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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 Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Value most likely means different things to different people. Therefore, it is imperative that when visiting with your clients, you need to determine what their expectations for you are clearly defined. When you understand what your client needs from you, it is then you can know how you can add "value" to them.   The real estate industry is never one for remaining the same. Having been in this business now for two decades, I have seen the ups and downs, the numerous changes, and, the ever-changing forms that we use. While many are frightened with these changes, what I have learned over the years is if we are providing our clients with the "value" they need from their agent, your business will thrive. Value most likely means different things to different people. Therefore, it is imperati...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Selling a Home During Divorce Although not a pleasant undertaking, selling a home during a divorce situation can be done as long as both parties share the same goal. Let's review some tips for selling your Alexandria, Louisiana area home under such an environment. Advice for selling your home when the marriage ends  Make sure each of you share the same goal--As a real estate broker trained in helping such individuals this one is key. Usually one party is more interested in separation Than the other. This can torpedo the transaction on multiple levels. Have a frank (or series) of open and honest conversation regarding expectations.  Seek legal advice concerning the timing--Normally liquidating the home upfront  is the path of least resistance, especially if there is a joint mortgage invo...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Pineville La Real Estate Market Report-Late Summer 2024Getting ready to sell your home around Pineville Louisiana? Or perhaps 2024 is the year you become a home owner! Either way, real estate market knowledge is key. Let's see how the market is doing near the end of summer. Homes Active For Sale In Pineville Louisiana 71360In the 85,000-600,000 dollar price range there are currently 83 homes on the market. Why this range? Anything less is likely an investment home, and anything beyond is luxury. Within this bracket, the average home is an impressive 2,015 heated square feet. That's a bunch of space for the dollar! In the last six months, 70 homes have entered the market. Homes That Have Recently SOLD In Pineville Louisiana During the past six months, 150 homes have successfully found a ...
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By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
CLICK BELOW FOR VIDEOWe’ve all been there—putting our full effort into something that, in the grand scheme of things, just isn’t worth it. Whether in business, relationships, or personal goals, the tendency to throw level 10 effort at level 3 opportunities can be draining, leaving us frustrated and often questioning our own judgment. So, how do we discern when to scale back and when to go all in? In this post, I’ll share personal experiences and insights on how this concept applies to various areas of life, from business and real estate to relationships and personal growth. Business: Know When to Walk AwayIn business, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that every client is worth fighting for. But that’s not always the case. I once had a client who constantly pushed ethical boundarie...
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO, Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
Dr. Paula McDonald wrote a great post this week I thought should get more eyes on it because she discusses a very important topic for us in this very cluttered,  loud, clickbait laden  online world: Your Value Proposition. You need to have more than one and know it off the top of your head in order to stan out in this very competitive industry of ours. Please leave your comments for her on the original post. Image by Tumisu from Pixabay The real estate industry is never one for remaining the same. Having been in this business now for two decades, I have seen the ups and downs, the numerous changes, and, the ever-changing forms that we use. While many are frightened with these changes, what I have learned over the years is if we are providing our clients with the "value" they need from t...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Those of you who sell raw land will understand this post! I have a beautiful and unique 38-acre tract of land that I am marketing. Selling raw, undeveloped land can be seen as boring, difficult to sell, and challenging to market effectively. For me, I find the opportunity to use lots of creativity to sell and market these types of tracts.Yesterday, I walked the tract with a potential investor and while walking with him, despite the heat, the tall weeds, the rough terrain, and the high humidity, I found so much beauty everywhere I turned. The picture of the wild purple flowers sprouting out of the rocky soil reminded me of how fortunate I am that I get to earn a living by taking a walk in nature. I was also reminded to take a moment here and there to stop and smell the roses (or cacti). ...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, The best agent in Southern Utah!
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
All Talk And No Trousers Agents who are up front will get my attention over those who, as my dad would describe as someone who, "Pussy Foots Around." My mother, however, would say that, "The mouth overruns abilities." <<< (much nicer version). When listing properties, we've all heard the promise of, "There's an offer coming." especially by some who get ahead of themselves. They speak out before buyers have actually made a decision to move forward to sign documents.  We often hear... • "We have a buyer who's interested in making an offer on your listing."• "I'm hearing there may be some interest in your property."• "I have a buyer who's ready to make a strong offer on your listing."• "I've been getting a lot of inquiries about your property, it won't be on the market for long."• "I've al...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
The comic above is pretty far fetched but it made me think of the trick commonly seen on comedy shows and movies... painting the face of someone passed out drunk. I figured that there would be an abundance of pictures on the internet of people doing this. I was wrong BUT I did see some cool face paintings.Of course I am going to tie this to Real Estate. With all the art programs out there like Adobe, Print Master, Photoshop & many more we really don't know if what we are seeing is real. Until we get to the physical address of a home we may not know the true condition of the paint, the roof, or even if that beautiful Willow in the yard is actually there. And then there is the interior! With virtual staging that room that is presented as an office space may be a 4 X 4 closet. I wish this ...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Alexandria La Real Estate Market Report Late Summer 2024With the first taste of cold weather in the forecast (okay upper 80's but that beats the swamp heat of late), let's check the temperature of the Alexandria Louisiana housing market. Considering purchasing or selling anytime soon? Knowing the market is key!Homes Active For Sale In Alexandria Louisiana As we enter the heart of September, there are currently 140 homes for sale in Alexandria La in the 85,000-600,000 dollar price range. With an average asking price of 254,451 homes in this area remain affordable for a wide segment of the population. Homes That Have Sold In Alexandria Louisiana In the last six months, 197 homes have successfully closed escrow. How long should it take your Alexandria La home to find a buyer? Every propert...
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By Dee Toohey, Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro
(Innovative Realty Solutions Group)
No deal is worth your life. Repeating.....NO deal is worth your life. Always be safe when showing property.Get ID, preapproval or bank letters, verify them, get a phone number, address and another other info. Trust by verify.I always ask for a copy of their license. If they are unwilling to send it and answer my questions, I'm unwilling to show them a property.  Realtor Safety Month September marks the annual Realtor Safety Month.  My first year in real estate was 1985. In 1985 we didn’t have a buyer’s agency, we just assumed the buyers that came to us to look at houses could afford them and we had the keys to the homes we had for sale in the office and we didn’t think twice about having our clients in the car with us. In the neighborhood I grew up in we didn’t even lock our doors when ...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Realtor Safety MonthSeptember marks the annual Realtor Safety Month. My first year in real estate was 1985. In 1985 we didn’t have a buyer’s agency, we just assumed the buyers that came to us to look at houses could afford them and we had the keys to the homes we had for sale in the office and we didn’t think twice about having our clients in the car with us. In the neighborhood I grew up in we didn’t even lock our doors when we weren’t home, let alone when we were home. Just last month in Canada Yuk-Ying Anita Mui, a prominent Toronto area realtor was murdered. She wasn’t the first, there have been many other Realtors injured and killed while on the job. And, unfortunately, these incidents are becoming more and more common.Early on in my career, it was drilled into me that I should alw...
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By Anthony Stokes-Pereira /REALTOR, LPT Realty
(LPT Realty)
Welcome to your go-to source for all things real estate in Rockland, Orange, and Westchester County, NY! With over 20 years of experience in the industry, I am Anthony Stokes-Pereira, your dedicated realtor committed to providing you with the most up-to-date and valuable information whether you're buying or selling a home.**Real Estate News: **Staying informed about the latest trends and changes in the real estate market is crucial. Recently, we've seen a shift towards a more balanced market. While prices are stabilizing after a period of rapid growth, interest rates are still relatively low, making it an excellent time for both buyers and sellers to make their moves. In Rockland, Orange, and Westchester County, new developments are sprouting up, offering modern amenities and sustainabl...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
A fallen Hornet's nest is good reason to run, or bike, as fast as you can. We should always run from danger unless we are well prepared for for the danger before us. The two minute cartoon below has Pooh and Piglet running TO danger. It should bring a smile to your face.There are plenty of dangerous things to run from with-in a home as well, including certain insect invasions. Here is a short list:Fire.The smell of natural gas.A sounding carbon monoxide alarm.An alarm warning of an intruder.We should all know the safest route out of our homes in case of any type of danger in our home. Each room may be different from any other so to be best prepared it is good to plan ahead.
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
In the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) Contract Package that was revised 7/1/24, there are a number of ways Agents / Brokers / Buyers ? Sellers negotiate compensation for professional services. If Broker compensation is negotiated prior to showing or within a contract, do you still need to complete GAR F255 - Instructions to Closing Attorney? Watch the video for 5 Reasons why this form is STILL relevant!Dana Sparks, Qualifying Broker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORS® Dana@MaximumOneRealty.com
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO, Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
Well, my friends, we have discussed it before—we’ve all heard the horror stories—but this time, I finally lived it. When Your Listing Throws a Party Without You!Picture this:  Saturday night of Labor Day Weekend 2024, a peaceful cul-de-sac, and my resort-style listing. But instead of a quiet evening, it turned into the scene of an uninvited rave, complete with a DJ, lights, and beer. The kicker? I wasn’t invited, but apparently, about 50 local high school kids got the memo on social media.Imagine waking up at 11:30 PM to discover your phone has been blowing up since 9 PM, all because of a full-blown party raging in the backyard of your listing. And neighbors are texting me photos of who’s attending this unsanctioned bash: A small army of teenagers, with the cops, fire department, and ev...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Real Estate Talk-Why Should The Seller Pay The Buyer's Closing Cost?Getting ready to list your home in Alexandria La? A common seller objection centers around the buyer's closing cost. As a seller, why should I consider paying part of the buyer's tab? Let's take a look! Reasons Sellers Should Consider Helping With Buyer Closing Cost1) Buyers may need the help--Like everything else in this world, closing costs have increased. I remember back in the last recession seller paid closing would land between 3,500-4,500 dollars. An offer we received last week had TWELVE Thousand in closing costs! Couple this with the mandatory down payment and this figure could be more than most buyers have! 2) We can use the potential concession in advertising-- Nothing attracts eyeballs like free money! When ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This article does a fantastic job of explaining the value of a two-step listing appointment process. By taking this approach, you ensure that both you and the client are fully prepared, allowing for a more thorough and personalized strategy. The first step allows for in-depth understanding, while the second focuses on crafting a tailored marketing plan. This method not only builds trust but also sets the stage for a successful partnership. Thanks for sharing why this approach is so effective! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP My new brother from another mother Michael Elliott posed a Q, whether prospective listing brokers will preview competing listings prior to listing appointment. Great question, and it's true - most agents don't. Often bc they are rushing to secur...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This article provides excellent insights into why cash offers can be a smart choice when selling a home. The benefits you've highlighted, such as faster closing times, fewer contingencies, and a smoother transaction process, are compelling reasons to consider this option. It’s a valuable read for anyone looking to sell quickly and efficiently. Thanks for breaking down the advantages of cash offers so clearly! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Selling a house to a cash buyer has become an increasingly popular option in the real estate market. Cash offers for homes involve buyers who can purchase properties outright without needing financing or mortgage applications. This method eliminates the complexities of underwriting and significantly reduces the likelihood of dea...
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By Jon Sanborn, Real Estate is a Team Sport
(Brotherly Love Real Estate)
Selling a house to a cash buyer has become an increasingly popular option in the real estate market. Cash offers for homes involve buyers who can purchase properties outright without needing financing or mortgage applications. This method eliminates the complexities of underwriting and significantly reduces the likelihood of deals falling through.Considering cash buyers when selling a home is crucial due to several reasons: Cash transactions often lead to faster closings Lower costs Fewer complications compared to traditional financed sales For sellers looking to sell their house fast, accepting a cash offer can be particularly advantageous. In this article, we will discuss 5 compelling reasons why you should seriously consider accepting cash offers when selling your property. 1. Simpli...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Is Now A Good Time To Buy A Home Around Alexandria La?Has making that September rent payment giving you the blues? Perhaps 2024 is the year you take the next step and purchase your piece of the bayou state. With all the economic and political stuff on the media let's see if home ownership is a good option...The economy in generalIt's like 2024 looked at 2023 and said, "Hold my beer". Conflict in Europe and the Middle East, a host of bad economic news (priced groceries lately), and a political scene like none in memory. During such "interesting times" why buy real estate? Well, rates are down for one! When will they dip down back in the 2-3% range? Who knows? Bidding wars (which tend to push prices north) have become more rare than snow in Natchitoches... More about YOUThe thousand dolla...
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