Negotiating is a crucial part of any deal, and lays the foundation for a clear, enforceable contract. Haggling is . . . an annoying waste of time. What’s the difference? Exactly two decimals. $10,000 vs. $100 So, a $10,000 item on a $250,000 house is the stuff of negotiation. A $100 item (or less) is haggling. (Note: accountants’...Read More
How Motivated is the Seller Really? “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” –Zen saying “When a listed home is priced right — and well-prepped, photographed, marketed, etc. — the Buyer will appear.” –Ross Kaplan One of the most common lines listing agents (representing Sellers) hear from their clients — particularly when their...Read More
“Highest & Best,” Defined [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.] If this Spring housing market is like any other, it’s guaranteed that at least a few home...Read More
“This Offer is Only Valid Until Noon, January 16” [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.] At least in Minnesota, where I sell real estate, deadlines are incorporated...Read More
Negotiating is a crucial part of any deal, and lays the foundation for a clear, enforceable contract. Haggling is . . . an annoying waste of time. What’s the difference? Exactly two decimals. $10,000 vs. $100 So, a $10,000 item on a $250,000 house is the stuff of negotiation. A $100 item (or less) is haggling. (Note: accountants’...Read More
The Upside Down Negotiation Normally, it’s the Buyer who insists on a lower price, and the Seller, a higher one. The exception? When the two parties to the transaction are long-time friends, and the subject matter is a used car (pictured with its new primary driver, my 17 year-old son, above). To get the deal done, my...Read More
