More than WHAT? My short answer to the question, “can I get more for my house if I put on a new roof?” is, “yes, you can.” That is, if by “more,” you mean, “more than what you could have gotten for the home without a new roof ” especially if the current one is...Read More
True or False On top of the “payout” commission listed on MLS, Sellers will sometimes dangle an extra incentive for Buyers’ agents. The most common (and straightforward) is simply a cash bonus, payable upon successful closing. How smart is that ” and in what situation(s) is that most effective? Read through the following three scenarios,...Read More
[Editor’s Note: I’m glad to report that, effective next year, the National Association of Realtors is tightening the rules on so-called pocket listings. I first criticized the practice on this blog more than eight years ago(!) — the post below originally appeared May 18, 2011. Please note that the views expressed here are solely those...Read More
Three Scenarios Wait a second ” when an otherwise well-prepped and marketed home isn’t selling, don’t listing agents try to get home sellers to reduce their price? And don’t most home sellers stubbornly resist, no matter how compelling the Realtor’s market data (or underwhelming Buyers’ interest)? Well . . . usually. But there are exceptions...Read More
“Animal/Insect/Pest Infestation? Check “Yes’ or “No'” [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.] Do a cursory search online for “animal control,” “bat removal,” or similar, and you’ll find...Read More
Listing Agent Retort: “I’ll Tell You Right After You Tell Me How High the Buyer is Willing to Go” You (almost) never hear a listing agent (representing a Seller) say to a Buyer’s agent at the outset of negotiations: “let’s cut to the chase; what’s the most your Buyer will pay for my client’s property?”...Read More