“Ball & Chain” vs. Source of Stability/Emotional Support A “contronym” is word that is its own antonym. Examples include the word “left” (“the gentlemen have left and the ladies are left”); “off” (“to turn off,” but also “activate,” as in “the alarm went off”); and “sanction” (both “approve” and “punish”). So, what do you call...Read More
Conspicuously Missing Term: Asking Price [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. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] One of the more confusing contracts in residential real estate is what’s called a “One-Time Showing...Read More
“Just Say “No!'” (or, “Tomorrow Works Much Better”) As a rule, the more accessible a home is to prospective Buyers . . . the easier it is to sell. But, that doesn’t mean Sellers can never say “no” ” either to a showing request, or, to a Buyer (and their agent) literally standing in their...Read More
Key Variables: Which School? Which Buyer? 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 “busy street” — call it, an “intermittently busy street”). I’ve never seen data on this, but I’d guess “yes.”...Read More
So, what’s the secret to keeping every single New Year’s resolution? Discipline, perhaps? How about persistence, fortitude, self-knowledge, or even realistic (read, “low”) expectations? Nope. Try, “timing.” My now 17 year-old son hit upon the idea, years ago, of waiting till the waning hours of New Year’s Eve (like, after 11 p.m.) to forswear various...Read More
Porsches, Picasso’s, and Stradivariuses A Steinway piano is a hand-made marvel, full of intricate detail and workmanship, sought by collectors and valued accordingly. A true “piece of work,” one might even say. Ditto such treasures as a Stradivarius violin, a Picasso painting, a Porsche sports car, and a Rolex watch. So . . . how...Read More
