Top of Fifth Inning — or Ninth? If you accept that the housing market is cyclical (I do), then you inevitably find yourself wrestling with these two questions: 1) how long are housing cycles on average?; and 2) where in the current cycle are we? The best empirical data I’m aware of suggests that housing...Read More
Realtor Bus Benches, Optical Illusions & Eyewitness Testimony It’s always nice when someone notices your bus bench picture — and compliments you on it! Except that the Realtor who got the compliment the other day (a colleague) doesn’t have his picture on any of his three area bus benches. When he told the person that,...Read More
Cashing in on Proximity to South Harriet Park; Targeting “In-Between” Edina Home Buyers “Ar·bi·trage” \ˈär-bÉ™-ËŒtrazh\ [noun]: the practice of buying something in one place and selling it almost immediately in another place where it is worth more. –Merriam-Webster Dictionary It may not be the conventional definition of “arbitrage,” but something a bit like that is currently happening...Read More
A $1 Tax Saved is $1 Earned (x $375?) [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. Please consult your CPA if you need tax advice.] With that disclaimer out of the way . . . let me...Read More
The “Air Force One Theory” of Farmhouses What makes a farmhouse a farmhouse? A. A farmer lives in it (or used to).* B. It’s located on a farm (or was). C. A unique architectural style.** D. All of the above. Correct Answer: “A.” and “B.” Admittedly, you don’t run into many farmhouses in the more...Read More
Gas < $2 Gallon “The U.S. Energy Information Administration said this week that the country’s proved reserves of natural gas rose 10% in 2014 to a record of 388.8 trillion cubic feet.” –“Gas Driller Hits a Gusher — and Sinks Its Own Stock“; The Wall Street Journal (11/26/2015) If gas at discounters like Sam’s Club...Read More
