Step #1: What Are the Local Setback Requirements? Robert Frost’s line is often quoted, but seldom defined: what is it exactly that makes a “good” fence good? Here are my four criteria: One. Aesthetic. Acceptable fence materials include wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain link, wrought iron, and wire. Any of the above can be attractive — or...Read More
Soliciting Customer Feedback From the Math-Challenged Of course, the email solicitation didn’t say the airline would pay customers $1.50 to complete its survey. Instead, it offered “250 bonus miles.” But, do the math — I did — and that comes to a rather measly $1.50 (that’s what you get when you divide $300 by 50,000 points, then multiply by...Read More
When One Word (“PROPOSED House”) Looms Large Test your knowledge of encroachment issues, and see if you can detect a problem in the photo above. Give up? The northeast corner of the home on the pie-shaped lot clearly encroaches on the lot immediately to the east. Make that, the lot underneath the Minnetonka home my...Read More
Cost-Benefit Analysis [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.] Homeowner’s title insurance really isn’t like any other insurance consumers buy. Unlike health or life insurance, it doesn’t protect...Read More
Voting With Your Feet — or (Computer) Mouse The best sign of a satisfied customer? Repeat business. So, when it comes to things like groceries, gas, and dry cleaning — purveyors of such things can figure out pretty quickly how they’re doing. Ditto for the web sites (and blogs!) which people patronize regularly. Infrequent Transactions...Read More
