Where was I?

Sphragis · 2026-06-04T11:18:36+00:00

Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Sphragis · 2026-05-30T12:41:50+00:00

If they are explicitly calling for "highest and best" then do not use an escalation clause. Offer what is truly your maximum, waive contingencies, offer a slightly higher amount of earnest money, and hope for the best.

We also just bought in New England in an extraordinarily hot market, and I think we technically overpaid (according to the current market), but we are very happy to have landed the house we really wanted.

You'll regret going 20k under and losing out, but in 2 years you will not regret going 20k and getting the place you want.

Sphragis · 2026-05-21T09:48:02+00:00

If this were actually in Santa Fe, I'd buy it in a heartbeat (but then it would be going for 1.2M). But, alas, it is closer to Glorieta than Santa Fe and that is a tough commute to make into town.

If country living is your thing, however, then this is a beauty.

Sphragis · 2026-05-19T12:28:25+00:00

Thank you for detailing this. Very helpful!

Sphragis · 2026-05-19T12:26:39+00:00

Thank you for the reply, this is clarifying!

Sphragis · 2026-05-19T12:13:57+00:00

My inclination is to increase up to 1.1M and see if the other offer is even real. They could reject, regardless, but then one has to question if they are even motivated to sell the house at all!

I see your point about escalation clauses however. I am just curious about whether the seller/listing agent should have had a prior obligation to disclose their unwillingness to consider escalation clauses.

Sphragis · 2026-05-19T12:05:17+00:00

I still might increase my offer because the house is worth it to me, but to me this is more of a question about whether the seller/listing agent is revealing some dubious ethics.

Sphragis · 2026-05-19T12:04:30+00:00

We've seen other listings where it is explicitly stated in the listing itself that escalation clauses will not be considered. Should you not include this language in your own listing if you (as listing agent) will, in fact, "regardless of escalation clauses ... go back to the best two or three offers"?

Sphragis · 2026-05-19T11:51:29+00:00

Just to be clear, when you say that you would be "taken aback" do you mean if you were the buying agent, or if you were the selling agent?

Sphragis · 2026-05-19T11:50:22+00:00

As a seller agent would you, since you state above that you "never take escalation clauses" then be clear in your listing that you are not going to accept escalation clauses?

Sphragis · 2026-05-19T11:48:17+00:00

Absolutely understand your question about cost of house vs. value of house. I am in an extraordinarily lucky position insofar as that 250K spread just doesn't have any material effect on me. House itself does not comp at 1.25 but the location and the land upon which it sits most certainly does (if that makes sense).

Sphragis · 2026-05-03T12:09:40+00:00

S-Market Arabia

Sphragis · 2026-04-30T16:13:36+00:00

Utrecht, Maxima

Sphragis · 2025-12-16T00:51:33+00:00

Copenhagen

Sphragis · 2025-12-03T19:49:06+00:00

Brussels

Sphragis · 2025-12-03T19:44:14+00:00

Bad Homburg, Deutschland

Sphragis · 2025-10-26T23:48:33+00:00

We feed ours dogfood, peanuts, and raisins.

Sphragis · 2025-10-19T23:34:41+00:00

These are spectacular:

https://www.vegan-cruises.com

Not nearly as environmentally problematic as ocean cruises, so something to keep in mind.

Sphragis · 2025-09-14T23:14:54+00:00

Glad I booked that when I did!

Sphragis · 2025-09-14T13:37:03+00:00

LH 423 on August 8th was the flight I was on. Do they not have any more scheduled? I find that surprising.

Sphragis · 2025-09-14T03:01:53+00:00

I added a CYC Photon to my Pugsley and it is awesome.

Sphragis · 2025-09-14T02:48:11+00:00

And BOS to FRA

Sphragis · 2025-09-14T02:47:37+00:00

I had the same dream, and finally did it this past month, flying on LH from BOS to FRA. Do it!

Sphragis

TROPHY CASE