Admin

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 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
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Effective communication is the cornerstone of real estate success. Clear, consistent communication builds trust, facilitates smooth transactions, and ensures all parties are on the same page. Communication truly empowers agents to meet and exceed client expectations. Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP   I have been part of many real estate transactions in almost 25 years in real estate financing.  Most of them are super smooth and the agents really work to make the transaction work for all parties.  It's great when agents and lenders do their part, title does their part, buyers and sellers are on board with providing information needed to move forward and the communication is flowing. Sometimes that is not the case and there is a breakdown in communication between par...
Comments 3
By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
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 - is I started my daily Hour of Power. I do it first thing, eve...
Comments 4
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Real Estate transactions don't have to be stressful.  If we all work together we can avoid so much drama and make the process go smoothly for everyone.      I have been part of many real estate transactions in almost 25 years in real estate financing.  Most of them are super smooth and the agents really work to make the transaction work for all parties.  It's great when agents and lenders do their part, title does their part, buyers and sellers are on board with providing information needed to move forward and the communication is flowing. Sometimes that is not the case and there is a breakdown in communication between parties.  If the agents don't like or trust each other in a transaction, it can make the process much more challenging.  In that case, I do my best to step in where neede...
Comments 2
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Bridet NcGee is so right about items in her blog.  Check it out.   I have been part of many real estate transactions in almost 25 years in real estate financing.  Most of them are super smooth and the agents really work to make the transaction work for all parties.  It's great when agents and lenders do their part, title does their part, buyers and sellers are on board with providing information needed to move forward and the communication is flowing. Sometimes that is not the case and there is a breakdown in communication between parties.  If the agents don't like or trust each other in a transaction, it can make the process much more challenging.  In that case, I do my best to step in where needed to help facilitate the info and avoid stepping over the line where, as a lender, I don't...
Comments 4
By Bridget "Mortgage Mama" McGee, Maryland Mortgage Mama NMLS#196068
(SWBC Mortgage 410-960-2061)
 I have been part of many real estate transactions in almost 25 years in real estate financing.  Most of them are super smooth and the agents really work to make the transaction work for all parties.  It's great when agents and lenders do their part, title does their part, buyers and sellers are on board with providing information needed to move forward and the communication is flowing.Sometimes that is not the case and there is a breakdown in communication between parties.  If the agents don't like or trust each other in a transaction, it can make the process much more challenging.  In that case, I do my best to step in where needed to help facilitate the info and avoid stepping over the line where, as a lender, I don't belong!  Communication is so important, even if the answer to a qu...
Comments 14
By Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
Employee satisfaction is one of the driving forces behind a productive and cohesive workplace. Satisfied employees are more engaged, less likely to leave, and tend to perform better, contributing to a positive company culture. But measuring satisfaction isn’t always straightforward.Thankfully, there are effective employee satisfaction measurement tools that help organizations understand how their teams feel and identify areas for improvement.Why Is Employee Satisfaction So Important?Happy employees are more likely to stay with a company, work with enthusiasm, and align with the organization’s goals. Employee satisfaction, however, is about more than just keeping staff happy. Satisfied employees tend to be more innovative, which leads to improved productivity and creativity in problem-so...
Comments 2
By Alan May, Home again, home again...
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
The call came in from my new listing this morning. "We looked at your property this morning, and we wanted to know if you currently have any offers?""Yes, in fact we are already in multiple offers.  We are asking for 'highest and best' by 5:00 Saturday evening, and will be making our decision by Sunday""Okay, thank you." she answered "And how negotiable are you on your price?"""Uh... negotiable? We just listed the property yesterday, and as I mentioned, we are already in multiple offers.""Right, right.  But the property is 'as-is', and it needs some work.  And the carpet is old, and the kitchen needs updating""Uh... well, that's why we're priced, where we're priced, and why we have those multiple offers we mentioned.""Right, right.  But it still seems a little high.""Well, you go ahead ...
Comments 11
By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
On the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) F255 "Instructions to Closing Attorney," why is there a Signature Line for both Brokers & Seller but NOT the Buyer? Watch the video to find out! NOTE: This information is accurate from July 2024 - December 2024. The GAR Forms MAY CHANGE in 2025. Thank you for watching! - Dana Sparks
Comments 2
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
My mother always taught me that profanity is a sign of a simple (uneducated) mind. For the most part I have found that true but I confess there have been times where I've let go of a profane tirade when I've been very upset. Many of those times I wish I could take it back.  Yet there have been times where I have no regret. However when it comes to casual conversation I am always disappointed in myself if I let a profanity slip (especially in front of family members).Real Estate agents should be as professional as possible at all times, you never know who is listening and/or watching.I've learned this also caries over to driving habits. That fellow you cut off or flipped off may be your next appointment.  
Comments 9
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Here is a great blog from Denise Lones from August 11,2023 that we can all learn from.  Appreciation: The Secret Weapon in Your Seller Toolbox When someone is thinking about a move, they aren't necessarily focused on the future - they are thinking about why the home they are living in doesn't meet their needs now. The challenge in the current market is that sellers want to move, but when confronted with the financial reality of a higher monthly payment due to interest rates, sellers freeze. They are caught between wanting to improve their living situation, but being too uncomfortable with the impact on monthly payment. There may only be so much that can be done about whether someone can qualify for a certain amount or not. However, if a would-be homebuyer is basing their decision on mov...
Comments 5
By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Breaking News: Top 100 agents for Los Angeles, Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties have been announced by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.I am so grateful, that I am still in the top one hundred after the first nine months of production for the year. I am equally appreciative and grateful to my clients that got me to this point.This year was very challenging, and I am still in the top 100 to be exact #50! Thank you again and I look forward to helping you in future sales and purchases. Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly! If you are looking for a pet friendly Beverly Hills Re...
Comments 21
By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, The best agent in Southern Utah!
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Eating Crow. Becawse!  Heavily embellished descriptions used by some agents to promote their listings are questionable. Experienced professionals can easily determine when puffing and fluffing is present, potentially propping up a property that fails to pass muster. Being a realist means giving me facts, rather than an overly-flourished fairy tale. In the many practiced years as an agent, never have I opted to deter from a listing's details. Buyers appreciate that upon crossing over a residence's threshold. Catchy titles might grab the attention, better be on point. These are a few examples that I have found: ◾ BETTER THAN NEW!Some homes continue to possess a timelessness due to superior workmanship but let’s face it; there is nothing that compares to new construction. No matter how wel...
Comments 26
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Once again we can all learn from each other here in the Rain Homeownership is amazing—but it's also a total lifestyle shift from the rental days. From surprise plumbing issues to finally being able to pick paint colors, there's a whole lot that changes.  If you're considering making the leap, understanding these shifts can prepare you for what lies ahead and ensure a smoother transition to homeownership. 1. Wealth-Building Equity Owning a home means transitioning from monthly rent payments that don't contribute to your future to mortgage payments that build equity over time. Equity—the portion of your home that you truly own—can grow as you pay down your mortgage and as your property value appreciates.  Fact: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawren...
Comments 7
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Quality is more important than quantity on social media. Before posting something, ask yourself if it brings value to the prospects you want, and gets their engagement. Algorithms look for creators who post quality posts, not for who’s posting the most.Visualize what your success will look like, then make a firm decision to succeed. When you commit to putting in the work, opportunities arise and good things happen—the reward for your commitment to do what needs to be done.Whenever you can, instead of texting or emailing clients and prospects, pick up the phone and talk or video chat with them. Your goal is to build relationships, and live, real-time communication is the quickest way to get people to know, like, and trust you.Look for the opportunity to provide something of value to othe...
Comments 8
By LeAnne Carswell, Real estate broker in charge of large team
(Expert Real Estate Team)
Homeownership is amazing—but it's also a total lifestyle shift from the rental days. From surprise plumbing issues to finally being able to pick paint colors, there's a whole lot that changes. If you're considering making the leap, understanding these shifts can prepare you for what lies ahead and ensure a smoother transition to homeownership.1. Wealth-Building EquityOwning a home means transitioning from monthly rent payments that don't contribute to your future to mortgage payments that build equity over time. Equity—the portion of your home that you truly own—can grow as you pay down your mortgage and as your property value appreciates. Fact: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, homeowners, on average, have 40 times the net worth of re...
Comments 4
By Alan May, Home again, home again...
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
In a recent listing, a buyer was asking me if there was hardwood flooring under the luxurious wool carpeting in the home.  I told them that it was an estate sale and we didn't really know, but given the age of the home it was likely as home of this era were typically built with oak flooring, but I couldn't represent with any certainty that we have hardwood under the beautiful carpet.She asked if we could pull up a corner, and unfortunately, as a guardian of the home, I couldn't allow that, unless we could find a location that wouldn't show.  Normally I search for a floor vent to pull out to see the flooring. (all of the HVAC vents in this home were on the walls, not the floors.)Well, long story short (I know, I know... too late!)... we did find a closet where we felt it was okay to pull...
Comments 10
Back to Top