Establishing ” and Testing ” Boundaries If you go to the Business section of any bookstore, you’ll see any number of books on negotiation titled, “Getting to Yes!,” “Win-Win Negotiation,” etc. In my experience, however, the key to effective negotiation lies not in getting to “yes,” but getting to “no.” Or perhaps more accurately: before you...Read More
If you’re going to lose power, 5-7 p.m. on a beautiful Summer day isn’t a bad time to do it (minus the “making dinner” part). In my case, there was even a silver lining: an extra 10-15 minutes in an otherwise tightly packed day. The explanation? No point running over to get lights for a...Read More
Losing Books (& Deals) For each child you have . . . you lose a book.” –Anonymous writer, “Pops: Fatherhood in Pieces” by Michael Chabon. That’s if you’re a novelist. Ahh, but if instead you’re a Realtor . . . the equivalent isn’t losing books, but deals, and the ratio isn’t 1:1, it’s more like...Read More
Realtor Rule #1: “Know Your Client.” Rule #2: “Know the Property You’re Selling” (or at least, how to get in) Test your knowledge of real estate sales, and answer the following question: Why is it smart for the Realtor representing the Buyer to get to a showing early? A. It allows extra time for the...Read More
Realtor-Client Double Standard There are really only two rules when it comes to proper attire for a home closing: 1) the Realtors and other professionals (closers and lender) should wear formal business attire (sorry, no “business casual”); 2) clients can wear whatever they want. Which I guess means there’s only one rule. For men, at least,...Read More
Unsolicited Advice to Would-Be Home Sellers [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 your listing contract...Read More
