Sure, sure, accomplished Realtors need to be good at staging, marketing, contracts, negotiating, and several other tasks. But, none of those matter unless they’re first hired. Which is why practically all veteran agents excel at making a (very) positive impression during their listing presentation (also known as a Realtor job interview). The key? (at least...Read More
Real Estate Terminology 101 “Final acceptance” sounds like something that happens in a hospice, or perhaps what Woody Allen has been seeking in therapy all these years. Fortunately, the real estate version is not so macabre: it’s just a fancy way of saying, “Done Deal!” “Signed, Sealed, & (Constructively) Delivered” Specifically, “Final Acceptance” refers to...Read More
In a supposedly paperless world, why does anyone still need something to correct paper mistakes? I know at least one, non-standard application: touch-up paint for Realtor sign riders. 🙂 It’s not as good as white nail polish, and not as water-repellent (or long-lived) as oil-based paint, but in a pinch . . . it’ll do!Read More
The “I Decline to Initial” Buyer’s Initial Form: “Agency Relationships in Real Estate Transactions” Date signed by Buyer: June 22, 2017 Form: Purchase Agreement Date signed by Buyer: June 22, 2017 What’s wrong with this picture? It runs afoul of Minnesota Department of Commerce guidelines, which provide that prospective Buyers’ agents are supposed to discuss...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
Did you know that good Realtors are all the same religion? No, not Catholic or Jewish or Muslim. They’re agnostic . . . about neighborhoods (what did you think I meant, God??). Diff’rent Strokes for Diff’rent Folks There are a handful of Realtors who live and exclusively sell in just one Twin Cities neighborhood. Like...Read More
