“Animal/Insect/Pest Infestation? Check “Yes’ or “No'” [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.] Do a cursory search online for “animal control,” “bat removal,” or similar, and you’ll find...Read More
Virtual Staging Traps for the (Legally) Unwary [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 you’re a prospective home Seller, and your listing agent is using virtual photography...Read More
“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong ” but that’s the way to bet.” —Ecclesiastes (with an assist from Damon Runyon). For the benefit of non-Realtors, here’s a “Top Ten” List of ways that seasoned Realtors know that a home Buyer is serious. 10. They’re represented by a good,...Read More
Housing Deal Deadlines & Other Key Terms No, I don’t recall ever handling a real estate deal where the Buyer or Seller omitted to fill in the purchase price or the closing date. But, I have handled multiple deals where the other side left blank something almost as significant. The three biggest ” and most...Read More
Five-Step Checklist One of the last steps before closing ” in fact, sometimes done on the way to closing* ” is the Buyer’s walk-thru. To my mind, at least, the Buyer’s walk-thru has these five goals: One. Determine that there’s been no change in the home’s condition since the Inspection Contingency was removed. What can...Read More
Bad Call? “The best way to sell a house is to exceed Buyers’ expectations (plus dangle a tempting price, and stir up lots of “pre-list” and “new list” buzz). The corollary? “The best way to lose a Buyer is to disappoint them.” —-Ross Kaplan, “Realtor Sales Secrets”; City Lakes Real Estate Blog. Is it a mistake not to...Read More
