In a business where guaranties should be viewed skeptically, how can you know for sure that the Buyer’s final walk-thru inspection will be uneventful? Answer: they waive it. 🙂 At least in my experience, it’s a (very) rare occurrence. But, it’s usually associated with one (or more) of the following three factors: 1) the home is...Read More
Counting Down to December 31 December 29 At least for Buyers’ agents, the answer to the question, “should I close on my home purchase in 2017, before any new tax laws take effect?” is easy: “consult your tax advisor.” Fortunately, agents are able to field a related question: “is it still possible to close in 2017?” Closing Hurdles Whether a 2017 close...Read More
“He’s So Supercilious”: Compliment or Dis? Normally, when you think of the adjective “super,” you think in terms of . . . superlatives (see my point?). Examples include the Super Bowl; the Superdome (home of the New Orleans Saints football team); “Super size me!” (McDonalds old slogan — used to be the food; now, all...Read More
How Citibank Handles Its Customers’ Personal Information [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.] “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” –“Romeo & Juliet”; Shakespeare Americans...Read More
2725 France Avenue Open From 2-4 p.m. Where: 2725 France Avenue South in Minneapolis, just Southwest of Cedar Lake. When: 2 – 4 p.m. this Sunday. What: Surprisingly spacious, 4 BR/3 Bath Cape Cod with over 2,600 square feet in high demand Sunset Gables neighborhood. How much: $500,000. Who: listed by Ross Kaplan, Edina Realty — City...Read More
A Win For the Luddites (or, ARE They??) What if there was a home security system that had all of the following virtues: it was simple and easy-to-use; (very) cheap; crash-proof; hack-proof; and never needed a software patch, update, or monthly subscription? (see, “very cheap”). Fortunately, there is. Give up? It’s called, “a key” (or,...Read More
