“The showing by Ross Kaplan (612-926-8005) ( rosskaplan@edinarealty.com) at 2725 France Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55416 (KeyBox# 32172172) began 01/12/2018 9:17AM.” –email sent automatically by Realtor’s electronic lockbox. What’s the best way for a listing agent (representing a Seller) to ensure that they’ll connect with the appraiser sent out by the Buyer’s lender? Note to...Read More
How to Tell, Early On, if a Home is Likely to Appraise The listing agent (representing the Seller) is meeting the Appraiser — representing the Buyer’s mortgage lender — at the house (note: the listing agent should always meet the Appraiser at the house). What should they have with them, to provide to the Appraiser? A. Hard...Read More
Worst-Case Scenario Don’t feel too sorry for homeowners: in today’s Seller’s market, they’re calling the shots (and getting top dollar). But, if you want to see Sellers in a more sympathetic light, consider this: selling a home now can involve not one inspection, but — including required re-inspections — eight to ten(!) separate visits, depending on the Buyer’s financing;...Read More
“Good,” “Better,” and “Best” One of the key services performed by Realtors for clients is analyzing a home’s fair market value. Buyers’ agents do that analysis — called a CMA, or “Comparative Market Analysis” — to help clients determine how much to offer for a home; listing agents go through the same process to help...Read More
Homes That Don’t Measure Up (Literally) Hush, little baby, don’t say a word. Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird And if that mockingbird won’t sing, Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring And if that diamond ring turns brass, Papa’s gonna buy you a looking glass And if that looking glass gets broke, Papa’s gonna...Read More
Guilt by Association? Not Necessarily As a listing agent trying to make sure their client’s home appraises, I know the concern: if the Comp’s you provide to the Appraiser are all less valuable than your client’s home (known as the “subject property”), they’ll drag its price down, too. Not necessarily. Step #1 is to realize that...Read More