[Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire.] If you don’t know the difference between St. Louis Park’s “Fern Hill” neighborhood and Wayzata’s “Ferndale” neighborhood . . . you may not...Read More
Comparing Honey Crisps to Braeburns One of the more quizzical looks Realtors get is when they (try to) explain to a prospective home Seller that their neighbor’s house isn’t a “Comp” (Comparable Sold Property). In plain English: it isn’t relevant — at least directly — for pricing their home. For the uninitiated, a Comp is one of the...Read More
“Just Say “No!'” (or, “Tomorrow Works Much Better”) As a rule, the more accessible a home is to prospective Buyers . . . the easier it is to sell. But, that doesn’t mean Sellers can never say “no” ” either to a showing request, or, to a Buyer (and their agent) literally standing in their...Read More
Test your real estate (and social) IQ, and see if you know which subjects are in-bounds — and out-of-bounds — for home Buyers and Sellers to discuss at closing: A. The home’s selling price. B. Any walk-thru inspection issues. C. The Buyer’s plans to remodel — or raze(!) — the home post-closing. D. Who the Seller uses...Read More
How Not to Distract From a $5k Front Door Where does the lockbox go? That one seems like a no-brainer: doesn’t it always go on the front door? Usually, but not always. Exceptions to Rule If you’ve never bought or sold a house, the lockbox is the device that stores the house key(s) and lets...Read More
Contractual Assent . . . and a Veto Power To successfully change the closing date of a home sale, which of the following must agree? A. The Buyer. B. The Seller. C. The Buyer’s lender. D. The Buyer’s title company. E. The Seller’s title company. F. The Realtors (Listing agent and Buyer’s agent). Answer: all...Read More
