The Problem(s) With Blind Solicitations In a housing market characterized by still-scarce inventory and frustrated Buyers (especially at lower price points), it seems like an obvious tactic if not smart Realtor marketing: proactive Buyers’ agents who send a blind letter to a targeted block or neighborhood inquiring whether anyone is contemplating selling. While I know...Read More
How Realtors Grade Clients Clients may have a select few words for their Realtors, but Realtors also have some favorite words for their clients. No, not “%!%#!” Rather, how “cooperative” they are. What do I mean by that? For Sellers, client cooperation boils down to these three things: 1. Pricing. A cooperative client picks a...Read More
Which “Hat” is the Other Agent Wearing? Well before a home comes on the market these days, good listing agents (representing the Seller) “prime the pump” with an aggressive, pre-list marketing campaign. That includes using the new “Coming Soon” status on MLS; exposing the home on Edina Realty’s agents-only “Network One” (note: be sure to...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
“Location, Location, Location” “Context, Context, Context” What can you confidently say about a “For Sale” home whose price was just reduced, days before Christmas? A. The home is now a bargain. B. The Seller is motivated. C. The Seller’s Realtor (listing agent) is motivated. D. The home is better-priced** than it was before. Correct answer:...Read More
“We Can Always Drop the Price, Right?” Yes, But . . . Wait a second! Don’t leftovers come after Thanksgiving? Not when it comes to the housing market. In my own neighborhood close to Minneapolis’ Cedar Lake, I’m aware of at least half a dozen very nice homes which came on the market as far back...Read More
