Not Just Twin Citians’ Imagination Summer in the Upper Midwest can seem cruelly short, and it’s not just because late June temps can dip into the 40’s overnight (the case now). It’s because the official beginning of Summer (the solstice, on June 21) arrives scarcely two weeks before the traditional mid-point (July 4). In fact, given that...Read More
Schizophrenic Politics, Schizophrenic Language It turns out that it’s not just modern American politics that is increasingly schizophrenic. So is our language. Exhibit A: the two, diametrically opposite meanings of the statement, “That investigation is going nowhere” (as in, the investigation into Russian collusion in the 2016 Presidential election, and whether Trump obstructed it). Definition...Read More
Buyer’s Inspection Timetable: From “5-2-1” to “10 Days” I don’t know about jury verdicts, but as a listing agent representing Sellers, hearing from the Buyer’s agent immediately after the home inspection is almost invariably bad. The usual explanation: the inspection turned up one or more deal breakers, and the Buyer is canceling. That said, waiting too...Read More
Listing Agent to Buyers’ Agents: “The Seller is Looking at an Offer Tomorrow Night at 7 p.m.” [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.] When the listing agent tells interested parties...Read More
Conspicuously Missing Term: Asking Price One of the more confusing contracts in residential real estate is what’s called a “One Time Showing Contract.” As you might guess, unlike a Listing Contract, which allows the Realtor to market a home to the world, a One Time Showing Contract contemplates a deal with exactly one prospective Buyer. Key Terms In...Read More
Analog vs. Digital Parking Meters The bad news about parking at the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market? (open since late April, if you weren’t aware): you’ll have to pay for it. The good news: you won’t have to pay very much, at least on a Sunday in late May. I was about to dump additional quarters in...Read More
