Home Seller, Buyer Options In the wake (literally) of record-setting rainfall locally last month, it’s a good bet that thousands of formerly dry Twin Cities basements — and previously well-functioning roofs — sprang a leak (or two). See, “Seattle East.” Statistically, it’s further likely that at least a couple hundred of those homes are under...Read More
High Winds, +2″ Rain in Twin Cities Last Night A LOT of recent Twin Cities home buyers will be asking whether their Seller is liable for their suddenly wet basement in the wake of last night’s deluge (as much as 3″ of water in some the west ‘burbs). Many basements that never had water, now do;...Read More
Is the Absence of a Negative a Positive? Yes, But . . . Do home sellers get credit for a dry basement? Answer: “absolutely” (I mean, “you betcha!”). It’s just not something that — as a listing agent representing the owner — I’d necessarily put in the home’s marketing materials.* Rather, a bone dry basement ensures that the...Read More
“California Rambler” . . . “California Colonial??” “If your parents don’t have kids, you won’t, either.” So, what’s the 100% guaranteed way to never have a wet basement — something that LOTS of Twin Cities homeowners are contending with right now after another 3″ – 4″ rain in just the last 12 hours? Don’t have a basement....Read More
“Better,” “Best,” “Very Best” Strategies With lots of formerly dry Twin Cities basements suddenly . . . not, I thought it was timely to review homeowners’ various “water prevention” options. Many homes don’t need drain tile and sump pumps: they sit on a (relatively) high piece of land and/or the grade slopes away from the...Read More
Losing the Battle AND the War The talk of my office the last few days is a certain suburban deal that fell apart literally at the 11th hour, due to a walk-thru inspection issue. The problem? A suddenly wet basement. The Seller overplayed their hand, and grudgingly offered the Buyer only $5k to address the...Read More
