Robert Guthridge's Blog

Will U.S. Democracy Survive the November Election? “Stand Back and Stand By” (AFTER You’ve Voted) [ 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.] Last night’s Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden has almost universally been panned as an unmitigated disaster. Hand-delivering an absentee ballot in Minneapolis earlier today. But, there’s at least one sense in which it may have been a resounding success: compelling people to vote — early, and either in-person, or by personally dropping off their absentee ballot (i.e., without using the mail). Dropping Off Absentee Ballots . . . in-Person Exhibit A: the very busy parking lot late this morning at the Minneapolis Elections and Voter Services office, located at 980 Hennepin Avenue. Make that , 980 East Hennepin Avenue. My wife and I first drove to 980 Hennepin Ave. South , which not only is lo...

Loose Door Knobs and Caviar-Stocked Fridges [ 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.  If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] Test your knowledge of today’s housing market, and answer the following question: Which of the following issues are properly raised by a Buyer’s home inspection, and resolved either by a Seller price concession, or the Seller assuming responsibility for repair(s)? A. The dated Kitchen; B. A concrete driveway with multiple cracks; C. Peeling paint on the outside of the home; D. The old-but-still-working boiler or forced air furnace; E. A plainly visible scratch in the middle of the Dining Room hardwood floor; F. The dilapidated (but structurally sound) detached Garage. Answer: none of the above (unless the Buyer is getting an FHA loan, in which case “C.” may be correct). The explanation? In each case, the “iss...

But First . . . a Brief History Lesson I don’t know about other states — I’m only licensed to sell real estate in Minnesota — but here, residential property taxes are due twice a year: May 15 and October 15. Those non-randomly chosen dates stretch back to when Minnesota’s economy — like practically every other state’s — was agrarian-based. The two times a year farmers predictably had money were in the Spring, before they’d planted; and in the Fall, after they’d harvested. Tax collectors — no dummies about such things — realized that those were the best times to dun its citizens for property taxes (note: the May 15 payment covers the first half of the year; the October 15 payment the second half*). Debits and Credits Which leaves the more contemporary question, “if you’re closing on your house sometime this Fall, do you pay the second half property taxes?” The short answer (or at least mine) is, it depends on whether the Buyer’s lender is escrowing (collecting in advance) fo...

Man Bites Dog — Real Estate Version It’s hardly the funniest line in “The 40 Year-Old Virgin” (I watched a re-run the other night) . . . but it is a good real estate line. The setup: Andy (Steve Carell’s character) just refinished his hardwood floors, and is showing new girlfriend Trish (Catherine Keener) his very empty place for the first time. Andy : I should pull up the hardwood to see if there’s carpet underneath. [small chuckles] Andy : No. That’s never the case. I agree: it’s never the case. See also , “ Hardwood Floor Fake-Out .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/3n2wDNq via IFTTT

Real estate sales is a field known for notoriously high turnover, and a brutal attrition rate: something like 90% of all new agents last less than two years. So, it really says something that nearly half of all Edina Realty agents and employees have been with the company for more than 10 years, qualifying them for “Legend” status (and a nice awards luncheon each September — at least in non-Pandemic years). That kind of continuity and stability also goes a long way towards explaining why Edina Realty** has been the #1 Twin Cities broker for the last 20 straight years. Veterans and Newbies The long list of Edina Realty veterans includes yours truly , at 18 years. Wanna guess where that puts me in seniority, out of some 76 agents in the Edina Realty-City Lakes Office? Try , only 20th place — a relative newbie. Topping the list: consummate pro (and personal friend) Karen Antone, who’s been with Edina Realty for 44(!) years (Karen joined when she was 8 years old ). Congrats, Ka...

Real estate sales is a field known for notoriously high turnover, and a brutal attrition rate: something like 90% of all new agents last less than two years. So, it really says something that nearly half of all Edina Realty agents and employees have been with the company for more than 10 years, qualifying them for “Legend” status (and a nice awards luncheon each September — at least in non-Pandemic years). That kind of continuity and stability also goes a long way towards explaining why Edina Realty** has been the #1 Twin Cities broker for the last 20 straight years. Veterans and Newbies The long list of Edina Realty veterans includes yours truly , at 18 years. Wanna guess where that puts me in seniority, out of some 76 agents in the Edina Realty-City Lakes Office? Try , only 20th place — a relative newbie. Topping the list: consummate pro (and personal friend) Karen Antone, who’s been with Edina Realty for 44(!) years (Karen joined when she was 8 years old ). Congrats, Ka...

  Superhero as Psychopath [ Spoiler alert : this post divulges a sub-plot from Season One, Episode #4, “The Female of the Species.” Stop here if you don’t want to know.] As super powers go, you’d think safely landing a stricken passenger jet would be a cinch. Especially when the Superhero (“Supe”) in question — Homelander in Amazon Prime’s “The Boys” — can fly at the speed of sound, shoot lethal laser beams from his eyes, and hurl 8-ton trucks as if they were toys. Nope. Conjuring Jack Nicholson’s “Here’s Johnny!” expression from “The Shining.” Queen Maeve begs Homelander: Queen Maeve : “You’ve got to go out there — lift the plane up!” Homelander (incredulous): “Lift the plane up?!? How? There’s nothing to stand on. It’s f*cking air!” Queen Maeve: “I don’t know, fly at it, ram it straight.” Homelander : “No, [at] that kind of speed, either the plane goes ass over tit, or I’ll punch straight through the hull, or . . . ” So, why not at least save as many passengers a...

Long Way from “Tar-Zhay´” Not owning a Tesla, I have no idea how fast they (re)charge. But, based on at least one Target — the St. Louis Park store just east of Highway 100 — now having multiple Tesla charging stations (“Superchargers”) in its parking lot, I’m guessing that a 30-minute shop is long enough to at least “top off” the electric car’s battery. My theory: even if the stations are underused, it differentiates Target from competitors like Wal-Mart, and signals that it’s, um . . . targeting more affluent consumers. Not Your Dad’s Discounter If you didn’t know, Target is headquartered in Minneapolis. The discounter was originally a subsidiary of Dayton Hudson, and eventually became the proverbial “tail wagging the (retail) dog.” Long-time locals (I qualify) remember when it was still referred to as “Tar-zhay’.” See also , “YBYGAS?,” Indeed “; “ “No Waiting in Lane #5 (or #11, or #18, or #24, or . . .)” “; and “ Spotted: 1st Twin Cities Electric Car Charging Station .” ...

Choosing Sides (Or Not) [ 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. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] No one asked me, but I know how to bring the practice of “single agent dual agency” — whereby one Realtor represents both Buyer and Seller in the same transaction — to a screeching halt: start referring to such agents instead as “double agents.” But even that label is misleading. Whereas a true double agent nominally works for one side, but secretly represents the other, a Realtor who plays the role of double dual agent arguably advocates for neither Buyer or Seller. Instead, they act as a neutral third-party, legally obliged not to harm the interests of either party. Which I’d say is tantamount to representing neither client. “Conflict of Interest,” Defined While Minnesota allows the practice of single agent dual agency** as long as it’...

“But, Was He Wearing a Mask??” Unfortunately, the most brilliant orange on display at Lake Bde Maka Ska (formerly “Lake Calhoun”) late this afternoon wasn’t the Fall foliage (just starting to turn colors locally). Social distancing on Lake Bde Maka Ska. Rather, it was the (too) vivid neon-orange shorts covering a certain gentleman as he strolled around the lake. Make that, partially covering him. Softening the (visual) blow: the reason he could go topless shirtless was the balmy weather, a sultry low 80’s. That’s much more typical of August than late September in the Twin Cities . . . from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/3iT7mTc via IFTTT

Where Are All the Garages?? Answer: Hidden in Back Guess which of the following statements about the historic Country Club district in Edina are true: A. Fruit trees may not be planted on the boulevards. B. Country Club is known for relatively small lots. C. Front-loading garages were originally prohibited (and are still rare). D. Property taxes are famously high. Answers : all true except “D.” While Country Club homes are certainly pricy — they list for an average of $1.89 million now — the attendant property taxes there (and Edina generally) are a relative bargain, at least compared to Minneapolis. That’s because Edina has so many expensive homes contributing to the city’s budget; and due to all the corporate office parks located in southwest Edina, which remit property taxes to the city, lessening the burden on residential real estate. Bonus question: what was the putative reason for the relatively small lots? (developers always have an economic incentive to build more hou...

The Easy Way . . . and the Hard Way The Buyer’s inspection revealed a material defect in the home that the Seller doesn’t dispute. Both parties want to stay in the deal. What are their options? Option #1 : the Seller fixes the problem, prior to closing. Here are the related steps: One . Buyer and Seller negotiate an Amendment to the Purchase Agreement describing the work to be done — typically, by a licensed contractor — and further providing that, post-completion, the Buyer is to receive copies of the related invoice showing that it was paid in full. If the issue requires a re-test — for example, radon remediation — Seller is to provide Buyer with documentation that the re-test results are satisfactory. Two . The Buyer checks out the reputation (or tries to) of the contractor hired by the Seller; Three . The Buyer reviews the work performed, often as part of the walk-thru inspection just before closing. If there are any issues regarding workmanship, Buyer and Seller must nego...

Homes scheduled to be on Broker Tour — at least in the Twin Cities, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday — get cancelled for all kinds of reasons. The Seller’s cleaner didn’t show up (or didn’t finish); someone in the household is unexpectedly home sick; the master Bathroom plumbing sprung a leak; torrential rain the night before flooded (part of) the basement. But, there’s really only one GOOD reason to cancel a Broker Tour: the home sold! Especially if it went in multiples, it’s a good bet that all involved parties are exhausted, and not about to invite the world through on Tuesday. P.S.: That’s true even if the Purchase Agreement allows to the Seller to continue showing the home while the Buyer performs their inspection. from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/3cmSs5b via IFTTT

Real estate sales is known for notoriously high turnover, and a brutal attrition rate: something like 90% of all new agents last less than two years. So, it really says something that nearly half of all Edina Realty agents and employees have been with the company for more than 10 years, qualifying them for “Legend” status (and a nice awards lunch and presentation — at least in non-Pandemic years). That kind of continuity and stability also goes a long way towards explaining why Edina Realty** has been the #1 Twin Cities broker for the last 20 years. Veterans and Newbies The long list of Edina Realty veterans includes yours truly , at 18 years. Wanna guess where that puts me in seniority, out of some 76 agents in the Edina Realty-City Lakes Office? Try , only 20th place — a relative newbie. Topping the list: Karen Antone, at 44(!) years (Karen joined Edina Realty when she was 8 years old ). **Edina Realty Home Services is the parent company of Edina Realty. from RSSMix.c...

  Superhero as Psychopath [ Spoiler alert : this post divulges a sub-plot from Season One, Episode #4, “The Female of the Species.” Stop here if you don’t want to know.] As super powers go, you’d think safely landing a stricken passenger jet would be a cinch. Especially when the Superhero (“Supe”) in question, Homelander, can fly at the speed of sound, shoot lethal laser beams from his eyes, and hurl 6-ton trucks as if they were toys. Nope. Queen Maeve begs Homelander: Queen Maeve : “You’ve got to go out there — lift the plane up!” Homelander (incredulous): “Lift the plane up?!? How? There’s nothing to stand on. It’s f*cking air!” Queen Maeve: “I don’t know, fly at it, ram it straight.” Homelander : “No, that kind of speed, either the plane goes ass over tit, or I’ll punch straight through the hull, or . . . ” No Witnesses So, why not at least save as many passengers as he can from the doomed jet before it crashes? Because Homelander’s negligence helped disable it —...

Long Way from “Tar-Zhay´” Not owning a Tesla, I have no idea how fast they (re)charge. But, based on at least one Target — the St. Louis Park one just east of Highway 100 — now having multiple Tesla charging stations in its parking lot, I’m guessing that a 30-minute shop is long enough to at least “top off” the car battery’s charge. My theory: even if the stations are underused, it differentiates Target from competitors like Wal-Mart, and signals that they’re, um . . . targeting more affluent consumers. P.S.: If you didn’t know, Target is headquartered in Minneapolis. The company was originally a subsidiary of Dayton Hudson, and eventually became the proverbial “tail wagging the (retail) dog.” Long-time locals (I qualify) remember when it was still referred to as “Tar-zhay’.” See also , “YBYGAS?,” Indeed “; “ “No Waiting in Lane #5 (or #11, or #18, or #24, or . . .)” “; and “ Spotted: 1st Twin Cities Electric Car Charging Station .” from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https:/...

Batting Down the “I Was Just Kidding” Excuse if Trump Loses [ Note to Readers : 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.] Benjamin Franklin was walking out of Independence Hall after the Constitutional Convention in 1787, when someone shouted out, “Doctor, what have we got? A republic or a monarchy? To which Franklin supposedly responded, with a rejoinder at once witty and ominous: “A republic, if you can keep it.”  –American folklore Republican Senators have stated, with their conspicuous silence and their votes to acquit last February, that they don’t think it’s an impeachable offense for a U.S. President to shake down a foreign leader — dangling hundreds of millions of Congress-approved U.S. aid as leverage — to commit a political smear against his leading opponent. But, what do they think of what we’re witnessi...

“Buy on Bread, Sell on Cheese” In the wine industry (which I otherwise know nothing about), “buy on bread, sell on cheese” means that if you’re a wine buyer, you’d be well-advised to eat a piece of bread in between tastings. Because bread is neutral, it will clear your palate for the next wine. By contrast, If you’re a slightly shady wine seller — especially if it’s not exactly 1983 Bordeaux — supposedly you offer cheese to prospective buyers in between tastings. Cheese has a reputation for distorting the palate, which makes judging wine harder. Double-Edged Sword In my opinion, Buyer’s Letters play the same double-edged role in residential real estate that cheese does in wine tasting. If you’re a Buyer, it may positively predispose the Seller towards your offer, so why not? However, if you’re a Seller — especially an emotional one — heads up. Realtors tend not to be fans of Buyer’s Letters (I’m one of them), for two reasons (If you’re a Realtor who disagrees, please feel free...

Nesting Instinct It’s not just would-be Buyers who are tirelessly searching for a home this Fall, before the arrival of colder temps and harsher weather. So are critters (and insects, if that’s a separate category). The list includes bees, wasps, mice, squirrels, & raccoons (a few years ago in the Twin Cities, it was even ladybugs). Proactive Strategy Fortunately, it’s usually not a big deal to keep out such uninvited guests: simply close any openings through which they’re gaining access, which usually means caulking. Locally, I know several homeowners who, every Fall, hire a professional exterminator to inspect the perimeter of their home, and do any needed spot caulking. Smart . . . P.S.: I’m aware of at least one Twin Cities homeowner who wishes they had hired such a service. I once represented the Buyer in a $1.5M home sale in Edina that fell apart during the inspection phase of the deal. The main culprit: mouse droppings in one too many places in the basement. See...

“So, Why Are You Selling??” Realtors who aren’t skilled at determining prospective clients’ motivation . . . usually don’t make much money selling real estate . So, how do you tell how motivated someone is? A good starting point is asking them why they’re selling (Duh, right? ).  Sometimes, you don’t even have to; lots of prospective clients, in their first phone call or email to a Realtor, will announce that they just got transferred, had (or are expecting) a baby, are downsizing, etc. . . . and therefore need to sell . Even when there’s an obvious circumstance motivating a sale, it’s still a good idea to nail down timing — and, specifically — sense of urgency. There’s a big difference between someone who needs to be in Denver by November 1 for a new job, and a self-employed consultant who’s anxious about impending ice and cold locally (the latter category probably describes half the people in the Twin Cities right now). Stated vs. Actual Motivation Unlike some Realtors...

Reading Between the (MLS) Lines [ 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. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] Test your knowledge of today’s housing market, and answer the following question: How can Buyers’ agents (and their clients) tell that a listed home has a major defect? A. The home’s MLS status repeatedly goes from “A” (“Active”) to “A,i” (“Active, Subject to Inspection”), then back to “A.” B. The home’s final selling price was >$30k less than the price it went “Pending” at. C. The Seller told prospective Buyers about it on their Disclosure. D. All of the above. Answer : “D”. Here’s the explanation: A: Once a home is under contract, MLS rules require that its status be changed to “Active, subject to inspection” (“A,i” for short). Otherwise, Buyers have a funny way of getting upset when they discover that a home they want to ...

Hazy Sun, Low 80’s in Twin Cities Minnesotans who have relatives on the East or West Coast (I have both) know the drill: whenever there’s a tornado (or blizzard) somewhere in the Midwest, we invariably get a worried call. “I just was just checking to make sure you were OK,” they’ll say. “The storms there looked terrible!” Whereupon I’ll explain that the bad weather was literally 400 miles away in southwestern Iowa (or some such) — but thank them for their concern, just the same. No Escape So, it’s a bit of a shock to hear everyone I know on the West Coast — literally from Seattle to San Diego and multiple points in between — report that their air quality is horrifying now. Of course, potential respiratory problems are the least of it: thousands of people in the path of the fires have lost their homes, and dozens their lives. Meanwhile, tens of thousands have had to flee their homes, not knowing what they’ll return to. Air Quality Index Here in the Twin Cities, notwithstandin...

I have worked in the real estate industry as an agent, broker, landlord, house flipper, and educator. While I have done many things in the real estate business, I have never been a true developer. Some may call flipping houses developing, and I have done some minor development—but nothing major. I think of developing as ... Read more from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/35B3xOT via IFTTT

One of the ways you can tell that a product is dated or out-of-fashion — or people think it is — is that it acquires an adjective. So, for a while, “Coke” became “New Coke.” In the wake of Watergate in the 1970’s, Minnesota’s Republican party became the “Independent – Republican” party (at least until Ronald Reagan became President). In the same vein, while I see plenty of homes locally billed as “soft Contemporaries,” it’s less common to see just the term “Contemporary.” “Hard” vs. “Soft” Is there a difference? Actually, there is. As the name suggests, the lines in a “soft” Contemporary are a little less perpendicular (“severe?” “stark?”); softthe interior spaces a little more welcoming; and there’s more use of “warm” materials like hardwood vs. “cooler” steel, marble, etc. (recessed or passive lighting and oversized, custom glass windows — and lots of them — remain a staple of both styles). I don’t know that there’s a bright line separating “soft” and “hard” Contemporaries, ...

K-Shaped State Minnesota’s northern and eastern regions have grown more conservative over the years, and Republicans won two House seats in the state during the 2018 midterm elections — a rare bright spot during an election characterized by an anti-Trump wave.” –“Minnesota Seemed Ripe for a Trump Breakout. It Has Not Arrived”; The New York Times (9/13/2020). You didn’t need to see the byline to know that the journalist who wrote the article excerpted above is unfamiliar with Minnesota. That’s because locals know that, while there is “Northern Minnesota” and “Southern Minnesota,” and even “Southwestern Minnesota” and “Southeastern Minnesota,” there’s no such thing as “Eastern Minnesota” . . . Unless, of course, the writer was referring to Wisconsin . . . See also , “ Check-in Nurse: “Have You Left the Country in the Last 3 Weeks?” ; “ Minneapolis’ Quirky Geography: Neighborhood Names for Newcomers (and New Drivers**) “; and “Calhoun Lake??” Is that by Isles Lake? “ from RSS...

What’s the plural form of ‘stir-fry?’ Stirs -fry?? Tricky, huh? Somehow, “stir-fries” — as in , “this restaurant specializes in ‘stir-fries’” — just doesn’t sound right, either . . . . P.S.: The 150 or so attorneys who work in the Minnesota Attorney General’s office are known as “Assistant Attorneys General” (don’t ask me why it’s not “ Attornies General” or “Attorney Generals” ). See also , “You’re  . . . You’re . . . Such an Almond (Huh??) “; “ What’s the Past Tense of Sight See ?”;  “Landmark — or Watermark ?”; “ Dried vs. MORE Dried Apricots “; “Wild and Crazy” (vs. Conventional) Fruit “; and “ What’s the Opposite of ‘Untold Riches? from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/3iti96e via IFTTT

Meaningless Marketing Mumbo Jumbo: Exhibit A Somebody has to carry on the George Carlin tradition. In that vein . . .  I’m sure he’d scratch his head about the difference between being “pre-selected” (for yet another credit card I don’t need), and just plain, old ordinary “selected.” Pre- what,  exactly? Is there another group of prospective customers out there that is going to be post -selected?? Just wondering . . . See also , “ Bloomingdale’s Cologne ‘Pre-Sale.’” P.S.: Want another word that doesn’t hold up to scrutiny?  “Deluxe.” As in “deluxe Kitchen,” “deluxe vacation,” etc. from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8230700 https://ift.tt/3hpbTeF via IFTTT

Fall, 2020 Open House Multiple Choice Wanna guess which of the following is liable to show up at Realtor open houses this Fall: A. “Nosy Neighbors.” B. Serious Buyers. C. People looking for interior decorating ideas. D. A Minnesota Dept. of Commerce employee on the look-out for violations of the state’s pandemic health protocol. Correct answer : “All of the above.” “But, Have They Been Pre-Approved??” Yup , agents hosting open houses may have an unexpected, umm . . . “guest” this Fall: a representative from the Minnesota Department of Commerce looking for agents who aren’t complying with the state’s COVID safety guidelines protocol. Some of the protocol’s highlights: –Wearing a mask at all times, and requiring all visitors to do the same; –Leaving cabinets, closets and other doors open; –Limiting the number of people in the property to no more than 10 at a time (counting the Realtor). If possible, restricting property access to one group at a time; –Making all bathrooms ...

Electoral Illogic [ 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.] With less than two months until the election, not only is Donald Trump flailing, so are some of his usual defenders (and reliable Democratic critics). Witness these excerpts from  Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan’s latest piece, “Trump, Loyalty and The Godfather” (my comments follow in italics): Noonan : “I asked [my Trump-supporting friend] what kind of story would have to happen for her not to vote for him? “If something terrible happened and he put peoples’ lives in danger and he lied about it, I’d say, ‘I’m done.’ Kaplan : You mean, like mismanaging and lying about a pandemic that cost more than 190,000 U.S. lives in just over six months — more than ten times what Germany has suffered per capita?? Noonan : [A self-described Independent] will vote for Mr. Trump based on “the ...

[ 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.] As a Realtor, I know better than to challenge an acquaintance who, almost sheepishly, explains that they would’ve liked to hire me, but instead were obliged to use their [insert relationship here**]. Far be it from me to poison — perhaps for years — an extended family’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, or strain decades-old relationships (sadly, there don’t appear to be many large family gatherings this Fall, strained or otherwise). So, I’ll express empathy for the social tug they feel, and applaud their loyalty to family, long-time friends, or some such. But, privately at least, I invariably think to myself, “Isn’t loyalty a two-way street??” What kind of Realtor would put their financial self-interest ahead of their BFF or close relation — especially if the agent is brand new to the business, (well) past their prime, or ...

Best Advice to Home Sellers: “Tell What You Know” (Whatever That Is) [ 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.  If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] Homeowners can be forgiven for not knowing the difference between a special assessment that’s “pending,” vs. one’s that “levied” — as opposed to one that is assessed and currently payable. Realtors have trouble keeping those terms straight as well. The best advice to give prospective home sellers regarding any pending special assessments — typically in connection with such things as new curbs, sidewalks, sewers, etc. — is simply to tell prospective Buyers what they know, as they know it. Then, all the parties and professionals involved in the deal — and especially the title folks, who are expert in such issues — can sort it out. Just as with the Seller’s Disclosure (concerning the...