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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 Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make, so you better be ready to negotiate like a Shark. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or upgrading to your dream home, one wrong move can turn your purchase into a financial nightmare.Let’s dive into the top 7 home buying mistakes—and how to avoid them, Shark Tank style. Because in real estate, just like in business, you need to know your numbers, do your due diligence, and avoid bad deals at all costs.1. Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (A Shark Would Never Walk in Without Funding)Would an entrepreneur pitch their business without proving they have solid financials? No chance. Before you even start browsing listings, get pre-approved for a mortgage. Here’s why: It defines your budget – No guessing, no heartb...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
It's easy to relate the seasons to where you grew up but when you move across or around the country the weather may be disorientating for a year or two.    March in North Dakota                 March in Arizona         We see a lot of disorientation or reorientation with folks moving to the Minot area from Southern climates. The Minot Air Force base and the Western North Dakota oil fields bring a lot of people up here that had never experienced snow or sub-zero temperatures before in their lives.It was rare that I worked with clients prior to their arrival here in Minot North Dakota but it did happen on occasion. When visiting with them on the phone I would ask if they were familiar with a Northern climate and if not I would fill them in verbally and if they wanted I volunteered to send...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Life for real estate agents and others is indeed crazy busy. Between phone calls, texts emails, physical showings, paperwork, the minutes quickly slip by. Yet, we as professional real estate agents appreciate those who show us that they care by sending us their gratitude through handwritten notes to written recommendations on various websites. Then if we appreciate those efforts of gratitude, maybe we should also show we care. This past week was very hectic with two septic inspections in Golden Valley, AZ as well as a tie down installation for a manufactured home. Both local small businesses answered my requests quickly and also delivered services on time as requested. I thanked these two vendors by email as well as sent  handwritten notes. Also, I did recommendations on Yelp as well a...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Life for real estate agents and others is indeed crazy busy. Between phone calls, texts emails, physical showings, paperwork, the minutes quickly slip by.Yet, we as professional real estate agents appreciate those who show us that they care by sending us their gratitude through handwritten notes to written recommendations on various websites. Then if we appreciate those efforts of gratitude, maybe we should also show we care.This past week was very hectic with two septic inspections in Golden Valley, AZ as well as a tie down installation for a manufactured home. Both local small businesses answered my requests quickly and also delivered services on time as requested.I thanked these two vendors by email as well as sent  handwritten notes. Also, I did recommendations on Yelp as well as on...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Should you hire a coach or not.  Grant Schneider has some interesting things in his blog.  There is a difference between a consultant and a coach.  Which one do you need?  That depends on what you need.  You should know the difference before you hire either one.  Coaches and consultants both help facilitate personal development.  However, their approaches are very different.  A coach works with individual clients to help them achieve results and sustain life-changing behaviors in both their personal and professional lives. Coaches address the whole person, with an emphasis on uncovering blind spots and producing right action that leads to more fulfillment, more balance, and more effective processes for living.  Coaches do not tell their clients what course of action to take.  Instead, t...
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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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