“Okay so, yes, it is across from a cemetery, BUT there’s nary a gravestone in site. It’s more like living across from a VERY QUIET park. In fact, it makes the views quiet uniquely tranquil for a city home. It also means there will never be neighbors across the street, which means there’s less of...Read More
“Shhh! Don’t Tell Anyone My House is for Sale” “Listing agent will not also represent Buyer.” —Clause added to every listing contract I sign. [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary...Read More
Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder Buyer When should a listing agent (representing the Seller) explicitly acknowledge in their marketing 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. For years, websites like EdinaRealty.com have allowed...Read More
Explaining the Ghost “For Sale” Sign Thanks to quirky (at least to me) MLS rules, home photos can’t include broker names or any other marketing information. Usually that’s not a problem, because the Realtor-ordered photos are taken before the “For Sale” sign is installed. Ahh, but when that’s not the case, to avoid an MLS...Read More
When Does a “For Sale” Home Stop Being the Seller’s? Especially for newer, less established agents, it’s common to represent friends and relatives in the sale of their home (over time, successful Realtors’ sphere grows beyond those groups). Even veteran agents occasionally represent friends and family members. How do they (we) keep emotion out of...Read More
Listing Agent Hubris(?): Pre-Announcing Multiple Offers “This is a MUST SEE QUICKLY! It will not last, priced to sell quick and/or in multiples.” –Excerpt, recent new listing in Eden Prairie. “Seller allowing showings to start on Friday. All offers to be reviewed on Monday noon. Priced to sell to best offer on Monday.” –Excerpt, recent...Read More
