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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 Lou Jewell ALC, ALC
(Land Pro Real Estate, Inc.)
First of nine books from my 300 one-hour, nine-plus years of radio/podcast.Please share, especially with Broker-in-Charge real estate agents and anyone interested in the most precious gift God ever gave us, which is so misunderstood.Efforts are hindered due to a lack of land education in our real estate industry.Contact me if you also have concerns. Lou Jewell ALCAccredited Land Consultant 
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
🏡📈 MORTGAGE APPLICATIONS JUST BOUNCED — AND IT ONLY TOOK 4 BASIS POINTS!Sometimes it doesn't take a huge move in mortgage rates to get buyers moving.The latest Mortgage Bankers Association data shows total mortgage application volume jumped 3.6% for the week ending August 7.And both sides of the market participated:🏠 Purchase applications: +3%🔄 Refinance applications: +5%📊 Total applications: +3.6%Why?The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipped just 4 basis points, from 6.81% to 6.77%.That's not exactly a dramatic drop…But it was enough to create a small window of opportunity for borrowers.📊 WHERE RATES STOOD🔹 30-Year Conforming: 6.77%🔹 30-Year Jumbo: 6.68%🔹 15-Year Fixed: 6.10%🔹 5/1 ARM: 5.99%🔹 FHA: 6.43%Here's what's interesting:Even with that weekly increase, purchase applications...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~REO Broker / Auctioneer
(Arizona Resource Realty)
The first few moments after buyers arrive at a property can shape their expectations for the rest of the showing. That's one reason landscaping deserves attention before a home goes on the market.Fortunately, improving curb appeal doesn't always require a major investment.Start With Basic MaintenanceSimple tasks often make the biggest difference: Trim shrubs and trees Pull weeds Sweep walkways Refresh decorative rock or mulch Clean the driveway Remove unnecessary yard items A neat exterior gives buyers confidence that the property has been cared for.Highlight Arizona Outdoor LivingOutdoor spaces are an important part of Arizona living.Covered patios, seating areas, and clean backyard spaces encourage buyers to imagine enjoying the home throughout the year.Even a few potted plants or nea...
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By Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308, Broker/Owner
(Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.)
Buying, selling, renting, or financing a home is a major financial decision. Working with properly licensed real estate and mortgage professionals helps protect you from fraud, misrepresentation, and costly mistakes. Unlicensed activity can put your money, personal information, and transaction at risk.What Is Unlicensed Activity?Unlicensed activity occurs when a person or company performs services that require a real estate, mortgage, appraisal, property management, or related professional license without being properly licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but many activities involving compensation, representation, negotiation, or loan origination require a valid license.Common Warning Signs No verifiable license: The person cannot provide a valid license number or their lice...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Galveston, TX 936-203-0279
(Sand 'n Sea Properties)
Last week I attended a Texas REALTORS® board meeting, and we heard from our legal team regarding the most common topics/complaints they receive on a regular basis. They said without hesitation that they hear more issues with Articles 1, 12, & 15. Let's take a look at what these articles represent:ARTICLE 1 - DUTIES TO CLIENTS & CUSTOMERSA REALTOR®'s primary duty is to protect and promote the best interests of their client, while still treating everyone involved in the transaction honestly and fairly. This means putting the client's interests first, maintaining confidentiality, providing competent service, and exercising loyalty throughout the transaction.Bottom Line: Client first. Honest with everyone. While this seems like it should be a non-issue and a level of professionalism that ev...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~REO Broker / Auctioneer
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Arizona summers often inspire lighter meals that don't require hours in the kitchen. One of my favorites is a classic pasta salad because it's easy to prepare ahead of time, travels well, and works for everything from family dinners to neighborhood get-togethers.Why It's a Great Summer DishPasta salad is: Served cold Easy to prepare in advance Great for entertaining Perfect for leftovers Simple to customize It's a practical option when temperatures are high and everyone wants something refreshing.Basic RecipeMix cooked and cooled rotini pasta with: Cherry tomatoes Cucumbers Bell peppers Black olives Mozzarella cheese Red onion Dress everything with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.Chill before serving.Make It Your OwnYou can easily add gril...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
My first anniversary of creating a daily blog post is coming up, and the results have really boosted my business leads and activity. It’s a goal I hope to keep up for as long as I’m as active!  I know the blog is driving the business because I’ve been told they saw a post that prompted them to reach out to me.  After hanging up with another call this morning.  It has prompted this blog today!Having a strong digital presence is one of my biggest advantages as a real estate professional.Blogging elevates your credibility by showing your expertise in real time. When you consistently publish helpful, educational, and community‑focused content, you create a public footprint that demonstrates knowledge, transparency, and commitment, long before a client ever meets you.A blog becomes proof of ...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
Why does a home get lots of showings but no offers in Hampton Roads? When a home in Chesapeake or Virginia Beach gets multiple showings but no offers, the problem is almost never the price. It is almost always what buyers experience when they walk through the door. The three most common culprits are: the seller being present during the showing, strong odors that make buyers uncomfortable, and personal items that prevent buyers from picturing themselves in the home. All three are completely fixable — and fixing them before your first showing can be the difference between a listing that sells and one that sits for 60 days. Watch NowThe 3 Showing Mistakes — Explained 4 minutes · Robin Gauthier · NextHome Tidewater Realty Get the Free Home Seller Checklist Robin Gauthier Broker/Owner · Nex...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Beware of Our Afternoon Thunderstorms: Summer in the South Carolina MountainsSummer afternoons in Mountain Rest, Walhalla, Salem, Tamassee, and the rest of Oconee County can change quickly. You can start the day with sunshine, blue skies, and plans for the lake or a waterfall hike, then hear thunder rolling across the mountains later in the afternoon.Afternoon thunderstorms are simply part of summer in Upstate South Carolina, but they deserve our attention. Thunderstorms can bring lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds, and localized flooding, sometimes within a short period of time. South Carolina emergency officials recommend getting indoors when storms approach and getting off open water when thunder or lightning develops. Watch the Sky When You Are OutsideOne of the pleasures of living ...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
As a seller, it can be frustrating to read a home inspection report that makes your property sound worse than you believe it is.You have lived in the house. You know what has been repaired, maintained, replaced, and monitored over the years. Then an inspector spends a few hours at the property and raises concerns that may affect the buyer’s confidence and your negotiating position.That does not mean you should ignore the report. It does mean you have the right to ask questions and get better information.1. Do Not Assume Every Finding Is FinalA home inspector identifies conditions and concerns based on what they observe during the inspection.Some findings are straightforward. Others may be recommendations for additional evaluation.If the report raises a serious issue, especially somethin...
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By Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD, Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D
(http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com)
During this time of year, insurance carriers tender their renewal policies for review and approval. Most agents and brokers do not review the policies and accept the new one....unless the premium causes them to review options.  Is this a good idea?A common misconception is that only large firms need insurance. However, smaller firms (maybe three to five agents and a broker can face heightened risks due to limited resources. As a result, the cost of insurance is outweighed by the consequences of not having it—legal fees, settlements, and reputational damage can cripple a real estate firm.  Benefits of professional negligence /  E&O policies include: Financial protection: Offers coverage of legal fees, settlements, and judgments arising from client liability claims. Client confidence: Hav...
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
💬 One Conversation Can Change EverythingMost entrepreneurs value independence.It's one of the biggest reasons many of us started our businesses.But somewhere along the journey, independence can quietly turn into isolation.You carry the decisions.You solve the problems.You push through the difficult days.And sometimes you wonder if you're the only one trying to figure it all out.You're not.The biggest breakthroughs rarely happen alone.They happen in conversations.In relationships.In rooms filled with people who challenge your thinking, share their experiences, ask the right questions, or simply remind you what's possible.Sometimes one conversation sparks a new idea.Sometimes it creates a new partnership.Sometimes it opens a door you never knew existed.That's why networking isn't just abo...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
For decades, real estate trust was built through personal relationships. A neighbor's recommendation, a family member's referral, or a friend's endorsement were the most powerful motivators behind why a buyer or seller would contact an agent. Relationships still convert, but how generations form trust is changing. Recently, media conversations were stirred-up by a fascinating study from BrightLocal on consumer trends, with some running headlines overstating how more consumers trust online reviews than referrals. The truth of the trend is more subtle. BrightLocal isn't the only study calling attention to it, and it directly impacts how future clients decide to contact you - or the competition. BABY BOOMERS AND GEN-X These generations built their trust through people they know and they s...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
August is Make a Will Month, a timely reminder that estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s for anyone who wants to protect the people they love. A will is one of the simplest, most powerful legal documents you can create. It ensures your assets go exactly where you intend, prevents family disputes, and gives your beneficiaries clarity during an already difficult time.Equally important is keeping your will updated. Life changes, like marriages, divorces, new children or grandchildren, home purchases, business ventures, and your will should evolve with those milestones. An outdated will can create confusion or unintentionally leave someone out.Finally, make sure your beneficiaries know where your will is stored and, ideally, what it contains. A perfectly drafted will is useless ...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Unclutter Your Life, You Will Feel Better That Way!f you unclutter your life, I think you will feel better that way.  I had so much going on in my life a few years back that I was at the point that I was not feeling good about myself.  How things have change now.  I am back on the lest bumpy road again.I figure, I need to toss some of the old habits that were getting me down.  I even started tossing somethings in my office that I have not use for the last 6 months.  Why have something around if you do not use it. Once you create what I call space, then I think you get to create some new thinks that will make you happier.This is just my opinion, but it works for me
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The words we use every day may seem small, but they influence how clients, customers, and coworkers view our confidence, professionalism, and reliability.A simple change in phrasing can turn an ordinary response into one that sounds more thoughtful and capable. It is not about sounding rehearsed. It is about choosing words that communicate respect, gratitude, and a willingness to take responsibility.   The words we use every day may seem small, but they influence how clients, customers, and coworkers view our confidence, professionalism, and reliability. A simple change in phrasing can turn an ordinary response into one that sounds more thoughtful and capable. It is not about sounding rehearsed. It is about choosing words that communicate respect, gratitude, and a willingness to take re...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
During our day to day activities, we try to do everything, without nterruptions.  How often do we start something and get interrupted several times?  How often do you think our brains are sidestepped into another task?  All the time.   Ask yourself if that happens to you and what you can do about it.  When we get sidetracked and start something new, it's as if your brain is leaking.  To get back to what you WERE doing, you have to start all over.  It's a big waste of time.   What steps can you take to fix these interruptions?   Thoughts?
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
What can we learn from others here  in the Rain.  LOTS!  Lou Ludwig is missed here and he blog daily and always came up with great blogs.  Do miss him but we still have great bloggers and new once coming on board also.  Are You Busy or Proactive? “Busy can be like sitting on a rocking horse and going as fast you can go . . . . and when you get off the rocking horse your in the same place you start without meaningful forward progress. Being proactive is getting down to business with the purpose of creating successful results.” Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant, Success Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author   As I see it . . . . . . . . Are you busy or proactive?   A rocking horse is in motion . . . . and can be moving very fast . . . . but at the end of the day the rocking horse i...
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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 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 The words we use every day may seem small, but they influence how clients, customers, and coworkers view our confidence, professionalism, and reliability. A simple change in phrasing can turn an ordinary response into one that sounds more thoughtful and capable. It is not about sounding rehearsed. It is about choosing words that communicate respect, grati...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
The words we use every day may seem small, but they influence how clients, customers, and coworkers view our confidence, professionalism, and reliability.A simple change in phrasing can turn an ordinary response into one that sounds more thoughtful and capable. It is not about sounding rehearsed. It is about choosing words that communicate respect, gratitude, and a willingness to take responsibility.Replace “Thank You” With a More Personal ResponseThere is nothing wrong with saying “thank you,” but sometimes we can make the response warmer and more meaningful.Instead of:“Thank you.”Try:“It was my pleasure.”This phrase tells the other person that helping them was not an inconvenience. It sounds gracious and leaves the conversation on a positive note.You might also say:“I appreciate the o...
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