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 Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
In today’s Real Estate Podcast, we hear from Kevin Ward's YES Talk, a real estate coach and trainer. Kevin, an internationally recognized speaker, delivers high-octane training on skills, strategies, systems, scripts and the success mindset for top-producing real estate agents.AgencyLogic shares the best real estate podcasts daily. Click here for more great podcasts! 
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By MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900, Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years
(Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty)
Did you know the average positive impact of a house sale on the U.S. economy is $120,500, according to National Association of REALTORS research? In 18 states, that amount is $125,000 or more. In California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and the District of Columbia, the amount is over $200,000.It's often been noted that real estate sales impact the economy positively as in addition to the sale (and tax revenue to states), multiple other industries are affected. Sellers pay individuals and businesses to paint, landscape, repair and improve houses in preparation for sale. Real estate agents also pay to market, stage and sell these residences. New homeowners then pay to customize those homes-often with new paint, landscaping, repairs, improvements and even additions and remodels.California home s...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
I can help you take that first step toward making your dream home a reality. Send me a message to start your search for your dream home today! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #dreamhome #listreports #house #househunting #realestate #realestateagent #icanhelp #realtor #happyhome #goals #achieveyourgoals #happyhomeowners 
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By Candice A. Donofrio, 928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text
(Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker)
Not intelligence, not professionalism, not common sense, NONE OF THATbut EGOmakes an agent inordinately DRIVEN to be a HERO for their (usually unreasonable) client."It's highly unlikely/impossible but I will do it bc I am THAT DAMN GOOD!" I turned down a listing several months ago, for more than one reason. Price. Condition. And I could not trust the seller. My realistic opinion of value was  . . . realistic. I AM an 'expert' in that particular area/market/property type! It's one of the things 'I do most' . . .The listing is now on the market with others, for almost DOUBLE my estimate. My insistence that the property be cleaned up pre-market was also ignored . . . looks just gorgeous in the pics, I tell ya . . . clutter adds a certain cachet . . . 🙄The agents are trying WAYYYY too hard ...
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
If you run a real estate website, you know how important it is to showcase properties with high-quality images. However, it’s not just about the visuals themselves — it’s also about making sure your website is accessible to all users. That’s where alt text comes in.Alt text, short for alternative text, is descriptive text that can be added to an image’s HTML tag. Including descriptive alt text can help make your website accessible to a wider audience, improving the overall user experience and increasing SEO value for your real estate website.Image Title vs Alt Text in WordPressAlt Text and Image Title are two different attributes that can be used to provide additional information about an image in WordPress.Image Title is an optional attribute that can be used to provide a tooltip or ad...
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By Chrissi Chapman Topoleski, Helping agents live an exceptional life!
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
"No regerts".(Yes- this was the subject line!)In the past two days, I've received emails with misspellings in the subject line. One of them immediately brought to mind a meme I've seen on social media of a man with a neck tattoo that says NO RAGRETS. I assumed the email would be a tongue-in-cheek nod to the fact the word regret was spelled wrong. No.While the article did focus on what agents wish they had done sooner in their careers, it had nothing to do with bad tattoos or the importance of using a good spellcheck program.The second email's subject line read, "Are you looking to sharpen you listing skills?" An editing program may not have caught this one (you instead of your), which begs the question, "didn't anyone read this before hitting send?" We only get one chance to make a posi...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
What is real estate micro farming? When the market is slow and the listings are low, the agent who wins the listing is always the agent people TRUST. Geo farming is a brilliant way to get everyone in a given area to know you and like you… But if you want trust, you need to take it to a micro level – and that means real estate micro farming. In today's Real Estate Podcast, from The Tom Ferry Podcast Experience, Jason Pantana breaks down a style of geo farming that too few agents know about. Real estate micro farming is about lasering in on one specific section of your geo farm with ads and trust-building content that establishes you as the listing agent of choice. Jason covers how to adapt your content and marketing strategies to your micro farm and obtain permission to establish relatio...
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By Doug Dawes, Your Personal Realtor®
(Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street Topsfield, MA)
Of course, you do. But, I speak from a bias since I'm an agent. So go ahead, don't believe me. Go out and try it by yourself. Just remember, the seller's expert agent is just that...The Seller's Expert Agent, not yours. Their duty is exclusively to the seller, Not You. And representing yourself is a lot more work for you than you may desire.In the article below you will learn some of what you need to know and why you need an expert agent in your cornerWhy Buyers Need an Expert Agent by Their Side   The process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances. But today’s market is still anything but normal. There continues to be a very limited number of homes for sale, and that’s creating bidding wars and driving home prices back up as buyers compete over th...
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By Dawn Castell, Freelance home stager
(Freelancer)
Navigating the real estate industry requires meticulous attention to legal and administrative requirements to ensure a smooth and compliant operation. Before embarking on your real estate venture, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the pertinent laws and regulations, including taxation, licensing, and employment considerations. Taxation in Real EstateUnderstanding the various tax laws at the local, state, and federal levels is essential for your real estate business. Additionally, if you intend to establish an online presence or engage in international transactions, it becomes crucial to ascertain whether different rules or international regulations apply. For instance, if your website incorporates an online donation platform like GC wallets, you must determine whether it necess...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Whew! Moving is hard! I have been MIA from almost everything in my life these past few weeks due to our recent move. Everything has been in storage for over a year and a half as we awaited the home to be completed. We are finally in but facing the piles of boxes in each room.As I posted earlier about preparing for a move, this post is specific to the process of getting organized, unpacked, and out of all of the boxes. It is a daunting task. This experience certainly reminds me of the stresses both physical and mental that are involved with moving.As you are faced with your move, here are some realistic strategies to help you face the mountain of boxes: Take it one day at a time. Bit by bit, step by step is the best method.  Determine your top priorities such as the kitchen, bedrooms, et...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
You want to start a real estate business. The cash flow is calling, and whether you’re looking to build passive income, escape the nine-to-five grind, or set yourself up for early retirement, rental property investing is a smart move to make.But, most real estate investors get it all wrong when building their rental property portfolios. They focus on scaling as fast as possible without building the systems to support a thriving business, leaving them burnt out and tired of the real estate game within only a few years.Successful real estate investors like Ashley and Tony know that the key to building an unstoppable, profitable, and enjoyable real estate business is simple. To scale, you need to track, budget, outsource, and minimize the time it takes you to bring home the same amount of ...
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By Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com)
Our move to the mountaintop has been much slower than we expected.  It's been two years since we purchased our land and the design process has taking a few twists and turns, but we finally have a final set of drawings and ideas for how we want to optimize the use of our land.Finding the right builder is a key part of that process.Recently we had reason to re-evaluate our builder selection.  The local loan officer had provided us a list of local builders her clients had liked.After some online research we called 8 of them.Of the 8: 2 answered the phone because they actually had office staff, the rest went to voicemail. Another of the 8 did call back a couple of days later, but has since not responded to our follow up contacts. The two that answered both asked for copies of our plans to p...
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By Craig Lebrau, Property Geek in Upper East Side NYC
(Lebrau Property)
In the dynamic world of real estate, time and money are valuable resources. Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or real estate professional, finding ways to streamline processes and save costs can greatly enhance your experience and profitability. For housing associations, saving money is of prime importance in an industry where every dollar counts. According to a study conducted by the National Housing Association, efficient cost management can lead to potential savings of up to 20% annually. With this in mind, let's delve into valuable tips that can help you navigate the real estate landscape with efficiency and financial prudence.Leverage Smart TechnologyThe integration of smart technology has transformed the real estate industry, offering numerous opportunities for time and cost s...
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By KAREN SANCHEZ, ...Marketing your home like no one else will.
( Reputable Realty)
This question pops up all the time.....Am I in a flood zone?  Let's check the FEMA map. .https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search If you have other real estate related questions, please let me know.I'm KarenServing the Victor Valley in CAand Hill Country in Texas.  Karen L. Sanchez      Cell (760) 684-0250 Email: karen@karensoldit.net CA Broker  #01804752 Realtor ® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Don Johnson Realtors ®   Texas Real Estate Commission  Information About Brokerage Services Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice  
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By Sal Poliandro - Helping People Win, Broker Associate
(RE/MAX Properties)
Thinking about how today will impact the rest of my life. Starting with gratitude is a great practice. Also, knowing what your long term plan actually is makes all the difference. Too often I see folks running hard and fast, but not making any progress. What is most important to you? How is that woven into your long term plan. 
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
We want your house to look its best. So when people see it, online or in person, they'll be wowed and need to see more. The money you invest in professional listing photos and improving your curb appeal leads to a great return on investment. #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #houseforsale #homeforsale #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #icanhelp #themoreyouknow #realtornearme #realtorspartanburg #realtorboilingsprings #realtorspartanburgsc #realtorboilingspringssc 
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
For long-term success as a real estate agent, developing and keeping solid client connections is crucial.  However, keeping consumers and getting repeat business in such a cutthroat sector can take time and effort. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top client retention strategies that will never go out of style. Anyone can use these methods, from a seasoned pro to a newbie, to ensure that their clients are satisfied and coming back for more. So, read on and take some notes on the best ways to retain your real estate clients!Have an Informative Real Estate WebsiteHaving an informative real estate website is a key component of any successful client retention strategy. Provide valuable information and resources to your clients through your website to establish yourself as a trust...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Everyday AgencyLogic shares real estate podcasts from industry leaders and visionaries.Here are this weeks podcasts:Real Estate Podcast: Brilliant Investment and Tax Advice For REALTORSReal Estate Podcast: Warming Up Cold Contacts From Your Real Estate DatabaseReal Estate Podcast: How This Agent Use a Dog Influencer To Make His Video Go ViralReal Estate Podcast: Why Real Estate Agent Success Is Dependent On Relationships And ConnectionReal Estate Podcast: Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed And What Makes Them So Hard To Forecast
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By KAREN SANCHEZ, ...Marketing your home like no one else will.
( Reputable Realty)
 Los Angles County friends, I saw this today and it seems prudent to do this. We all need to be proactive and check to make sure that you won't be a victim of fraud. E-NOTIFICATION Property Owner e-Notification AlertI'm sure other counties will follow.Here is what they have to say....With the e-Notification service, you can register your email now to be alerted whenever a foreclosure, transfer of title, or mortgage is recorded on your property with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. This notification allows property owners a means to identify potential real estate fraud activity, such as a fraudulently recorded deed. In the future additional features like submittable forms will become available.Make sense to me!In 2021 the FBI reported 11,578 cases of real estate fr...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Market Observations by a Beverly Hills Realtor: Endre Barath, Jr.We are living in very interesting times to say the least. The greater Los Angeles real estate inventory has been shrinking year over year. Generally speaking, that translates to rising home prices. Now to complicate matters there are fewer buyers in the market due to interest rate increases. Hence there is a tug-a-war between the few sellers and the few buyers.Hence, I find that it is very important to watch the inventory, the pending as well as the daily fluctuation of the interest rates. This combination makes it critically important to price a new listing properly if the seller wants it sold rather than have it linger on the market.Then add to the mix the external factors such as News Headlines, bank failures, talk of r...
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