Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder Buyer When should a listing agent (representing the Seller) explicitly market that a home “needs cosmetic updates” (or the equivalent)? Less often than you might guess. Here are my three reasons why: One. The pictures tell the story. Most MLS’s allow 24 photos; websites like EdinaRealty.com effectively allow...Read More
Buyer’s Agent: “Can You Please Send Me the Seller Disclosures?” You’re a busy, well-prepared listing agent (OK, me) who has both uploaded the various Seller disclosures** to MLS, and provided hard copies in the “For Sale” home. Nevertheless, the Buyer’s agent contacts you to ask that you send them that information directly. When is that...Read More
I just heard through the grapevine about a Realtor who was in competition for a listing, and apparently lost out because the Seller objected to a term the agent used. The offending word? “Homework.” Realtor Job Interview (“Consultation?!?”) So, prior to their meeting**, the agent requested that the prospective Seller pull together some key information. The items...Read More
The Art of Comp Selection One of the trickier home features to account for in a Comparative Market Analysis (“CMA”) is a busy street. For a family with little kids, a busy street may very well be a deal breaker — in which case the discount is theoretically infinite. At the other extreme, an investor looking...Read More
The Email No Prospective Buyer — or Their Agent — Wants to Get Your frustrated client finally found something they’re excited about. Everyone rearranges their schedule to see the property ASAP. Then, just before the showing, the Buyer’s agent receives an email from the listing agent (representing the Seller) that they’ve received an offer. #$@%!#!...Read More
Procuring Cause Paradox One of the more contentious, behind-the-scenes issues that can crop up in residential real estate is, “which agent is entitled to the pay-out commission?” (note: the part of the commission collected by the agent representing the Seller is called the “list-side commission”). In the vast majority of cases, it’s the Buyer’s agent....Read More
