (think...Read More
“Sold, Subject to Inspection” Yes, multiple offers — at least in some neighborhoods and price points — are making a comeback in the Twin Cities housing market today. And yes, at least some would-be Buyers are skeptical that there really is competition for the home they’re interested in. Unfortunately, I only really know one, absolutely...Read More
