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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 Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Availability is essential in real estate, but constant availability is not the same as good service. Protecting your time is not about being unavailable. It is about being effective, present, and prepared when it matters most.Time is a limited resource, and without structure, it quickly gets consumed by interruptions, last-minute requests, and overlapping commitments. Over time, that leads to fatigue, missed details, and burnout. None of those serve clients well. It is essential to maintain focus and sound judgment. Stepping away allows perspective to return and prevents decision fatigue. A rested professional is far more valuable than one who is constantly rushed.Time blocking is one of the simplest and most effective tools for protecting both personal time and professional commitments...
Comments 9
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
One of the most common sources of stress in any real estate transaction is not the problem itself. It is uncertainty. Clients can handle delays, questions, and even unexpected issues when they are communicated clearly and consistently.Clear communication is a system, not a reaction.The foundation of that system is establishing a specific day and time for updates. When clients know when they will hear from you, anxiety decreases. They stop wondering whether anything has been missed or overlooked. Whether the update is daily, weekly, or tied to a milestone, consistency matters more than frequency.Updates should also be shared in real time, not held until later. If new information surfaces, communicate it promptly. Waiting to “see how it plays out” often creates bigger problems. Early info...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Spotting Issues Early Saves Time Later 🔍Many of the problems that derail real estate transactions are not surprises. They are patterns. The same issues recur frequently, especially on rural properties, in older neighborhoods, and on unique parcels. What makes the difference is not whether a problem exists, but when it is identified.A strong system trains you to look for potential concerns early.Some issues repeat across properties. Boundary uncertainty is one of the most common. If property lines are unclear or surveys are outdated, questions will surface later during due diligence. Addressing boundary questions before listing allows time to clarify, explain, or document the existing situation.Drainage patterns are another frequent concern. Where water flows, where it pools, and how it ...
Comments 8
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
One of the most essential parts of a successful listing occurs before marketing begins. It is the conversation. Asking sellers clear, structured questions early helps prevent confusion later and creates a smoother path from listing to closing.These questions are not about putting a property under a microscope. They are about understanding it fully.Start with improvements. What work has been done to the home, and when? This is where documentation matters. Receipts for improvements help an appraiser support value. They show dates, scope of work, and investment. Not all work adds value in the same way. Some improvements increase market value. Others are considered maintenance. Knowing the difference upfront helps set realistic expectations.Permits are another critical topic. Were permits p...
Comments 13
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
What to Pull Before You List a Property 📂One of the most effective ways to prevent delays and stress during a real estate transaction is to prepare in advance. Before a property is ever listed, certain documents should be gathered and reviewed. Waiting until a contract is in place often creates unnecessary pressure and can expose issues that should have been addressed earlier.Listing a property is not just about marketing. It is about accuracy, disclosure, and confidence. The more information that is known upfront, the smoother the process will be for everyone involved.Before listing, gather documents early. This allows time to review details, clarify questions with the seller, and address potential concerns before buyers or attorneys uncover them.Creating a digital folder for every lis...
Comments 10
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Pre Listing Starts Long Before the Sign Goes Up 🏡Pre-listing is not a moment. It is a system. And that system exists for one reason. To prevent surprises.One of the most critical steps in any listing happens long before photos are taken or a sign goes in the yard. Proving ownership. Just because someone fills out a form on a website or leaves a message indicating they want to sell does not mean they are the owner or have the legal right to sell the property.Before any marketing begins, ownership must be verified. Deeds need to be reviewed. Names must match. Authority to sell must be apparent. This is not a formality. It is the foundation of a clean and ethical transaction.Verifying contact information is just as important. Phone numbers, addresses, and identities should be confirmed ear...
Comments 8
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Checklists exist for one simple reason. Memory is unreliable under pressure.No matter how experienced or capable someone is, the moment stress increases, distractions multiply, or timelines tighten, details get missed. That is not a personal failure. It is human nature. Checklists exist to remove that risk.In a busy life, especially one that involves multiple clients, deadlines, and moving parts, relying on memory is unnecessary and costly. The solution is not to try harder. The solution is to build systems that protect you when things get busy.A good rule of thumb is this. If something has more than three steps or occurs infrequently, it warrants a checklist.In real estate, this includes listing preparation, buyer intake, contract-to-close coordination, and daily routines. These proces...
Comments 4
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Consistency Beats Intensity Every Time 📈In real estate and in life, it is easy to confuse activity with progress. Big bursts of effort feel productive. Long days, packed schedules, and last-minute sprints create the illusion that a lot is getting done. The problem is that intensity is exhausting and rarely sustainable.Consistency, on the other hand, is quiet. It does not announce itself. But it is what creates real momentum.Small, consistent actions performed the same way every day outperform occasional heroic efforts. They reduce stress, prevent mistakes, and create systems that hold up even when business gets busy.The key is choosing one daily non-negotiable. Not a long list. One thing that gets done regardless of how the day unfolds.It might involve filing paperwork the same day it i...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Most organizational systems fail for one simple reason. Items are set down “just for now.” A file goes on the counter. Keys land on the nearest surface. Papers are stacked for later handling. Those minor delays are what quietly break even the best systems.The habit that makes systems work is not complicated. When you finish using an item, return it immediately.Not later. Not when there is time. Not at the end of the day. Immediately.This single action is what turns an organization from an idea into a functioning system. When items are returned to their proper place immediately, clutter never has a chance to form. There are no piles to deal with later because the pile never exists in the first place.Putting things back immediately also creates a continuous reset of your environment. Each...
Comments 15
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
A Place for Everything Is the Foundation of Organization 🗂️Disorganization is often mistaken for a discipline problem. In reality, it is usually a storage problem. When items lack a designated place to live, they become scattered, misplaced, or unnecessarily recreated. Over time, that creates frustration, wasted time, and mental clutter.Proper organization begins with a straightforward principle. Everything needs a home.If you find yourself frequently searching for items, replacing items you already own, or feeling behind before the day even starts, this is often the root cause. The issue is not effort. It is that the system does not exist yet.Start by making a list of items you use every week. Not everything you own, just the items that are part of your routine. Keys. Contracts. Notebo...
Comments 6
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
The urge to fix everything at once is understandable, especially at the start of a new year. A fresh calendar creates energy and optimism, and it is tempting to overhaul habits, routines, and workspaces simultaneously. Unfortunately, that approach usually leads to frustration rather than progress.Trying to fix everything at once usually fixes nothing.Systems only work when they are simple enough to use on your busiest day, not just on a calm or perfect one. If a system requires extra time, extra tools, or extra thinking, it will be abandoned the moment life gets busy. That is why change that lasts always starts small.Choose one small area to focus on. Not your entire office. Not your entire business. One drawer. One file type. One recurring task that causes irritation or delay. Somethin...
Comments 11
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 Making 2026 Better Starts With Systems, Not ResolutionsMost people begin the year with goals. Fewer start with systems. Goals depend on motivation. Systems work even when motivation fades.A to-do list tells you what needs attention today. A system tells you how something is handled every time. A list is temporary. A system is repeatable.A system is a defined way of doing something the same way, in the same order, with the exact expectations. It removes daily decision-making and replaces it with habit and structure. Instead of asking, “What should I do next?” the system already answers that question.For example, a showing-day system might look like this: Appointments are confirmed the day before. Properties are grouped by location to reduce driving. Buyer criteria is reviewed before lea...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Courtesy Still Matters: Please Do Not Ask to Tour Homes on Christmas Eve or Christmas DayReal estate is often described as a twenty-four-seven business, but courtesy and good manners still matter. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are not ordinary days on the calendar. They are widely observed family holidays, and for most people in this business, they are reserved for time with loved ones, rest, and reflection.Asking to tour properties on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day puts agents, sellers, tenants, and even neighbors in an uncomfortable position. It forces people to choose between professional obligations and personal commitments that should be respected without explanation.There are several reasons these days should be off limits.First, sellers deserve privacy. Even when a home is on t...
Comments 9
By Alan Brown, 35 Years of Real Estate Experience .
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
📚 Top 5 Books Realtors Should Read in 2026 — Build Skills, Confidence & ClosingsWhether you’re a new agent or a seasoned producer, reading consistently is one of the most effective ways to sharpen your skills, grow your mindset, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving real estate world. To help you level up in 2026, here are the top 5 books every Realtor should read — selected for their timeless strategies, practical insights, and industry relevance.1. The Millionaire Real Estate Agent — Gary Keller, Dave Jenks & Jay PapasanThis classic remains at the top of every Realtor reading list. It’s a step-by-step roadmap to building a high-performing real estate business — from business modeling and lead generation to systems and goal setting. Its principles help agents move from transactional work...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
A steady rainy day is more than a gloomy forecast. It is one of the best tools a homeowner has for understanding how their property truly functions. When the rain is falling, the land tells the truth about where water goes, what drains properly, and what may cause trouble later.Instead of waiting for a problem, rainy days offer a chance to observe, adjust, and protect your home and land.Follow the WaterThe first step is to watch. Walk your property while it is raining or just after a heavy rain.Pay attention to where water naturally flows. Look for areas where it moves away from the home smoothly, versus places where it pools or slows. Water that lingers near foundations, crawl spaces, garages, or basements is a warning sign. Over time, that moisture can lead to structural issues, mold,...
Comments 13
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Lessons I’d Share With My Younger Self After Four Decades of Building a BusinessIf I could sit across the table from my younger self—coffee in hand, optimism in the air—I wouldn’t talk about shortcuts, hacks, or overnight success. I’d talk about foundations. The kind you don’t appreciate until you’ve stood through market crashes, reinventions, long nights, and unexpected wins.Here are the lessons I’ve learned over the last 40 years that I wish I had fully understood sooner.1. Consistency Will Outperform Talent Every TimeEarly on, I believed that working harder, being smarter, or doing more would move the needle faster. What actually built the business was showing up—every single day—especially when it wasn’t exciting.Consistency compounds quietly. It builds trust, reputation, systems, a...
Comments 5
By JORGE VAZQUEZ, Investor-Focused Broker | FL Statewide | 3,500+ De
(Graystone Investment Group)
HOA Intervention: How One Decision Can Kill a Short Sale OvernightThis deal followed the rules, did the work, and still failed. Not because of poor representation. Not because the homeowner didn’t try. It failed because of an HOA intervention.We started with a traditional sale. The price was based on real comps and market data. When buyer activity slowed and conditions changed, the strategy shifted responsibly to a short sale. An appraisal confirmed declining value, and negotiations were underway.Then the HOA stepped in.Once that happened, control shifted instantly. The homeowner lost the ability to negotiate, the short sale collapsed, and foreclosure moved forward despite months of effort. Everything ended overnight.This story hit close to home for me because I’ve seen this exact situa...
Comments 7
By L. Scott Ferguson, Sunny Florida Real Estate Professional
(Ask4Ferguson - Your House-SOLD Name in Real Estate)
I just wrapped a powerful conversation on my Time To Shine Today podcast with Dr. Brett Hill 🎙️🧠And this one completely reframed how I think about posture, energy, and performance in everyday life.Dr. Brett Hill is a chiropractor, entrepreneur, and founder of Xperience Life Chiropractic and YourPostureProgram.com. What he shared goes far beyond posture as appearance. This is about how your nervous system quietly drives confidence, clarity, and how you show up at work and at home.Here are a few takeaways that hit me hard 👇 Posture is nervous system training, not a reminder to stand up straight 🧠 Your brain adapts to what you repeat most, especially sitting, driving, and screen time 📱 Slouching restricts breathing and limits oxygen, and oxygen is non-negotiable 🌬️ Confidence changes when ...
Comments 1
By Realtor Ben Townsend, "Navigating the 2026 Real Estate Shift: Market Str
(Townsend Real Estate, Ltd.)
 How Higher Interest Rates Reshape the Real Estate Market Higher interest rates act as a powerful brake on the real estate market by directly increasing the cost of borrowing and eroding buyer affordability. As mortgage rates climbed from pandemic-era lows near 3% to the mid-6% to low-7% range throughout 2025, monthly payments on the same loan amount rose dramatically—often reducing what buyers can afford by 20-30%. For instance, a budget that once supported a $500,000 home might now only qualify for $350,000-$400,000. This affordability squeeze sidelines many first-time and move-up buyers, leading to fewer offers, slower sales velocity, and a noticeable cooling of overall market demand compared to the frenzied activity of the early 2020s. These elevated rates also create a "lock-in eff...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
After reading an article in an AZ business magazine that identified the 10 Top Skills for Real Estate Agents, I was reminded of this famous line from Shakespeare's Hamlet:To Be or Not to Be: That is the QuestionFor me, I believe this article failed to mention and list the most important skill or trait and that is positive core values, ethics, moral code, call it what you will.Either one will be ethical or not be ethical, and there is truly no question here.REALTORS® swear to uphold the Code of Ethics.  In my 8 years in this particular industry, that swearing is not taken to mind, heart and behaviors by many agents. Professional real estate agents who do not have the designation of REALTOR® have their own ethics.However for both I believe these three words matter:Protect and PromoteWe pr...
Comments 9
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