A $1 Tax Saved is $1 Earned (x $375?) [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced. Please consult your CPA if you need tax advice.] With that disclaimer out of the way . . . let me...Read More
The “Air Force One Theory” of Farmhouses What makes a farmhouse a farmhouse? A. A farmer lives in it (or used to).* B. It’s located on a farm (or was). C. A unique architectural style.** D. All of the above. Correct Answer: “A.” and “B.” Admittedly, you don’t run into many farmhouses in the more...Read More
Monetizing a Mother-in-Law Apartment (Maybe) Are Twin Cities homeowners renting out their homes and extra bedrooms on Airbnb? Undoubtedly. In their capacity as listing agent (representing the Seller), should Realtors be touting a home’s (short-term) rental potential? I’m not so sure. Municipal Zoning That’s because I have no idea what local zoning codes say about weekly or...Read More
Sniffing Out Motivated Home Sellers; 4 Clues — & a Red Herring Black Friday isn’t just when retailers offer their best deals of the year. It’s also the time of year when home Buyers can score deep discounts (at least in the Twin Cities; I don’t know about milder markets like Phoenix or Miami). How...Read More
Dubious Campaign Promises — Exhibit A; How Many Loopholes Can YOU Spot? “If they’re too big to fail, make ’em smaller.” –George Shultz, Ronald Reagan’s Secretary of State (and a former Treasury Secretary). At least in some parts of the country, Hillary Clinton’s thread-the-needle comment about big banks last week would be met with a...Read More
