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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 Peter Mohylsky, www.athome30a, Call me at 850-517-7098
(Property Management Inc.-Destin)
It’s easy to assume that an online estimate tells the whole story — but pricing a home involves a lot more than an algorithm.  The online estimate needs to be reviewed just like any source of data.  It is the proverbially the elephant in the room.  Market trends, neighborhood nuances, condition, upgrades, and buyer demand all play a role.A thoughtful, local analysis can make a big difference in understanding true value.Value is one thing,  The bottom line of value is what a buyer and a seller agree upon, pending bank approval.  🏡✨If you’re curious what your home is actually worth in today’s market, let’s take a closer look together — send me a message.#thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a021726 #icanhelp #dreamhome
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I'd like to say that I am "thrifty" but the truth is that I'm down right cheap. My "thriftiness" often (very often) has me purchasing less quality items than the original (best) product available. Two items I refuse to compromise on are my faith and my health.At the grocery store I do (my wife does) purchase a lot of generic (brand X) products except when it comes to meat. We like to purchase meat that has country of origin labeling if possible and like the photo above we do not buy fake meat (except mock crab).Real Estate ApplicationThere are many examples of the advantage of using original products and services in Real Estate.Starting with services: A licensed Real Estate agent is far better than working with a FSBO (for sale by owner) or relying on a friend or family member for advic...
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By Kerri Naslund-Monday, Savvy Bay Area CA Real Estate Team Leader
(Keller Williams/ The Monday Team)
One of the most misunderstood dynamics in Bay Area real estate is this:High income does not automatically create housing clarity.In Oakland and surrounding cities, we regularly see households earning strong salaries who still feel stuck in homes that no longer align with their lives. On paper, they “should” have options. In reality, the decision feels heavier than ever.Why?Because Bay Area housing decisions are rarely just financial. They are layered with: Community ties School considerations Commute patterns (even in hybrid work) Social ecosystems Long-term equity strategy Emotional attachment When income rises, complexity often rises with it. Expectations increase. Risk tolerance narrows. The margin for regret feels smaller.This is why traditional advice — “just sell and move up” — of...
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By JORGE VAZQUEZ, Investor-Focused Broker | FL Statewide | 3,500+ De
(Graystone Investment Group)
Estimating ARV the Smart Way: How I Use Sold, Pending, and Active Comps to Stay Grounded When investors ask me how I estimate ARV, they usually expect some complicated formula. Truth is, I keep it simple. Yes, I use both RPR reports and MLS CMA reports. They’re powerful tools. They give you data, trends, adjustments, and all the technical stuff. But in the beginning, I don’t overcomplicate it. If you start too deep, you can accidentally talk yourself into a deal that doesn’t make sense. So I start basic. I look at the three closest and most recent properties: • One sold• One pending• One active That’s it. Why those three? Because together they show you the past, the present, and where the market is trying to go. The sold comp tells you what buyers were actually willing to pay. That’s re...
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By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Journal Entry for February 15, 2026 Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life,or what you will eat or drink, or about your body,what you will wear.... Can any one of you byworrying add a single hour to your life?---Matthew 6:25, 27 The Difference Between a Will or a TrustA Will is often simpler and less expensive for the individual(s), but more expensive, cumbersome, and expensive for heirs. A Will does not cover the possibility of incapacity, nor does it protect sensitive information you prefer to keep private. The Trust is more complex and is more costly. The reason is because they often result in less work and less expense for the beneficiaries. A Trust should cover circumstances the individual has no control over, such as a disability and/or incapacity, whether temporary o...
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
Selling a home in Fresno in 2026 is not just about listing it and hoping for the best. With buyers now more selective and inventory more balanced than in the pandemic era, strategy matters. The easiest way to reduce stress and maximize your outcome is to sell faster and smarter, not just cheaper.Based on licensed realtor advice, lets walk through proven, real-world tactics tailored to the Fresno market that help homes move quickly and with fewer complications.Where the Fresno Market Stands TodayBefore we dive into strategy, let’s ground ourselves in the latest local reality. According to Redfin’s 2025 market snapshot, Fresno homes are generally taking around 45–60 days to sell as compared to the sub-30-day pace seen in more frenzied markets earlier in the decade. More listings and cauti...
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
Tax Day is approaching fast. If you bought, sold, or owned a home in 2025, there are several housing-related tax items you may want to review before filing.While every situation is different, here are a few key areas homeowners and sellers should keep in mind:1. Mortgage Interest DeductionHomeowners may be able to deduct interest paid on mortgage debt up to: $750,000 (or $375,000 if married filing separately) for homes purchased after December 14, 2017 $1 million for mortgages that closed before December 14, 2017 To claim this deduction, you must itemize your taxes rather than taking the standard deduction.For many homeowners, mortgage interest remains one of the most valuable tax benefits of owning a home.2. State and Local Tax (SALT) DeductionFor 2025 filings, the SALT deduction cap i...
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By Adam Chubbuck, Real Estate Expert & Navy Veteran
(Team Alpha Charlie of Douglas Realty)
The Patron Saint of the "Sold" Sign: Why Everyone is Burying St. JosephSelling a home can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. You’ve decluttered the closets, scrubbed the baseboards, and baked cookies for the open house—but sometimes, the market just doesn't budge.When the "For Sale" sign starts looking like a permanent lawn fixture, many homeowners turn to a tradition that’s half-faith and half-folklore: St. Joseph.Who is St. Joseph?In the Catholic tradition, St. Joseph was a carpenter and the foster father of Jesus. Because he was a man of the home and a skilled laborer, he’s long been the patron saint of workers and families. But in the modern real estate world, he’s gained a bit of a reputation as the ultimate closing agent.The Ritual: Burying the StatueIf you see...
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By Avery Jules, Brand Builder for Real Estate professionals
(Avery's Design)
A brand promise is one of the most overlooked but powerful parts of building a strong brand. It’s not a slogan, not a tagline, and not a marketing trick. A brand promise is the clear, consistent expectation your business sets for every customer — the experience they can rely on every single time they interact with you.Whether you’re a small business owner in Barbados or a startup founder in the U.K. searching for a professional brand designer or logo designer near you, understanding your brand promise is essential. It’s the foundation of trust, loyalty, and long‑term customer relationships.At its simplest, a brand promise answers one question:“What can people count on you for, every time?” A strong brand promise is realistic, measurable, and rooted in something you can actually deliver....
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By Mike Tolj, Commercial Real Estate Without the Stress!
(Tolj Commercial Real Estate )
Finding quality tenants is tough. Keeping them can be even tougher. From my experience, tenants who stay long-term often benefit from a few key strategies:✅ Know your neighborhood – each LA submarket is unique✅ Make your space appealing – functional layouts and small upgrades matter✅ Price for value – rent alone isn’t enough✅ Build relationships – open communication keeps tenants happyI put together a guide with more practical tips for attracting and retaining tenants in LA:Attract & Keep Great Tenants in LA💬 What’s worked best for you in commercial leasing or managing properties? I’d love to hear!
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Focus is huge in real estate because there are so many moving parts, people, deadlines, and emotions involved. When you stay focused, deals move smoother, clients trust you more, and mistakes drop way down. Here’s why it really matters 👇🏡 1. Clients Need Clear GuidanceBuyers and sellers look to you for direction. If you’re focused, you can understand their needs, spot problems early, and give solid advice — not scattered or rushed decisions.⏰ 2. Deadlines Are EverythingInspections, appraisals, financing, contingencies… one missed deadline can kill a deal or cost someone serious money. Focus keeps you organized and on track.💰 3. Details = DollarsContracts, disclosures, repairs, pricing — small details can make or break negotiations. Focus helps you catch the fine print before it becomes ...
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By Alan May, Home again, home again...
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
I enjoy using Microsoft Copilot, but I have to admit: when it came to creating my caricature, ChatGPT was much kinder to me than Copilot was. Chat let me keep more hair, for one thing, and didn’t make me look quite as cartoonish. Vanity wins again.Both programs are incredibly powerful and can seriously elevate your writing, but Copilot feels far more user‑friendly and a lot less restrictive. The free version of Chat has a pretty tight cap on how many times you can use it — for both graphics and text — and I ran into those limits fast. I barely got a few graphic attempts in before it politely told me I was done for the day. Copilot has limits too, but they’re higher, and in my normal use I haven’t hit them yet.So for everyday writing and experimenting, I’ll keep playing with Copilot. But...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Why the Final Walkthrough Matters More Than Buyers RealizeThe final walkthrough is often treated as a formality. It is not. It is the buyer’s last opportunity to confirm that the property being purchased is in the condition agreed upon in the contract.This step protects the buyer more than most people expect.The Purpose of the Final WalkthroughThe final walkthrough is not another inspection. It is a confirmation. Buyers are verifying that the home has not changed since the contract was signed and that all agreed-upon items have been completed.This includes confirming that• Repairs were completed as agreed• No new damage has occurred• Fixtures and appliances remain• The property is in substantially the same condition• The home is vacant unless otherwise agreedOnce the transaction closes,...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Many buyers believe spring is the best time to purchase a home. More listings appear, the weather improves, and activity increases. What is often overlooked is how spring conditions can quietly raise the cost of buying.Here is what buyers frequently discover after waiting.More Listings Also Mean More CompetitionSpring does bring more homes to the market, but it also brings more buyers. Those who paused during winter return at the same time, and new buyers enter. Relocation activity increases. The result is not just more choice but more pressure.Homes that might have sold with little competition in winter often receive multiple offers in spring. Competition drives prices up and limits negotiation.Lower Interest Rates Attract More BuyersWhen interest rates ease, buyer demand increases qui...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 When buyers tell me they want a quiet place, they are rarely talking about silence. What they usually mean is predictability, comfort, and peace of mind.In our mountain and lake communities, it often means low-traffic roads, neighbors who respect one another, and evenings without constant noise. It means being able to sit on a porch, hear the wind or the water, and not feel rushed or crowded.Quiet also means fewer surprises. Buyers want to know the rules of the road, how the neighborhood is maintained, whether short-term rentals are allowed, and what kinds of activities are typical on weekends and holidays. A lake community may be calm most weekdays and lively in summer. A mountain road may be peaceful, but it requires awareness during weather events. Quiet is about expectations matchi...
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By Sam Shueh, mba, cdpe, reopro, pe
( (408) 425-1601)
                                                           Sam Shueh                                                          BRG Realty                                                           1900 Camden Avenue                                                           San Jose, CA 95124                                                          Sshueh@Gmail.com This used to be at or near a mentally challeged rehabilitation center.  When Ronald Regan, governor of California get local hospital to handle themn this Agnew Mental Retardation Rehabilitation Center became in disarray. It was abandoned and in disuse for decades.  With San Francisco 49 claiming Levi Stadium as its home, we have the honor to host 2026 Superbowl Game this year.  Little have people to realize homes are built almos...
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By Kerri Naslund-Monday, Savvy Bay Area CA Real Estate Team Leader
(Keller Williams/ The Monday Team)
In the Bay Area, people rarely move because they “need one more bedroom.”They move because their life no longer fits inside their home.This is something we see often in Oakland and surrounding cities, especially among socially connected households. Dinner parties get bigger. Friends stay longer. Kids bring friends home. Work-from-home becomes permanent. Aging parents visit more frequently. The house technically works — but emotionally and socially, it doesn’t.This is a lifestyle-driven housing decision, and it’s one of the most under-discussed reasons Bay Area homeowners begin to feel unsettled.From the outside, these homes appear perfectly adequate. The square footage is reasonable. The layout looks fine on paper. But living in a home is not the same as diagramming one.Homes function a...
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Closing Costs in Broward County Florida Explained by a Local RealtorUnderstanding closing costs in broward county florida is one of the most important parts of preparing for a real estate transaction, whether you are buying your first home or selling a long-time property. As a local realtor working daily with buyers and sellers in Plantation, I see confusion around closing costs slow down deals more than almost any other financial detail. These costs are real, unavoidable, and often underestimated.This guide breaks down what closing costs typically include in Broward County, how they differ for buyers and sellers, and how you can plan for them with confidence before you ever reach the closing table.What Are Closing Costs?Closing costs are the collection of fees and prepaid expenses requ...
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By Ebonie Beaco 312-392-0664 HomeLoansNetwork.com, Mortgage Strategist & Loan Officer
(Home Loans Network Powered By Loan Factory)
If you’ve spent any time around real estate investors, you’ve likely heard the term fix and flip real estate. It remains one of the most popular real estate investment strategies because it can generate profits, improve properties, and help investors grow capital.However, many people misunderstand how house flipping works. Some believe it is quick money. Others think it is only for experts. The reality is that success comes from planning, numbers, and the right financing strategy.Let’s break down what a fix and flip really means in simple terms.What Is a Fix and Flip in Real Estate?A fix and flip is when a real estate investor buys a property that needs repairs or updates, renovates it, and then sells it for a profit.The property is:Not purchased as a primary residenceNot meant as a lon...
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By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
After the Storm: How Real Estate Agents Re-Energize and Rise AgainReal estate has a way of asking everything from us—our time, our emotions, our patience, and sometimes our peace of mind. When markets shift, deals fall apart, clients disappear, or months of effort don’t translate into closings, it can feel personal. Exhausting. Heavy.If you’re coming out of a hard season, know this first: you’re not broken—you’re just depleted.And depletion is fixable.Step One: Give Yourself Permission to PauseRecharging isn’t quitting. It’s maintenance. Even the most seasoned agents need moments to step back, breathe, and regain clarity. Silence the noise for a moment—no MLS pings, no notifications, no “shoulds.” Rest is not laziness; it’s strategy.Step Two: Reconnect With Your “Why”Before the contract...
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