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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 Steve Keighery, Real estate problem solver & cash home buyer
(Home Buyer Louisiana)
Recently, we spoke with a homeowner who thought her house was sold.She had already moved into her next home. Everything was lined up. Then the buyer she was working with couldn’t perform, and the deal fell apart.Now she was stuck in a tough position.Two homes.Carrying costs.And no clear path forward.When a deal falls throughThis situation is more common than people think.In many cases, homeowners accept an offer believing the process is handled, only to find out later that the buyer: Wasn’t fully committed Was relying on reselling the deal Or simply couldn’t close When that happens, the seller is the one left dealing with the consequences.Stepping in with a real offerWhen she reached out to us, our goal was simple:Give her certainty.We made a cash, as-is offer with a fast closing timeli...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Trusted Business & Personal Growth Success in any industry is built on passion, relentless work ethic and a small, trusted circle of like-minded people. After years in numerous networking groups and organizations, I saw a clear pattern: a small core group consistently won big, while those doing most of the work gained very little return. I eventually stepped away from almost all formal groups. Reality determined that I needed to focus entirely on building my own business and came down to saving time, energy and resources. Referrals from satisfied clients, both local and nationwide became the foundation of my practice. My network now consists of past clients, family and trusted colleagues. Each of them gladly refer business because they know I always put the client’s interests first. Thi...
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By Brett Furniss, Charlotte Property Manager
(BDF Realty, Inc.)
A few years back, my wife and I were fortunate enough to take a trip to Barbados.  Due to the many things we wanted to see on the island, it made sense to get a rental car.  When I Googled how American tourists fared driving there, the information that spit out was that driving was fine with two caveats: they drove on the left side of the road which made things trickier, and if we went off the highways, the local roads were narrow and could be challenging.  We didn’t plan on going to any remote places, so I didn’t think much of the second issue. However, when we got to the rental car agency and they went through the costs associated with bringing back a damaged car, I got a little nervous.  I started moving past the shiny, newer convertibles and went to the shabby, scratched-up section ...
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
🏡 THIS WILL CHANGE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT INVESTORS 👀There’s a lot of talk right now about “big investors” taking over the housing market…But when you look at the actual data, the story changes completely.💡 Here’s what’s really going on:Most “investors” aren’t Wall Street firms at all.They’re everyday people like:👉 Someone renting out a second home👉 A homeowner with 1–2 rental properties👉 A seller who decided to rent instead of sellSo when everything gets grouped together, the numbers can look bigger than they really are.📊 And the big investors? They’re actually a small slice:Large institutional investors own less than 1% of U.S. single-family homes.Even more interesting 👇Some of the largest firms are selling more homes than they’re buying right now.🔑 What that means for you:✔ Less compet...
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By Carmelo Ginés, Broker / Owner -Albany, NY & surrounding Towns
(CKM Team Realty)
For many first-time buyers and seasoned homeowners alike, the idea of purchasing a fixer-upper can be both exciting and intimidating. In a housing market where turnkey homes often come with premium price tags, properties that need a little (or a lot of) work can seem like an appealing alternative.But before jumping into a renovation project, it’s important to look beyond the surface. A fixer-upper can be a smart investment or stressful money pit depending on how well you plan and what you’re prepared to handle.Why Buyers Are Drawn to Fixer-UppersLower Purchase PriceOne of the biggest advantages is the entry cost. Homes that require updates or repairs are typically priced below comparable move-in-ready properties. This can make homeownership more accessible, especially in competitive or ...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I remember the first time I heard of a Symbiotic relationship. You would think it would have been in a science class but NO, it was through a Star Trek episode.Pet owners and pets develop a symbiotic relationship of sorts although technically one could live without the other.There are a lot of symbiotic relationships in Real Estate.A lot of cooperative relationships make for a successful transaction. A typical transaction looks like this: When a Home owner or Builder decides to sell a home they hire a Real Estate Brokerage  to list the home. Often the Seller has no clue about that step (the Brokerages involvement) as the Seller believes they are selecting an Agent. The Brokerage and Agent is a subset symbiotic relationship. From that point on the there are many more symbiotic relationsh...
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By Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375, Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers
(Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside)
AI Is Reading Your Reviews Before People Do ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Reading posts by Denise Lones CSP, CMP, M.I.R.M. is a sure way to learn important information. https://activerain.com/blogs/deniselones is an internet address to remember. Check out one or two of the other posts she has created for us.What Clients See Before They Call Us           Your Online Presence Matters                5 Pitfalls to Watch for When Researching Niche MarketsLessons Learned From Giants           Letting Go and Learning to Delegate                                                                                Active Rain gives us access to so many wonderful chances to learn!AI Images above by Lynn B Friedman In recent months, a subtle change has taken place: AI is reading your online reviews...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Often, sometimes daily, we visit homes we are not familiar with. It's always best to be alert in unfamiliar surroundings. It's also best to have a companion along.I remember during the time of the depression hearing stories of thieves steeling cooper and even plywood flooring from homes under construction. I think there was one story (maybe a post here on Active Rain, where the only flooring left was a small section just inside the door and the agent telling the story saying that when she turned the lights on she realized that had she taken another step she would have taken the express route to the basement.I'm sure we all have our own stories of close calls and they most likely do not involve sleep walking.  
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
When Shooting a Luxury Video Became a Sexual Threat Everyone knows that using humor when writing is my go-to but this post is no laughing matter. The subject matter is of an extremely serious nature! Apparently, a 'social media influencer' showed up drunk to a video shoot at a luxury property in southern Utah, stripped down naked, propositioned both females present. They were extremely horrified by his actions! The event is both disturbing and deeply disappointing and further proof that despite a 20+ year career within our industry, egregious behavior can quash it abruptly! It appears that this agent allowed his libido to override any semblance of common sense, whatsoever!  Charges were filed and eventually he was convicted. More women are now coming forward with their own stories of hi...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
In the fast-paced world of real estate, a buyer’s agent who respects the listing agent’s time is a professional who helps secure a smoother, faster closing for everyone involved. While it is the buyer’s agent’s job to facilitate inspections, additional viewings, and measurement visits, doing so with courtesy is paramount. Respecting the listing agent’s time means treating scheduled appointments as binding business meetings - not suggestions.Punctuality MattersArriving exactly on time or even a few minutes early to prepare is crucial. When a buyer, their contractor, or their family arrives late, they aren't just wasting the listing agent's time; they are disrupting a seller's entire day.Understanding the Seller’s PerspectiveIt is important to remember that you are taking a seller away fr...
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By Bob Gallo, Success Tools Online
(Success Tools Online)
Discover how you can attract prosperity and connect yourself with people, passion, and purpose: https://SuccessToolsOnline.com/challengeCourage is the power to feel the fear but do it anyway. It comes from the recognition that you're bigger than your problems and that taking action is the cure for fear.Question: What fears are holding you back? What simple steps can you take to face the fear and do it anyway?Quote: "Never, Never, Never Give Up." - Winston Churchill"Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing." - Author Unknown"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear" - Mark Twain"Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." - Winston ChurchillIf you found this article to be informative and helpfu...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Marshal Field said:“Goodwill is the only asset that competition cannot undersell or destroy.”What would happen if in our real estate practices we replaced “Goodwill” with “TRUST”?“TRUST is the only asset that competition cannot undersell or destroy.”Furthermore, TRUST is an often ignored asset.  TRUST like goodwill does not directly show up on any balance sheet or income statement.However, TRUST can be identified by: Returning clients Referrals Relationships with other professional real estate agents and vendors such as home inspectors, lenders, etc. Initial conversations with potential clients be they sellers or buyers Usually, professional real estate agents, especially those with decades of sales experience have a sixth sense about if TRUST has been developed during that initial conv...
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By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
If you’re thinking about buying a home with family—whether it’s parents, adult children, or extended relatives—you’re not alone. Multigenerational living has been steadily rising, and for good reason. Between increasing home prices, the desire to stay connected, and the practical benefits of shared expenses, more families are exploring this path than ever before. But before you start looking at properties or running numbers, there’s one question that deserves your full attention:Is everyone genuinely choosing this — or is someone just going along with it?It may sound simple, but this question has the power to shape your entire experience—for better or worse.🤝 The Foundation Most People OverlookIn real estate, we often talk about foundations in terms of structure—concrete slabs, framing,...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Land is different from houses. What you think you own and what you can legally sell are not always the same.A survey is not an extra expense. It is part of preparing a property correctly for the market.It protects the seller, gives the buyer confidence, and keeps a transaction from falling apart at the closing table.If you are thinking about selling land, start with the survey.   I recently closed on a tract that was believed to be 343 acres. After a survey, it was sold as 228 acres. That is not a small adjustment, and it changed everything. The seller was firm at $5,500 per acre and paid for the survey, hoping there was more land than the county records showed. Instead, the survey revealed: 330 acres identified 2.3 acres in overlap Final usable acreage: 228 acres without a cloud on tit...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Real estate is often portrayed as a glamorous profession filled with luxury staging, celebratory closing dinners, and incredibly flexible schedules. The reality on the ground is far more physically demanding. Agents are constantly in motion, navigating unfamiliar environments, driving across town in traffic, and walking through properties in various states of disrepair. Because the job requires you to treat other people's property as your daily office, essentially, your exposure to physical risk is surprisingly high.When an unexpected hazard puts you in the hospital and keeps you away from your clients, your commission-based income instantly stops. Understanding these occupational hazards and knowing when it is time to consult a personal injury attorney can literally save your career an...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Most buyers rush to see homes on bright, sunny days, but touring a property while it’s raining (or right after a storm) can reveal things good weather hides. Wet conditions make it easier to spot roof leaks, basement seepage, and drainage issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until after you move in.Rain also highlights how well the gutters, downspouts, and grading manage water. You’ll see whether puddles form around the foundation, if the yard becomes muddy or unusable, or if water flows toward the house instead of away from it.Inside, you may notice drafts, fogged windows, or musty odors that signal moisture problems. Outside, you can evaluate how the driveway, walkways, and decks handle slick conditions, which is important for safety and long‑term maintenance.A rainy‑day showing g...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Selling a Home During Divorce: How to Protect Both Parties and Keep the PeaceSelling a home during a divorce is never easy, but a clear plan and the right professionals can keep the process fair, profitable, and as peaceful as possible. The first step is agreeing - in writing - on the goals of the sale: pricing strategy, timelines, how decisions will be made, and how proceeds will be divided. This prevents misunderstandings later.Separate divorce attorneys are essential. Separate real estate attorneys are highly advisable to ensure fairness, clarity, and protection for both parties - especially when emotions are high and financial stakes are significant.Choosing the right real estate agent is equally important. Select a neutral, experienced agent who communicates clearly, documents ever...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
When rental applications come in, timing matters. A qualified applicant won’t wait forever and if you take too long to decide, they may find another rental and move on. Good tenants are in high demand, and losing one due to delayed decision‑making can leave your unit vacant longer than necessary.Some landlords hesitate, hoping a “better” applicant might appear. But waiting too long can backfire. There’s no guarantee a stronger candidate will apply, and the longer your property sits empty, the more income you lose. Acting promptly helps secure reliable tenants and keeps your rental business running smoothly.Pros of Making a Quick Decision You secure strong applicants before they look elsewhere You reduce vacancy time and protect rental income You demonstrate professionalism and responsiv...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
It’s completely normal for couples to disagree when searching for a new home. Buying a house blends logic, emotion, lifestyle, and long‑term goals, so it’s no surprise when one partner falls in love with a property, and the other isn’t convinced. The key is approaching the decision in a civil, fair, and structured way that keeps both voices heard.Start by identifying each person’s non‑negotiables versus nice‑to‑haves. Often, disagreements come from unclear priorities rather than true incompatibility. If one partner loves the home and the other hesitates, explore why. Is it layout? Commute? Condition? Future plans? Understanding the root concern opens the door to compromise.A helpful strategy is to revisit the top contenders together and evaluate them using the same criteria: budget, loc...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
When you tour a home for sale, you’re being welcomed into someone’s private, lived‑in space. A showing is your opportunity to get a feel for the design, layout, condition, and amenities - not to investigate the property as if it were a home inspection. The sellers may have stepped out to give you privacy, but the home is still occupied, and respecting their space truly matters.It’s natural to be excited, and you’re welcome to bring supportive people - parents, friends, even a contractor - to a first or second showing. But there are boundaries. A showing is not the time to bring tools, lift carpeting, open electrical panels, move furniture, or pry behind walls to check for leaks. Those actions cross into inspection territory and can damage the home or violate the seller’s trust.A home in...
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