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 Dee Toohey, Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro
(Innovative Realty Solutions Group)
It's that time when you should start planning for the new year. If you are not planning for success, you are planning for failure.Don't just say something like, "I'll be more successful next year."  Be SMART.S - SmartM - MeasurableA - AchievableR - RealisticT - TimelyHow often during the year do you compare your results to your plan to see where you are?  Do you adjust your plan?  Are you accountable to someone other than yourself for setting and achieving your goals? An accountability partner is a critical part of your success.A goal is not "lose weight".  A SMART goal would be "I will lose 20 lbs by June 30".  The action items are the things you must do to accomplish the goal. Action items to lose weight might be to eat 3-4 ounces of lean protein three times a day, eat 1.5-2 cups of v...
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By Candice A. Donofrio, 928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text
(Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker)
It happens. Even to the most seasoned professionals.Even with the most efficient escrow officers. Even with the most experienced title experts.A recent transaction with a very seasoned agent/buyer who owns multi-millions of dollars of properties in the area went off without a hitch.Closed a couple of months back. This weekend, the new owner opened a letter from the County Assessor. It said,"We cannot transfer this account to you, as this property is not owned by your grantor."Gotta give the Assessor credit for careful review of the deed (which was not in my closing package, nor the buyer's--more on that in a moment) in this age of rampant deed fraud!The buyer contacted me (not her broker, LOL . . . I get that a lot actually) to ask why she would receive such a letter. I don't know. Send...
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
Real estate websites are a valuable resource for buyers, sellers, and renters alike. They offer a convenient way to search for properties, learn about market trends, and connect with real estate agents. There are many different types of real estate websites, each with its own unique focus.In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common types of real estate websites and discuss their uses and benefits. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right website for your needs.Benefits of having a real estate websiteHaving a real estate website offers numerous benefits for both real estate professionals and consumers. For real estate professionals, a website provides a platform to showcase their listings, build their brand, and attract potential clients. It allows them to reach ...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
There are ice holes all around me. Daddy took little Billy fishing for the first time down yonder to the local watering hole. After saying bye to his mom, they set out to catch their limit. At least, that was the plan. After several hours of no luck, Billy got bored. Calling his mom, he said the trip was not any fun and that he was surrounded by nothing but ice holes. Thinking that Billy's dad had taken him to the local bar instead of fishing, she said, "Put your dad on the phone, right now!"  Clear, concise communication is important at all times when relaying messages, otherwise a breakdown may occur and can set the tone for a verbal whipping. Whether deserved or not!
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
H. J. Heinz was so right on his quote and Lou Ludwig blog is so true. No Task is Too Small “No task is too little to be done in the best way.” H.J. Heinz 1844 -1919, Founder of the H.J. Heinz Company     As I see it . . . . . . . No task is too small   In undertaking any task . . . . give it your best . . . . and your best becomes a habit.   Your habit of doing your best will take root . . . . and will become a deep foundation to grow your business on.   In time giving your best will be noticed by others . . . . It will become a standard of practice that others will seek you out for . . . . and a big reason they want do business with you.   Build and develop the habit of doing your best in all of the tasks that you undertake . . . . and you will become the go to person in your professio...
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By Dana Hollish Hill, REALTOR * Broker * Coach
(Hollish Hill Group, JPAR Stellar Living)
I'm expanding upon an ActiveRain post I wrote in 2015 where I listed 20 things I learned tending bar.  While most ring true today, this lesson is a harder one to relate to real estate completely because I got married before I became a REALTOR®So today's post focuses on the third of twenty lessons.Lesson #3: Never date a customer or clientAs a bartender, you control the drinks and the cash register on behalf of the bar owner. Customers will flirt, beg, and make all kinds of promises to get a drink on the house and you have to be firm. Your tips are dependent on how you treat your customers - how you make them feel, how much attention you give them, if you notice when they need another drink, if you remember their usual order, etc. It's important to build rapport with each customer. Each ...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
What Should You Give Your Clients This Holiday? A card? An event? A gift? Your expertise? I have been getting this question a lot over the last few weeks as agents are trying to determine their plans for the last few weeks of the year. Why are so many agents waiting until the last minute to plan? This year has difficult on homebuyers, homesellers, agents, lenders, the entire industry. Interest rates and inventory issues have dug in and look like they are going to be sticking around for a while. This has left a lot of agents scratching their heads and uncertain what the future holds - or - too busy scrambling for business to take a moment to re-evaluate and make a plan. But I am going to let you in on a secret. While some agents have decided to hang it up for the rest of the year, there...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
This is the home buying process in 10 steps, part 3!Step 8 in this process is getting the home appraisal. The appraisal is all about ensuring the house is actually worth what you’ve agreed to pay. If the appraisal comes under the purchase price, the lender will likely not loan out past what the property is appraised at, meaning the buyer will need to come up with that extra money to fill the gap between the appraisal value and the offer. If the appraisal comes in over the agreed upon purchase price, you, the buyer, are in great shape because the loan will easily cover the offer price.Then, step 9 is closing the sale. Once the loan is approved, you’ll schedule a closing date to sign the final paperwork. Once you make those final signatures, you’ll officially own the house!And then the fi...
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By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(RE/MAX, Big Bear)
In the dynamic world of real estate, success isn't just about properties; it's about relationships, strategy, and continuous learning. For new agents entering the bustling industry, having a seasoned mentor can make all the difference. Do you remember your first year (or two or three) in real estate?   What a great time to reach out and help a new agent develop their career and achieve lasting success. Knowledge Transfer:One of the key benefits a seasoned real estate agent can offer is knowledge. Every single transaction is a learning experience.  You can provide insights into market trends, negotiation techniques, and the art of closing deals. Through shared experiences, a new agent gains access to a wealth of practical knowledge that textbooks just can't provide. Networking Opportuni...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Those of us here in North Texas are celebrating a BIG win as the Texas Rangers took home the World Series Pennant. It was an exciting series and the fans are going nuts! In Texas, we always tend to do things in a big way!Now, how do I relate this to real estate? Well, let's start with what it takes to get to a world championship and that is determination, mastery of skills, training, and most importantly, discipline. As a small brokerage owner, all of these are necessary in order to play ball in the industry!⚾️ DETERMINATION - Wishful thinking is great but without a determined mindset, the goal setting will never amount to a win. Determination requires a plan that is skillfully executed, tweaked when necessary, and trackable.⚾️ MASTERY OF SILLS - Here is where the rubber meets the road....
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By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
In the dynamic world of real estate, success isn't just about properties; it's about relationships, strategy, and continuous learning. For new agents entering the bustling industry, having a seasoned mentor can make all the difference. Do you remember your first year (or two or three) in real estate?   What a great time to reach out and help a new agent develop their career and achieve lasting success.Knowledge Transfer:One of the key benefits a seasoned real estate agent can offer is knowledge. Every single transaction is a learning experience.  You can provide insights into market trends, negotiation techniques, and the art of closing deals. Through shared experiences, a new agent gains access to a wealth of practical knowledge that textbooks just can't provide.Networking Opportunitie...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Even half asleep (or fully) certain noises or smells can wake us up. In this case Philemon heard something pleasant and he ran right to it. It was disappointing that Titus didn't offer to share.It's a big world, let's share it.Learning to share is not always easy. As a salesman for a photography company I didn't want to share my market and frankly I dominated the market with nearly 80% of the market share in a 3 State area.When I joined the Real Estate world I went into it thinking I could dominate it Just as I did the photography world I came from. Wrong, wrong, wrong. What I learned in Real Estate is things go better when you share. Teamwork grows friendships and results and good results grow your income.If you recently became a Real Estate professional you need to learn quickly that ...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Chasing that last market... Seller meets with an agent to discuss list price and other pertinent details.Agent asks, "Are your legs tired?"Seller says, "No, not at all."Agent replies, "Well, they should be. You're chasing that last market...!" 👀 Overpriced properties, coupled with a clear lack of motivation, are two immediate deterrents in getting a home sold. Not necessarily a winning position for owners, agents or ready buyers actively looking in the market. Five reasons to price a property realistically: 1. May sell quicker2. More buyer interest3. Less days on the market4. Ensures feet through the door5. No adverse consequences re: over-inflated value Some sellers decide to overprice the property with the assumption to eventually lower the price later on. Agent agrees, sinks the sign...
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By Chris Colgan, Real Estate Expert Advisor
Are you a savvy real estate agent eager to bolster your income? If so, we've got a goldmine opportunity for you! 💰 Expired listings, often overlooked by many agents, can be the secret to amping up your earnings. In this article, we're spilling the beans on a proven script and strategy that could potentially catapult your income to $200,000 per year!** The Power of a Good Script **When it comes to expired listings, having a killer script in your back pocket is like having a secret weapon. The key is to ask the right questions that lead to one outcome: securing the listing. Many agents make the mistake of winging it or mashing up multiple scripts, but trust us, sticking to a proven script is the way to go. 📜Practice Makes Perfect Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are your ...
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By Lise Howe, Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
I have been talking to a new agent in my office who is not having much luck getting clients.  I asked him to tell me about how he connects with potential clients at open houses and then we talked about doing a needs analysis with those potential buyer clients.  He sent me his list of questions (after he did some internet research to create the list.)  The list was fine - how long have you been looking.  Have you been pre-approved.  Where are you looking.  The sort of water cooler questions that you would ask a stranger. I sent him the following suggested questions to get amplification of their focus-I would ask about the age of the children if they have them.  Ask about pets - if they have them - how big are they?  are they active dogs? pit bulls, need a yard? do they plan to have a dog...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
I ♥️ B.S. Do you?  Though the industry is ever evolving, changing quickly, consumers keep us in business. Some are ready, willing and able to act right now, others are waiting until spring to buy or to get their property ready to put on the market to sell.  Three Ways to Remain Top of Mind:1. Maintain focus. Follow up and follow through consistently, be available and informative. 2. Use Patience. While you may lose a few along the way, you will also net positive results.  3. Remain Engaged. Show them why you are their real estate agent rather than someone else. All in due time, there's no rushing the process unless the goal is to lose them as potential clients. Have always told clients, that I am always here to help guide them when making serious buying or selling decisions. No B.S. there!
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By Scott Seaton Jr. SLS Home Insp, The Home Inspector With a Heart!
(SLS Home Inspections-Kankakee Will Iroquois Grundy Counties)
You Don't Know What You Don't Know.     Boy is that ever true, especially when it comes to tech stuff on the computer. Over the years I have spent literally dozens of hours trying to search for documents, create a postcard or flyer or prepare presentations only to have them blow up in my face when I finally get finished. They may have things like bad fon't sizing, wrong font, off center, weird script that just disappears when I think it's ready to go, or just plain look ugly and unprofessional. Don't even get me started with Excel or Powerpoint. The true test to getting proficient and becoming an expert with something is to do it for 10,000 hours. That's not my rule, I'm sure I read it in one of the many books I have. I just don't have time to search for it at this moment. My challenge ...
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for real estate agents. With the majority of home buyers and sellers starting their search online, real estate agents need to have a website that is not only visually appealing but also easily discoverable by search engines.By implementing effective SEO strategies, real estate agents can increase their website’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). This means that when potential clients search for keywords related to real estate in their area, the agent’s website will appear higher in the search results, increasing the chances of attracting organic traffic.SEO not only helps in increasing the visibility of a real estate website but also improves the overall user experience. By optimizing the website’s struc...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Recently, as I have been assessing my brokerage business model while studying the current market and data, I have made the decision to make a pivot. When I experienced a major, market shift back in 2009, I took the time to determine how I would survive and stay in real estate. While many were making the decision to jump ship, I decided to stay in. This required me to make some changes.Real estate has certainly been a roller-coaster ride through the years. Those of us who have remained in the business for a decade or more, completely understand what it means to pivot. And, while many believe taking a turn or changing directions is a bad thing, I believe it is healthy and important.After the pandemic, everyone took to their home offices or created a home space to work. Since that time, mo...
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By Lee Fisher, The right turn for real estate success™
(L.A. Fisher Real Estate Investment Company)
In the intricate world of real estate, having a robust compass is essential. The Buyer Advisory stands out as a vital tool, shedding light on the path to well-informed property purchases.1. Understanding Local Dynamics: The Buyer Advisory delves into local dynamics, offering insights from crime statistics to flood zones and school quality. It provides a detailed snapshot of the area, ensuring buyers are well-informed about their potential new neighborhood.2. Safety First: Safety is paramount, and the Advisory comprehensively addresses this concern. By providing links to crime statistics and sex offenders registries, it empowers buyers to assess the safety of their chosen locale, offering peace of mind for families and individuals alike.3. Environmental Insights: Environmental factors, s...
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