“Wasn’t That House Interesting!” — Compliment or Dis? At least outside of Minnesota, “interesting” actually can mean . . . “Interesting.” As in, “unique” (in a good way), “provocative,” or “stimulating.” By contrast, when Minnesotans say it — especially in the context of house-hunting, and they enunciate the word slowing (“i-n-t-e-r-e-s-t-i-n-g”) — they invariably mean...Read More
It Depends Who’s Talking Have you ever noticed that their stuff is sh*t and your sh*t is stuff?” —George Carlin Part of real estate sales — make that a big part — is treating clients with sensitivity and respect. That’s especially true for elderly clients, who haven’t moved in decades and have strong emotional ties...Read More
“I’ll List Your House for $700k $750k $800k!!” Anxious Buyers aren’t the only ones bidding up home prices this year. So are some Realtors, including at least a few who should (and do) know better. Housing Market Icaruses One of the things that can happen when prospective home Sellers interview lots of agents in an...Read More
“Signed (Electronically); Sealed; & (Constructively) Delivered” [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.] “Final acceptance” sounds like something that happens in a hospice, or perhaps what Woody...Read More
Practice vs. Theory One of the biggest areas of confusion in residential real estate is, “exactly what constitutes a legal bedroom?” In particular, to be a legal Bedroom, does the room have to have a closet? The short answer: it depends on the local city’s code requirements (some require it, some don’t). MLS Guidance However,...Read More
Easier Sell in Summer? The problem with tuckunder garages is what’s “over” the “under”: usually, a bedroom. If that bedroom happens to have hardwood floors, and it’s Minnesota in the winter . . . it can be unpleasantly cold. The two other problems with tuck under garages: 1) they tend to be single stall; and...Read More
