Is That “Minnesota Agent?” Or, “Agent Anywhere in the U.S.?” [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.] You are listing a Twin Cities home being sold by an estate....Read More
Buyer’s Agent: “Can You Please Send Me the Seller Disclosures?” You’re a busy, well-prepared listing agent (OK, me) who has both uploaded the various Seller disclosures** to MLS, and provided hard copies in the “For Sale” home. Nevertheless, the Buyer’s agent contacts you to ask that you send them that information directly. When is that...Read More
In residential real estate, the competition for business never stops. It’s especially intense during the interviewing stage, before home Buyers and Sellers decide who to hire. But, it continues even after the sale, when agents vie to claim sales credit on MLS, in their marketing materials, etc. All of which is why Buyer’s agents are well-advised to...Read More
Practice vs. Theory One of the biggest areas of confusion in residential real estate is, “exactly what constitutes a legal bedroom?” In particular, to be a legal Bedroom, does the room have to have a closet? The short answer: it depends on the local city’s code requirements (some require it, some don’t). MLS Guidance However,...Read More
Fishing For Sellers, or, Not Offering Consumers What They Think They’re Being Offered No, the agent trolling for new business isn’t offering to tell homeowners (and presumably, prospective Sellers) what their home is worth. Depending on the property’s features, price point, and location, that can take an experienced agent a couple of hours. No, what...Read More
Is That, “No Finished Square Feet in Lower Level?” or, “There’s NO LOWER LEVEL . . . AT ALL?!?” “If your parents don’t have kids . . . you won’t either.” –Anonymous “If your listing doesn’t get showings . . . you won’t get offers, either.” –Real estate corollary, Ross Kaplan [Editor’s Note: The views expressed...Read More
