[Note to Readers: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced.] As a Realtor, I know better than to challenge an acquaintance who, almost sheepishly, explains that they would’ve liked to hire me, but instead were obliged to use their...Read More
Home Buyer/Seller as Guinea Pig As a Realtor, I know better than to challenge an acquaintance who, almost sheepishly, explains that they would’ve liked to hire me, but instead were obliged to use their [insert relationship here**]. Far be it from me to poison — perhaps for years — an extended family’s Thanksgiving or Christmas,...Read More
Highest & Best Due When?!? What’s the giveaway that the listing agent who sent the email above Saturday morning is likely a newbie — or, at least, not so experienced handling multiple offers? The 10 a.m. Sunday deadline. Given that the Edina home just debuted on the market Friday, that means Buyers (and their agents)...Read More
Different Focuses, Priorities What’s the difference between an inexperienced Buyer’s agent and a veteran? When the novice shows a home to clients, they study the home. When an experienced agent shows clients a home . . . they study their client. Of course, if the client likes the home, the agent forms an opinion about...Read More
How Rational? One of the most common concerns Buyers (especially first-time Buyers) have is, “what if I commit to buying this home, and then something ‘better’ comes on the market?” How reasonable is that fear? Put it this way: if the Buyer has done their homework, i.e., learned the market and fine-tuned what they’re looking for,...Read More
Permission to Lowball . . . Denied As a listing agent (representing Sellers), I sure seem to be parrying a lot more of what I’ll call “verbal probing” these days. The gist of all the questions being lobbed by Buyers’ agents: “would the Seller consider an offer significantly below the current asking price?” Thrust — and...Read More