When Less is More The usual definition of “TMI” is when someone divulges something overly personal, that you wish you didn’t know. By contrast, the Realtor version of TMI is literally too much information. As in, the Realtor’s “For Sale” sign, business card, or bus bench is so cluttery you can’t make out anything on it,...Read More
Property Tax Assessed Value vs. Fair Market Value Hard as it might be to imagine, there’s actually one scenario where a home’s property tax value can be too low: when it’s about to go on the market. While the assessed value isn’t something that Realtors and Appraisers take into account to determine market value —...Read More
In the Middle Without Being In the Middle Most listing agents, myself included, take pains to avoid negotiating the sale of personal property. See, “And Repeat: ‘Never Negotiate Furniture.'” But that doesn’t mean I sidestep the issue altogether. When asked, I’m happy to provide Sellers with the names of reputable, local estate sale companies (yes,...Read More
Not-So-High Pressure Sales The mantra for many Realtors (and salespeople generally) is “Always Be Closing” (“A-B-C”). While closing — pushing things ahead, narrowing down issues, getting signatures/assent, etc. — is certainly a necessary skill in real estate, I actually try to live by a variation of that. Namely, “Always be Qualifying” (“A-B-Q”). What’s the distinction?...Read More
Will Sell Homes for Food (& Appreciation) No, you can’t cash compliments. But, in over a decade selling homes, it’s hard to top the “Thank You” note (below) that I just received from a client (and friend) I’ve worked with on two deals over the last ten months (the second deal closed yesterday). “I’ve said it...Read More
“That’s O-N-E . . . L-O-N-G . . . D-O-C-K” When it comes to Minneapolis’ Lake Harriet, there’s no bigger fan than me. There’s a terrific family beach at the southeast corner; the gorgeous Rose Garden is off to the northeast; and to the west is kid-friendly downtown Linden Hills — perfect for coffee and/or...Read More
