Gap Between Last Ask, Sold Price One clue that a just-sold home had major inspection issues is when the sales price represents a big discount from the last asking price. So, for example, a house that was listed at $500k, was “Pending” on MLS for six weeks (give or take), then closed for . . ....Read More
Three Strikes “One Strike and You’re Out!” In the rest of the country, Fall may just be getting underway. But here in the Twin Cities, many of the leaves are already off the trees, and there’s a hint of winter in the air. At least today, with temp’s in the 40’s and precipitation (that wasn’t sleet,...Read More
Defining the Denominator One of the more useful (ballpark) benchmarks for determining a home’s likely selling price these days is what Realtors call “sales price as a percentage of list (or asking) price.” Depending on what part of the Twin Cities you’re talking about (and what price point), the number that’s out there at the moment is...Read More
Free Coaching? In a market where even the real estate pro’s are finding it tough, I see a lot fewer For Sale By Owner’s (“FSBO’s”). From perhaps 12% of the market at the peak five or so years ago, I’d guessimate that percentage is down 50%, to about 6% today. What can be said of that...Read More
Passing on Unsaleable Listings Want a good Realtor to list (and ideally, sell) your home? In a Twin Cities market full of fussy Buyers and lots of inventory (with notable exceptions), you’d better meet the following three criteria. One. Be motivated. No, “motivated” doesn’t mean “desperate.” To a Realtor, a “motivated seller” is someone who’s willing...Read More
A: When it’s a short sale You’d think that a Seller who received a full-price offer on their home would automatically say “yes,” and the Buyer and Seller would be well on their way to a consummated deal. And in most situations, you’d be correct. However, with a short sale — that is, a home...Read More