Investing — or Squandering — “the Energy Dividend” “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.” –Stanford economist Paul Romer In the early ’90’s, politicians referred to the savings from reduced defense spending — made possible by the end of the Cold War — as “the Peace Dividend.” Thanks to the crashing price of oil (plus...Read More
Deal Makers & Deal Breakers I don’t know about other housing markets, but at least in the Twin Cities, it’s not customary to include floor plans in MLS listings. In fact, I’d estimate that fewer than 1% of all listings have them. The two exceptions I’m aware of: 1) new construction, especially upper bracket and...Read More
Going through a 1940’s Lake Nokomis home this week, my Buyer spotted something upstairs that raised her (and then my) eyebrows: the floor tiles didn’t match in a couple of places. Especially if the home has an older roof, that can be a sign of previous leaking directly above the affected areas. In this case,...Read More
“Sellers Who Don’t Have to Sell,” or Picking Up Their Marbles & Going Staying Home It’s always nice to discuss housing market statistics with a fellow quant — which is why it was nice chatting with fellow Edina Realty agent (and now technology consultant) Aaron Dickinson earlier this week. His/my take on housing prices following The...Read More
“Location, Location, Location Price” What do you call a “For Sale” home with old carpeting; an ancient (60 amp) electric service that violates city code, and has to be fixed by the Seller after closing, as a condition of the deal; and a decades-old Kitchen, not to mention dated Baths? “Sold!” In two days, in...Read More
“Do You Know a Good Lender/Home Inspector/Title Insurance Company?” “You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I’m telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town He’s making a list And checking it twice; Gonna find out Who’s naughty and nice Santa Claus is coming to town.” Unlike Santa Claus, Realtors...Read More
