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
MLS Agent Remarks: “$10,000 Agent Selling Bonus!” [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 of Berkshire.] After seeing virtually no sales incentives offered to Buyers’ agents seemingly for years, I’ve now...Read More
I’m a big fan of backlit homes, photographed at dusk: few things in real estate marketing are as dramatic. But, the timing can be tricky. In Minnesota in the Summer, it can require meeting the photographer at the house after 9 p.m. — not exactly a convenient time for professionals (or homeowners). Furthermore, the time...Read More
Dear “Just Previewing” Realtor: “Smile! You’re On Candid Camera!!”** [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 of Berkshire.] Here’s a news flash for skeptical home Sellers (or, maybe not): not every...Read More
“Accept No Substitutes” (or Proxies) No, “Which companies are in S&P’s Homebuilders ETF?” isn’t a, “Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb?” question. It turns out that a majority of stocks in the index don’t make homes — they make the things that go in them. That includes bed manufacturer** Tempur Sealy (3rd largest position); carpeting giant Mohawk Industries...Read More
Buyer’s Agent Practice Tips “Seller shall provide documentation from licensed HVAC contractor (not gas company) that forced air furnace and central a/c are in working order.” –Amendment to Purchase Agreement At least in my capacity as a Buyer’s agent, whenever my client’s inspection raises concerns about the home’s HVAC system, I’m careful to explicitly require...Read More
