Now, THAT’S Going Cold Turkey! Speaking from experience, it’s almost impossible to completely disconnect from work the couple of times a year I take a genuine break. Somehow, the resolve to only check emails once or twice a day erodes, or, some unanticipated issue with a file pops up that requires my (hopefully) brief attention. Which is why...Read More
Moving Beyond “The Doctor Realtor-Knows-Best Model” Unlike doctors, Realtors don’t deal in life-and-death consequences (thankfully). But, their relationship to clients — and arguably, every professional’s relationship to their less knowledgable customer — parallels the three types of doctor-patient relationships outlined in Dr. Atul Gawande’s wise and sensitive book, “Being Mortal.” “Red Pills and Blue Pills” According to...Read More
Good Journalistic — and Realtor — Technique (vs. Parent of New College Student) Good journalists — and Realtors! — know that the key to eliciting information is to pose open-ended questions rather than closed-ended questions. So, savvy listing agents debriefing Buyers’ agents ask, “What did your client like most/least about the home?,” not, “How did...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
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
Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder Buyer When should a listing agent (representing the Seller) explicitly market that a home “needs cosmetic updates” (or the equivalent)? Less often than you might guess. Here are my three reasons why: One. The pictures tell the story. For years, websites like EdinaRealty.com have allowed an unlimited number...Read More
