Safety in Numbers vs. Tyranny of the Majority Who wouldn’t prefer a smaller condo or co-op building, where the scale in manageable and it’s possible to actually know one’s neighbors? As desirable as that may be, would-be Buyers (and their agents) should be aware of three issues that can be more challenging for a small...Read More
“Cold Enough For ‘Ya?,” or “Go West North, Young Man” I’m sure that other people have their own preferred definitions of what constitutes a “true Minnesotan” (growing up knowing how to sheetrock? Ice skating before you could walk?), but here’s mine: “A true Minnesotan is someone who heads north, not south whenever they have vacation...Read More
Best Advice to Home Sellers: “Tell What You Know” Homeowners can be forgiven for not knowing the difference between a special assessment that’s “pending,” vs. one’s that “levied” — as opposed to one that is assessed and currently payable. Realtors have trouble keeping those terms straight as well. The best advice to give prospective home...Read More
Calling it a Year (on Feb. 4) Real estate brokers suggest that agents who blog should post regularly, to keep things fresh and visitors returning. Their definition of “frequent?” A minimum of once a week. I don’t happen to agree with that — you either get in the mode of blogging or you don’t — but...Read More
Early February Snowstorm Paralyzes Twin Cities Admittedly, it only works if you: a) live close by; b) own a 4-wheel drive; and c) have a flexible schedule. But, if all those apply (they do for me), a big snowstorm is a GREAT time to call your doctor’s office and check for cancellations. I did, and shaved almost three...Read More
Parsing a “5-2-1” Timeline in the Buyer’s Inspection Contingency [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.] One of the trickiest clauses in the standard Minnesota housing purchase agreement...Read More
