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Real Estate Best Practices

Coaches, books, classes and seminars aim to capture real estate agents dollars with promises to teach them any number of ways to improve their business. From sales skills to how to close more deals to how to win with expireds (expired listings) and more, everyone has something to teach you.


There's nothing wrong with continuing education, whether it's keeping on top of new laws and regulations or learning how to be more productive. But before you spend an arm and a leg on any of those things, pull up a chair, put on your glasses and peruse the pages in this section of ActiveRain.


It is only here that you can tap into the world's largest online real estate community and actively engage with your peers. Find out what works and what doesn't from those that actually put into practice what others merely teach. Read how-to articles, advice on designations, certifications and continuing education classes. You never know where you will find the inspiration to take your business to the next level. So, pull up a chair and dig in!

Recent blogs on Real Estate Best Practices
By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Gwen today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZ  GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler   #Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore 14% of pending contracts were canceled before closing in the 1st quarter of 2026.  This percentage seems to be increasing. What To Do When a Contract Is Canceled the Day Before Closing Few things are more frustrating in real estate than preparing for closing only to have the contract fall apart at the last minu...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
14% of pending contracts were canceled before closing in the 1st quarter of 2026.  This percentage seems to be increasing.What To Do When a Contract Is Canceled the Day Before ClosingFew things are more frustrating in real estate than preparing for closing only to have the contract fall apart at the last minute.The moving truck may already be scheduled.Utilities may already be transferred.Boxes may already be packed.When a contract is canceled the day before closing, emotions run high for everyone involved. Buyers, sellers, agents, attorneys, and lenders can all be affected. While every transaction is different, there are important steps sellers and buyers should take immediately to protect themselves and move forward.First: Slow Down and Get the FactsBefore reacting emotionally, find o...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
What Buyers Want to Know Before They Write an OfferMost buyers do not jump straight to writing an offer. Even when they like a home, they pause and ask questions first. These questions are not always spoken out loud, but they strongly shape whether an offer happens—and how strong it is.Understanding what buyers are thinking can help sellers prepare better and avoid losing serious interest.1. “Is the price fair for this home?”Price is the first filter.Before anything else, buyers compare: Recent nearby sales Other homes currently for sale Condition and updates in the home If the price feels high, they hesitate. If it feels fair, they move faster. If it feels like a good deal, they act quickly.2. “How much work will this home need?”Buyers are looking for clarity, not surprises.They want t...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 Why Real Estate Still Runs on Trust in 2026 (Not Just Technology or Leads)In 2026, real estate looks more “connected” than ever. Listings are everywhere. Leads come from websites, social media, ads, AI tools, and automated systems. It looks efficient on the surface.But underneath all of that, one thing still decides who gets hired and who gets ignored:Trust.Not clicks. Not leads. Not technology.Trust.The Lead Problem Was ReplacedA few years ago, agents worried about getting enough leads.Today, most agents don’t have a lead shortage. They have a conversion problem.Buyers and sellers are flooded with information. They can find homes instantly. They can estimate values instantly. They can even “talk” to AI before they ever call an agent.So the question is no longer:“How do I get more peop...
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By Alan May, Home again, home again...
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
Monday I was downtown walking two visitors from Denmark around some of Chicago’s greatest architectural treasures, the Monadnock, the Rookery, the Fisher, the Auditorium, the Marquette, the kind of buildings that make you want to stand a little taller and say, “Yeah, this is my city.” And every few minutes they’d ask the same question: “So… when are we going to see the Picasso?” Not the Monadnock. Not the Rookery. No. They wanted the Picasso, the big, rusty, 50‑foot Rorschach test in Daley Plaza that Chicago has been arguing about since 1967. Now I love the Picasso as much as the next guy, but really?And honestly, that’s the most Chicago thing ever. We’ve spent decades insisting it looks like a baboon. Or a bird. Or an aardvark. Or a woman. Or Picasso’s Afghan hound. Or something a wel...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Recently, I was chatting with someone and mentioned that I had spent two hours cleaning a new listing that was coming soon because the hired cleaning lady canceled last minute. They looked at me and asked why I was doing it.To someone outside the industry, it’s easy to look at a real estate agent and say, “That’s not your job.” But those of us who live this work know the truth: a great agent does whatever it takes to keep a transaction moving forward, protect their client, and get them to the closing table with as little stress as possible.Sometimes that means doing things that never show up on a job description. I’ve cleaned out entire houses, packed boxes, washed floors, scrubbed kitchens and bathrooms, and even washed windows when a seller needed help preparing for photos or showings...
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By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
By Sam ThomasAre Open Floor Plans Still Popular With Buyers?Yes — open floor plans are still very popular.But buyers today want something more functional than they did a few years ago.They still want: natural light connected living spaces open kitchens room for entertaining homes that feel spacious What they no longer want is a giant undefined space with no separation or purpose.That’s the real shift happening in today’s housing market.Modern buyers want homes that feel open and functional at the same time. Why Are Buyers Moving Away From Completely Open Floor Plans? The biggest reason is simple: The way people use their homes has changed. A few years ago, buyers mostly focused on openness and square footage. Bigger rooms and fewer walls were considered ideal. Today, homes have to suppo...
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
🏗️📊 PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SPENDING RISES IN MARCH 👀After two months of declines, residential construction spending bounced back in March 2026 — showing that the housing sector is still active, even in a higher-rate environment.📈 KEY HEADLINES:🏡 Total residential construction spending:⬆️ +1.7% month-over-month⬆️ +3.6% year-over-yearThat rebound was broad-based across:✔️ single-family homes✔️ multifamily construction✔️ home improvement / remodeling🏠 SINGLE-FAMILY CONSTRUCTION📈 Up +2.7% in MarchBut zooming out:📉 Still down -4.2% year-over-year👉 Meaning builders are seeing short-term stability, but longer-term demand is still adjusting to higher interest rates.🏢 MULTIFAMILY CONSTRUCTION📈 Up +0.3% in March📊 Essentially flat year-over-year (+0.5%)This segment continues to stabilize...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Why Surveys Matter More Than Ever in Rural Real Estate TransactionsOne of the biggest mistakes buyers and sellers make with rural property is assuming the acreage listed in tax records or old deeds is automatically correct.Sometimes it is.Sometimes it is not even close.In rural real estate, surveys matter more than ever because land is rarely as simple as drawing lines on a map. Property boundaries, overlaps, easements, encroachments, access, and true acreage can dramatically affect both value and marketability.I recently worked on the sale of a large tract of land that perfectly demonstrated why surveys are so important.When the Survey Changes EverythingThe property had been taxed for generations as containing well over 300 acres. The family believed the acreage was accurate because th...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Why Buyers Need to Look Beyond the Photos OnlineReal estate photos have become one of the most important marketing tools in today’s housing market. Professional photography, drone images, virtual staging, and video tours help properties stand out online and attract buyers from all over the country. Good photography absolutely matters.But buyers also need to remember something important:Photos are designed to get you interested enough to schedule a showing. They are not a substitute for seeing a property in person.In today’s market, many buyers fall in love with a property online before they ever step foot on the land. Sometimes the home is exactly what they hoped for. Other times, there are details the camera simply does not show.Cameras Tell Part of the StoryPhotography can highlight t...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
Wednesday Words of Wisdom “It’s not about the house, it’s about the people inside it.”~ Carl Fredricksenfrom the animated film Up This is pretty spot on relating to real estate. Buyers might disagree over paint colors and countertops, but at the end of the day, it’s really about where life feels good, not just where the furniture fits.Happy Wednesday Rainer'sSheila
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By Avery Jules, Brand Builder for Real Estate professionals
(Avery's Design)
Over the years, I’ve noticed just how many clichés dominate real estate branding. And here’s the problem: clichés are the enemy of differentiation. Branding is supposed to make you unique, memorable, and distinct. But clichés do the opposite — they make you blend in, look outdated, and feel generic.The Luxury Serif TrapOne of the most common clichés is in luxury real estate branding: the predictable classy serif font paired with a “natural” color palette of browns and muted tones. Add the typical stock imagery of polished interiors or city skylines, and you’ve got a brand that looks like every other luxury agency.Houses and Buildings in LogosAnother cliché is using houses or buildings as the logo. It’s too literal. A logo is meant to identify, not explain. When you rely on a house icon,...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by William today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZ GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler #Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore 🏡 CO-BUYING: THE NEW PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP? 👀 Let’s be honest… For many first-time buyers, the dream isn’t dead.💰 The math is just harder. Affordability continues to be one of the biggest challenges in today’s market — especially for younger buyers. In fact:📊 First-time buyers now make up just 21% of all home p...
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
🏡 CO-BUYING: THE NEW PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP? 👀Let’s be honest…For many first-time buyers, the dream isn’t dead.💰 The math is just harder.Affordability continues to be one of the biggest challenges in today’s market — especially for younger buyers.In fact:📊 First-time buyers now make up just 21% of all home purchases — the lowest level since tracking began in 1981.But buyers are getting creative…And one strategy gaining serious momentum is:👉 CO-BUYING🤝 WHAT IS CO-BUYING?Co-buying means purchasing a home with someone else:✔️ Friend✔️ Sibling✔️ Significant other✔️ Business partnerInstead of buying alone, buyers combine:💵 Income💰 Down payment funds🏡 Monthly housing costsAnd for many people?It’s helping turn “maybe someday” into “I got the keys.” 🔑📈 WHY MORE BUYERS ARE DOING ITAccording to re...
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
📊 THIS WEEK’S FORECAST: WHAT TO WATCHBig week for the markets—and it all comes down to the data 👇📌 Key Reports:• Jobs Report (labor market strength)• Services PMI (business activity)• Fed outlook signals👀 WHY IT MATTERSThe Federal Reserve is watching this closely…👉 Strong jobs = pressure on inflation👉 Slower growth = potential relief on rates💡 Right now, the economy is showing resilience…but inflation + borrowing costs are still in play🔎 WHAT COULD HAPPEN✔️ Stable data → mortgage rates stay contained✔️ Strong data → rates could push higher✔️ Weak data → potential relief for buyers🚨 REALITY CHECKThis market isn’t reacting to opinions…👉 it’s reacting to DATA🔑 BOTTOM LINEThe next move in rates?It starts with what we see THIS WEEK📲 Want help breaking this down and what it means for your buy...
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
💡 DID YOU KNOW…Asking prices have now declined or held steady for 6+ months 👀That’s a quiet shift… but a powerful one 👇📉 Price pressure is easing📈 Affordability is improving🏡 More opportunities are opening up for buyers this spring👉 This doesn’t mean prices are crashingIt means the market is normalizing🔎 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU✔️ Less aggressive bidding (in some segments)✔️ More room to negotiate✔️ Better chance to find the right home at the right price🚨 BUT DON’T MISS THISThe best homes?They’re STILL moving fast🔑 BOTTOM LINEConditions are improving…👉 but preparation still wins in this market📲 Want to see what this looks like in your area?#justcallwilliam | 630-881-8655#RealEstate #HousingMarket #HomeBuying #MarketUpdate #Affordability
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
📊 REVIEW OF LAST WEEK: MARKETS HOLDING THE LINEDespite all the headlines…👉 the market stayed surprisingly steady📈 STOCKS RECAP• Dow: ⬇️ 0.3% (49,499)• S&P 500: ⬆️ 0.3% (7,230)• Nasdaq: ⬆️ 1.1% (25,114)💡 WHAT’S DRIVING THIS?Strong earnings are helping offset:• Inflation concerns• Rising energy prices• Uncertainty around the Federal Reserve📉 BONDS & RATES• Yields remain elevated• Mortgage rates holding relatively steady👉 Markets are balancing strength vs. uncertainty🔎 ECONOMIC BACKDROP✔️ Consumer spending = solid✔️ Business investment = strong✔️ Housing = धीरे improving (more inventory + steady demand)🏡 HOUSING TAKEAWAYHere’s the quiet shift 👇👉 Asking prices have declined or held flat for 6+ monthsThat’s helping:✔️ Improve affordability✔️ Create more opportunities for buyers this spring🚨 ...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
For the last decade, since moving back to my hometown of Granbury, TX, I have fallen into a niche market for selling historic commercial properties. It all began with our own purchase and renovation of one of the buildings on our historic Square. What began as a need for my real estate office has morphed into a truly specialty market.Upon having one of our projects being recognized by Texas REALTORS® this year as the top commercial transaction for the state, my phone has begun ringing with inquiries on how I got started on this path. Others are genuinely interested in getting their feet wet with this specialty. It's been very interesting to see the interest this has created.Because of this, I have been working on a super-secret project that I will unveil very soon, which I believe will ...
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By Ralph Gorgoglione, California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407
(Metro Life Homes)
Investing in real estate is beneficial during turbulent times.From my 21 years as a real estate broker, I can verifiably tell you why.Markets and industries are reliably cyclical.  They're up.  They're down.  They're sideways. Much of that has to do with  supply and demand of raw materials, products, services, etc.  For example, as of today, the shortage and resulting cost of petroleum-related fuel is causing a wave of instability.Other reasons can include socio-political trends that affect certain markets and industries that have a ripple affect on other markets and industries.Historically during these turbulent times, investors and stockholders have had some huge losses.  Some people lost just about everything.Do some of these trends affect real estate?  Of course.  It's fairly clear ...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Home design trends are always changing, and what felt fresh just a few years ago can quickly become dated.In today’s market, buyers are focusing more on function, comfort, and long-term value rather than short-term design trends. If you are building, updating, or preparing to sell, it is important to understand what buyers are moving away from.Here are 10 design trends that are falling out of favor in new construction homes in 2026.1. Barn DoorsBarn doors had their moment, especially in farmhouse-style homes. Today, many buyers see them as lacking privacy and sound control. Traditional doors or clean-lined modern styles are preferred.2. All-Gray InteriorsGray-on-gray design is fading. Buyers are moving toward warmer neutrals, soft whites, and natural tones that feel more welcoming.3. Ov...
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