Real Estate Jargon 101 What’s the difference between an “accepted” offer and a “fully executed” one? Absolutely nothing. As a former corporate attorney, I actually prefer the latter term, because it’s just a tad more precise, descriptive, etc. However, it can also sound a bit . . . intimidating (especially the “executed” part). Which is why...Read More
Ambulance Chasing — & Its Opposite When you first start out in real estate, you want to sell everything. Single family homes, apartment buildings, farmland, the Mall of America . . . you name it. Gradually, it dawns on you that you may not be qualified to sell one or more of those things — in fact,...Read More
Novice Realtors Rush In Where Pro’s Fear to Tread “Never negotiate furniture.” “Never negotiate furniture.” “Never negotiate furniture.” “Never negotiate furniture.” Realtors who don’t know the above rule ” or forget it ” soon get the opportunity to (re)learn it. That’s because negotiating the sale of personal property, particularly furniture, can be more challenging than dealing...Read More
(Just a Little) Recreational Reading for Policy Wonks [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.] I’m sure I’m not the only Minneapolis Realtor who’s now fielding questions from concerned clients...Read More
“As Is” ≅ “Pass/Fail” [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.] It seems obvious: if the Seller isn’t going to correct anything — the definition of “As Is” —...Read More
“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
