Backup Offers As high school seniors (and their parents) are acutely aware this time of year, colleges have waiting lists. But so does residential real estate. It’s just that the real estate version is called a “backup offer.” The usual scenario: a runner-up Buyer is very interested in a property that is now under contract, and wants...Read More
“So, T-H-A-T-‘S What That Dial Is For!” Thanks to Minneapolis City plumbers Doug Anderson and Rod Petrik, I now know what that small blue dial on my home’s water meter does. Make that, my brand new water meter — replaced last week, courtesy of the city, in a speedy 30 minutes by the same gentlemen. According...Read More
The Color Taste of Water Water usually doesn’t have a taste, and people don’t object to that. Ditto for celery. So why is calling something — like a comment, a work of art, or an article of clothing — “tasteless” a dis? “Taste-Free” vs. “Tasteless” Clearly, what the speaker intends to say is, “in bad taste.”...Read More
“Buy on Bread, Sell on Cheese” In the wine industry (which I otherwise know nothing about), “buy on bread, sell on cheese” means that if you’re a wine buyer, you’d be well-advised to eat a piece of bread in between tastings. Because bread is neutral, it will clear your palate for the next wine. By...Read More
What difference does it make if someone selling a home is a teacher, social worker, lawyer, or doctor? I’d say little or none: the home’s condition and features — plus the Seller’s Disclosure and Buyer’s inspection later on — speak for themselves. The exception? When the Seller is a master carpenter, and the home reflects their handiwork —...Read More
