Show me a “For Sale” home that’s open Sunday after Sunday, rain snow or shine, and I’ll show you a house where: a) the home is likely overpriced and going nowhere in the market; b) a frustrated Realtor is trying to placate an impatient owner; or most likely c) both “a.” and “b.” In my...Read More
Structural, Not Psychological Explanation The years-long shortage of housing inventory has been a head-scratcher for many real estate experts (including this one). According to Econ 101, rising prices eventually elicit more supply, which cools off prices, which in turn reestablishes market equilibrium. Except that hasn’t happened the last few years. If anything, the shortage of...Read More
Official Beginning of Winter 2017-2018 in Twin Cities: Yesterday! (Dec. 5) “Welcome to Stanford! Last year, 95% of you were in the top 5% of your class. Today, 95% of you are in the bottom 95% of your class.” –Stanford Dean of Admissions Fred Hargadon, to each year’s entering freshman class (including mine a long time...Read More
The Limits of Delectable Food I know the about-to-follow sentiments place me in a distinct minority of Realtors, but here goes: If scrumptious refreshments on Broker Tour** actually sold homes, then that nice Contemporary by Cedar Lake should have sold in a heartbeat. Proffered to visiting agents: home-cooked shish-kebab (delicious!), flutes of champagne, and chocolate...Read More
What Happens After the Listing Contract Expires? [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.] “Seller understands that the Seller does not have to pay Broker’s compensation if Seller...Read More
Or Maybe They Should be Called “Dismaying Jeans” Yeah, yeah, I know what fancy-schmancy retailers mean when they refer to “distressed jeans”: jeans whose various holes and patches somehow make them look chic ” and worth a huge mark-up (also referred to as “vintage clothing” in some quarters). My definition of “distressed jeans” is a...Read More
