Robert Guthridge's Blog

If there is one thing a San Francisco real estate agent can tell you, it’s this: The money you spend renovating your home yields the highest return on investment. There’s logic to this statement. San Francisco luxury real estate is in hot demand. The more you make your home appealing to potential buyers, the easier time you’ll have selling your property if you decide to move. Getting the Most Bang for the Buck The right home renovations attract the attention of hopeful buyers who are looking for the most bang for their buck. They’re no different than you, because they want to experience true happiness with their home, its location, and its contents. They want their money to come back to them twice rather than lose a fortune on a bad investment. Home buyers looking to purchase San Francisco luxury real estate are also not interested in making renovations themselves. There is a fixer-upper market out there, but due to permits, time, and expenses, many San Francisco home buyers would ra...

“A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” –Mark Twain Once upon a time, unscrupulous people were said to “push” or “peddle” lies. Now, apparently that’s not energetic enough. If a lie is to actually get anywhere (never mind “around the world”), it needs to be actively pedaled. See also , “ NY Times Gaffe: “Energize” and its Phantonyms .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2BxyUrT via IFTTT

This video is part of the Danielle Lazier + Associates Monthly Market Update Video Series . Each week, we provide you with a short video with updated information about San Francisco real estate and the neighborhoods you love. Let us know if there is something specific you’d like to know. San Francisco Single Family Homes Market Update – October 2017 The number of active listings was down 38% from one year earlier and down 27% from the previous month. As you can see, the median listing price for the month was just under $1.7 million, while the median sales price was just under $1.6 million. Compared to last year, the average number of days that units spent on the market before being sold was down 14%. The number of units sold decreased 1% year-over-year and increased 30% month-over-month. The Take Home Number of active listings: Down 38% year-over-year Number of active listings: Down 27% month-over-month Median listing price: Just under $1.7 million Average number of days on ...

On today’s episode of the InvestFourMore Real Estate Podcast, I speak with Steve White and Eric Worral of RentPrep. Steve started RentPrep to help large property management companies screen their tenants after working in the debt collection business trying to get bad tenants to pay their bills. I talk with both Eric and Steve about how they screen tenants, how they help landlords find great tenants, what it is like to try to collect debts from tenants, and things landlords need to watch out for when renting their properties. There is a ton of great information on this podcast, and The post Podcast 129: How to Find Great Tenants with RentPrep appeared first on Invest Four More . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2AlWfPH via IFTTT

Breaking the (Email) Chain “As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Hitler approaches 1.” –Godwin’s Law. “As an email chain grows longer, the probability of one recipient saying something they wish another recipient hadn’t seen (and wish they could take back) approaches 1.” –Ross’ Corollary to Godwin’s Law (for email chains). Veteran agents can attest to the truth of statement #2 — and consequently are extremely circumspect about participating in sprawling, unwieldy group email chains (never mind posting anything). In the haste of a hectic day, shepherding multiple deals at various points, etc., etc., it’s simply too easy for busy agents — and other parties to a deal — to carelessly put something potentially sensitive into the cloud, where it will ricochet off of multiple, unintended parties. Fortunately, the solution couldn’t be easier:  click “new” every time you compose an email or response. P.S.:  what is the definitio...

What’s better than a 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday open house? Two of them! Which is why Edina Realty colleague Kathy Dick and I are holding our nearby listings at 2717 Huntington and 2725 France, respectively, open this Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (both homes are close to Minneapolis’ Cedar Lake). The time is a nod to the Vikings’ game against Atlanta that begins at noon . . . See also , “First Rule of Sunday Open Houses (at Least in Minnesota in the Fall) .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2ieuCRC via IFTTT

“First, Do No Harm” What kind of Realtor talks their client out of a price decrease ? (any prideful homeowner can be talked into a price increase ). Actually . . . a good one. I can think of at least two situations where a price drop would be — as the medical industry would put it — “contra-indicated.” One.   Timing. “Wasting” a perfectly good price drop on a slow week is a classic mistake. Yes, it’ll stand out (because there’s little activity); no, it likely won’t accomplish anything because no one’s paying attention. Two . Magnitude. One of my favorite lines in real estate is, “if you’re going to change the price . . . change the price.” If a home has been sitting at $320k for three months, dropping to $315k ain’t likely to do it, either.** Better to “fall on the sword” and go to $300k, and open up an entirely new — and bigger — pool of Buyers. P.S.: “Death by a thousand cuts.” Good agents also know the corollary to the above. Namely, if you...

I have bought 20 rental properties and flipped over 100 houses. The houses I buy for flips are usually much different than the houses I buy for rentals. With flips, I am concerned about the profit I will make after selling the house. With rentals, I have to think about many more things because I will be holding the rentals for many years. It is tough to know what a good rental property is because everyone has different goals, capital, credit, and expenses. In this article, I will try to go over what I think a good rental property is The post How to Know If a Rental Property Is a Good Investment appeared first on Invest Four More . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2AaKmLP via IFTTT

Home Buyers, Sellers — and Condo Associations When Realtors talk about how “cooperative” a client is, they’re usually thinking of Sellers. So, a cooperative Seller is one who takes (most of) their Realtor’s advice about home prep and staging; prices realistically; has their home looking great for showings and is reasonable about accommodating same, etc. A cooperative Buyer, meanwhile, gets pre-approved by a reputable lender; develops realistic purchase criteria and home preferences; and ultimately offers enough for a given property that it’s possible to reach terms with the Seller. People vs. Associations So what is a cooperative Condo Building and/or Association? Put it this way:  an uncooperative  Condo Association restricts — or forbades — Sunday showings, a key way for Realtors to generate interest in a particular building. And when a listing agent (this one) asks building management to take the pads off the elevator walls fo...

MLS Style Category Definitions 1. (SF) One Story (ONEST) One story single-family house 2. (SF) One 1/2 Stories (ONEHF) One 1/2 story single-family house. Second floor only has adequate ceiling height in a portion of it. 3. (SF) Two Stories (TWOST) Two story single-family house. Has adequate ceiling height throughout upper story. 4. (SF) More Than Two Stories (MRTTS) Single-Family house with more than two stories. 5. (SF) Modified Two Story (MODTS) Two story single-family house where the second story has full ceiling height throughout but has less square feet of finished space than the first level, leaving a portion of the structure without the second story. However, there is a full set of stair risers to the second story. (Does not include multi-level homes with a half set of risers but not a shorter full set.). 6. (SF) Three Level Split (THRLS) Three level split home 7. (SF) Four or More Level Split (FOURM). Built like a three level split, except it has a basement level and...

This video is part of the Danielle Lazier + Associates Monthly Market Update Video Series . Each week, we provide you with a short video with updated information about San Francisco real estate and the neighborhoods you love. This week we cover San Francisco condominiums. Let us know if there is something specific you’d like to know. San Francisco Condominiums Market Update – October 2017 The number of active listings was down 30% from one year earlier and down 21% from the previous month. As you can see, the median listing price for the month was just under $1.25 million, while the median sales price was just under $1.15 million. Compared to last year, the average number of days that units spent on the market before being sold was down 13%. The number of units sold increased 27% year-over-year and increased 72% month-over-month. The Take Home Number of active listings: Down 30% year-over-year Number of active listings: Down 21% month-over-month Median listing price: Just u...

Or Maybe They Should be Called “Dismaying Jeans” Yeah, yeah , I know what fancy-schmancy retailers mean when they refer to “distressed jeans”:  jeans whose various holes and patches somehow make them look chic — and worth a huge mark-up (also referred to as “vintage clothing” in some quarters). My definition of “distressed jeans” is a little different. Namely, it’s the all the jeans I could fit into before Thanksgiving . . . but now can’t. Oh , well. My loss, Salvation Army’s gain (and still in time for a 2017 tax deduction!). from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2hRrdEx via IFTTT

“Student-Athlete,” “Realtor-Blogger,” and Other Oxymorons What’s the difference between “blogging” and “HAVING a blog?” Only the first term is a verb (synonym for “writing”). So, unbeknownst to most consumers, the vast majority of Realtor blogs out there — I’d guess over 90% — actually consist of syndicated content that the agents license and republish for a monthly fee. By contrast, every word in every post on City Lakes Real Estate Blog — totaling over 5,000 posts spanning a decade — has been written by yours truly. Outsourced Blogs How will you know the difference? Two ways. One . Vague sense of déjà vu.  Because syndicated blog content is typically non-exclusive, readers may see the exact same material on multiple Realtor blogs. Two . Generic content. Specifically, syndicated material typically betrays no sense of place or time — not to mention an original, consistent voice. In other words, it’s generic and “feature-ish” rather than topical or newsworthy....

Post-Thanksgiving Thaw So, exactly HOW warm was it earlier today in the Twin Cities? Warm enough that the haircutter my son and I visited felt compelled to remind exiting customers “not to forget your coats.” For the record (pun intended), the thermometer hit a record-tying 59º degrees before clouds and rain moved in this afternoon . . . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2AsWKYJ via IFTTT

Emergency situations can happen without warning. Things like fires, floods, extreme weather events, or power outages can take any homeowner by surprise, and 2017 has seen more than it’s fair share. That’s why it’s so important for you and your family to take the time to prepare for a potential disaster, so that you’ll be equipped to handle a crisis if one should ever occur. We’re here to help you prepare your San Francisco home for whatever life may throw your way! Plan a Fire Escape Route and Meeting Point A fire can completely engulf your house in a matter of minutes. You can be incapacitated from smoke inhalation and hypoxia (remember – fire consumes oxygen!) in even less time. That’s why it’s so important to have a predetermined escape plan. Fire climbs, so you want to move downstairs if you can, but a stairwell might be blocked. You should have at least two exit routes, minimum, and you should designate a safe rendezvous location for everyone in your household to meet, in case o...

Back in 2013, I made a plan to purchase 100 rental properties. When I made that plan, I thought I could keep buying great residential rentals in Colorado. I had no idea prices would almost triple while rents would only increase 50 percent. Because of the market, I have had to change the way I invest. I bought my last residential rental in 2015 and have been focused on flipping instead. I like to set goals every year, and for 2017, I did not have a plan for buying rental properties, although I did both want to find a new The post Podcast 128: Why I Bought Four Commercial Rentals this Year appeared first on Invest Four More . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2A5KJaq via IFTTT

Thinking Outside the (Refrigerator) Box What do you do when your fridge — and your extra fridge — are overflowing with to-be-prepared Thanksgiving food? This time of year — at least in Minnesota — there’s literally an infinite “extra fridge” . . . . outside your door . Or in our case, inside the garage. After checking the forecast, and verifying that our garage temp was a just-right 40 degrees — that’s where we put everything. P.S.: Want to guess how Minnesota ice fishermen kill their catch? They toss it outside the ice house to freeze. from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2iKjvwy via IFTTT

Now, THAT’S Full Service No, I’ve never (yet) competed for a listing, only to be told that I lost out to another agent who provided free childcare on closing & moving day. But, at least one Twin Cities Realtors offers that benefit to clients. Will it catch on? Personally, I doubt it. Slippery Slope At least to me, helping clients manage their personal lives is a slippery slope. Where’s the line between providing child care on closing and moving day, and providing child care to Buyers when you’re showing them houses? (also a real client need). How about making sure your clients get fed on moving day? Why not help ’em out and fetch their dry cleaning? Defining “Full Service” While I pride myself on full service, I choose to define it differently. Like, hiring the best professional photographers for my listings; making sure my clients’ home are beautifully prepped and staged before hitting the market; exposing my listings to the broadest possible audience of Buyers via ag...

Knowing when to sell your house can be a tricky question. It depends on a wide variety of factors, many of which will be totally outside your control. It’s a balance between your needs and wants, the state of the market, and even the season, but the San Francisco real estate agents at Danielle Lazier + Associates are here to help guide you through the process of deciding when is the right time to sell your house. #1. Are Your Finances Stable Enough to Upgrade? If you’ve paid off all your non-mortgage debt, and you’ve got at an emergency savings fund which could cover expenses for at least the next quarter, odds are that you’re financially stable enough to warrant an upgrade to a new home. While selling your home will surely bring in a fair profit, that money won’t come in without an investment of time and money up front. Preparing your home for sale is no small task. To make it more attractive to potential buyers, you will need to renovate, decorate, and properly stage your home. Th...

How big is Doran Companies’ new residential development, “Parkway 25,” just west of the St. Louis Park – Minneapolis border off Highway 7? Big enough that cement mixers pouring the foundation were lined up at least 10 deep earlier this a.m. Judging from the on-site crane and marketing billboard in front, the finished product looks to closely resemble next-door neighbor (and newly completed), “The Shoreham” — also a luxury rental building. See also , “St. Louis Park’s Ghost Restaurant “; and “ The Crane So Big It Spans Two Cities .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2hUqPZs via IFTTT

I’m sure I’m not the only Buyer’s agent who fielded a call this Fall from a (mildly) annoyed client, wanting to know why Hennepin County sent them an invoice for 2nd half property taxes. Especially when they were sure their agent (OK, me ) showed them on their closing worksheet (now called the “ALTA”) exactly where that was itemized. The explanation? It’s purely a timing issue. According to the folks at Edina Title (just down the hall from me at Edina Realty – City Lakes), there’s a communication lag between Hennepin County’s property tax invoicing and title recording departments. Think it of it as “crossing in the mail.” Bottom line: my clients could toss the invoice. See also , “ What’s in a Name? From “Settlement Statement” to “HUD-1” to “ALTA” Back to “Settlement Statement.” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2zb7Flo via IFTTT

Locked Into a Lease?  Maybe Not [ 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. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] Realtors hosting Sunday open houses hear it all the time:  prospective home Buyers who see something they like, but “can’t do something” for at least several months, when their current rental lease expires. Of course, if the prospective Buyer really likes the house, they may want to consider taking the financial hit, and break their lease anyways. Alternatively, if the Buyer is contemplating a major remodel, three — or six(!) — months of lead time might actually be a plus . Potential Escape Hatches Assuming neither one of those scenarios apply, however, then what? While it’s certainly possible that a renter vacating early may be on the (financial) hook until their lease expires, landlords have a duty to mitigate damages. T...

I became a millionaire through real estate when I was about 33 thanks to rentals, being an agent, and flipping. I am 38 now and have blown past $1 million in net worth (what I think most of us consider a millionaire) thanks mostly to rentals, flipping, and my blog. One of the best things I did to increase my net worth was to use the income I made from real estate to buy rental properties. I have been in real estate most of my adult life, but finding my niche and true success in the business took me awhile. The post How I Became a Millionaire through Real Estate appeared first on Invest Four More . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2zlilCp via IFTTT

The opposite of “approbation” — a fancy synonym for “approval” — is the word, “disapprobation,” which naturally means dis approval. It would stand to reason, therefore, that the opposite of “opprobrium” — harsh criticism or censure — would be “disopprobrium.” Unh-unh. No such word. All of which leaves me pleasantly mayed** . . .     **The opposite of “dismayed.” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2zKJ9uC via IFTTT

Share Price Heaven [ 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.] Before I got religion on Amazon, you could say I was an “Amazon atheist” (or at least, an “Amazon Agnostic”). How could an over-stretched, loss-accumulating retail Behemoth enter new industry after industry, vanquish the incumbents, then move on to seemingly disparate new markets to up-end ( er , “disrupt”). All without earning the ire (if not opprobrium) of investors, regulators, etc. Well , that was $100 billion ($400 billion?) ago in market cap. Suffice to say, a rising share price can overcome almost all sins (save sexual misconduct — has anyone alleged that about Amazon?). Devouring Whole Foods All of which leaves the $64 thousand billion question:  what’s next? A decade ago, asked what the future held for Amazon,...

Over the years, I have had a number of great house flips, but I have had some bad ones as well. I have made some big mistakes, and I have also had some uncontrollable issues come up that cost me a lot of money. While I never like to lose money on flips, I always learn something that can help my business in the future. On this episode of the InvestFourMore Real Estate Podcast, I talk about my worst flipping experiences, what I learned from them, and how they helped my business. Click on the green button below to listen The post Podcast 127: My Worst House-Flipping Stories appeared first on Invest Four More . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2zFN8cc via IFTTT

Fat Squirrels and Furry Caterpillars Which of the following reliably predict an especially snowy winter: A. Fat squirrels. B. Chubby caterpillars. C. The Farmer’s Almanac. D. Switching your snow service from a flat monthly rate to a “per time” fee. Answer :  all but “C.” Lagging Indicator There actually may be some (pseudo)science behind “D.” Namely, weather patterns regress towards the mean. Last winter, area homeowners who signed up for monthly snow service paid more than “per-time” customers when Twin Cities snowfall turned out to be below average. Homeowners who “learned” that paying per time is cheaper — and switched for this season — are therefore correlated with a mean-reverting likelihood of above average snowfall the following year. Got all that?? from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2AFpQzW via IFTTT

Is That “ Minnesota Agent?”  Or, “Agent Anywhere in the U.S.?” [ 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. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] You are listing a Twin Cities home being sold by an estate. The trustee of the estate is a licensed broker in Missouri. In response to the MLS question, “Is the Owner an Agent?,” do you check “Yes” or “No?” I’m pretty sure there’s no case-law on this, but I do know the conservative answer:  “when in doubt, disclose.” Which is why I checked “Yes” . . . P.S.:  What’s the logic of requiring Sellers to disclose that they’re agents? To let the public know that their counter-party is more sophisticated and knowledgeable (presumably). See also , “ “Owner is an Agent” ≠ “Agent is the Owner” (Usually) .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2y...

I just bought my fourth rental property of the year (all of them are commercial properties). I was not expecting to buy so many rentals this year since I bought zero last year, but there were some deals that were too good to pass up. This property came up for sale on the MLS for $110,000 earlier in the year, and I jumped on it, offering full price the same day it was listed. The property has about 1,300 square feet of retail space as well as 2,000 square feet of work space in the back. The property should be The post Rental Property Number 20 Has Been Purchased appeared first on Invest Four More . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2yXGH4K via IFTTT

Your first year in real estate, every term is a new term. Your 16th year , not so much . . . Now, I’m lucky if I learn 1-2 new (to me) real estate terms per year — usually at a continuing ed class I attend outside my region. Egg Soot on Your Face So, at least one Ohio Realtor has dealt with the (very unpleasant) aftermath of a “puff back”:  apparently, what happens when the residual soot from an oil-burning furnace spontaneously combusts, sending smoke and fine particles throughout the house via the air ducts, in the process coating walls, floors and any other home surfaces with a noxious film. Uggh  (or as the locals say, “Uff-dah!”). Twin Cities agents seldom (if ever) encounter the term, because furnaces locally are overwhelmingly gas-burning. See also , “ Flatwork” Defined “; and  “Quick! Who Does the Selling Agent Represent?” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2ABw2Jz via IFTTT

“Driving Miss Daisy” This shot (taken near Southwest High School the other week) practically begs for a caption. Pick your favorite from the list below: “If Uber doesn’t start paying better, I’m switching to Lyft . . .” “What did you expect? I can’t reach the pedals in a fire engine.” “Hey, buddy!  I did, too, signal my turn!” “Why, no — I don’t appreciate tailgaters.” “Lay off the horn; I brake for pedestrians.” “As soon as this guy’s out of my way, I’m flooring it!” “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear — back off!” If you’ve got a better one . . . let me know! from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2zTLuBv via IFTTT

Two-Tiered Pricing To the long list of consumer goods offered at a discount to Amazon Prime members, add one more:  Thanksgiving turkey at newly-acquired Whole Foods. Sound familiar? It should. Training shoppers to pay an annuity-like annual fee is the business model of competitor Costco. See also , “ Conversion Therapy: An “Amazon Atheist” Gets Religion “; “ Is Amazon a Costco-Killer?” ; “ Does Amazon Violate U.S. Antitrust Law?”  ; and “Parsing Amazon’s Q2 2017 Results (Pssst! Don’t Bother Calculating the P/E Ratio) .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2zgHG0g via IFTTT

I’ve certainly seen metal and fiberglass roofs before (from the street, it wasn’t possible to tell which it was). But, I don’t recall ever seeing a roof quite so . . . red . Somehow, “lipstick red”, “crimson red,” or “ruby red” just don’t seem to describe it. I’m going to go with “West River Road red” (actually, “Parkway,” where the house is located). from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2yTw4M9 via IFTTT

Over the years, I have had a number of great house flips, but I have had some bad ones as well. I have made some big mistakes, and I have also had some uncontrollable issues come up that cost me a lot of money. While I never like to lose money on flips, I always learn something that can help my business in the future. On this episode of the InvestFourMore Real Estate Podcast, I talk about my worst flipping experiences, what I learned from them, and how they helped my business. Click on the green button below to listen The post Podcast 127: My Worst House-Flipping Stories appeared first on Invest Four More . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2zFN8cc via IFTTT

I just bought my fourth rental property of the year (all of them are commercial properties). I was not expecting to buy so many rentals this year since I bought zero last year, but there were some deals that were too good to pass up. This property came up for sale on the MLS for $110,000 earlier in the year, and I jumped on it, offering full price the same day it was listed. The property has about 1,300 square feet of retail space as well as 2,000 square feet of work space in the back. The property should be The post Rental Property Number 20 Has Been Purchased appeared first on Invest Four More . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2yXGH4K via IFTTT

The Waiting (In Between the Buyer’s Inspection and Their Follow-up) “If Buyer does not cancel this Purchase Agreement before the end of the Inspection Period, then this Inspection Contingency shall be removed and this Purchase Agreement shall be in full force and effect.” –Minnesota Purchase Agreement, lines 189. – 191. Anxious Sellers fretting about what the Buyer’s inspection turned up (if anything) can comfort themselves with these two thoughts: One .  No news is usually good news. Put it this way:  when the inspection is a disaster , Sellers usually hear immediately from the Seller’s agent, who informs them that the Buyer is electing to cancel the deal. Alternatively, if the Buyer’s inspection turned up major issues that the Buyer wishes to negotiate with the Seller, the Buyer’s agent will also typically contact the listing agent ASAP. That’s both to let the (upsetting) news sink in, as well as to let the Seller know that they’ll likely want to line up their own c...

Kinder, Gentler Store Security Once upon a time, a shoplifter (at least one who was detected) was met with a hail of “Stop! Thief!” With the advent of electronic tags, that changed to alarm bells, flashing lights, or other gaudy displays. Today? At least at Knollwood the other day, I heard this polite-but-loud announcement over the public address system:  “Excuse me, but we must have forgotten to remove one of our inventory control tags.” (It wasn’t me, promise.) P.S.:  CPA’s do the same thing.  The euphemism for the shortfall between inventory on the books vs. inventory actually on-hand is called “shrinkage.” See also , “Retailer PC for ‘Stop! Thief!!” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2j09qLq via IFTTT

The opposite of “approbation” — a fancy synonym for “approval” — is the word, “disapprobation,” which naturally means dis approval. It would stand to reason, therefore, that the opposite of “opprobrium” — harsh criticism or censure — would be “disopprobrium.” Unh-unh. No such word. All of which leaves me pleasantly mayed** . . .     **The opposite of “dismayed.” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2zKJ9uC via IFTTT

Share Price Heaven [ 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.] Before I got religion on Amazon, you could say I was an “Amazon atheist” (or at least, an “Amazon Agnostic”). How could an over-stretched, loss-accumulating retail Behemoth enter new industry after industry, vanquish the incumbents, then move on to seemingly disparate new markets to up-end ( er , “disrupt”). All without earning the ire (if not opprobrium) of investors, regulators, etc. Well , that was $100 billion ($400 billion?) ago in market cap. Suffice to say, a rising share price can overcome almost all sins (save sexual misconduct — has anyone alleged that about Amazon?). Devouring Whole Foods All of which leaves the $64 thousand billion question:  what’s next? A decade ago, asked what the future held for Amazon,...

The San Francisco housing market is the most overvalued market in the United States.  People over inflate the market because tech is sexy and cool and many are chasing the next Google, Amazon, or Facebook.  Everyone wants to strike it rich with as little work as possible.  And what better way to do that than […] from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2zOaFW3 via IFTTT

Over the years, I have had a number of great house flips, but I have had some bad ones as well. I have made some big mistakes, and I have also had some uncontrollable issues come up that cost me a lot of money. While I never like to lose money on flips, I always learn something that can help my business in the future. On this episode of the InvestFourMore Real Estate Podcast, I talk about my worst flipping experiences, what I learned from them, and how they helped my business. Click on the green button below to listen The post Podcast 127: My Worst House-Flipping Stories appeared first on Invest Four More . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2zFN8cc via IFTTT

Fat Squirrels and Furry Caterpillars Which of the following reliably predict an especially snowy winter: A. Fat squirrels. B. Chubby caterpillars. C. The Farmer’s Almanac. D. Switching your snow service from a flat monthly rate to a “per time” fee. Answer :  all but “C.” Lagging Indicator There actually may be some (pseudo)science behind “D.” Namely, weather patterns regress towards the mean. Last winter, area homeowners who signed up for monthly snow service paid more — relative to “per-time” customers — when Twin Cities snowfall turned out to be below average. Homeowners who “learned” to pay per time are therefore correlated with a mean-reverting likelihood of above average snowfall the following year. from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2AFpQzW via IFTTT

Is That “ Minnesota Agent?”  Or, “Agent Anywhere in the U.S.?” [ 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. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] You are listing a Twin Cities home being sold by an estate. The trustee of the estate is a licensed broker in Missouri. In response to the MLS question, “Is the Owner an Agent?,” do you check “Yes” or “No?” I’m pretty sure there’s no case-law on this, but I do know the conservative answer:  “when in doubt, disclose.” Which is why I checked “Yes” . . . P.S.:  What’s the logic of requiring Sellers to disclose that they’re agents? To let the public know that they’re counter-party is more sophisticated and knowledgeable (presumably). See also , “ “Owner is an Agent” ≠ “Agent is the Owner” (Usually) .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/...

I just bought my fourth rental property of the year (all of them are commercial properties). I was not expecting to buy so many rentals this year since I bought zero last year, but there were some deals that were too good to pass up. This property came up for sale on the MLS for $110,000 earlier in the year, and I jumped on it, offering full price the same day it was listed. The property has about 1,300 square feet of retail space as well as 2,000 square feet of work space in the back. The property should be The post Rental Property Number 20 Has Been Purchased appeared first on Invest Four More . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2yXGH4K via IFTTT

Your first year in real estate, every term is a new term. Your 16th year , not so much . . . Now, I’m lucky if I pick up 1-2 new words per year — usually at a continuing ed class I attend outside my region. Egg Soot on Your Face So, at least one Ohio Realtor has dealt with the (very unpleasant) aftermath of a “puff back”:  apparently, what happens when the residual soot from an oil-burning furnace spontaneously combusts, sending smoke and fine particles throughout the house via the air ducts, coating walls, floors and any other surfaces in a noxious film. Uggh. Twin Cities agents seldom (if ever) encounter the term, because furnaces locally are overwhelmingly gas-burning. See also , “ Flatwork” Defined .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2ABw2Jz via IFTTT

(Just Past) Mid-Fall in Minnesota    In the midst of a blast of arctic air this week — the windchill in Minneapolis this am is below zero(!) — Minnesotans can be forgiven for being a little shell-shocked . . . and in need of comic relief. Note: my personal contributions are indicated with asterisks**. 60 above zero : Floridians turn on the heat. People in Minnesota plant gardens. 50 above zero : Californians shiver uncontrollably. People in Duluth sunbathe. 20 above zero : Floridians use coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats. People in Minnesota throw on a flannel shirt. 15 above zero: New York landlords finally turn up the heat. People in Minnesota have the last cookout before it gets cold. **Twin Cities window washers show up five minutes early, add antifreeze to cleaning solution (true — the home in question was mine). Zero: People in Miami all die. Minnesotans close the windows. 25 below zero: Hollywood disintegrates. The Girl Scouts in Minnesot...

Sure, sure , accomplished Realtors need to be good at staging, marketing, contracts, negotiating, and several other tasks. But, none of those matter unless they’re first hired. Which is why practically all veteran agents excel at making a (very) positive impression during their listing presentation (also known as a Realtor job interview). The key? (at least once the agent has demonstrated that they’re capable). Establishing a personal connection with the homeowner/prospective client. P.S.: Including listing presentations over 15+ years in real estate, plus my previous careers as a CPA and corporate attorney, I estimate that I’ve personally had well over 300(!) job interviews. See also , “ Realtor Job Description, Circa 2017 .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2yK8x4l via IFTTT

Realtor Gaffes — Listing Presentation Edition I recently heard about an agent who shows up at every listing presentation — essentially, a job interview for Realtors — with a conspicuous “Sold” sign that they leave in plain view of the prospective Seller. Apparently, the agent thinks it projects confidence, “go-getter” hustle, etc.** However, it backfired with an elderly Seller when the sign slipped just a little too deeply into the agent’s briefcase. I guess that would make it a “ mal aprop” ( sorry , I couldn’t resist). P.S.: I took the liberty of reenacting the goof — that’s actually my briefcase in the two photos. **I think the tactic could just as easily be construed as off-puttingly presumptuous — which is why I don’t do it. See also , “ Realtor Gaffes & Bloopers “; and “How’s THAT For Seller Candor .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2AvV4ur via IFTTT

On the Market Next Monday! (Nov. 13) Where :  2725 France Avenue South in Minneapolis, just Southwest of Cedar Lake. When :  on the market Monday, November 13. What :  Surprisingly spacious, 4 BR/3 Bath Cape Cod with over 2,600 square feet in high demand Sunset Gables neighborhood. How much : $519,900. Who :  listed by Ross Kaplan, Edina Realty – City Lakes. Create your dream home near Cedar Lake! Highlights include a hard-to-find first-floor Family Room AND Den; four(!) Bedrooms on the Upper Level (including a private Owner’s Suite); gorgeous hardwood floors and crown moldings; and a fenced yard. Please stop by either next Tuesday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; or one week from Sunday (Nov. 19) between 1 – 3 p.m. Can’t make either of those times? Call or email me to set up a private appointment starting next Monday. Direct Dial:  952-285-3182 // Email: rosskaplan@edinarealty.com from RSSMix.com Mix ID 823...

Buyer’s Agent: “Can You Please Send Me the Seller Disclosures?” You’re a busy, well-prepared listing agent ( OK , me) who has both uploaded the various Seller disclosures** to MLS, and provided hard copies in the “For Sale” home. Nevertheless, the Buyer’s agent contacts you to ask that you send them that information directly. When is that a reasonable request (IMHO)? A. The Buyer’s agent couldn’t find the disclosures online. B. The Buyer’s agent didn’t have time to look for them on MLS. C. The Buyer’s agent forgot to take copies with them after the showing. D. The Buyer’s agent is from out-of-town, and doesn’t have access to the local MLS. Correct answer :  “D.” Of course, in real life, good listing agents accommodate such requests regardless of the reason. After all, their goal is to get the home sold . . .  **The list includes:  the Minnesota Seller’s Disclosure (or Waiver); an “As Is” Addendum (usually accompanies a disclosure waiver); and any municipal poi...

“Thank God It’s Not Monday!” (“TGIMN”) You’ve got to feel a little sorry for Tuesday. It tends to get overlooked. Consider: People like Friday so much it has its own acronym: “Thank God It’s Friday!” (“TGIF”). Wednesday isn’t nearly as popular, but at least it has a positive vibe: “Hump Day.” Meanwhile, at the other end of the continuum, Monday is disliked if not reviled as the start of the work week.** Of course, the bookend to the beginning of the week is the end of the week, which Religion has monopolized as the sabbath. So, Friday (Islam), Saturday (Judaism), and Sunday (Christianity) are all officially days of rest in those faiths. Halo Effect Where does that leave Tuesday and Thursday? Thursday is also a bit of an orphan, but as the lead-in to Friday, the weekend, and its ever-popular first cousin, The  3-Day Weekend, it gets a pass (call it a “halo effect”). Which leaves . . . Tuesday. It might need a catchier acronym, but how about something like, “Thank ...

Election Eve 2017:  (Just) Before the Deluge Of course everyone over 18 years old should exercise their civic duty and vote tomorrow. And I certainly understand candidates’ frantic efforts to make sure their supporters get to the polls. But, if you plan to be home tonight and want some peace and quiet, I suggest you do what my household is doing, and take your phone off the hook (to spare yourself the barrage) . . . P.S.: That is, assuming you still have a land line. from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://ift.tt/2j7x9gB via IFTTT

Each month, top San Francisco real estate agents at Danielle Lazier + Associates, in collaboration with COMPASS San Francisco, bring you a recap about our focus and sales. We love showing our real estate listings and keeping you informed about the latest market developments. To see what we’ve been up to, read the following overview of our San Francisco real estate listings and sales, as well as a summary of other topics we covered in our blog. If you’re interested in buying or selling a home in San Francisco, Danielle Lazier + Associates have the experience to guide you through the process. We experts of buying and selling in San Francisco. We, of course, also have a solid reputation of success to stand behind. If you have questions about San Francisco real estate, please get in touch with us today about a free consultation! Check out our San Francisco real estate sales, and what we were up to in October: Just Listed 14 Joy Street, San Francisco is a five bedroom, two bathroom sem...