In-Bounds or Out-of-Bounds? The Buyer finished their professional home inspection, and just delivered a long list of issues to resolve with the Seller including this one: “New future back and side doors: (large amount).” Such a demand is clearly outside the scope of the inspection, and not properly raised with the Seller. Why? A. The...Read More
Comparing Honey Crisps to Braeburns One of the more quizzical looks Realtors get is when they (try to) explain to a prospective home Seller that their neighbor’s house isn’t a “Comp” (Comparable Sold Property). In plain English: it isn’t relevant ” at least directly ” for pricing their home. For the uninitiated, a Comp is one of the...Read More
I’ve got a hunch how ” at least in some people’s minds ” “tray” ceiling became “trey”: “très” is French for “very” (as in “very beautiful”). From there, it’s just a small step (and single letter) to “trey.” Of course, that’s also how the word sounds phonetically. However, the correct adjective for a recessed ceiling...Read More
Level vs. Pitched Parking Ramp Floors [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 knew that rental apartments could be converted into condos. But, I didn’t know that parking...Read More
“Just Say (Hell) No!” ” Realtor Version; or “It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask, Right?” Wrong! [Editor’s Note: Realtor rant alert ” if you are one of the vast majority of prospective home Buyers and Sellers who value and respect your Realtor’s considerable efforts on your behalf, please skip the following. If, however, you’re not ” or you’re a Realtor...Read More
One of the ways you can tell that a product is dated or out-of-fashion ” or people think it is ” is that it acquires an adjective. So, for a while, “Coke” became “New Coke.” In the wake of Watergate in the 1970’s, Minnesota’s Republican party became the “Independent — Republican” party (at least until Ronald...Read More