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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 Ralph Gorgoglione, California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407
(Metro Life Homes)
Fairness? Absolutely.  But landlord/tenant laws have gone too far.....Anyone who knows me, knows that I am at the front of the line when it comes to fairness, and consumer protection laws.Do we need laws in place to protect tenants from overly oppressive landlords and/or "slumlords", for a lack of a better term?  Yes!But the evolution of landlord/tenant laws have gone TOO far.  To the point where it makes some investors think "do I really want to do this?".   In many cases, it seems you are at the mercy of the tenant.  Especially for those tenants that want to abuse the system.Example - I have an investor client that has purchased many rental properties over the years as a means for retirement.  Well, she's getting to the point where she is headed for retirement now and began selling he...
Comments 11
By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
It's Real Estate Business Planning Season This time of year, I can hear the rustle of new business planners, the click of gel pens getting ready to jot down long to-do lists, and the mouse clicks of shoppers on Amazon finding new organization systems. Planning for a new year is exciting! Essentially, we get to wipe the slate clean and begin again - for agents who didn't have a great 2024, this is a welcome thought. But I have another perspective to consider - the real estate agent who needs to do a minimum of business planning every year. Why? Because they have their systems dialed in. While they may need to tweak their systems and processes as their business goes on, they don't have this need to reinvent the wheel every 12 months because their systems work. Why don't most agents commi...
Comments 5
By Elisa Cho, Home... where our story begins
(Echo Realty)
The holiday season is a busy time for everyone, but it’s no excuse to let professionalism slip. Recently, I received this email (details have been slightly altered to protect identities). It’s a prime example of what not to do as a real estate agent, no matter how experienced or pressed for time you are.  The email dives straight into the tenant’s financial and personal details, accompanied by attached documents—credit scores, paystubs, tax returns—without any context or prior discussion. It ends with an urgent request for a decision before scheduling a showing.  When I followed up with a voice call, the agent was adamant about receiving an answer first, citing it as a “waste of time” otherwise. I respectfully shared that it’s her choice to conduct business that way—but it’s certainly n...
Comments 4
By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, The best agent in Southern Utah!
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Unless it's a S'more, Cut the Fluff! Less is often more when advertising and marketing a property for sale. By focusing on factual details about a property, you can avoid misrepresentations and potential misunderstandings. This allows potential buyers to form their own impressions. Highlight Key FeaturesWhen listing a property on the MLS and other real estate sites, emphasize true attributes, such as: Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size. Add amenities like a pool, gym, security system plus proximity to schools, shopping centers, public transportation. Avoid Subjective TermsTerms like "private," "secluded" "fire sale" or "desperate" can be interpreted differently by different people. Stick to objective facts and avoid making claims that can potentially bring about ...
Comments 20
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Lucky Joe noticed something "weird" before sticking that candy cane in his mouth. There may be worse things then putting something into your mouth that a domesticated rodent had in their mouth but I wouldn't want to try it myself.One of the most basic duties of a Real Estate agent is to determine if a home has/may have had lead based paint on/in it. Colorful paint chips may be a deadly hazard to infants and little children. Seeing a child eating paint chips may be (should be) more revolting than seeing them chew on a pet treat made for a rodent. This is a good time of year to remind parents of the danger of LBP as for years China used LBP on tree ornaments. This should be a time of joy, don't let it become a time of tragedy. 
Comments 8
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Timmothy writes his comic strips a month in advance so this one surprised me a bit but obviously my son Timmothy is an excellent planner... not getting entangled in the "now".The BEST Real Estate agents I know are like Timmothy, they focus on the future and rarely let themselves gat tangled up in the "now". By focusing on the future you are actually planning on how NOT to get entangled in the little distractions of the day. 
Comments 8
By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."~ Oprah Winfrey🫶🏻 Your action for today is to stop a few seconds and appreciate all the blessings you have in your life. Design An Extraordinary Day! 👉 Get After It / Take Action Archives 👈   We work 100% By Referral! Our experienced team is coached by the #1 businesscoaching company in North America:Buffini & Company for over 20 years! All our properties come with 3D Virtual Toursand Professional Photography,Marketing and Negotiating Skills...most agents do not possess! Contact us for a pressure-FREE consultation. More joyful stories, photos, antidotes,quotes and inspiration found here: Postcards From Success Thomas J. NelsonREALTOR®, CRS, RCS-D, CDPE...
Comments 5
By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO, Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."~ Oprah Winfrey🫶🏻Your action for today is to stop a few seconds and appreciate all the blessings you have in your life.Design An Extraordinary Day!👉 Get After It / Take Action Archives 👈 We work 100% By Referral!Our experienced team is coached by the #1 businesscoaching company in North America:Buffini & Company for over 20 years!All our properties come with 3D Virtual Toursand Professional Photography,Marketing and Negotiating Skills...most agents do not possess!Contact us for a pressure-FREE consultation.More joyful stories, photos, antidotes,quotes and inspiration found here:Postcards From Success
Comments 16
By JM Padron, CCIM, CCP, MRICS, CCIM, CCP, International Commercial Broker
(THE JMTEAM NETWORK)
Dear Colleagues, Back to work and Learn. I cordially invite you to register for the CPP Commercial Certification Program, to be held from December 16 to 18 at 13000 Avalon Lake from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Take advantage and enter the group of agents that will increase your income substantially in 2025. This edition will be in English. (Support material is provided in English and Spanish WE ONLY HAVE 15 SPOTS, SO DON'T PROCASTINEhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/1095356353339?aff=oddtdtcreator 
Comments 2
By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Happy Thanksgiving to All! Here are Some Organizations for You to Donate All Year Round!! Bay Realty Homer Alaska Selling Real Estate in Homer Alaska Since 1974 BayRealtyAlaska.com Facebook @BayRealtyAlaska For More Information Call 907-235-6183 #AlaskaRealEstate #BayRealtyAlaska #HomerAlaskaRealEstate Celebrate Bay Realty 50 Year Anniversary! Bay Realty Offers You the Knowledge You Need to Sell, Rent or Buy Property on the Kenai Peninsula.  Information is Power and we give You the Power to make the Right Decision for YOU! Our area offers Beautiful Homes, Recreational Cabins, View properties, Private Remote Property, Beach And Waterfront Properties, Islands, Waterfalls, Bluff Homes and Bluff Land, River Property, Small Acreage, Large Acreage, Commercial Land and Business Opportunity. W...
Comments 2
By Debra Leisek
( Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska)
Happy Thanksgiving to All!Here are Some Organizations for You to Donate All Year Round!!Bay Realty Homer AlaskaSelling Real Estate in Homer Alaska Since 1974BayRealtyAlaska.com Facebook @BayRealtyAlaska For More Information Call 907-235-6183#AlaskaRealEstate #BayRealtyAlaska #HomerAlaskaRealEstateCelebrate Bay Realty 50 Year Anniversary!Bay Realty Offers You the Knowledge You Need to Sell, Rent or Buy Property on the Kenai Peninsula.  Information is Power and we give You the Power to make the Right Decision for YOU! Our area offers Beautiful Homes, Recreational Cabins, View properties, Private Remote Property, Beach And Waterfront Properties, Islands, Waterfalls, Bluff Homes and Bluff Land, River Property, Small Acreage, Large Acreage, Commercial Land and Business Opportunity. We Also H...
Comments 14
You must make a cohesive effort to stand out!   Elusive as a Chameleon in a Rainbow Convention   In any sales industry, part of being effective and successful is being seen rather than blending in with thousands of other professionals, vying for consumer business. You must make a cohesive effort to stand out!     Connecting with past clients and potential buyers and sellers is essential by advertising, making phone calls, emailing or texting. Building important relationships, for business sake but also on the personal side.     Maintaining a reputable online presence by blogging, showing up ready to perform and get it done, matters. Volunteering for special causes to be visible by a broader audience, within the local community definitely helps.     Avoid using camouflage in marketing an...
Comments 3
By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Now we have to hide Buyer agent commission! Hiding buyer agent commissions is a controversial topic. While some argue that transparency about commissions improves consumer trust and understanding, others contend that concealing commission details could have unintended consequences, such as: Reduced Buyer RepresentationBuyers might hesitate to seek representation if they believe they must pay out-of-pocket, potentially leading to less-informed purchasing decisions. Competitive DisadvantageIf commissions aren’t openly disclosed, it could disadvantage some sellers or agents, as buyers might unknowingly gravitate toward properties with higher incentives for buyer agents. Regulatory ChallengesCurrent legal and ethical standards in many states emphasize disclosure. Moving to a system that hid...
Comments 3
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Dealing with the IRS can be complex, and taxpayers often make mistakes like ignoring correspondence, failing to respond on time, or not consulting a professional. Always prioritize clear communication with the IRS to address issues effectively and maintain compliance.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP We have been noticing a trend I want to share on the 5 biggest mistakes people make when dealing with the IRS, most of these are avoidable but as you may know life gets in the way and stuff happens. Dealing with the IRS can be intimidating, but avoiding the these pitfalls can save you time, money, and stress. Here are the five biggest mistakes taxpayers make when dealing with the IRS—and how to avoid them.   1. Ignoring IRS Notices   One of the worst mistakes is ignoring...
Comments 1
By Peter Kici EA, Enrolled Agent
(Tax Debt Relief Group)
We have been noticing a trend I want to share on the 5 biggest mistakes people make when dealing with the IRS, most of these are avoidable but as you may know life gets in the way and stuff happens.Dealing with the IRS can be intimidating, but avoiding the these pitfalls can save you time, money, and stress. Here are the five biggest mistakes taxpayers make when dealing with the IRS—and how to avoid them.  1. Ignoring IRS Notices  One of the worst mistakes is ignoring correspondence from the IRS. Many taxpayers avoid opening letters out of fear or confusion, but this only escalates the issue. The IRS operates on strict deadlines, and missing them can result in penalties, liens, or garnishments. Read every IRS notice carefully and respond promptly. If unsure how to proceed, consult us an...
Comments 4
By Alan May, Home again, home again...
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
NAR... that dang settlement took over our lives for a while... and then it calmed down and got quiet.And there we were having to make our buyers sign buyer's agreements before we could take them across the thresholds of any properties, and whilst it was truly a pain in the butt-tocks, it wasn't truly so bad... right?  [echoing... ] right?Yesterday, the Department of in-Justice weighed in, and we were fully expecting them to rubber-stamp NAR's decision... andHere is Tristan Ahumada's (of Facebook's Lab Coat Agents) video-take on their opinion.And suddenly what was 'settled', may be unsettled.  And I'm okay with that... because I always felt as though this settlement was just wrong..What do y'all think.  Hmmmm?
Comments 10
By Peter Mohylsky,, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
517 Augusta Way #11001, Miramar Beach, FL Click here to Get Directions          Photos Maps & Local Schools Print $ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS Advantages of a condo but lives like a single family home. No shared walls with neighbors, Numerous updates in this unit. Current floor plan is nothing like originally built. Must see kitchen & bath updates, VPF flooring, ceiling fans and recessed lighting. New roof in 2021. New HVAC system in 2020. Being sold furnished with a few exclusions. Golf cart is available for sale separately.
Comments 1
By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, The best agent in Southern Utah!
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Elusive as a Chameleon in a Rainbow ConventionIn any sales industry, part of being effective and successful is being seen rather than blending in with thousands of other professionals, vying for consumer business. You must make a cohesive effort to stand out! Connecting with past clients and potential buyers and sellers is essential by advertising, making phone calls, emailing or texting. Building important relationships, for business sake but also on the personal side. Maintaining a reputable online presence by blogging, showing up ready to perform and get it done, matters. Volunteering for special causes to be visible by a broader audience, within the local community definitely helps.Avoid using camouflage in marketing and advertising efforts. Failing to be seen means blending in with...
Comments 33
By Steve Vondran "Attorney Steve®, Business, Real Estate, and Intellectual Property
(The Law Offices of Steven C. Vondran, P.C.)
Vondran Legal® - Strike 3 Holdings - BitTorrent Insights - The VRBO TOR-Renter!  Call us at (877) 276-5084.This blog is written by California Copyright Strike 3 Holdings BitTorrent Defense lawyer Steve Vondran.IntroductionStrike 3 Holdings is an adult pornography company located in California that has literally filed over 10,000 federal court copyright infringement cases across the United States for nearly a decade now.  No company files more lawsuits (to my knowledge) than this company does. It goes after many people who work in the tech industry (typically middle-aged men) for downloading and/or sharing their adult movies via Torrent networks. This, they allege, violates their exclusive rights as copyright holders to make copies and distribute their content. Vondran Legal® has handled...
Comments 3
The single most important trait is personal self-discipline.   Personal Self-Discipline The single most important trait a real estate agent has to master isn't great selling skills, it's not being able to show a house, and it's not being able to do a great listing presentation. Don't get me wrong, all these things are useful skills that will improve your business. The single most important trait is personal self-discipline. We get in our own way, preventing our own business from growing. We don't have systems that are working because we are missing the personal self-discipline to create them, engage with them, delegate them, and more. Personal self-discipline is something I had to learn how to master 30 years ago and what I did - as many of you that regularly listen to me already know -...
Comments 2
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