Real Estate Negotiating Principles “Whomever speak first [in a negotiation] . . . loses.” —Anonymous. “Whomever proposes “splitting the difference” in a negotiation stands to get the better bargain.” —Corollary, Ross Kaplan. Veteran negotiators will attest to the truth of the first statement: if you speak first, you never find out if the other side...Read More
Channeling Emily Litella (and Gilda Radner) For obvious reasons, humor is in short supply right now. Which is precisely why it’s so important. If Gilda Radner were still around — and it’s hard to believe it’s been 31(!) years since she was — I know exactly how she’d update her classic SNL bit: righteously indignant-but-befuddled...Read More
Trump’s Presidential Forebears [Note to Readers: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced.] In almost 3 1/2 years in office, President Trump has variously invoked Lincoln, Washington, FDR, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama (especially Obama) to make...Read More
Will It Issue a Correction?? [Note to Readers: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced.] If 10% of the economy shuts down for one quarter, that would be considered a 40% decline at an annual rate.” –“Coronavirus Slump Is...Read More
Purchase Agreements, Deadlines, and (Other) Ultimatums [Note to Readers: 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 into Purchase...Read More
Look closely and you’ll see not one but two trunks at the base of this tree, about 1/2 mile west of Minneapolis’ Cedar Lake in St. Louis Park’s Fern Hill neighborhood. The tree ” make that tree(s) ” command a key intersection, which give passing motorists (and pedestrians) a treat this time of year. P.S.: a...Read More
