Cost-Benefit Analysis [Editor’s Note: 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.] Homeowner’s title insurance really isn’t like any other insurance consumers buy. Unlike health or life insurance, it doesn’t protect...Read More
“Deal Mop-Up” If you’re a Buyer’s agent nervous about slow-to-arrive Seller signatures,** what’s a good interim step to reassure your anxious clients? Ask the listing agent to change the home’s status on MLS. “Pending” = Done Deal So, if the home is “Active,” changing it to “TNAS” (“Temporarily Not Available for Showing”) assures that no...Read More
Realtor-Speak, Translated I don’t know about other listing agents (representing Sellers), but I have to suppress an eye roll when, following a showing, the Buyer’s agent contacts me and asks to be “kept in the loop” if something happens. That “something,” of course, is another offer. Sometimes, Buyers need a day or two to put...Read More
That’s actually a pretty good question — posed by a newer agent at recent Edina Realty – City Lakes office meeting. A signed MLS “Seller Withhold,” of course, is what most veteran listing agents procure at the same time the owner officially hires them to sell their home. That allows the agent the time they...Read More
“KISS” (Keep it Simple, Stupid) — Realtor Version “Lockbox is on rail to left of side door (north), combo is “LMZ.” Use large key to open deadbolt (turn to left); then use small key to unlock knob lock (sticky, may have to jiggle). Alarm in laundry room down hall, then left; code is 49827 (press...Read More
Ala Carte Disclosure vs. “All or Nothing” Unlike, say, Minnesota’s mandatory Seller Disclosure, home sellers in multiple offers have complete discretion over whom they tell. To be sure, the default is telling everyone: the more Buyers competing for a home, the higher the price (at least usually). That’s why Edina Realty’s standard listing contract states...Read More
