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)
Timmothy N. Timm's cartoon today is an easy one to turn into a Real Estate message. As Realtors we need to remember we are not parents to our home buying clients. Telling them to just pick one is a really dumb way to treat a client. Maybe you have shown them 100 houses over the last three months and your patients are getting thin.This is NOT the time to give up either. Another agent will be happy to pick them up and who knows, they just may buy the very next home they see.I have read several testimonials on Active Rain where the client has mentioned the agents patience. I have also read many where they took a year or longer to purchase BUT they did purchase.If you are a new Real Estate professional and you do not have patience you need to work on it or find another profession. If you go...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
In the following brief video from Simon Sinek he comments: "Show up with a givers mentality, where I don't care if they like me. I don't care if they buy [from me]. I don't care if they follow me on social media or not. All I know is [that] I have something that I think is really valuable and I'm going to give it to you. I want to give it to you with all of my Gusto and all of my energy." If agents approach a listing presentation with a givers mentality, rather than a 'get' or sellers mentality, do you think home owners will respond more positively? Think about that as you listen and let us know your thoughts.  
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out as a Realtor or a seasoned pro looking to expand your team. You need a good real estate lead generation strategy as part of your marketing plan. So, incorporating efficient technological solutions to improve your website’s lead generation rate is essential. Here are some of the most effective ways to help increase lead engagement on your real estate website.1. Using a Feature-rich Website BuilderMany real estate brokers have a hard time attracting visitors to their websites because of the poor performance of their sites. However, by implementing a feature-rich system, agents can build robust websites to enhance the customer experience and boost overall site performance and organic lead generation. As a result, it creates a strong rapport wit...
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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: Homes.com Vs realtor.com - The Real Estate Portal Race Real Estate Podcast: Building Luxury Clientele From Nothing Real Estate Podcast: Starting Out and Standing Out Real Estate Podcast: The #1 Real Estate Lead Source Revealed (You Will Be Surprised) Real Estate Podcast: Is 100% Commission The Future of Real Estate Brokerage?
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By Stella Barbour, Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland
(NoVa Brokers LLC)
NOVA BROKERS is Short sale Certified and I have been doing short sales for over 15 years. If anyone knows anyone that thinks they owe more than their home is worth and needs to sell and lives in Maryland or Virginia just call, text or email me for info. Sometimes people are surprised how much their home is worth and don't need the short sale option. Short sale options have benefits if this type of sale is needed.
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By Dan Dee McGinnis The Pumpkin Man, The Pumpkin Man
Think of three things you want NOTHING to do with whatsoever. Three things you would NEVER take part in. When you can get these deeply embedded into your mind then move to what it would take for you to be completely in the opposite position and full of joy and happiness. What is the PERFECT temperature of the body? 98.6%? Then this is where you want to have your MIND. I understand there will be a few hundred thoughts running around in your mind as you perform this exercise of becoming completely full of joy and happiness, but we do not want any disappointing, negative or sad thoughts interfering with your mindset. Every week I talk with people who mention sad, disappointing, or even miserable things going on in their lives. and I remind them: "Everything will be all right in the end, if...
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By Alan May, A moving experience!
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
As a member of my local grievance and professional standards committees I get to see a lot of bad behaviour among our fellow real estate professionals.  Most of it revolves around allowing improper access to property without proper permission.  Sometimes it has to do with misunderstandings over procuring cause, or contract issues.But the other day I was reading through one of the Facebook real estate groups with which I'm associated.  I like reading through this site, they tend to have fairly spirited conversations and I like the sharing of ideas and thoughts.The subject raised in this latest conversation was about an agent who falsified a pre-approval during a multiple offer situation.  The listing agent felt there was something funky about the pre-approval, and reached out to the lend...
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
Understanding the value of a home is critical for the home search journey. Home valuation tools are an integral part of the real estate technology. In this review, we are going to focus on how Realtyna’s home valuation add-on can help lead capture and lead generation on your real estate website.Why Does Your Real Estate Website or App Need Home Valuation?Clients are looking for properties online. Referring agents are also looking for properties online. One of the core values you can provide them with is a home valuation tool. This tool will help them get a better understanding of the estimated value of the property and more importantly, the neighborhood in which the property is located. What is Realtyna’s Home Valuation Plugin?Realtyna’s Home Valuation tool is an add-on for Realtyna’s W...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Whatever it is........ Do It & Keep Moving!   As a kid, sitting on your bicycle you determinedly gazed ahead at the other side of the park. This park wasn’t just a park.  Oh No! It was a jungle worth exploring, an epic obstacle course with mountains and rivers you were to cross. You had a goal, and you were determined to reach it, no matter what the obstacles were – real or imagined. You wanted it so badly, even if you fell & cried a few times. I remember falling off my bike.  Do you?  Bet you got up too!   Skip ahead a decade or so, and you’ve graduated from college. You and your friends excitedly jump in your beat down car and just start driving. No map. Nothing. You just go and keep moving!   You kept pushing forward to the next city, the next fascinating stop that will leave you wan...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
🌄 Luxury Mountain Retreat 🌄 Escape to a breathtaking million-dollar mountain retreat nestled between the serene Jocassee and Keowee Lakes! This luxurious 3-bed, 3-bath home offers awe-inspiring mountain views, refined living, and an outdoor paradise. Experience tranquility and indulge in the beauty of nature right at your doorstep! 🏞️ Step inside this exquisitely designed home with hardwood floors, expansive windows, and an open floor plan that fills the space with natural light. Entertain with style in the dining area with its elevated fireplace, perfect for cozy gatherings with friends and family. The spacious layout allows for a pool table, adding a touch of excitement to your leisure time. 🍽️🎱 The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen, a haven for culinary enthu 🌄 Luxury Mount...
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By David John Medendorp, CCIM, GRI, Investments, Waterfront Homes, Muskegon
(Medendorp Real Estate Group Muskegon )
Yes, stepped-up basis typically occurs when property is inherited after someone dies. When property is inherited, the new owner's basis in the property is typically stepped up to its fair market value at the time of the previous owner's death. This means that the new owner's basis is higher than the previous owner's basis, which can help to reduce the amount of capital gains tax that the new owner may have to pay if they sell the property in the future. However, there are some exceptions and rules that apply to stepped-up basis, so it's important to consult with a tax professional to fully understand how it may affect your situation.Realtor David Medendorp 2312063367
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
In today's Real Estate Podcast, from Rev Real Estate School, Jenelle Tremblett shares some powerful insights and practical tips to help real estate agents take their business to the next level. Jenelle shares her inspiring multiple offer story and provides valuable insights into what to do when buyers aren't acting. We also discuss the benefits of joining a lead generating brokerage and how to generate referrals to grow your business. We dive into the importance of social media presence and brand building and share consistency strategies with video, and Jenelle also shares her long-term plan and talks about her podcast. AgencyLogic shares the best real estate podcasts daily. Click here for more great podcasts! 
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
Notification systems are automated tools that allow real estate websites to notify clients about newly listed properties that match their preferences.With the help of an auto-notification system, clients can be kept up-to-date on new listings, price drops, and other updates in real-time.In this article, we will explore the benefits of having notification systems on real estate websites and how they can help improve customer experience.Real Estate Website Notifications Can Provide Numerous Benefits for Your Customers:1. Keeps Your Customers InformedWith notification systems, clients can specify their search criteria, and the system will automatically notify them when a property that matches their requirements is listed. This helps clients focus on properties that are relevant to their ne...
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In today's dynamic and competitive real estate market, merely having the essential qualifications isn't enough to ensure a thriving career. You need to go above and beyond, employing strategies that differentiate you from the crowd. To unlock true success, you must embrace personal growth, adopt innovative approaches, and keep an eye on new business trends.1. Develop an Entrepreneurial MindsetUnlike many professions, real estate isn't a nine-to-five job. Instead, it's a career that demands the drive and resourcefulness of an entrepreneur. Your success hinges on your ability to manage your time effectively, make critical decisions independently, and consistently seek out new opportunities.2. Enhance Your Local Market ExpertiseAs a real estate professional, your knowledge of the local mar...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
We can all learn from Dr. Paula McDonald and if you miss this blog, catch it now, As I begin the arduous task of packing for our move, I am reminded of what my clients go through during a transition. No matter how you slice and dice it, moving is stressful, exhausting, and overwhelming. But, as the old saying goes, "How do you eat an elephant?" "One bite at a time!" I have moved at least 25+ times in my life. Here are some of my tried and true moving tips. I call them Paula's P's: PREPARE for the move. Gather your supplies and keep them in one place. Make sure you have plenty of packing paper, boxes, tape, tape dispensers, and lots of markers. PRIORITIZE and pack things together. Label every box for either the room it is going to be in or, generic terms such as dishes or books. PACE you...
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
A clean, safe, and healthy environment is essential for a productive learning experience in schools. Poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene can lead to various health issues such as allergies, infections, and illnesses. Schools must maintain a clean environment to ensure the well-being of students, staff, and the community at large. In this article, we will discuss practical ways to improve school cleanliness.Daily Cleaning RoutinesRoutine cleaning is essential in maintaining a healthy school environment. Daily cleaning tasks include sweeping and mopping the floors and wiping down surfaces such as desks, chairs, and doorknobs. Regular upholstery cleaning and vacuuming can help reduce dust, allergens, and bacteria in carpets and furnishings. Additionally, emptying trash bins and ensuring...
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By Dee Toohey, Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro
(Innovative Realty Solutions Group)
Selling and buying is confusing enough. If you are going to buy and sell simultaneously, be sure to preapprove for your purchase before proceeding toTo get preapproved, gather all documents needed for your new loan. You will need two years tax returns, two months bank statements, all pages, investment account information, paperwork of sourcing income like child support/alimony paperwork (if paying or receiving), pension income and more.It is very important and will be less stressful if you do this up front. That will tell you what you need to sell your house for in order to make a purchase. Then be sure there are properties that meet your needs in that price point.If you decide to move forward, prepare your home for the sale!  Declutter, pack away what is not needed, clean, fix, and mak...
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By Ahmad Battles, Investment company with 18+ yrs experience in RE
(USA Home Solutions )
Selling a home can be a daunting task, but there are several strategies that you can use to speed up the process. Firstly, it is essential to price your home correctly from the outset. Working with a reputable real estate agent, who has a good understanding of the local market, can help you determine a fair and competitive price for your home. By pricing your home correctly, you can attract more potential buyers and increase the chances of a quick sale.Next, it is crucial to make any necessary repairs and improvements to your home to increase its appeal to buyers. Consider fixing any visible issues, such as a leaky faucet or damaged roof, and also make cosmetic improvements such as fresh paint or new flooring. These improvements can make a significant difference in how your home appears...
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By Charles Ross - (785)-819-6944, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
In this digital and electronic world, almost everything runs on electricity. From air conditioning to stoves, electricity costs are rising with the use of each electronic device. You would want to lower these costs to avoid getting hefty bills. Here’s the good news, that isn’t a difficult task. All you have to do is to reduce your usage of certain appliances and replace a few existing ones with those that are energy efficient. Let’s find out more about how you can reduce electricity costs and save up bills as a homeowner. Saving Energy Costs on Lighting  Sometimes there are unnecessary lights turned on in your house. Keeping them on can account for up to 11 percent of your electricity bill. Perform an energy audit to understand where you can cut the usage of lights. Besides that, try t...
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My newest post at Medium.com is detailed and includes video:Now for more detail:Agency of representation can be formed through either a spoken or written arrangement between the principal and the agent. Such a relationship indicates their express intentions regarding this representative status.In the field of real estate, an agency relationship is typically established through a written agreement between the seller and the agent or between the buyer and the agent. While certain states may allow for verbal agreements, this is not a common practice.....{Read the entire post here}
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