“So, What’s My House Worth??” With the qualifier that I’ve probably been to less than four cocktail parties in my life, there is an odd parallel between the social banter doctors and Realtors invariably engage in with the public (“civilians”? “non-professionals?” “laypeople”??). For doctors, it’s people asking them about their aches and pains — or...Read More
Post-Showing Solutions Headaches [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.] Two weeks in, it’s apparent that there are a number of “hiccups” associated with the transition to a new software vendor for handling MLS showings. To pick just one...Read More
Left Holding the (Garbage) Bag: Reason #17 for Buyers to Do a Walk-Through Inspection It’s certainly possible that the weekly garbage collector will haul away all of the Seller’s junk, left curbside. But, I wouldn’t count on it. And neither should the Buyer. Instead, I’d negotiate either: a) a $500 escrow (holdback) from the sales...Read More
“The Air a Library and the Record of Every Life Lived” “Is it so hard to believe that great shuttles of souls might fly about, faded but audible if you listen closely enough? They flow about the chimneys, ride the sidewalks, slip through your jacket and shirt and breastbone and lungs, and pass out through...Read More
Kudos and (Just a Few) Quibbles Kudos to Mpls. St. Paul Magazine for its well-done May, 2016 cover story, “Suburban Sanctuaries, Downtown Gems, and Walkable Havens: 28 Great Places to Live in the Twin Cities” (“on newsstands now,” as they say). If you’re new to town, you’ll want to check out the article for its thumbnail...Read More
What a Novel Idea! (Actually, Not) For the first time, Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting (held in Omaha this Saturday, April 30) will also be online. Who could have predicted that? Actually . . . yours truly. More than 21 years ago. Here’s an excerpt from my article in The New York Times: “Electronic meetings have several...Read More
