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 Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, So Utah Residential, Referral & Relocation REALTOR
(Red Rock Real Estate Brokered by Real)
Nerdin Gardens: Growing a Pair.  Many times while journeying through life, we must take a stand, whether it be for ourselves, a family member or to defend business practices. At one point in my real estate career, someone told me that I needed to grow a pair. So I did!  ... The tenacity you need to achieve your home goals. Wanda Kubat-Nerdin, Preferred Realtor at Red Rock Real Estate in sunny southern Utah | Call me to help you with residential real estate because Wanda Can! 435.632.9374
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By Melinda (Mel) Peterson, @TheBlessedRealtor - ABR, CRS
(Grants Pass, OR)
Joni Mitchell paints a lovely picture of idealism versus reality when she wrote the song; Both Sides Now.  Some of us look at clouds with such wonder and optimism... like ice cream castles in the air.  Others look at clouds as blocking the sun; raining and snowing on everyone.  Recently, I had a client who felt he missed out on a magical property.  In reality, he wasn't ready to purchase.  But in his mind, he saw ice cream castles in the air, so there was no dismissing his mercurial sense of wonder with respect to this property.  Many buyers start their home/property search with a dreamy wish list often coupled with unrealistic expectations.  Then the stark reality sets in and buyers end up adjusting their sails.  How do we navigate these stormy waters without being viewed as dream kill...
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By Lynn Pineda, Real Estate Promises delivered in SE Florida
(eXp Realty)
Are you in search of  some really good reads when it comes to Real Estate? Then, you're in luck, as Sharon Paxson has compiled an amazing list of Real Estate know how.  Be sure to take a look as there's something for everyone. As a new month begins and social distancing continues, I’m trying to focus on all the silver linings in my life. I hope you are all focused on your silver linings, whatever they may be. April 2020 has continued with the shelter in place orders. We are all experiencing the new normal including Zoom (or equivalent meetings), wearing masks in public, constant hand washing, disinfecting every door handle, and yet top Real Estate bloggers are continuing to share relevant real estate information. There have been changes with how real estate is practiced, and it is an ad...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, So Utah Residential, Referral & Relocation REALTOR
(Red Rock Real Estate Brokered by Real)
Sonnet’s Best in Show   Once in full bloom, Sonnet was averse to blending in with her surroundings. She chose the brightest color for a most excellent costume.  Frocked in a pristine white bonnet and matching, frilly gown, she haughtily desired to be the center of attention, hands down.  Away she set off for the borough, intent to catch the eye of several handsome suitors on the go. She hurriedly left her sisters behind, in tow.  The sidewalks were crowded. Rip, tear! Someone tamped on Sonnet’s gown, down the silky skirting fell, she was now the talk of the town.  That fateful day became a rough row for her to hoe, as many local folks, high and low exclaimed, she truly was the best in show!  The End  ~Wanda Kubat-Nerdin in Nerdin Gardens  My professional advice: In any sales industry, g...
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By Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Bristow, VA
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Just Because It Is a Seller's Market...The level of frustration for buyers in the current Bristow/Gainesville marketplace is through the roof.  So many buyers for every listing that comes up on the market means that there are often five or more buyers knocking each other out to win the home.  Closing cost assistance is near impossible to get.  Over list price offers are common.  And now buyers are starting to waive inspections and make low appraisal guarantees that they will kick in "X" dollars above a low appraisal.  Sellers have the advantage big time.Just because it's a seller's market doesn't mean buyers will go nuts for a home in desperate need of carpet and paint and other updates and poorly marketed, listed for top of market.A home popped up in my buyer's search area, which also ...
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By Richa Nayyar
(Coming service)
Today when we talk of successful people in the field of real estate, many names are found before our eyes in the world, and many people are very successful in themselves, real people in the real estate sector. I maintain a different name, but in all this, if we talk about Stuart Rubin, this person is considered to be changed because he has made his name in the real estate field very quickly and correctly.Stuart Robin completed his graduation from the University of South California, but this person is playing an essential role in the real estate industry. We cannot be shocked at this point because this person has tried to find an opportunity where ordinary people waste their time. And this person is also considered significant because, at the age of just 17, he bought his first property ...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Real Estate world is Red I am waiting for it to turn Yellow. Pennsylvania is one of the only states Real Estate is not considered essential. The Real Estate Industry closed down March 18, 2020, We as agents have been allowed to apply for unemployment. What a shock it was. Applying for unemployment is a first as we are considered independent contractors and have never been able to do this before but never in the history of this country have we been hit with a pandemic of this size.  For safety and health issues we are under quarantine.   The Governor has just open part of the state. He is doing this in sections to see how it works. He is hoping that the COVID19 does not spread. The last news we received was that Philadelphia Real Estate our section of the state would open up possibly aro...
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Stuart Rubin real estate offers advice to the real estate companies about investment in the projects. There will be an offering of information about debt and equity financing to the client. Commercial, office, and residential services will be provided through the real estate advisor to the person for better results. The investment in Canada and the United States will be convenient for the person related to real estate. Industrial property investment will be excellent with the advice of stuart rubin.After a study in the market and finance, all essential information will be provided to the person. Before investing in other countries, the behavior of the person should be excellent with the advice. The connections of the real estate consultant will be unique to get the desired results. Here...
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Whether there is buying of the raw land or developing construction projects, the job will be managed through the guidance of stuart rubin. The share of profits will be significant for the growth and development of the business. The role of Stuart will be as a property developer. There will be a requirement of skills and abilities for the benefit. Property management and development will lead to the success path at the real estate business or company.Proper assessment of higher risk will be there for the benefit of the person. The strategy of sale and marketing will be prepared under the guidance of the experts. Residential property dealings will be excellent with the excellence and expertise of experts. Many rewards will be provided to the business owner to get the right results. The pa...
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By Victoria Carter Guaranteed Services, TwoMoveYou
(TwoMoveYou Guaranteed Real Estate Brokered by Century 21 Percy Fulton Ltd., Brokerage)
Your support means the world to us! Hope to work with you again in the future. We make this as our motivation to make our services more client oriented reaching for excellence. Thank you from the TwoMoveYou Team!
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Before you visit a community's with your clients you should visit the site first and wall the models and also know the area from shopping and schools in the area.   Always good to do the leg work first.Register your clients with you the first time there for sure at all builders you are looking at to cover your   (you know what)Get to know the sales staff, they can help you so much and if they know you that is a big benefit.Get to know the lender that the builder is working with, they can help the process go so much easier.The more you know about the builder the better.
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By Doug Dawes, Your Personal Realtor®
(Keller Williams Realty Evolution - Topsfield, MA)
That's a good question. The answer IMO is NO! There's more to FSBO than people think of. The folks at KCM have put together this infographic containing the basic reasons for not being a FSBO. If you do decide to go that route you will find out quickly the inconvenience, time, legalities, and paperwork could be overwhelming and a big pain in the... lol Think You Should For Sale By Owner? Think Again    Some Highlights  For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is the process of selling real estate without the representation of a real estate broker or real estate agent. According to the National Association of Realtors’ Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, 35% of homeowners who decided to FSBO last year did so to avoid paying a commission or fee. But, homes sold with an agent net 6% more than those sold as a...
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By Drick Ward Property Management / Broker Assoc, "RealtorDrick" - Experienced Representation
(NEPTUNE REALTY)
For agents who have vacant listings, your mailbox may be a target for fraud if it is not key protected (like cluster mailboxes or some individual boxes that prevent snoopers from getting your mail without a key).  At vacant listings, be sure the post office has a stop order on all mail because the fraudsters are out in full force.With the executive salary kicker Congress added to everyone's unemployment checks, an old criminal practice has become much more lucrative.  It seems people are collecting the addresses of vacant properties with unprotected mailboxes to have unemployment checks delivered to criminals who are not entitled to taxpayer money.  It's basically identity theft, but in some cases they are using a valid identity but stealing an address because the identity belongs to so...
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By Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
Focus on positive outcomes and continually take the next action of the most important thing. At MyOutDesk, we stress to our clients on continuously improving your operations for continued, optimal results!If you can’t make that shift, you’ll quit growing – and your business will spend all its energy simply trying to replace churn. As people seek to maintain their livelihoods, it’s up to you to help produce what is needed by the community. You get paid to add value to our customers, clients, vendors, and the people in our communities.Instilling effective change to keep your business thriving must be adopted at all levels. Here’s how.Experience The DifferenceMyOutDesk can save you up to 70% on employment cost Claim a free business strategy consultation & ‘Grow Virtual’ Guide LEARN: BULLET...
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Whether you prefer to read in your bed, work on your laptop, or loves to binge-watch Netflix shows — constant sitting can cause severe neck pain and backache. However, you can sit read, work, or watch comfortably without any backaches if you have a soft and comfy Reading pillow. These reading pillows are designed and manufactured in a way to keep your neck and back in the right posture. As a result of this posture, the pressure distributes evenly across the body preventing all strain or body pain.In the market, there are several options for bed pillows, so to buy the best and comfy reading cushion — always look for the following features:Inner Material:The most integral component of the reading cushion is its inner material. It could be filled with different stuffing material. Hence, th...
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By Cara Marcelle Mancuso, Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!
(Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes)
Ten Tips to Be More Likable(Written slightly tongue in cheek, just in case you can't tell!)     I recently received an email from Nova Home Loans here in Tucson with tips we could share with our friends and colleagues.  Of course the first thing that came to my mind was, "Well, if I'm not likeable...do I HAVE any friends???"The second thought I had was, "Maybe I should share this with everyone I know!!!"Seriously though, perhaps we can all strive to be a little bit more in a me-me world.Here's some of the pointers Nova shared:1.  Be known for a positive attitude.       That makes me think about the few folks I know that are known for their NEGATIVE attitudes.... it's a strong trait...and a sunny attitude is certainly something to aspire to! 2.  Be passionate about what you're doing.    ...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
If you are a solo worker you need to manage your day but once you hire an assistant or add an associate you have an organization to manage.There is a different attitude about work today.  Top down control has been replaced with shared control.  The recent need to work virtually has only accelerated this trend. It is not enough to be a great individual performer if that performer can’t work with anyone or collaborate. “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.” Think about this quote as it relates to the business world. All organizations have a great number of individual stars or top performers – employees who are skilled and knowledgeable and h...
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By Alan May, A moving experience!
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
I think that we can all agree that in most cases (not all), we real estate agents are fairly well compensated for the service we provide.Part of our services to our listing clients includes marketing the property to the best of our ability.This photo is an image from our MLS.  It is one of 22 photos that this agent posted online.  Yes, most of the others were better than this.... but c'mon!  Why include this photo at allNow, I know, many of you will tell me that she uploaded it accidentally... it was probably just mixed into a group of photos.  I'm not sure that makes it any better.  The property has been on the MLS for two days, now.  The agent has had an opportunity to view the listing... or review the listing, and see the issue.  I'm surprised the client hasn't called and bitched the...
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By Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Bristow, VA
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
No Man Left Behind During the House Hunt The pace of the real estate market in the Bristow/Gainesville area, really for all of Northern Virginia, is insane.  While seventy percent of my business is being at the helm of listings and assisting my sellers in staging, pricing, marketing and negotiating offers, I have seen it from that side most often.  Incredibly short marketing times and multiple offers are common in all price ranges.   A buyer can fall in love with a home while sitting in their pajamas on the couch at 10pm Sunday night and before their showing Monday at 3pm, it is GONE!  Sellers are in control and buyers may as well be trying to grab a hold of something in the middle of a tornado.  When helping two sets of relocating buyers from out of the area this week, I felt the other...
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