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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 Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
In the case of who chewed up the table cloth, Joe doesn't need a detective BUT if you are a home Buyer you DO need to hire a detective. Even if the home Sellers are sweet looking old Grandparent types you want to hire a Home Inspector before buying a home.Check out this 18 second videoIf you are a regular on Active Rain you will see even crazier stuff than this. Let me just say that Home Inspectors are worth their weight in gold when you need a home detective.
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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)
Just A Spoonful Of Sugar Helps The Medicine Go Down; Times Are A Changing!Oh, maybe you're one of those agents who doesn't bother with buyer broker agreements? How quaint. I guess you enjoy the thrill of the unknown and the excitement of surprise demands from clients. But hey, who needs clear expectations and mutual respect anyway? You certainly do not need to get paid. Going to court is fun for violating the Fair Housing Act too I suppose? It's not like we're dealing with the largest transaction of someone's life or anything. 😉In the realm of California Real Estate, a buyer broker agreement isn't just a formality; it's a crucial tool for both agents and buyers alike. This agreement serves as a blueprint for the relationship between agent and buyer, setting clear expectations from the o...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Jet Pilots don't use REAR VIEW MIRRORS!Do you look forward in your business?  You can not change the past but you can focus on the future by looking forward and setting goals and have a road map to get to where you want to be.I guess I do not watch the nightly news to much because it it all about what has happen, I would soon dream about the future.  I always like to say "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
The evidence is not always on the lips of the liar but the lie always comes from the lips of a liar.I am not a big Jim Carrey fan but I thought the movie Liar, Liar was his best.In Real Estate their is no such thing as a good lie. Many Real Estate students here on Active Rain ask what is the most important fiduciary responsibility and of course every one is important but it really goes all the way back to those stone tablets God gave Moses. (it's the ninth one in case you need to look it up). 
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By Legal Info, Here For Your Legal Needs
Property management is an intricate part of real estate investment that requires landlords to wear multiple hats, from marketer to handyman, and always a good listener. Successful property management not only keeps tenants happy but also protects the investment and ensures a steady income for landlords. Below are tips aimed at assisting landlords and property investors in navigating the challenges of renting out residential properties, screening tenants, handling rental agreements, and mitigating liability risks.Landlord’s ResponsibilitiesBefore jumping into leasing, it is essential for landlords to fully understand their responsibilities. These span from ensuring the property is habitable and secure to maintaining all property systems in good working order. Knowledge of local real esta...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Heavens to Betsey! The Pastor's wife hired her little brother Bubba to paint the church, as it was showing serious signs of wear, the color chipping & peeling away. Though not a professional, he dabbled in a little bit of this and more of that. After Betsey paid the full amount, he bought the paint and necessary supplies and soon realized there was a shortage of paint. He had no more money because he'd gone to the bar the night before and all spent his earnings. He had a solution! Bubba used paint thinner to make it go farther. Finishing the job, a few sprinkles turned to steady rain and all the paint washed off because he used too much. Suddenly, the church was struck by lightening! He heard a voice booming down from heaven, saying, "Repaint and thin no more." Industry Advice:  Hire ex...
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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: Lettuce All Get A Head As garden plants push through the rich soil, gaining ground in their journey towards fruition, some seem to be in a race to get to the end of their production cycle. The southern Utah sun brightly shines down , happily helping to nurture them. Smooth, tomato orbs of tangy sweetness, vying for the top, anxious tendrils searching for purchase, coiling around the wooden supports, as high as 13 feet. Zucchini blooms turning out long and lean fruit in a cacophony of simultaneous accomplishment. Sweet pea vines, encouraging rapid growth, often stretching up and outside of any boundaries or confines. Strawberries popping up vivid red quickly from their recent pink status while ravishing, round radishes bobbing just above the earth's surface, demanding ful...
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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: Outstanding In My Field Rows in the raised garden beds have been tilled, natural fertilizer implemented in anticipation of introducing plant material for the new growing season. This year, an all new water system was installed to prevent water waste.  The nutrient-rich soil becomes ready to promote healthy production of each singular fruit or vegetable for an overall abundant harvest. From poblano's to crook neck squash to several varieties of tomatoes, they are most appreciated.  Daily maintenance becomes a reflex and one that lends thanks to nature for providing food for our table. No chemicals is an essential part of our methods of practice. Organic means are always best in the garden and in valued relationships.  Becoming a top producer takes time, whether it be a ho...
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By Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist
(KW Elite )
.   I saw a post yesterday on a FB Instructors Group ,where an Agent drove 25 miles to show a house and afterward found out the Listing offered Zerocompensation to Buyer Agents. The Agent was peeved . But is there a new reality when showing houses ?      The answer is yes . Because Buyer Agent $ is no longer allowed to be published in the MLS , an agent must be proactive about potential compensation.It seems that we will now have to track down( text) the Listing Agent before scheduling a Showing, toverify If there is or not any compensation.  If the answer is NADA , we will have to implement Step#2 ( taught in NAR’s ABR Class) and call our Buyer.Today, it is NOW assumed that you have an executed.  Buyer Agency Agreement . We will need to tell themthat for this Listing they will be finan...
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By Peter Mohylsky, Destin BeachPro, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
There's no place like home, especially after a rejuvenating vacation!  And if a vacation home is in your plans, I can help as well.  🌟🏡f you're dreaming of a welcoming space to come back to, let's find that perfect home where every return feels like a joyous occasion. Reach out, and let's start the search together! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #happyhome #cominghome #cavay #cavation #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #happyhomeowners #dreamhome
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By Mike Tolj, Commercial Real Estate Without the Stress!
(Tolj Commercial Real Estate )
Commercial real estate asset repositioning is a powerful tool for property owners and investors looking to breathe new life into underperforming assets. In today’s dynamic market, the ability to adapt and transform properties to meet evolving tenant demands is more critical than ever. As a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the tremendous value that can be unlocked through strategic repositioning. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of a successful repositioning process and how you can maximize the potential of your commercial real estate assets.Key Takeaways Asset repositioning is a crucial strategy for maximizing the value of underperforming commercial real estate properties. A successful repositioning process involves thorough...
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By Patricia Kennedy, Home in the Capital
(RLAH@properties)
Back in the day, a wise old broker told me, "Pat, if this was easy, they wouldn't pay you so much for doing it!" And through the decades, there have been so many situations were this wisdom snuck back into my brain.Here are a few transaction-destroying examples of unexpected surprises that can derail the trip to  the settlement table: For the buyer, it was love at first sight - a huge 1-bedroom coop unit  with a sunken living room with more than enough room for his grand  piano. Within an hour of the place hitting the MLS, we had a ratified contract, all cash, totally non-contingent, with a huge earnest money check and a price that was more stunning than the apartment (more came in by the end of the day). The evening before our 9:30 am appointment with the title attorney, my buyer calle...
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By Cara Marcelle Mancuso, Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!
(Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes)
Continuing education is crucial in the real estate field for several reasons. As a designated broker for the Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes, I have a duty not only to my own clients and sphere, but to the agents that work under our banner. Every two years, I am required by the state of Arizona to take 30 hours of continuing education, and a Code of Ethics class every 3 years marking me as a REALTOR® belonging to the National Association of Realtors®. Then there are the classes, webinars and zoom meetings one attends just to stay current in the local market.Real estate regulations and laws are constantly evolving. Continuing education ensures that we stay informed about any changes or updates in laws, regulations, and industry practices. For instance, you may have read of upcoming cha...
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By Mike Tolj, Commercial Real Estate Without the Stress!
(Tolj Commercial Real Estate )
In today’s competitive rental market, offering the right tenant amenities can make all the difference in attracting and retaining quality renters. As a seasoned professional in the commercial real estate industry, I’ve seen firsthand how investing in the right amenities can significantly boost your property’s value and appeal to potential tenants. In this article, we’ll explore the power of tenant amenities and how you can leverage them to take your rental property to the next level.Key Takeaways Tenant amenities can significantly boost your property’s value and attract quality renters Understanding your target market is crucial for selecting the right amenitiesImplementing and marketing amenities effectively can set your property apart from competitors Understanding Your Target MarketB...
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By KAREN SANCHEZ, ...Marketing your home like no one else will.
( Reputable Realty)
Land fraud is on the rise. Whatever the game is to get the deposit or to actually sell the land and collect the money. We know it’s out there and if it hasn’t come to your neighborhood yet beware it’s coming soon. I’ve gotten two inquiries this week And sure enough flags on the play. Red flags everywhere. So the first one sounded legit and we started going down the road. They were trying to sell a piece of land in one of my market areas and the legitimate owners lived in my other market area so I offered to go to their home or to meet them somewhere near their home to sign the papers. Oh no, we can’t do that. I happen to be in Dubai on business blah blah blah. OK I called a Title rep and had a discussion with them and another agent in town had the exact same inquiry and had called that ...
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By Elise Harron, Rural Vacant Land and Development Specialist
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Did you know how FEW buyers actually READ their Preliminary Title Report?When buying Vacant land for the purpose of someday maybe building a home on that land, if your property does not have "legal access" and you are relying on a loan for the build - this might be a VERY IMPORTANT MATERIAL FACT to be aware of during the shopping and purchase process.  I'm shocked when I run across people needing to "Sell" their land that they have owned for years waiting to build their dream home, and now they cannot build on it.... many times it is the legal access, real power or maintained road that is preventing them from getting a construction loan.  Other times it is something they have done on the property which now disqualifies them from getting a loan, like having a residential structure on the...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Wisdom Has Been Chasing You...Whoa, slow it down there speedy! Yeah, you, moving like a small kid on a sugar buzz, after a day trip to granny's! Stop stirring up so much chaos by running all over hell's half acre, igniting uncertainty, instead of making your mind up.Inevitably, problems will persist because of that whirlwind approach to everything in life and any excuses are like starting an argument in an empty house. When it comes to buying property, that can prove calamitous.You might be faster than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking competition but some things require time. Avoid that sinking feeling once the commitment is made by hitting the brakes, be thorough, rely on the the hired professionals.You can keep from singing the financial blues by sticking close to a budget and an af...
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By Alan May, Home is where the hearth is.
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
I'm hearing about a strange new phenomenon that is reaching for our shores... er... well, not really our shores, but at least our area.  That is northern Illinois.I've just started hearing about transactions falling apart because buyers are unable to obtain insurance for the property because the roof is over 10 years old.  Not because the roof is leaking, or the roof is in poor shape.  And in one case that I heard about it was an architectural shingle that had a 40-year warranty and it was 12-years-old, and the buyer was unable to obtain insurance.I'd heard of this in areas that are subject to wild weather... like Florida, Oklahoma and Texas, where tornadoes seem to seek and hunt down trailers and roofs and fling them around like Godzilla plays with Japanese cars, but here in Illinois, ...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
There are many basic home styles BUT not so many that a new agent has an excuse for not knowing them. I remember the first time a Buyer asked me if there were any Cape Cod style homes on the market. I didn't know because I did not know what a Cape Cod home looked like when I started in the business. I was embarrised and vowed "that won't happen again".Cape Cod style homeThe photograph above and information about the 30 most popular home styles can be found at the BHG website, just click on this link.Real Estate newbies can avoid the embarrassment I went through by doing your research before a client  asks them if you have any Country French styled homes on the market. 
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By Peter Mohylsky, Destin BeachPro, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Do these colors surprise you?I don't want to share what colors are on my walls, but then again, I am not trying to sell my house.  If you really want to sell your house for the most money in the shortest amount of time, you do need to prep the house for the new buyer.  I have heard of depersonalizing the house, putting away all those items that you cherish, because the new owner does not feel the same way.  It does not start with the wall color but that is something that needs to be considered,  A general rule of thumb is that the more neutral your walls, the better, since they can appeal to a broader set of buyers.Note: Buyers were able to select multiple colors, so totals do not add up to 100%.#realestate #realestateagent #listreports #buying #selling #realestateexpert #homeowner #fin...
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