Robert Guthridge's Blog

Or Should That Be, “Whddya Know?!?” “What do you know?!” might very well be the Swiss Army knife of expressions. I count no fewer than five different meanings: #1. What do you know about something nefarious. Police to burglary suspect: “a Rolex watch is missing from the hotel room; what do you know [about it]?” #2. “I’ll be!” (sometimes, preceded by “Well” and substituting “whaddya” for “what do you.”  Often uttered to one’s self, in a disbelieving or stunned tone: News headline : “Kim Kardashian just won the Nobel prize for literature.” Reader : “Well, whaddya know?!?” #3. Disqualifying, usually deployed when someone is losing an argument badly.  Often uttered defiantly, with “you” emphasized: Parent : “High school dropouts seldom find jobs that pay more than $1 million a year.” Child : “What do you know??”  But see , “Kim Kardashian” (or should be that be “butt?”). #4. Greeting. To friend, uttered enthusiastically (and declaratively, vs. inquisit...

Thanks for visiting — see you next year!! from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://bit.ly/2RoUcTj via IFTTT

Every year I write about what my goals were for the previous year and how close I came to accomplishing them. I also write about what my goals are for the next year. 2018 was crazy, with many huge things happening that I discuss in this article. Writing these articles is great to show myself ... Read more The post My Goals and Accomplishments for 2018 and 2019 appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://bit.ly/2EZJIUF via IFTTT

I’m sure I’m not the only parent of a college-age offspring home on break who — while happy to see their kids going out at night with their friends — worries just a little about whether they’re being responsible. In my son’s case, it helps that one of his best friends is a cadet at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. As my son put it, “If they trust my friend to fly a $100 million jet . . . he’s probably OK as our designated driver.” Umm . . . OK. from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://bit.ly/2BEHDcD via IFTTT

Shaving the Bologna Ever-Thinner First, Starbucks tried to make me learn Italian. Always bad at languages, I ignored their preferred “venti” and “grande,” and continued to order my (very occasional) “16 oz. skim latte,” same as always. Next, I had to decipher the rental car companies’ vernacular. Let me save you 20 minutes on hold: a “standard” SUV is bigger than an “intermediate” SUV. Airlines Embrace “Venti” and “Grande” Lingo Now, major airlines are shaving their “rewards” lexicon into ever-thinner slices of bologna, as my old Criminal Law Professor, David Bryden, might say. Consider the following: “Right now, you can upgrade a coach ticket to business class if you spend enough miles or have top-tier status and an international upgrade certificate. But on many airlines outside the U.S., an upgrade goes up only one class of service—economy to premium economy, not business. So you’d need to buy a premium-economy seat to upgrade to business class.” — “Are Your F...

The “You Know it When You See it” Test While it’s true that every Mid-Century Modern home was built in the 1950’s (or thereabouts), it’s decidedly NOT the case that every home built in the 1950’s is a “Mid-Century Modern.” In fact, in real life, very few are. On MLS, for every home that I see billed as being a “Mid-Century Modern,” perhaps only one in four (25%) really qualify. Test for a Mid-Century Modern:  ‘Perpendicularity’ What does? It’s more of a feel than any particular list of attributes, but I’d include such things as:  sleek, spare design; horizontal, almost Prairie-style lines and spaces; 90° angles and what I’ll call “perpendicularity”; a flat or barely pitched roof; recessed lighting; and lots of glass and windows, especially transom windows that show off the tall ceilings. Oh!  And Mid-Century Modern homes typically have Mid-Century Modern furniture — sometimes custom-made for the home – to go with. P.S.:  Memo to listing agents:  if you ...

Dow Jones Drops 414 Points to Close at 22,445 Say what you will about the housing market’s up’s and down’s. But, I don’t know anyone who bought a home in early October for $270,000, that’s suddenly worth only $225,000 scarcely 10 weeks later. Yet, that’s almost exactly what’s just happened in the stock market. Just subtract two zeroes. Historic Swoon So, since setting an all-time of 26,828 on October 3, 2018, The Dow Jones Industrial Average has now fallen almost 4,500 points, to today’s close at 22,445. Smaller stocks, and formerly high-flying tech stocks, have done much worse. Will there be a January bounce? Will the Federal Reserve ride to the rescue (again)? Stay tuned . . . P.S.: Of course, a similar drop in housing prices would cause significantly more pain, especially amongst recent Buyers, because homeowners typically have more leverage ( as in , a mortgage). from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 http://bit.ly/2BDetdV via IFTTT

Sold in 3(!) Days — For Almost $43k Over List Price! Where : 140 Gleahaven Road, Wayzata. What :  4 BR/3 Bath mid-century Rambler with 2,800 finished square feet. When : closed November 30. How much : listed for $459,900; sold for $502,500. Who : listed by Carolyn Olson, Coldwell Banker Burnet; sold by Gregg Larsen and Mike Rosolanka, Coldwell Banker Burnet. In a season when some would-be home Sellers are contemplating taking their homes off the market, and others are deferring going on the market (presumably, until after the New Year), it’s worth noting that at least a few Twin Cities home are selling briskly. Exhibit A:  140 Gleahaven Road in Wayzata. Listed about a month ago, it immediately attracted multiple offers, and ultimately sold for more than $40k(!) above the asking price, in a cash deal (I got the scoop from a colleague who represented one of the runners-up Buyers). Especially noteworthy:  that $500k price point is well above th...

” . . . and Your Dog’s Ugly” 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 “; “ Stealth Realtor Job Skill: Interviewing Well “; “How’s THAT For Seller Candor ”; “ The Listing Agent-Cum-Investigative Reporter “; “ Realtors, Standup Comedy, and Listing Presentations “; and “ Sensiti...

At first glance, I thought I was witnessing an especially brazen, broad daylight tagger (graffiti spray-painter) in action (and was about to alert the owner of the establishment, a restaurant in Minneapolis’ Wedge neighborhood). Then, I realized: the person wielding the can of black spray paint wasn’t applying the tag — they were removing it. Good! According to “the broken windows” theory, criminologists believe that — if ignored – petty crimes like tagging create an environment where more serious crimes eventually flourish. Lawyers (and former lawyers like myself) know this as a version of the “slippery slope” argument. P.S.: lunch was excellent! from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2A5ZCJ0 via IFTTT

What can you confidently say about a “For Sale” home whose price was just reduced, days before Christmas? A. The home is now a bargain. B. The Seller is motivated. C. The Seller’s Realtor (listing agent) is motivated. D. The home is better-priced than it was before. Correct answer : “D.” Here’s the answer key: A. If the Comp’s (“Comparable Sold Properties”) suggest a home is worth around $300k, and the owner listed it for $350k this Fall . . . dropping to $340k or even $325k(!) now doesn’t make it a steal . . . it just makes the home less overpriced. B. Maybe, based on the timing. Sellers who reduce their price during a typically (very) quiet time of the year are up to . . . something. It’s easy to spot unmotivated Sellers this time of year: they switch to TNAS (“Temporarily Not Available for Showing”), or, defer coming on the market till after the holidays. By contrast, Sellers who drop their price just before Christmas could be signali...

“ The Lady Gentleman Doth Protest Too Much, Methinks “ What kind of denial is most persuasive? A. a strong denial. B. a vehement denial. C. a forceful denial. D. none of the above. Answer :  “D.” (none of the above). “Your Adjective [Here]” Let me put it this way: can you ever recall someone “weakly” denying an accusation?? Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” had it right, more than four centuries ago . . . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2LkUaXl via IFTTT

(Just a Little) Recreational Reading for Policy Wonks [ 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.] I’m sure I’m not the only Minneapolis Realtor who’s now fielding questions from concerned clients about “Minneapolis 2040” — the still-draft stage plan to increase the city’s long-term density and manage future growth. In general, the inquiries divide into two, opposing categories: 1) homeowners worried that increased density is going to compromise their property values, if not their quality of life; and 2) homeowners who want to know if Minneapolis 2040 will let them tear down their single family home and put up an office tower or some such on their block — or sell to a developer who will. Threat or Opportunity? While I’m hardly an expert at this point, my gut tells me t...

“Out With the Old, In With the New” [ 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.] To laymen, December 31 is known as New Year’s Eve. To Realtors, December 31 represents . . . the biggest day of the year for listing contract expirations, by far (you’d guess June 30 is a distant second). What does that mean? Incumbent Realtors who aren’t discussing a contract extension with their clients very soon are most likely out as of that date. Would-be Successors (“Realtor #2”) The end of the year is also when would-be successor agents are stepping up their marketing, and targeting listings that are getting to be — or already are — “long in the tooth.” Just not too aggressively:  Realtor rules allow agents to discuss taking a new listing before the current one expires IF the home owner contacts them. ...

“As Is” ≅ “Pass/Fail” [ 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.] It seems obvious: if the Seller isn’t going to correct anything — the definition of “As Is” — why would the Buyer still do an inspection? Answer: because if an inspection turns up a material defect (or several!) . . . the Buyer may not want the house! Determining the Home’s Condition In practice, then, an “As Is” Addendum does not preclude the Buyer doing an inspection.** Rather, it usually turns the Inspection into a “pass-fail” test (although nothing prevents the Buyer from negotiating a price adjustment if the inspection reveals defect(s) AND the Buyer still wants the home). **Given that many homes sold “As Is” often waive the Seller’s Disclosure — appropriate when the Seller has never lived in the house (estate sale, rent...

Cash vs. Financed Deals Is 21 days enough time to buy a home? If two of those days are a holiday (Dec. 24 -25) AND the Buyer needs a mortgage . . . almost certainly not. That’s because, with a financed deal, it takes at least 10-12 business days just to secure a mortgage. In turn, the lender will typically not order an appraisal — required by underwriting — until the deal is past Inspection. At least in Minnesota, that’s now usually 10 calendar days. Calendar Days vs. Business Days; Timetable Shortcuts Of course, that first requires consummating the Purchase Agreement (Offer, Counter-offer, etc.) In my experience, even the most expeditious negotiation can still take 1-2 days. Summing everything up, even if everything goes super-smoothly, a financed deal would likely take at least 3 weeks to close now, starting from scratch. By contrast, if the Buyer is paying cash AND the Inspection goes smoothly AND the Buyer and Seller’s respective title companies have their acts together ...

Every day you see one more card You take it on faith, you take it to the heart The waiting is the hardest part –“The Waiting “; Tom Petty, lyrics Buyers have certainly been known to wait — sometimes for years — for the right house. At least to Realtors, however, it is Sellers who seem to have the worst of it — and not just because they have to wait for Buyers to show up with an offer. Two Post-Deal Hurdles Once a deal is consummated, Sellers have to wait twice more:  1) for the results of the Buyer’s inspection; and 2) for the Buyer to secure their financing (unless they’re paying cash). Most inspection issues get resolved, for the simple reason that any material problems that come to light — which is what the inspection negotiation is supposed to be limited to — have to be disclosed by the Seller to the next Buyer if the current deal tanks. However, it’s still stressful waiting to find out what (if any) issues the B...

Flyover Country, Circa 2019 “Even the most modern communication technologies are limited: They can’t carry as much information as a real-life, face-to-face collaboration. Slack, email and instant messaging are famous for their inability to convey tone, and the resulting crossed wires.” –“ Where You Should Move to Make the Most Money: America’s Superstar Cities “; The Wall Street Journal (12/15/18). Apparently, not only don’t I use the most cutting edge technology . . . I don’t even recognize their names. Exhibit A: something called “slack” (or, is that “Slack??”). Definition, Please According to the online dictionaries I checked, the only noun version of the word is this one: “looseness, play , give” — as in , “the rope had some slack in it.” I’m familiar with the word slacks (plural) — what I wear to work most days — but I’m pretty sure that’s not what the author meant. Finally, I thought to check with my in-house technology experts: that would be my 19 year-ol...

His height (6’8″) may be a disqualifier, but it’s hard to think of an actor who bears more of a resemblance to former Donald Trump lawyer — and now convicted felon — Michael Cohen than Brad Garrett, of “Everyone Loves Raymond” fame. See what I mean?? P.S.: Garrett’s height may actually be a benefit landing another acting role in a Trump bio-pic: playing former FBI Director James Comey, who’s also 6’8.” See also , “ Christine Lagarde Doppelganger .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2PE2y4V via IFTTT

Sold in 3(!) Days — For Almost $43k Over List Price Where : 140 Gleahaven Road, Wayzata. What :  4 BR/3 Bath mid-century Rambler with 2,800 finished square feet. When : closed November 30. How much : listed for $459,900; sold for $502,500. Who : listed by Carolyn Olson, Coldwell Banker Burnet; sold by Gregg Larsen and Mike Rosolanka, Coldwell Banker Burnet. In a season when some “For Sale” homeowners are contemplating taking their homes off the market, it’s worth noting that at least a few Twin Cities home are selling briskly. Exhibit A:  140 Gleahaven Road in Wayzata. Listed about a month ago, it immediately attracted multiple offers, and ultimately sold for more than $40k(!) above the asking price, in a cash deal (I got the scoop from a colleague who represented one of the runners-up Buyers). See also , “ Christmas — and TNAS — Season .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2BiGvvr via IFTTT

” . . . and Your Dog’s Ugly” 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 “; “ Stealth Realtor Job Skill: Interviewing Well “; “How’s THAT For Seller Candor ”; “ The Listing Agent-Cum-Investigative Reporter “; “ Realtors, Standup Comedy, and Listing Presentations “; and “ Sensiti...

Real Estate Terminology 101 “Final acceptance” sounds like something that happens in a hospice, or perhaps what Woody Allen has been seeking in therapy all these years. Fortunately, the real estate version is not so macabre:  it’s just a fancy way of saying, “Done Deal!” “Signed, Sealed, & (Constructively) Delivered” Specifically, “Final Acceptance” refers to when the Buyer and Seller have entered into a consummated contract (Purchase Agreement). In turn, that requires that everything has been has been signed by all parties, and constructively delivered (to the Buyer or Seller’s agent counts). The “Final Acceptance Date” is important because it starts the timer on how long the Buyer has to perform their inspection (a feature of almost all deals). “Not Sold Till It’s Sold” Of course, in multiple offers, Final Acceptance is also when the Buyer definitely-for-sure knows they have a deal. Short of that point — in theory, even one missing initial on the Purchase Agreement ...

(Just a Little) Recreational Reading for Policy Wonks [ 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.] I’m sure I’m not the only Minneapolis Realtor who’s now fielding questions from concerned clients about “Minneapolis 2040” — the still-draft stage plan to increase the city’s long-term density and manage future growth. In general, the inquiries divide into two, opposing categories: 1) homeowners worried that increased density is going to compromise their property values, if not their quality of life; and 2) homeowners who want to know if Minneapolis 2040 will let them tear down their single family home and put up an office tower or some such on their block — or sell to a developer who will. Threat or Opportunity? While I’m hardly an expert at this point, my gut tells me t...

“Out With the Old, In With the New” [ 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.] To laymen, December 31 is known as New Year’s Eve. To Realtors, December 31 represents . . . the biggest day of the year for listing contract expirations, by far (you’d guess June 30 is a distant second). What does that mean? Incumbent Realtors who aren’t discussing a contract extension with their clients very soon are most likely out as of that date. Would-be Successors (“Realtor #2”) The end of the year is also when would-be successor agents are stepping up their marketing, and targeting listings that are getting to be — or already are — “long in the tooth.” Just not too aggressively:  Realtor rules allow agents to discuss taking a new listing before the current one expires IF the home owner contacts them. ...

“As Is” ≅”Pass/Fail” [ 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.] It seems obvious: if the Seller isn’t going to correct anything — the definition of “As Is” — why would the Buyer still do an inspection? Answer: because if an inspection turns up a material defect (or several!) . . . the Buyer may not want the house . Determining the Home’s Condition In practice, then, an “As Is” Addendum does not preclude the Buyer doing an inspection.** Rather, it usually turns the Inspection into a “pass-fail” test (although nothing prevents the Buyer from negotiating a price concession if the inspection reveals defect(s) AND the Buyer still wants the home). **Given that many homes sold “As Is” often waive the Seller’s Disclosure — appropriate when the Seller has never lived in the house (estate sale, rent...

Cash vs. Financed Deals Is 21 days enough time to buy a home? If two of those days are a holiday (Dec. 24 -25) AND the Buyer needs a mortgage . . . almost certainly not. That’s because, with a financed deal, it takes at least 10-12 business days to secure a mortgage. In turn, the lender will typically not order an appraisal — required by underwriting — until the deal is past Inspection. At least in Minnesota, that’s now usually 10 business days. Of course, that first requires consummating the Purchase Agreement (offer, counter-offer, etc.) In my experience, even the most expeditious negotiation can still take 1-2 days. By contrast, if the Buyer is paying cash AND the Inspection goes smoothly AND the Buyer and Seller’s respective title companies have their acts together . . . 21 days should be enough time. Barely . . . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2SBZat2 via IFTTT

“Buy a House in Minnesota in December?” “Are You %#&!$ Crazy?!?” Actually, no. In fact, I can think of three reasons why that’s actually a very good idea. Discount Shockers One . Best deals of the year. Every year I’ve been selling real estate — and it’s now 13 — the best deals of the year invariably are the bundledones that close in late December. That’s when Sellers who have to sell need to close by — and Sellers who need to sell by a hard and fast deadline usually take a (big) hit on price to do so. Which is why early each January, when I look up late December closed sales, I always see a few “shockers,” where the final sales price was a deep discount from the last asking price. Two . Cheapest financing. Lenders are slow at the end of the year. To increase volume, they typically dangle especially enticing interest rates and competitive fees. Three . Quicker occupancy. Lots of those motivated Sellers have already moved out (that’s WHY they’re motivated). coldFor Buye...

“Ball & Chain” vs. Source of Stability/Emotional Support A “contronym” is word that is its own antonym. Examples include the word “left” (“the gentlemen have left and the ladies are left”); and “off” (“to turn off,” but also “activate,” as in “the alarm went off”). So, what do you call a symbol — like an anchor — that can mean two, opposite things? Meaning #1: someone’s rock or foundation; main source of emotional support. Meaning #2: “ball & chain.” I don’t know that there’s officially a term for that. Anyone?? P.S.: As best I can tell, the distinction between the two types of anchors comes down to the context, and specifically, whether the speaker values freedom (to do something), or emotional support. See also , “ Canadian Quirks: What’s the Opposite of “Tabling” Something? “Tabling Something” ; “Why is Calling Someone a “Piece of Work” an Insult?” ; “ If “Colloboration” is Good, Why Are “Colloborators” Bad? “; “ Which ‘Done” Did They Mean? “; “The Many Guises of ‘...

Relief at Gas Pump No , it doesn’t make up for the vertigo-inducing gyrations (mostly down) on Wall Street the last six weeks or so. But, it’s a little consolation:  dramatically lower gas prices. At Costco, the price for regular (87) octane gas recently was $2.159. For Costco members (I am), it’s actually even lower: net of the 3% credit card discount, that comes to just over $2.09 a gallon. from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2Ps7DNA via IFTTT

Doesn’t “FD” Stand for “Fire Department?” “Things should be made as simple as possible — but not simpler.” –Albert Einstein I’m all for making things simpler when it comes to real estate terminology. But, there comes a point where it . . . becomes kind of silly. Exhibit A:  showing instructions that refer to the front door — as in, the location of the lockbox — as “FD.” No , Realtors don’t commonly abbreviate “Front Door” with “FD.” Here’s a key to the other, genuine real estate abbreviations: “FSF”:  finished square feet. “FSZ”:  foundation size. “FR”: family room. “FP”:  fireplace. P.S.:  Why did the names of some Presidents (FDR, LBJ, JFK) get abbreviated, but not others (Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton)? It was based purely on length — specifically, newspaper editors’ need to fit the President’s name in a headline. In real estate, the limiting factor is the length of each field on MLS. from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/...

The Opposite of No Heat/Frozen Pipes How can something stationery — like a forced air furnace — be said to “run away?” Answer: what “runs away” isn’t the physical unit, but rather the temperature. In both cases that I’ve witnessed personally — in a client’s vacant Edina home recently, and in my own house years ago — the culprit was a defective thermostat. The solution? An emergency call to the gas company, which dispatched a tech ASAP. P.S.: In the case of my own home, the diagnosis wasn’t especially difficult: an errant football pass in our basement scored a direct hit on the thermostat, knocking it clean off the wall (and sending our furnace into overdrive). from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2SwrFrR via IFTTT

Surprisingly Spacious 6 Bedroom(!) Home with > 4,000 Square Feet Where :  4709 40th Lane, St. Louis Park. What :  Modified two-story with 6 Bedrooms and 4 Full Baths; total finished square feet = 4,068. When :  Closed Tuesday, December 4. How much : sold for $664,000. Who : listed by Ross Kaplan, Edina Realty – City Lakes; Buyer represented by Edina Realty – Wayzata’s Spencer White. You’ll love this beautifully updated and expanded home on an oversized, .23 acre lot in the heart of high-demand Minikahda Vista. Highlights included the newer eat-in Kitchen with granite countertops; a deluxe upper level Owner’s Suite including steam bath and walk-in closet; and the huge, finished lower level perfect for teens, guests, or exercise/work. Other nice features you’ll appreciate: 4(!) full Baths, a Mud Room with tons of storage, and the convenient attached Garage. This home is extra-spacious outside, too:  the lot is 168′ deep, including a hug...

Flipping houses is a major personal and financial decision. It is a large investment that may or may not turn a good profit. There is undoubtedly a sizeable market for flipping houses. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are 207,088 houses that were flipped in 2017. 138,410 separate entities (individuals and organizations) were responsible for ... Read more The post Does Flipping Houses Affect Your Credit? appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2SsxA18 via IFTTT

Flipping houses is a major personal and financial decision. It is a large investment that may or may not turn a good profit. There is undoubtedly a sizeable market for flipping houses. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are 207,088 houses that were flipped in 2017. 138,410 separate entities (individuals and organizations) were responsible for the house flips—a 4% increase from 2016. House flipping, if done successfully, can be a good investment stream of income. This doesn’t take away from the fact that for the average person, it is a huge risk for their financial security, potentially causing a loss of The post Does Flipping Houses Affect Your Credit? appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2EbAuEG via IFTTT

Flipping houses is a major personal and financial decision. It is a large investment that may or may not turn a good profit. There is undoubtedly a sizeable market for flipping houses. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are 207,088 houses that were flipped in 2017. 138,410 separate entities (individuals and organizations) were responsible for ... Read more The post Does Flipping Houses Affect Your Credit? appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2SsxA18 via IFTTT

Consumer Psychology and the Too-Precise Price When you see an oddly-priced “For Sale” home, there are two possible explanations (at least in my experience selling residential real estate): One.  Drawing Attention. The way to stand out from homes listed at $389,900, $399,900, etc. is to price at $398,731 or some such (I haven’t seen a home priced in cents . . . yet ). Marketing Gimmicks & Cockroaches Which lead to reason #2:  consumers can think a non-rounded price is somehow more accurate and “scientifically” arrived at. Experienced agents, on the other hand, view a too-precise price for what it is:  a marketing gimmick. Just like cockroaches, however, you seldom see only one, which is why I frown on the practice — and generally have a negative association with such listings (and their agents). P.S.: What should a Buyer offer for a house listed at $398,731? My suggestion:  $386,529. See also , “ $425,000 vs. $424,975 “; and “ The Too Precise Price: ...

Flipping houses is a major personal and financial decision. It is a large investment that may or may not turn a good profit. There is undoubtedly a sizeable market for flipping houses. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are 207,088 houses that were flipped in 2017. 138,410 separate entities (individuals and organizations) were responsible for the house flips—a 4% increase from 2016. House flipping, if done successfully, can be a good investment stream of income. This doesn’t take away from the fact that for the average person, it is a huge risk for their financial security, potentially causing a loss of The post Does Flipping Houses Affect Your Credit? appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2EbAuEG via IFTTT

The Wall Street Journal’s Freudian(?) Slip [ 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.] I’ll just bet that “low energy” Jeb Bush would relish the idea of eulogizing Donald Trump. Instead, I’m pretty sure what The Wall Street Journal actually meant in the headline above was that Jeb was deferring to his brother (and 43rd President), George W. Bush, to eulogize their father, 41st President George H.W. Bush. “Blink-and-You-Missed it” If the headline appeared in The New York Times , I’d say it was wishful thinking. But, since it appeared in The Wall Street Journal,  owned by Trump friend and ally Rupert Murdoch  . . . I’ll chalk it up as an inadvertent faux pas . Clearly, a senior editor at The Journal agreed:  scarcely 30 minutes after the first version of the headl...

Flipping houses is a major personal and financial decision. It is a large investment that may or may not turn a good profit. There is undoubtedly a sizeable market for flipping houses. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are 207,088 houses that were flipped in 2017. 138,410 separate entities (individuals and organizations) were responsible for ... Read more The post Does Flipping Houses Affect Your Credit? appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2SsxA18 via IFTTT

Flipping houses is a major personal and financial decision. It is a large investment that may or may not turn a good profit. There is undoubtedly a sizeable market for flipping houses. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are 207,088 houses that were flipped in 2017. 138,410 separate entities (individuals and organizations) were responsible for the house flips—a 4% increase from 2016. House flipping, if done successfully, can be a good investment stream of income. This doesn’t take away from the fact that for the average person, it is a huge risk for their financial security, potentially causing a loss of The post Does Flipping Houses Affect Your Credit? appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2EbAuEG via IFTTT

Flipping houses is a major personal and financial decision. It is a large investment that may or may not turn a good profit. There is undoubtedly a sizeable market for flipping houses. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are 207,088 houses that were flipped in 2017. 138,410 separate entities (individuals and organizations) were responsible for ... Read more The post Does Flipping Houses Affect Your Credit? appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2SsxA18 via IFTTT

Flipping houses is a major personal and financial decision. It is a large investment that may or may not turn a good profit. There is undoubtedly a sizeable market for flipping houses. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are 207,088 houses that were flipped in 2017. 138,410 separate entities (individuals and organizations) were responsible for the house flips—a 4% increase from 2016. House flipping, if done successfully, can be a good investment stream of income. This doesn’t take away from the fact that for the average person, it is a huge risk for their financial security, potentially causing a loss of The post Does Flipping Houses Affect Your Credit? appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2EbAuEG via IFTTT

Flipping houses is a major personal and financial decision. It is a large investment that may or may not turn a good profit. There is undoubtedly a sizeable market for flipping houses. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are 207,088 houses that were flipped in 2017. 138,410 separate entities (individuals and organizations) were responsible for ... Read more The post Does Flipping Houses Affect Your Credit? appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2SsxA18 via IFTTT

Flipping houses is a major personal and financial decision. It is a large investment that may or may not turn a good profit. There is undoubtedly a sizeable market for flipping houses. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there are 207,088 houses that were flipped in 2017. 138,410 separate entities (individuals and organizations) were responsible for the house flips—a 4% increase from 2016. House flipping, if done successfully, can be a good investment stream of income. This doesn’t take away from the fact that for the average person, it is a huge risk for their financial security, potentially causing a loss of The post Does Flipping Houses Affect Your Credit? appeared first on InvestFourMore . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2EbAuEG via IFTTT

Since the Great Recession hit, we have added 10 million renter households.  The trend to renting was largely spurred by the crash in the housing market but also over qualifying Americans to purchase a piece of the American Dream.  The trend has slowed down but not in states like California where a renting majority is […] from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2SqbUTC via IFTTT

I was familiar with the term “food bank,” but — until I spoke to a salesperson at a local furniture store this weekend — had never heard the term “furniture bank.” That’s where local non-profit Bridging comes in. According to the salesperson, Bridging will pick up used furniture in good condition, then make it available to low-income families and individuals in one of two Twin Cities locations. Great idea! Given that used furniture typically fetches pennies on the dollar, donating unneeded items not only is an act of kindness, but can be a smart year-end move, tax-wise. See also , “ And Repeat: “Never Negotiate Furniture,” “Never Negotiate Furniture”. . . ” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/2Pdpvvf via IFTTT

Fine Print: You ‘May or May Not’ Get an Offer  [ 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.] It turns out there are three main catches (at least) with Twin Cities real estate agent Kris Lindahl’s pitch to would-be home Sellers to receive a “guaranteed offer” for their home — with “no showings and no open houses,” to boot! — in 48 hours or less. One . Price range and home type. According to Lindahl’s “terms and conditions,” the program only applies to homes with a market value of $100,00 – $500,000. No properties built before 1970 qualify; nor do condo’s. Two . The offer excludes homes in cities that require municipal inspections, except for St. Paul, West St. Paul, Maplewood, and Golden Valley. That leaves out homeowners in such cities as Minneapolis, Bloomington, St. Loui...