Closing Headaches — Exhibit A [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.] It’s not the biggest mistake Sellers can make — the maximum exposure is typically “only”...Read More
Centerpoint Energy “Pipe Protection Plan” Never mind my almost 17(!) years as a Realtor. I’ve been a Minnesota homeowner now stretching back over three decades. During all that time, I’d never been pitched a monthly “(gas) pipe protection plan” — until last week. Here is Centerpoint Energy’s marketing spiel: “As your natural gas utility, CenterPoint...Read More
Listing agents (representing home sellers) are big fans of home warranties. Personally, I love them. Test your knowledge of residential real estate today, and see if you know why: A. Realtors don’t pay the premium (Sellers typically do). B. Realtors get a commission for each home warranty policy they sell. C. Listing agents know that...Read More
Closing Headaches — Exhibit A It’s not the biggest mistake Sellers can make — the maximum exposure is typically “only” a couple hundred dollars — but it’s still a headache that can delay if not jeopardize closing. The mistake? Representing that a non-homesteaded home is in fact “homesteaded.” Background What’s the distinction — and why does it...Read More
Rates, Deductibles Both Jump “April showers bring May flowers.” “2011 insurance claims bring . . . 2012 rate increases.” Ok, so it’s not as catchy, but it’s still definitely the case that record 2011 insurance claims — due to unprecedented storms and claims nationally last year — are hitting homeowners two ways this Spring. First,...Read More
Covered by a Home Warranty? Don’t Be So Sure It’s supposed to be the CenterPoint Energy “Service Plus” Plan: a home warranty that covers some (or all) of the appliances in a home, depending on what coverage the homeowner selects (and corresponding monthly premium they pay). However, depending on the age and make of the...Read More
