A Realtor’s Definition of a “7” (or a “3” or a “9”) vs. a Consumer’s [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.] Good Buyers’ agents don’t just qualify their clients financially, they also vet the...Read More
Seller Misconceptions “Sunk Cost”: a retrospective (past) cost that has already been incurred and cannot be recovered. —Wikipedia What Sellers paid for their home ” and how much they subsequently put into it (for improvements, updates, etc.) ” are important psychologically.* And, depending on how much the would-be Seller currently owes on their home, the sum of their cost + improvements...Read More
Tackling the Big Stuff ” or Just Cosmetics? Occasionally, I see a listing agent who takes pains to assure Buyers’ agents in the “Agent Remarks” field on MLS (seen only by Realtors) that the home “is not a flip.” What’s going on? The listing agent (representing the Seller) wants Buyers to know that the home...Read More
Interior Decorating Tip #34 If you want to give a Living Room or Family Room a luxurious feel, you could pop for an Oriental rug costing $2,000, $5,000 ” or more. Or . . . you could spend $100 or so to get an especially thick carpet pad to put under a more modest rug...Read More
This Weekend (Sept. 27-29) in Twin Cities I certainly understand why remodeling aficionados — or simply the “housing curious” — would want to peek at the latest high-end remodeling projects in the Twin Cities. But, why would would the owners — who presumably just endured months (years?) of dislocation and inconvenience — want the world...Read More
Eyes may be the window to the soul. But, at least in the housing market — and specifically, when it comes to remodeled homes — it’s exactly backwards. Namely, the condition of the home’s windows frequently tell you everything you need to know about the quality (or lack thereof) of the remodel. Cutting Corners? Show...Read More
