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!

Trending blogs on Real Estate Best Practices
By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
Why do people leave jobs? There are certainly any number of reasons. We certainly will not deny a very attractive opportunity. The money and the opportunity certainly must be worth staying. We know that it is important to our business success to have an engaged team dedicated to working together for a group result. So why do so many employees leave, or worse, why do they stay and become a drag on the organization?Here is a sobering fact. Employees do not leave companies, they leave supervisors. Many supervisors believe that if only the pay and fringe benefits were better their best employees would stay. I would not deny the compensation is important. However, people who are truly engaged with their company and their team have a sense of belonging. They will not leave for a slightly bett...
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By Ron and Alexandra Seigel, Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy
(Napa Consultants)
We always ask our new clients:  “What can you do better than anyone else in your business?  Whatever, the answer is, this is where you should concentrate your time, and leave everything else to the professionals.Two of our clients were listing/business magnets.  Both would walk out of their offices to run little errands like getting a cup of coffee, buying light bulbs, or sitting in the park. Every time, they would run into people who wanted to move up and sell, or had a friend in that category.   Both hated paperwork and minutiae, however, they felt compelled to do it themselves, or hover over their assistants to make sure it was done right.  That kind of hovering it resulted in assistants turnover and  became a vicious circle.  We convinced them that their job description was to get o...
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By Jeffrey Richman, Creative Real Estate Specialist
(Immediate Home Solutions)
Hi Everybody!It's Tuesday today and your week has started.  It's OK to keep trying and failing.  One day you'll get it right.  History is full of those that failed or should I say proved that whatever they were doing didn't work."Edison failed 10,000 times before he made the eletric light.  Do not be discouraged if you fail a few times."~ Napoleon Hill
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, So Utah Residential, Referral & Relocation REALTOR
(Red Rock Real Estate)
Nerdin Gardens: Fill fulling the goals set forth.  Nature instinctively moves forward, whether a beautiful Monarch Butterfly collecting pollen, satisfying its hunger before moving on to a final destination or a Pumpkin vine, sprawling out about the ground, ensuring fruition. Though impediments present that hinder progress, adapting and adjusting is necessary to fulfill the set goals. No excuses, just the need to succeed. What would the industry be, if all professionals had such a focused mindset? A furiously fluttery flitterer frantically forwarded, fill fulling it’s fancy. ~ Wanda Kubat-Nerdin
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By Realtyna Inc, Realtyna- MLS RETS Integration software & services
(Realtyna)
The first advice that newbie real estate agents get from their more experienced colleagues is to narrow down. They should go hyperlocal. They should choose the marketing niche they will be working in. But not many real estate agents actually explain how new agents should choose this real estate niche.In this comprehensive guide, we will try to explain the process of choosing a real estate niche, and the factors you need to consider before you dive in.Why Should You Choose a Specific Real Estate Niche?Working within the general real estate market is like trying to catch a fish in the vast ocean with just a fishing rod at your disposal. Seems pretty tough right?A real estate niche gives you an opportunity to narrow down your searching area. Instead of fishing in the ocean, you fish in a b...
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By Richa Nayyar
(Coming service)
If you are attempting to find the pleasant rings items that you may supply to the ones folks that are essential to you, why no longer don’t forget giving them blue topaz earrings as a substitute? Those who have been born in December have topaz as a birthstone. Individuals who are fond of collecting jewels themselves locate the blue topaz one of the most stunning and stylish desire of jewellery to acquire these days. Amongst different gemstone rings out there, you may locate blue topaz one of the cheapest options available which will take gain of.There are some features that you could want to bear in mind in relation to deciding on the right topaz rings. First and essential, you may want to inspect the different shades and sunglasses of a topaz which differs from aquamarine to clean ice ...
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By Scott Seaton Jr. Bourbonnais Kankakee IL Home Inspector, The Home Inspector With a Heart!
(SLS Home Inspections-Bradley Bourbonnais Kankakee Manteno)
We Just Might be Telling You Something Important.  Really, if there was no benefit to the inspection agreement that the State of Illinois requires us to have signed before we start the inspection, then I would gladly toss it out right now. But it does have lots of valuable information that protects the buyer as well as the inspector. We always make sure and go over the agreement with the buyers at the end of the inspection so they have a clear understanding of what they signed, even though this is not required by our SOP. We just feel it's makes them more comfortable, but the real reason is that it manages expectations about the inspection.  At a recent inspection, the buyer came at the end, due to the corona virus and as we requested. He walking in angry, would not wait for the second...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices)
 Maintaining the reality of your public persona and your real-life persona could be a delicate balance. Hard to believe, but many agents do not get the concept of what you write about, what they post about is in the public domain. Just to give you an example, I Google Endre Barath and Endre Barath, Jr. every day. No, it is not about ego, it is about seeing what the potential buyers and sellers and referring agents see. WHY? The answer is simple every time I connect with someone I do a Google Search on them. Just to make sure they are for real; hence I expect them to do the same of me.Now with that said since I anticipate the search, I also want to be clear as to what they see. I write about Real Estate in general, specifically I write about the Malibu Ocean View Homes, just as I write a...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
 A Real Estate Agent should never go outside of their area of expertise, especially when there are signs of foundation problems. A Home Inspection is, in my opinion the most important part of the process of buying property. Whether it's pre-existing or New Construction, I highly recommend an inspection by someone licensed and qualified. Understanding foundations problems are something every agent should at least be aware of and leave their analysis of the problem to the Structural Engineer. Areas of concern may include signs of problems: Causes of Problems Related to Foundations Not enough moisture will leave large cracks in soil Large cracks in soil around the property when other lawns don't  Too much moisture when other lawns don't seem to have that problem Too much moisture in one ar...
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By Sharon Paxson, Newport Beach Real Estate
(Compass)
As we are entering the summer, we are continuing with many restrictions on how we live and how we are adjusting to the "new normal". Real Estate bloggers continue to share information with you as if you are in a position to purchase a home, now is a great time to take advantage of low-interest rates. This month's top articles include information for first time home buyers, lease option agreements, what a seller needs to disclose, and much more. We hope you will take the time to read these articles and reach out if you have questions about any topics!Simple Steps Before Buying Your First HomeBuying a home is a process. is a process. A home purchase can be exciting, exhausting, and overwhelming. Karen Holt Highland has written an excellent article about Steps to Consider Before Purchasing...
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By Roy Kelley
(Realty Group Referrals)
Employees do not leave companies, they leave supervisors.  Gooseneck Loosestrife, Lysimachia clethorides, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA IMG 4385 Why do people leave jobs? There are certainly any number of reasons. We certainly will not deny a very attractive opportunity. The money and the opportunity certainly must be worth staying. We know that it is important to our business success to have an engaged team dedicated to working together for a group result. So why do so many employees leave, or worse, why do they stay and become a drag on the organization? Here is a sobering fact. Employees do not leave companies, they leave supervisors. Many supervisors believe that if only the pay and fringe benefits were better their best employees would stay. I would not deny the ...
Comments 8
By Realtyna Inc, Realtyna- MLS RETS Integration software & services
(Realtyna)
Generating real estate leads is important. But you only get paid after you close a real estate deal. To maximize revenues, you should think about different solutions and have a good plan. Below, we will provide you with some ideas on how you can close your real estate deals faster. Show That You CareWhile communicating with an agent, it’s very important for clients to see that he is really understanding their needs. They need to be sure that you really care, so they will know that you are offering the best service to them. Ask questions and try to provide the best solutions. Listen CarefullyListening is important for many reasons. First clients will understand that you are really interested in what they think and feel. While listening, you can also identify with what type of person you ...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, So Utah Residential, Referral & Relocation REALTOR
(Red Rock Real Estate)
Be Reliable. Not Pliable.  Seasoned Realtors understand the importance of consistently relaying pertinent information backed by solid, statistical facts in a drama-free work zone. Anything less is an injustice to consumers that trust professionals. The main stream media continuously transmit erroneous newscasts with zero accountability. Their goals are simply higher ratings by pushing traffic to outlets without accuracy or proof, no matter who they hurt.  My advice: Trust but verify to avoid becoming pliable due to the trap of salacious, fantastical spin. Better yet, turn it off, walk away and remember to drink from the lake of wisdom rather than an unreliable waterhole.   ................................................................................  Have questions about St. George o...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Do you need a brand for your real estate marketing business?  You need a brand if you are in pursuit of market leadership in your chosen niche. A clearly articulated brand facilitates referrals and decision-making on both sides (sellers/buyers) of the real estate game. Your brand becomes part of your strategy! Like it or not, we are branded from the moment we are born by gender.  Brands are labels; they are a shortcut and a time saver for the mind.  They are so obvious that we take them for granted. They become invisible.  The moment we look at someone, our mind’s computer begins to assess and pigeonhole. The more we are pressed for time the more we rely on snap judgments.   With products and services, once we pigeonhole a product or service in a category we equate the category and the...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
by Patricia Feager, 6/26/18 When Classy Was Just GREAT!!!--- Patricia Feager  "Our educational system is like an automobilewhich has strong rear lights, brightly illuminatingthe past. But looking forward things are barely discernible"--- Hermann Oberth      CLASSIC & TIMELESS The Daytona International Speedway Follow the link for the Daytona International Speedway Schedule. I will never forget the sound of the engines at my first Daytona International Speedway event back in the 1970's. It was an Adrenalin rush I never forgot. America was TRULY built on cars and some GREAT ones too!!!  When American Backbone Was Under The HoodAnd Performace Meant Excellence--- Patricia Feager Excellence meant mechanics with muscles turning wrenches, replacing parts, checking the engine without a Diagnost...
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By Charles Stallions Property Manager, Pensacola, Pace & Gulf Breeze Property Management
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services)
Welcome to the coaches corner with Charles Stallions   JD McClintock: Professionalism starts with you The golden rule for working with other real estate professionals starts with respect and communication. Respond promptly to calls and texts and provide detailed information with your contact information. Also, update MLS listings if a property is no longer available. Watch the video.        My Minute with John Maxwell Word of the day  PERSISTENCE                    
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Author: Patricia Feager, 2/2/2018For AR Contest Love Is In the Air - Lisa Von Domek  There are real estate transactions you remember, ones you forget, and rare ones that you can never forget. This is the story of love and how my business relationship evolved with one couple. In the Beginning It all began with a listing before TEXT messaging. An Agent called wanting to show but wasn't familiar with Flower Mound. She asked me if I would show my listing to her clients. I agreed; however, the problem is it was one of those spring thunderstorms that would make most people hide indoors. The prospective buyer didn't want to cancel the showing and the sellers agreed. Ms. Buyer arrived on time in the pouring rain but she couldn't make contact with her Finance. She was worried. As soon as she saw...
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By Velva Dunn, residential sales,new homes and relocation
(Velva Dunn)
In a very competitive market, businesses need to find and eliminate inefficiencies if they want to stay ahead. Paperwork is often a large expense and eliminating it can increase efficiency and reduce costs. When offices go paperless and use paperless document management systems, they usually experience immediate benefits.Paperless offices use electronic document management software and cloud storage to manage data. This eliminates the need to use paper and the ability to manage records more efficiently offers many savings. Nitro reports that nearly 60% of organizations that invest in paperless document management achieve a full ROI in less than a year.Saving time saves moneyEmployees often waste time looking everywhere for files as it is easy for them to go missing. Using a paperless pl...
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By Carol Culkin, Overland Park Residential Real Estate
(Diamond Partners Inc)
So, you need to sell your house?  Okay, maybe you don't NEED to sell, but maybe you want  to sell.  For whatever reason, you're selling - because of a job opportunity resulting in relocation, a divorce, a lifestyle change, your retiring or perhaps getting remarried.  But, wait.  What happens if you owe the bank more than what a buyer is willing to pay?  Do you wait to sell?  Why put your life on hold and be miserable? To sell, do you NEED to get X number of dollars just to break even on what you owe the lender? Of course if you sell below the loan amount, you'll have to pay your lender out of pocket at closing.  It's called negative equity.  Even if you aren't in a negative equity situation, you still need to pay the fees and expenses associated with selling your house.  So, you're crun...
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By Carol Culkin, Overland Park Residential Real Estate
(Diamond Partners Inc)
Agents! Did you ever feel like you need to negotiate with a seller BEFORE you even get through the front door with a potential buyer?  Don't we do this all the time when we call to schedule showing appointments?  How often does it happen that a seller tries to finagle a different showing time?  Well, it happened to me twice today. And, I am still fuming.   Late this afternoon I called to make appointments to show 8 properties tomorrow morning and early afternoon.  I consider this to be ample notice.  I still don't have confirmation on half of the showing appointments, but the extent of my frustration is due to sellers who think I should accommodate their schedule. I was expecting the listing offices to call back with confirmation and access information.  Instead, the first call was a re...
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