“This Offer is Only Valid Until Noon, August 4” [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.] At least in Minnesota, where I sell real estate, deadlines are incorporated...Read More
Aren’t Multiple Offers Good For Sellers?? Listing Agent: “How did the showing go?” Buyer’s Agent: “Great! They loved it.” Listing Agent: “Is the Buyer going to write?” Buyer’s agent: “No.” Listing agent: “Why not?” Buyer’s agent: “The Buyer doesn’t want to participate in an auction.” –Email exchange between Buyer’s agent and Listing Agent (representing Seller)...Read More
Price & Other Terms What is the Seller’s objective in multiple offers? If you said, “obtain the best offer,” you’d only be half-right; the better answer is, “obtain the best offer from the strongest Buyer.” “Eyes on the Prize” (Closing) That second, broader criterion takes into account not just the selling price, but such things...Read More
Alternatives to Dropping the Price When a Home Doesn’t Sell Unfortunately for owners of “For Sale” homes that . . . aren’t (selling), the explanation is seldom just mediocre marketing. If that were the case, the solution would be simple: great marketing (supplied by a new and presumably better Realtor). Instead, at least in my experience,...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. Most MLS’s allow 18 photos; websites like EdinaRealty.com effectively allow...Read More
Playing Defense as Well as Offense Anthony Finney: So I had a contract drawn up to buy you and your company lock, stock, and barrel. Ray Donovan: I’m not for sale [walks away]. Anthony Finney: Ahh . . we’re still negotiating. –“Ray Donovan”; “Come and Knock on Our Door” (episode 3, season 3). You can...Read More
