Realtor Freudian Slips? I found a Post-it note on the ground in the Edina Realty-City Lakes parking lot the other day that read: “Seller checking on Pending Assess.” I’m pretty sure they meant “Assessment” “ just not 100% sure . . . 🙂 P.S.: Theory #2 — somebody (the listing agent and/or Seller) didn’t like the...Read More
When the Neighbors are the Dealbreaker Prospective Buyer: “We love the house. But we could never live across the street from that pornographic statue.” Phil Dunphy: “Oh . . . huh . . . I never noticed it.” Prospective Buyer: “Yeah . . . you can see it from inside when you look out the...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. $5,000 vs. $100 So, a $5,000 item on a $300,000 house is the stuff of negotiation. A $100 item (or less) is haggling. (Note: accountants’...Read More
I don’t know if Realtors suffer disproportionately from Attention Deficit Disorder.** But, I did just hear a story at a continuing ed class, about an agent who got this t-shirt from his spouse for his birthday: “My wife thinks I have ADHD. I don’t think so. Hey, look! A chicken!” **Getting emails, texts, and phone...Read More
Advice to Would-Be Home Sellers on Dual Agency: “Don’t” [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 your prospective Realtor won’t agree to adding the clause above to...Read More
Checking Your Teeth — and Your Voicemail Messages In retrospect, it DID seem a little quiet yesterday, even though I wasn’t hosting an open house, doing showings, or otherwise involved in a deal. The explanation? My cellphone’s voicemail was full. I found out when a client sent me an email. In contrast to a few...Read More
