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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 Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets, CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
You Can't Offer What You Do Not PossessIt's about serving not selling.Red Carpet Service You can't offer full service, if you're a discount broker: it doesn't pencil out. You can't offer true experience if you're in this industry less than 10 years ( because anyone in 2024 with less than 10 years experience was never a real estate agent in a market like today's market). It doesn't mean you can't be a good agent, it just means there are those of us that have been here before, and you have not. You can't offer creative solutions if you've never had to save an escrow from imploding or get two bickering parties, back to playing off the same sheet of music. Many avoid perceived conflict these days, when in in fact it's merely negotiating and haggling. I see it all the time and shake my head ...
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By Joanne Gillet EdgeOfTheBeach.com, Experience is not expensive. It is Priceless!
(Edge Of The Beach Realty)
Simple and Affordable Home Improvements for SellersAre you preparing to sell your home and looking for ways to make it stand out in the competitive real estate market?  At Edge Of The Beach Realty, we understand the importance of making a positive first impression. That's why we've compiled a list of simple and affordable home improvements that can have a huge impact on potential buyers. With a little creativity and investment, you can elevate your property's appeal and increase its market value. Curb Appeal MattersThe first thing potential buyers see is your home's exterior. Enhance your curb appeal by giving your front door a fresh coat of paint, adding potted plants or flowers, and ensuring the pathway is well-lit.  A welcoming exterior sets a positive tone for the entire viewing exp...
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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's always rainbows in my clouds. Yours? Though some real estate markets may still be brisk, others have slowed or even stalled across the country, potentially driving people out of the industry. Take advantage of the down time to contact past clients and trusted affiliates in an effort to create new business. Professionals understand the importance of reaching out and implementing tried and true methods during these times. Your mama and daddy ain't going to do that for you. At least, I hope not. And while many will remain, others will seek employment elsewhere! Fleeting rain showers ignite a vibrant spectrum of vivid colors stretching down from the heavens. ~ Wanda Kubat-NerdinThere's always rainbows in my clouds. Yours?
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Your real estate marketing plan is the star of your business. When formulated correctly, it’s your step-by-step guide to attracting more leads, increasing your business, and scaling your brand. But it all starts with knowing exactly how to fill it out. In today's Real Estate Podcast, from The Tom Ferry Podcast Experience, Jason Pantana takes you through the full process of crafting a perfect real estate marketing plan. You’ll learn what sections to include, the strategies to incorporate, and much more! AgencyLogic shares the best real estate podcasts daily. Click here for more great podcasts!
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Holler For A Dollar!All this talk about compensation and expecting agents to potentially work for free?! That's crazy speak right there! In my opinion, it's also totally unacceptable when a listing agent or builder offers only $1 as full payment to buyer agents when fully aware of the work that goes into closing their residential listing.Some responsibilities and duties include:⊕ Understanding the home buyers wants and needs, discuss budget, getting them qualified through a reputable lender, looking up potential properties based on search criteria. They also schedule showings by setting up appointments to view properties that may hold interest.⊕ Answering all questions, addressing concerns, agents advise buyers on market conditions and pricing strategies. Submitting competitive offers, ...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Lasting Success is the Result of Helping Others “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, what’s in it for me?”  Brian Tracy Lasting Success is the Result of Helping Others “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, what’s in it for me?”  Brian Tracy, Self-Help Author and Motivational Speaker   As I see it. . . . . . . . Lasting success is the result of helping others   You form the building blocks for your success . . . . by seeking out the opportunities to be of service and in helping others.   Successful people continually seek opportunities to help others achieve what they want. By helping others achieve more of what they want you will eventually a...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
“You’re responsible for your choices and results   The choices that you make are under your control. You make the choices on what you will do . . . . when you will do it  . . . .  why you do it . . . . and the quality of your effort that you put into what your doing.” Lou Ludwig had a way with words. His voice of reason and wisdom was so inspiring. This particular blog post was one of my favorites and felt it needed to be seen and heard again. You’re Responsible for Your Choices and Results “Personal responsibility begins with ME. That’s why it’s personal.”  Jim Miller, author   As I see it. . . . . . . . You’re responsible for your choices and results   The choices that you make are under your control. You make the choices on what you will do . . . . when you will do it  . . . .  why y...
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By David Ramirez, Tax Representation at its Best
(Tax Relief Services)
Unlocking the Potential of Residential Rental Real Estate: A Guide for InvestorsInvesting in residential rental real estate offers a plethora of benefits that can cater to the savvy investor's desire for a steady income stream, long-term wealth appreciation, and financial security. As a real estate investor, it's crucial to recognize the strategic advantages that residential properties present. In this article, we'll explore the key benefits of owning residential rental properties, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in your investment endeavors.Steady Cash FlowOne of the most attractive benefits of investing in residential rental properties is the stable monthly cash flow they generate. This income is derived from your tenants' rent payments and can often cover ...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Real Estate Buyer's Agents: The Art of Asking the Right Questions and LISTENINGIn the world of real estate, every interaction and piece of feedback can be a golden nugget of insight. Take, for example, a recent scenario where the showing feedback from an agent was blunt - "Buyer don’t know what she wants!" Grammar aside, this agent’s statement opens up a valuable conversation about the role of a buyer's agent. The retort from my client was spot on: "Client needs an agent that can ask the right questions to help her find what she wants."Feedback Received on an UBER clean property that shows very nicely... Feedback above sent to my client's daughter in a text (who happened to be with her at the time). Just to be clear, I had just received an Offer on the property and was waiting on feedba...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Nerdin Gardens: Top Producer A-peel Nothing better than plucking oranges off our tree in February and eating one for breakfast. Yum, so delish! Though citrus trees usually thrive in lower elevation locations, we have managed to grow them in Nerdin Gardens. Once spring arrives, we transport the lime, lemon, orange, grapefruit and kumquat trees from an outbuilding to a specific place, where they will thrive during the growing season in direct sunlight. Honey bees pollinate their blooms. The results are amazing as we pull the lemons and limes and use them in dishes and as a garnish in beverages. Our kumquat tree produces twice a year and those orbs of goodness are best popped in the mouth whole, to fully enjoy. We always look forward to the planning and preparation of our gardens as temper...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
PASS THE GREASEWe have all heard the expression that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Sometimes we are the wheel and sometimes it's someone we are dealing with during a Real Estate transaction. Rarely there is no squeaking during a transaction as complex as the purchase or sale of Real Estate but it sure is sweet when the entire transaction goes as smoothly as a well lubricated engine.I can not think of many, if any, coined phrases that are more true than "The squeaky wheel gets the grease". I don't know who originally came up with that phrase but it reminds me of a parable Jesus told in Luke 18:1-8. The Parable of the Persistent1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neith...
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By Alan May, Home is where the hearth is.
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
Yesterday, AT&T experienced a catastrophic crash which took down their entire phone system and those of many of their ancillary companies in major cities nationwide  Other than T-mobile and some Verizon users, most mobile users, nationwide found themselves either without service or with some form of limited service as they woke up.The crash occurred around 4:00 a.m. CST and it took most of the day to get it under control.  Some were able to figure out a work around, by turning off cell-service and switching to wifi calling.  That is, of course, assuming you were within range of some wifi service.  Can you picture more people than normal rushing to their local starbucks?But it created an interesting new first-world problem.  I'm one of those people that uses Apple Carplay for my navigati...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Make It Real |The Art of Genuine Interaction Embracing Authentic Comments in a World of Canned Responses Well here we are, in an age that is pretty much dominated by social media and digital communication. The value of authentic human interaction cannot be overstated In the midst of a flood of automated replies and generic comments, I wonder about the art of real communication.   Real and authentic comments not only foster meaningful connections, but they also enrich our online experiences, and remind us of the power of the genuine human connection that is currently lacking in our predominately digital world.   Here in ActiveRain, there are some people who comment for points, not necessarily connection.  Way too often we see the same comment made on the twenty blogs per day, regardless ...
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By Jeff Stevens, Jeff Stevens, Associate Broker/REALTOR
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Mexico Properties)
Bad Apples Spoil the Whole Basket It's always interesting to me, now that I've been in the real estate business for more than a decade, how some brokers conduct their business. Most are consummate professionals. Others, not so much.The other day I was walking my dogs around our community, which is gated. I had noticed an open house from a listing down the street and also noticed that the entrance gates into our community were closed. Normally, the listing broker would contact the HOA representative and arrange for the gates to be open during their open house.When I walked past the keypad to the entrance gate of our community, I noticed a note on the keypad. I could not believe my eyes. The broker taped a note to the keypad with the gate code on it! Wow! What was this guy thinking? Was h...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Incompetence is the true crisis. ~ Albert Einstein Real estate agents must know how representation works, along with the laws that we essentially adhere to, plus fully understand all legal documentation. Otherwise, it is to the detriment of the consumer and potentially, a blemish on the industry. An experienced professional:⇒ Avoids mistakes that could potentially cause a financial loss, future legal problems or impediments in achieving the goals.⇒ Acts on the best interests of the client, nor the other party or putting themselves before all else protects them from hidden agenda's.⇒ Conveys effective, accurate communication, allowing buyers and sellers to make informed decisions throughout the process.  Though everyone started at the beginning, long-time success stories are made from in...
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By Steve Depoe, Taking the stress out of Buying and Selling
(The Rose Realty Team)
If you're thinking of selling your house this spring, now is the perfect time to start getting it ready. With the market gearing up for its busiest time of year, it'll be important to make sure your house shines bright among the competition. Here are some valuable tips you can use to get your house market-ready. Declutter and Organize First impressions matter, and if your house is a mess, that can easily turn off potential buyers. Before listing, take the time to declutter and organize each room. Decluttering is about more than just tidying up – it's about creating a sense of space and openness that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home. According to Moving.com: “Decluttering and organizing your space will go a long way in appealing to potential buyers. . ....
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By J. Philip Faranda, Associate Broker / Office Manager
(Howard Hanna Rand Realty)
Change is here. Soon, if it hasn't already occurred, you'll log onto the MLS and see offers of compensation to buyer agents of $1. Or $0. Or a figure lower than you may be accustomed to. While this makes some agents fearful that they will no longer be able to earn a living, other licensees see opportunity. This is their chance to differentiate themselves from their competition. For years, too many agents' value proposition to the public was that they were "free," or a code word of no extra charge, or nothing out of pocket, or you won't pay extra for the house, or some other useless dog whistle that suggested they didn't add value proportionate to their fee. Those days are coming to an end. The opportunity now is to get real with the buying public, and educate them on the crucial importa...
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By Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com)
This summer will make 20 years since I started in real estate, and while a lot has changed, a lot of the fundamentals haven't.It's a people business.It's a numbers game.And there's absolutely no reason to reinvent the wheel for much of what we do.  That doesn't mean continuous improvement shouldn't stay front and center, but there's also no need to start from scratch when you're in the 1,268th iteration of a certain task.To deal with what I have on my daily plate, I have to effectively use my time, and one of the ways to do that is to standardize some tasks.  That's one of the places blogging can come in handy.Do you have FAQ posts written and ready to reference?  Whether you copy them to an email or just send a link, when I get a home owner asking for their home's photos to be removed ...
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Growing your real estate sales means mastering your “book of business.”  You should have a goal to grow your database each year.   Growing your real estate sales means mastering your “book of business.”  You should have a goal to grow your database each year. In almost every one-on-one session I do with an agent, I bring up this topic. Agents tend to focus on marketing vs. prospecting (as I did as an agent... no judgement here). When I'm sitting with an agent or especially a team leader, I try to postpone that "shiny toy" conversation for a few minutes in favor of talking them through the idea that they're building something... so why don't we look at what they have built so far and what might their 2017 etc goals be? "Oh, so it looks like you have about 156 people in your database? Let...
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By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor
(Real Broker, LLC)
Tuesday, Feb. 201 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT  How To Farm Digitally: Geo Farming Mastermind with Ryan Adams and Special Guest Jeremy Knight   A great class on geographic farming.   If you would like to attend, shoot me an email.
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