“Only 61 53 46(!) Shopping Days Till Christmas!” Yeah, I know: there are still officially 53 days left in 2018. But, that’s cutting it pretty close for would-be home buyers and sellers who want to close by the end of the year. Here’s my math: Thanksgiving week: subtract Thursday and Friday (Nov. 22 and 23). Christmas: subtract Monday and...Read More
Monday Wednesday Morning Quarterbacking: The 2018 Midterm Elections [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.] “(Chief Justice) John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it!” –President Andrew...Read More
Answer: “About 50°” In the middle of August, on an especially humid day, a nice breeze — if necessary, generated by a ceiling fan — is especially welcome. Fast forward six months (or three, if you live in Minnesota), when local temps are 40º to 60º(!) cooler. That same breeze is now officially a “draft”...Read More
Shining a Spotlight on Dubious Charges Supposedly, right angles don’t exist in nature. Similarly, people seldom make purchases for even amounts. So, the grocery/gas/dry cleaning bill is almost never exactly $40; rather, it’s $39.72 or $40.17 or some such. “That’s Odd!” (Literally) Consumers can use that phenomenon to help thwart credit card fraudsters who —...Read More
Who’s on First?” ” Real Estate Edition [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.] Exactly what role(s) do licensees, principals, agents, subagents, brokers, dual agents, and facilitators play...Read More
Sure, sure, Realtors show support for their colleagues any number of ways. They include: —Offering price opinions on about-to-be-listed homes; —Offering price opinions on homes that are already on the market (and not selling) ” plus, ideally, some marketing suggestions. —Simply offering a sympathetic (and discreet) ear when a colleague is wrestling with a challenging...Read More
