Realtor Gaffes — Listing Presentation Edition I recently heard about an agent who shows up at every listing presentation — essentially, a job interview for Realtors — with a conspicuous “Sold” sign that they leave in plain view of the prospective Seller. Apparently, the agent thinks it projects confidence, “go-getter” hustle, etc.** However, it backfired with an...Read More
Buyer’s Agent: “Can You Please Send Me the Seller Disclosures?” You’re a busy, well-prepared listing agent (OK, me) who has both uploaded the various Seller disclosures** to MLS, and provided hard copies in the “For Sale” home. Nevertheless, the Buyer’s agent contacts you to ask that you send them that information directly. When is that...Read More
Stand·by ˈstan(d)ËŒbÄ«/ noun. Readiness for duty or immediate deployment; for example, “Buses were placed on standby for the trip to Washington.” The state of waiting to secure an unreserved place for a journey or performance, allocated on the basis of earliest availability. “Standby” for travelers, military, etc. means waiting in an elevated state of preparedness for something...Read More
Admittedly, It was easier to get my dyslexic head around the original version: a New Yorker magazine cartoon showing one spouse catching the other “in the act,” as it were. The caption: “Believe me, it’s not what it is.” Now, Bourbon distiller Maker’s Mark — or more accurately, their ad agency — has apparently decided...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
