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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 Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 🎶Does anyone remember the song 'Searching"🎶Searching for the perfect house in a specific area can be exciting but challenging! Begin by examining a map that shows potential neighborhoods and zip codes. Consider choosing a location close to relatives, schools, or your workplace. You might want a commute that takes no more than 30 minutes. Let's start the search for a neighborhood that interests you!  When searching for a home, consider your specific needs. I am looking for three single-family homes for out-of-state buyers relocating with a large family. Two of these homes should be cozy starter options with three or more bedrooms, two bathrooms, and spacious backyards where kids and pets can play. The third home can be more upscale, ideally featuring four or five bedrooms, a large lot, ...
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By CHRIS FALCONE, InterNACHI-Certified Master Inspector
(X-Factor Home Inspections)
Now that we are wrapping up the first quarter of 2025, galvanized pipes are not getting any younger. They were used as water supply pipes prolifically through the 1960’s with isolated instances through the 1980’s. Best case scenario the pipes are 50 plus years old if they are still in use but most are far older. In the vast majority of homes if galvanized supply lines are still in use, they have already exceeded their engineered lifespan and homeowners should plan to replace them. Home inspectors should be identifying the supply lines in the house as well as do their best to identify the type of supply lines brining water to the house. If your house still has galvanized lines develop a plan to replace them. Leaks are a big concern and even if you lucky and they don’t leak build up insi...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Beekeeping is a busy job. Before the harsh winter hit, we lost one of our hives. My son helps me with the beekeeping and between the two of us, we were unable to get the empty beehive up the hill, cleaned, and put away. We had to leave the empty hive over the winter.Yesterday, we were able to finally get to the hive, load it onto our wagon, and haul it up the hill. Boy oh boy did we find a mess! Over the winter months, the hive was completely invaded by wax moths. Ugh, what a stinking mess! It was gross.During the two-hour clean-up, I did a lot of thinking. Bees are actually really good housekeepers. Bees are constantly keeping their home tidy, maintained, and in good, working condition. As a homeowner, it is important that we keep our own hives, clean, maintained, and in good, working ...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
Agent Points of Practice regarding Earnest Money in a Real Estate Contract. What are YOUR favorite tips or stories?Dana Sparks, QB - Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORSDana@MaximumOneRealty.com
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
How often do you follow a road map to get to where you want to go?  In our business, it is important to have a plan and you need to work that plan.  Four things you need to do in business planing are:A.  Cultivate relationships with a large number of prospects simultaneously.B.  Don't try to pre-determine the motivations of your prospects.C.  Automate the process by using databases and email technology to save time. D.  Every prospecting medium delivers a percentage of prospects who may not convert into transactions. Your goal is to add as many prospects to your possible to be able to capitalize on every opportunity.Your business plan must includes a solid system to add prospects to your databases in order to accomplish your financial goals.and achieve the freedom to live your life by d...
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By Joel Richardson, SVP-Central Texas Mortgages, Home Reno Loan "Go-To
(First Community Mortgage)
I'm excited to announce my move to First Community Mortgage. Besides aligning with my values to offer responsive, knowledgeable, easy-to-understand, expedited, and secure service, FCM distinguishes itself through several unique offerings, here are a few:​​ Exclusive VA Loan Benefits: FCM honors veterans by waiving lender fees on VA loans, allowing qualified borrowers to secure loans with no down payment and potentially lower monthly payments. ​ Home Opportunity Loan Program: This program caters to borrowers without a traditional credit history but who have filed U.S. taxes for the past two years, providing them with accessible mortgage options. ​ Comprehensive In-House Services: As a full-service mortgage lender, FCM houses loan processors, underwriters, and a closing department under o...
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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)
Just Imagine.....      Clients have been getting home inspections since the mid 1980's. 90+% of the inspections are for the buyers. They are many times referred to the home inspection  company by their trusted real estate agent or friend. Some search for us on the web or google. A very small percentage of agents and sellers get an inspection before they list their home on the market. They are trying to get a handle on things that would very likely derail a possible sale because the buyer doesn't have the time to wait for repairs, has a past history with this type of issue, or get's talked out of the house by a relative or friend advising them to run away, keep looking. There could be other reasons, but the point is, something in the inspection turned them away from the house.     So jus...
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In the early days of real estate photography, capturing the true essence of properties was a significant challenge. Photographers struggled with extreme lighting contrasts, resulting in images that failed to showcase properties accurately. High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography emerged as a solution, combining multiple exposures to create balanced, detailed images. But is HDR always the best choice for real estate photography? Let's explore this technique's advantages and potential pitfalls.Why Real Estate Photographers Turn to HDRHDR photography allows real estate professionals to overcome common lighting challenges. By merging multiple exposures, HDR can reveal details in both shadowy areas and bright spots within a single frame. This technique is particularly useful for highlighting in...
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Compelling photos are an important part of attracting potential buyers, especially when the property is virtually staged. So, in a sense, a great photo turns into a great staging, which turns into higher offers and faster sales.Setting the Stage: Decluttering and LightingBefore you pick up your camera, get the property ready. This involves removing clutter and personal items to create a blank canvas that allows buyers to imagine themselves in the space. Also, pay special attention to lighting. Natural light is typically best, so open those curtains and use mirrors to brighten up the place! However, if some areas are too dark, don't be afraid to add lamps.Must-Have Gear for Real Estate PhotographyHaving the right equipment can truly affect the results of your photographs. While you don't...
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By L. Scott Ferguson, Sunny Florida Real Estate Professional
(Ask4Ferguson - Your House-SOLD Name in Real Estate)
Creating Your Reality with Nathaniel Brown – A Conversation That Will Shift Your Perspective 🎙️🔥 🔥LISTEN HERE 👉  https://timetoshinetoday.com/podcast/coachnathaniel/ I had the privilege of sitting down with Nathaniel Brown, a leader whose insights challenge the way we see ourselves and the world. His ability to blend logic, life experience, and deep wisdom allows him to help others step into their true purpose.Nathaniel’s 3 pillars—Mindset, Leadership, and Perseverance—aren’t just concepts; they are guiding principles that shape how he approaches life and how he helps others create lasting transformations.His motto? Simple, yet profound:"You’re not separate from creation—you are an active part of it. The moment you embrace that, you stop waiting for life to happen and start creating it....
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
REALTORS® through these three words, “protect and promote” embedded in Article One  in the Code of Ethics. This is the “Duty” of each REALTOR®.  Professional real estate agents may have their own personal Code of Ethics or the “Values” articulated by their respective brokerages.This quote by Phillips Brooks looks to duty from a somewhat different perspective."Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully."Professional real estate agents will undertake their individual duty to their clients and do it well.  Those who truly love this profession of making the American dream come true will do it beautifully.The reason I am sharing this quote is because of an ongoing and current real estate transaction. Unfortunately,  the buyer’s agent is looking to "close the deal" wh...
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By Danielle Vinson, Serving Cincinnati and Dayton Ohio
(Plum Tree Realty)
Thinking of selling your home? Spring is the perfect time.With ideal weather, high demand, and eager buyers looking to move before summer, you can expect competitive offers and quicker sales. More buyers mean bidding wars, higher prices, and a smoother selling process.While any time is good to list, spring offers unique advantages. Let’s explore why this season is the best opportunity to maximize your home’s value. Why is Spring the Best Time to Buy or Sell?1. Perfect Selling ConditionsPerfect weather! Perfect weather boosts buyer activity. Longer days and warmer temps encourage more open house visits, making it easier for buyers to explore and move in comfortably.2. Surge in Buyer DemandSpring sparks buyer activity. Spring’s warmer weather and longer days bring more buyers to the marke...
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As my title says, a client who is anxious to get their home listed may just find they need to take a minute to get their home properly prepared.   When you get the call to list a home, we swing into action doing our research, digging into the data, and scoping out the neighborhood, and history of the property. We prepare our reports and get our presentation ready. We set the appointment and then we wait for the big day. My last two listing appointments needed the breaks put on very quickly. The moment I walked into each of these homes, I knew we had a lot of work to do to get these homes ready. Both homes were overstuffed with too much furniture, loaded closets, packed cabinets, and knick-knacks everywhere. I like to go room-by-room and suggest recommendations of how each space would ph...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
In the world of real estate, it's easy to get caught up in the buzz surrounding a successful listing. From flashy marketing campaigns to impressive sales pitches, agents often take center stage when a property sells. But let's set the record straight: just because someone brags about the listing doesn't mean they are solely responsible for its sale.In today's dynamic market, buyers play a crucial role. Their preferences, needs, and financial capabilities ultimately drive the transaction forward. A skilled agent understands this balance and works tirelessly to bridge the gap between sellers and buyers.Here are a few reasons why buyers are equally important: Market Understanding: Buyers bring unique insights into market trends and demands. Their decisions reflect broader economic factors ...
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By Mike Young, FHA 203k Consultant 916-758-1809 cell direct
(203kOnLine.com, covering the USA)
Appraisal photos - no people in them, right?The Comp PhotoThe sun beamed down on the freshly painted house, its cheerful colors reflecting the joy within. It was a day of triumph for the Patel family, a day they had long awaited. After years of hard work and sacrifice, they had finally achieved the American Dream – homeownership.Mr. Patel, his brow furrowed with a mixture of pride and disbelief, stood on the porch, the keys to his new home clutched tightly in his hand. He had never imagined a day like this, when he could call a place like this his own. His wife, Mrs. Patel, stood beside him, her eyes sparkling with tears of joy. Their children, five bright-eyed youngsters, skipped around them, their laughter echoing through the neighborhood.Suddenly, a car pulled up in front of the hous...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
All too often, sellers don't realize how important it is for potential buyers to be able to see the property and envision their stuff in it. If the home is heavily imprinted with the seller's furniture and "stuff," would-be buyers won't be able to imagine their stuff there and will quickly move on to the next property and leave the cluttered home alone. When I visit a potential listing, I always ask the seller if I have their permission to have an honest and frank conversation. If they say yes, then I know they are ready to get down to work and prepare their home for sale. If they fight my suggestions, then I know they are potentially not ready to sell. When you get the call to list a home, we swing into action doing our research, digging into the data, and scoping out the neighborhood,...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
When you get the call to list a home, we swing into action doing our research, digging into the data, and scoping out the neighborhood, and history of the property. We prepare our reports and get our presentation ready. We set the appointment and then we wait for the big day.My last two listing appointments needed the breaks put on very quickly. The moment I walked into each of these homes, I knew we had a lot of work to do to get these homes ready. Both homes were overstuffed with too much furniture, loaded closets, packed cabinets, and knick-knacks everywhere.I like to go room-by-room and suggest recommendations of how each space would photograph and show. This is a part of my services where I don't hold back. There are professional ways to have sensitive conversations regarding their...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Word Of The Day: Inhale  A patient mindset plays a large part towards real estate business success. Of course, saving time, money and resources, means qualifying and getting paperwork signed up front. After meeting with a couple in the office, they were asked to sign a Buyer Broker Agreement or Showing Agreement, even if only for one day.   He told me that daddy said, "If I ever had to sign an agreement, then you're probably not the right agent for me."   ∞ • • • ∞ • • • ∞   I thought to myself...What inhale did he expect then, a 'tour guide' for the day?   Some consumers have come to think of agents as convenient means to view houses, but refuse to make the commitment towards actual homeownership. When a lender is mentioned, they explain. “We’ll get pre-approved once we find the right ...
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By LeAnne Carswell, Real estate broker in charge of large team
(Expert Real Estate Team)
The Greenville County real estate market remains competitive, although we are seeing some shifts. Navigating the negotiation process requires a strategic approach, whether you're a buyer aiming for your dream home or a seller looking to maximize your return. Here's how to approach negotiations in the current Greenville County landscape:For Buyers: Crafting a Winning Offer Understand the Current Market Dynamics: While the frenzied market of the recent past has cooled somewhat, desirable properties still attract multiple offers. Inventory levels are fluctuating. Staying up to date on current inventory is key. Interest rates are a significant factor impacting affordability. Present a Strong Pre-Approval:A solid pre-approval letter from a reputable lender is essential. It demonstrates your ...
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By L. Scott Ferguson, Sunny Florida Real Estate Professional
(Ask4Ferguson - Your House-SOLD Name in Real Estate)
Master Your Breath, Master Your Life! 🌬️💪I recently had an eye-opening conversation with Isabel Tew, a breathwork expert helping people unlock better energy, focus, and well-being.She shared this powerful insight: "Breathwork isn’t just about taking deep breaths—it’s about training your nervous system to work for you, not against you." 💡Here are 5 key takeaways from our conversation that can help you take control of your breath and transform your life:1️⃣ Most People Breathe Wrong – The way you breathe affects stress, energy, and focus. Learn to breathe the right way for better performance.2️⃣ Turn Anxiety Into Strength – Breathwork can retrain your nervous system to stay calm under pressure instead of reacting with stress.3️⃣ Energize or Relax Instantly – Need a boost? Need to unwind? ...
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