Lumber Prices Are Through the Roof, Punishing Apartment Builders.” —The Wall Street Journal (5/25/2021). [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. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] Home builders nationally are facing soaring costs....Read More
Era of “Supertall” Buildings . . . & Packaging People commonly think inflation means paying more for the same amount. But, paying the same price for a smaller amount also qualifies as inflation. In the last year, I’ve noticed everything from cereal to orange juice to Murphy’s Oil(!) being packaged in ever more svelte containers....Read More
100%(!) Price Hike at Whole Foods If inflation should ever rear its ugly head again, here’s a prediction about where it will first appear: no, not at the gas pump, in your cable bill, or at the pharmacy counter. More likely in the grocery aisle. Exhibit A: Whole Foods’ just-doubled price for a cup of prepared...Read More
Want to guess why the IRS limits Realtor gifts to clients to a measly $25 per person, per year? (at least, that’s the most that can be deducted). A. The IRS doesn’t think Realtors should give clients gifts. B. The IRS is worried about Realtors kicking back their commissions to clients. C. Clients don’t like...Read More
March 7, 2013: Dow Jones Hits (Another) Record High “Dear Jack: Don’t buy a single vote more than is necessary. I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for a landslide.” –JFK quoting a made-up telegram from his father, Joseph Kennedy, after he first won election to Congress. “The Federal Reserve’s role is to take away the punch bowl just when the party gets going.”...Read More
Is 50 the new 25? I have no idea. But $50 sure seems to be the new $25 — threshold for signing a credit card receipt at checkout, that is. Except at Costco, where it’s now $100. I attribute the phenomenon to inflation, plus better credit card security (or at least, one would hope). P.S.: ...Read More
