Challenge: Defining “First Substantive Contact” [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.] In an online, hyper-connected 24/7 world, when do Minnesota Realtors trip the threshold for delivering a required state disclosure to consumers? Called “Agency Relationships” and...Read More
Stale vs. Fresh Data in a Fast-Moving Market Test your knowledge of residential real estate, and field this question: What is the best way to quickly find out the status of a “For Sale” home? A. Check Zillow or Trulia; B. Look on MLS (assuming you’re a Realtor); C. Look on Realtor.com; D. Request a...Read More
Weighing Three Variables Homes on busy streets typically fetch a discount. Is there an equivalent discount for homes located across from a school? (which, in a way, is really just a subset of the “busy street” discount). I’ve never seen data on this, but I’d guess “yes.” I’d further speculate that the discount varies depending...Read More
“Lake Wobegon”. . . for Real If Minneapolis’ Lake Calhoun had an equivalent to “Denali” — a long-established Native American Indian name used by locals — I’d be all for it. But, as a (mostly) life-long Minnesotan, I’m not aware of any such alternative (sorry, “Bde Maka Ska,” the Dakota name for “White Earth Lake,”...Read More
Transparent Compensation vs . . . Not “An astounding 75 percent of consumers believe, incorrectly, that all financial advisers already have to act in their best interest.” –“Is Your Financial Adviser Making Money Off Your Bad Investments?”; The NYT (Sept. 29, 2015). Want one more reason why millions of Mom-and-Pop investors are opting for low-cost index...Read More
Property Taxes, Too (At Least in Minnesota) In addition to the more recognizable hallmarks of Fall, Minnesotans — at least ones who have cars parked outside — will doubtless recognize that last sign (literally) as well. The explanation: the cool overnight temps cause the air in the tires to contract, tripping the warning light. Higher...Read More
