Loose Door Knobs and Caviar-Stocked Fridges [Note to Readers: 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.] Test your knowledge of today’s housing market, and answer the following question: Which of...Read More
The Easy Way . . . and the Hard Way The Buyer’s inspection revealed a material defect in the home that the Seller doesn’t dispute. Both parties want to stay in the deal. What are their options? Option #1: the Seller fixes the problem, prior to closing. Here are the related steps: One. Buyer and...Read More
Doubling Down on DIY (“Do It Yourself”), or, “If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again” “First law of holes”: ‘if you find yourself in a hole . . . stop digging.'” –Adage. One of the more interesting inspections I’ve handled recently involved a Minnetonka home Seller (I represented the Buyer) who clearly was...Read More
In-Bounds or Out-of-Bounds? The Buyer finished their professional home inspection, and just delivered a long list of issues to resolve with the Seller including this one: “New future back and side doors: (large amount).” Such a demand is clearly outside the scope of the inspection, and not properly raised with the Seller. Why? A. The...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
In-Bounds or Out-of-Bounds? The Buyer finished their professional home inspection, and just delivered a long list of issues to resolve with the Seller including this one: “New future back and side doors: (large amount).” Such a demand is clearly outside the scope of the inspection, and not properly raised with the Seller. Why? A. The item is prospective, not a here-and-now...Read More
