City Lakes Real Estate Blog Tops the List (Google’s) So, how do you get to be the best Realtor blog in America? Start with a daily post featuring a topical bit of real estate-related news or analysis (usually). Then, write 6-8 more such pieces the same week. Finally ” and here’s the hard part ”...Read More
The Overzealous Agent: Asset or Liability? Don’t squeaky wheels get the grease? And in a hyper-competitive multiple offer situation, isn’t an aggressive agent an asset? (nice alliteration, huh?) Yes . . . to a point. Beyond that point, hyper-aggressive behavior on the part of a Buyer’s agent can become a negative to the Seller (and...Read More
. . . . Or One [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.] Realtors representing Sellers (better known as “listing agents”) tend to be a lot more...Read More
Dow Drops 1,032 Points on Coronavirus Fears [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.] No, I don’t see mortgages becoming free any time soon. Even if long-term interest rates...Read More
Home Buyers (and Sellers) can be excused for thinking that the purpose of an appraisal — typically, done at the behest of the Buyer’s lender — is to determine the home’s fair market value. Not exactly. Rather, the purpose of the appraisal — at least one done in the context of a home sale —...Read More
Thanks, Keith!** From my Realtor’s perspective, credit consumers — specifically, home Buyers looking for a mortgage — place FAR too much emphasis on fees, and WAY too little on service, and the very real financial value of same. Call it, “missing the forest for the trees.” So, on average, to originate a $200k mortgage, a top...Read More