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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 Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Do Seller Concessions Work In 2024?Closing cost assistance, landscaping allowance, new blinds/drapes, do such things make a difference in getting a home sold? Or is it simply better to get the price down as much as possible? For new construction I can understand the builder's desire to hold firm on price. After all, the price per foot on unit one will set the cap for unit three down the road. But what about on the resale side? Is it better to offer closing costs in the public remarks or simply lower the price? In my mind getting the price down seems to be the better move. After all, price feeds to all the major portals. Home buyers all over the world will get an alert the moment a price improvement is made. What are your thoughts? What seems to be working in your market? As for concessi...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Sometimes when you feel like taking a nap the best thing you can do is take a nap. However when there are important things to be done you need to focus on that and get your head in the game (task at hand).I do not believe there is any one thing that would work for everybody but I'm sure most of us know what works for us. Maybe coffee, maybe an energy drink, or maybe even a cold rag on your face. Anything to get to focused on the task at hand. The last thing you want is for a client to think you are dozing off because of their presence.  
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By Tracy Lee Parker, Buy*Sell*Rent
(RE/MAX DFW Associates)
Thankful For Repeat Clients Repeat clients have the whole heart of my business! My business tag line is "Building Relationships Since 2005" and I truly do mean it.  I strive to create a positive experience for all my clients by optimizing the home selling and buying experience, even after the sale. I keep in touch with From My Friends marketing postcards, messaging them on important warranty dates or to remind them about filing for their Homestead Exemption.I am truly grateful all of my clients that call me when they are ready to purchase or sell again or if they just need to ask me questions about their home! I keep all the paperwork in the transactions online, so I am happy to send them documents that they may need in the future. My clients know they are appreciated and valued, respec...
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By Peter Kici EA, Enrolled Agent
(Tax Debt Relief Group)
I'm Peter Kici EA here in Orlando FL, a fellow EA recently witnessed a major tax issue that involved a real estate issue that could have been avoided by understanding step up basis and how it helps avoid unnecessary tax obligations in the event of an inheritance. If you have not heard about the step-up basis and its impact on inheritance, and how it truly affects you and your family's financial future now is that time. When someone passes away and leaves behind assets, the step-up basis can significantly alter the financial landscape for the heirs by resetting the property's tax value. This adjustment could mean the difference between bearing a hefty tax burden and securing a financial advantage. Yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The real implications for estate planning and tax...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, The best agent in Southern Utah!
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Client Confidentiality: MUM's The WORD! In a world of braggart's and loose lips, be the person that remains integrity-driven, despite the temptation to spill everything. We all know people who enjoy blabbing about transactions in-progress, difficult or emotional clients but it's best to avoid the titter-tatter of spreading rumors or sharing of private details. These talkative types are often called:🗣 Loose-tongued🗣 Big mouths🗣 Motor mouths🗣 Blabbermouths🗣 Chatty Cathy's🗣 Loose cannons Despite warnings or potential backlash from disclosing to others, some people just completely unreliable as the keeper's of client information. You can, however decline involvement of any type. Trust between parties remains crucial for successful relationships and mum's the word in all-things-business. Leg...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Finish the 2024 year strong by:  Contacting your people about Thanksgiving by mailing them a Happy Thanksgiving post card or maybe that 2025 wall calendars or a recipe of a item to make for Thanksgiving or deliver a homemade pie or a brought one.Then there is December, you could: Drop of a Pop-By xmas ornament or a calendar ( if you didn't in Nov.) or mail them a Christmas card or call past clients and wish them Merry Christmas.The main thing is to make that phone ring and for people never to forget you.  It is a great way to finish the year!
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By Kukun--240-483-3649 Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
Becoming a new homeowner is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. From managing repairs to understanding how your home’s systems work, the responsibilities of owning a home can be daunting. Whether you’re looking to learn basic repairs, stay on top of home maintenance, or declutter your living space, books can be a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 10 best book for new homeowners every new homeowner should read. These books cover everything from repairs and renovations to organization and financial advice, making sure you’re well-prepared for life as a homeowner. “The First-Time Homeowner’s Survival Guide” by Sid DavisThis book is a practical and comprehensive guide for those homeowners. It covers everything from bud...
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By Peter Mohylsky,, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Ready to make your homeownership dreams a reality?  There are certain things you just don't want to do until you finally close on your purchase.  The image just has a few of them illustrated.  Let’s keep it smooth by avoiding big financial moves until your loan is finalized!🚫No new cars, credit cards, or major deposits—these can all impact your approval.Have questions about the process?I’m here to help every step of the way!#thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #a110524 #realestate #investment #realtor #realestateagent #househunting #dreamhome #themoreyouknow
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By Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308, Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®
(Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.)
Thank you for your service to all who have served, are serving and will serve. God Bless America. We Honor you! Sincerely, Katina Hargrove, Broker/Owner of Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. 352-551-0308“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
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By Dorothy Griggs, LoveMiamiRealtor
(Keyes Group)
I am a second year realtor and I have learned a lot...through trial and error, I have learned to hide or overcome the dreaded commission breath. I began like an eager puppy, I wanted to help people find or rent a home. I was willing to show a ridiculous amount of properties. I worked around the clients' hours, not mine. I door knocked and I made cold calls. Then, I put myself in the clients' shoes and I realized how much I personally hated "the hard sale." I take pride in the research I do for clients, the preparation for going to a successful closing and treating people as I want to be treated.Now, I feel empowered and I am just me! Honest and hardworking.  
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By Dorothy Griggs, LoveMiamiRealtor
(Keyes Group)
I went to a an Open House in Coral Cables listed by an associate broker from my Keyes office. It is a luxury property listed for $2M+. I wanted to share my experience of a warm, welcoming environment. Elizabeth had water, pastries, scent infusion, sign-in sheet, the listing, and all of the pertinent information. The main take away is she enjoyed herself, she was engaging and you could hear people laughing. It was so refreshing.The lesson in this is to be well prepared on all of the property and neighborhood information and then have fun.
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO, Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
Gratitude for Active Rain: A November Challenge 3/4This November, I’m taking on the Active Rain gratitude challenge, which invites us to share four gratitude posts throughout the month. I’m incredibly grateful for the training I’ve pursued over the last 30 years. Without the benefit of finishing college—life suddenly required me to earn a living early—I’ve instead invested in myself by hiring coaches and taking classes from my 20s to now, in my 50s.One of the most impactful lessons I learned was in 1999 during Buffini & Company  coaching: The Five Circles of Life. This framework breaks life into five essential categories: Spiritual: Your faith, religion, beliefs, meditation practices, acts of giving back, etc. Family: Your marriage, children, relationships, kinships, and friendships. Bu...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
    The real estate market is transitioning from the rapid pace of recent years to a more balanced state. This shift means buyers have more opportunities, with properties staying on the market longer and fewer multiple-offer situations. While full-price bids may no longer be the norm, inventory levels are rising, offering potential buyers a more excellent selection. In this evolving landscape, buyers stand to gain more value for their investment. However, they should be prepared for specific changes in transaction terms. Gone are the days when buyers could expect sellers to cover closing costs or be flexible with dates. Today’s market often requires buyers to contribute to their down payments or closing expenses. Additionally, flexibility on closing dates is essential, as sellers may n...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
Is there more than one way to extend a Brokerage Agreement? Can I extend it unilaterally? What happens if I’m under contract but closing is scheduled AFTER the expiration of the Listing Agreement? Watch the video for the answers to all those questions with respect to the Georgia Association of REALTORS® (GAR) contracts. Note that these answers are the same for the Buyer Brokerage Agreements too.
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I've always enjoyed engraved gifts given to me. At one time my daughter, Tina, worked at a Christian Bookstore that did engraving and other personalized stamping. It was fun to see what she would come up with next.Of course there are thing that we don't always think of when we hear the word engraved like:Something else that is engraved is a Buyers name in history. Think of all that paperwork we assist with like abstracts. If you live in an abstract State you can look back at the written history of the dirt your home is on and that includes all who have owned it... including you!If you do live in an abstract State I highly recommend you also purchase Title Insurance just in case you lose that abstract. Replacing that piece of history can be very expensive, much more expensive then having...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
  Log Cabin or Log Built Homes are beautiful but not very prolific, so it makes inspecting them a specialty.  A log cabin inspection has similarities to a home inspection and home warranty inspections but it also has unique characteristics that require knowledge and experience to it is as thorough as it can be.  I wrote this article to highlight the unique aspect that is brought to a home inspection when the home is log built.  In my opinion when a home has log built components a quality and through home inspection should have the methods and observations you are about to read about.  Although they exceed industry standards they should be the minimum you should accept when paying to a home inspection on a log built home. Familiarity with how log homes are built and how the log componen...
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
In the scope of real estate and mortgage lending, few people have witnessed as many industry transformations as Frank Garay. With over 35 years in the real estate & mortgage, Frank has not only weathered economic ups and downs but has redefined himself through each challenge, establishing a reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader. From his early days in the mortgage sector to becoming a prominent video blogger during the 2008 financial crisis and eventually launching influential real estate platforms, Frank’s journey offers invaluable insights. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a true passion for helping others succeed in real estate.Recently Linda Peltz, realtor Clovis CA had tremendous opportunity to talk with Frank Garay. They discussed how the real estate...
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By CHRIS FALCONE, ASHI Certified Home Inspector-ACI
(X-Factor Home Inspections)
 Log Cabin or Log Built Homes are beautiful but not very prolific, so it makes inspecting them a specialty.  A log cabin inspection has similarities to a home inspection and home warranty inspections but it also has unique characteristics that require knowledge and experience to it is as thorough as it can be.  I wrote this article to highlight the unique aspect that is brought to a home inspection when the home is log built.  In my opinion when a home has log built components a quality and through home inspection should have the methods and observations you are about to read about.  Although they exceed industry standards they should be the minimum you should accept when paying to a home inspection on a log built home.Familiarity with how log homes are built and how the log components ...
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By Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
The Real Estate Market is ShiftingHello, my old friend.... Throwback Thursday means many different things to many different people. It seems as if during my whole life, people have tried to do things differently to get the same results. Whether that means winning, making changes, going through transitions, or coping with reality, there is always a better way to read, understand, and gain better insights into situations. The real estate market is shifting. There are so many training classes and mandatory classes offered for real estate agents now. Business practices and forms are always changing.  Do you want to know where I found the best advice?  While sitting in a room shelved with books, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," by Stephen R. Covey caught my eye. I picked it up and ...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Denise Lones is a great coach here in the Rain that we can all learn from.  This blog is a good one of hers The Little Things That Have the Greatest Impact When I first starting my real estate career, many years ago, a very smart mentor/trainer of mine used to tell me ALL THE TIME that it was the little things that would determine my level of success in real estate. It took me years to fully understand the impact of what he was saying but it was through his watchful eye and gentle reminders that I was able to benefit from his wisdom. So, what were those little things, those pearls of wisdom that he shared with me? He used to tell me it was those special little things we did that would add so much to our professional reputation and would have the greatest impact on both my clients and my...
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