How Similar to Client’s Situation? A good, newer Realtor can provide the names of three recent, (very) satisfied customers as references. A successful, established Realtor can provide the names of three recent, very satisfied customers, whose situation closely mirrors the prospective client’s. How many variations can there be? Actually, lots. Not Reinventing the Wheel Besides...Read More
When the Audition . . . is a Previous Gig If you’re not a “Breaking Bad” fan, the highlight(s) of last night’s episode (“Granite State”) were Bryan Cranston’s brilliant scenes with Robert Forster (also terrific in a supporting role as the father-in-law in “The Descendants”). Best scene of all: where the two negotiate for Forster,...Read More
MUCH Better Than Angie’s List, Yelp, Facebook, etc. “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” –Idiom In “Good Lender Service, Defined,” I noted that if you want the real scoop on a lender, ask a Realtor who’s previously worked with them. Of course, the reverse is true, too. Namely, if you want...Read More
How Much Is a Strong Realtor Really Worth? So, which offer did the Seller of this new-to-market St. Louis Park rambler choose to work with the other week? (Yes, multiple offers can and still do occur in today’s housing market, albeit only for homes in good locations, that are well-priced, and in move-in condition). Was it the highest offer?...Read More
The Easiest — and Hardest — Way to Get a Listing Realtors get listings any number of ways: –They’re best friends with the owner. –They go to the same church or synagogue (or mosque, or . . . ) –They started chatting about real estate with the owner in line at the grocery. Track Record But...Read More
