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!

Trending blogs on Real Estate Best Practices
By Victoria Carter Guaranteed Services, TwoMoveYou
(TwoMoveYou Guaranteed Real Estate Brokered by Century 21 Percy Fulton Ltd., Brokerage)
 We are on a mission to raise $2,500 this year! This August, TwoMoveYou Guaranteed Real Estate Team is taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!Why? Because right now, over 1,400 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, and it's the biggest killer of children from disease in Canada.Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.So we are raising funds through this challenge to help these kids and support Sick Kids Foundation to allow them to continue their work in developing treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer.Please support TwoMoveYou in one or more of the following ways...1. Refer TwoMoveYou Real Estate, and a donation will be made toward SickKids Foundation! https://lnkd.in/eCi_yDA2. Join our team... Bike as many kilometers in August that y...
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By Victoria Carter Guaranteed Services, TwoMoveYou
(TwoMoveYou Guaranteed Real Estate Brokered by Century 21 Percy Fulton Ltd., Brokerage)
We are on a mission to raise $2,500 this year! This August, TwoMoveYou Guaranteed Real Estate Team is taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!Why?Because right now, over 1,400 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, and it's the biggest killer of children from disease in Canada.Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.So we are raising funds through this challenge to help these kids and support Sick Kids Foundation to allow them to continue their work in developing treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer.Please support TwoMoveYou in one or more of the following ways...1. Refer TwoMoveYou Real Estate, and a donation will be made toward SickKids Foundation! https://lnkd.in/eCi_yDA2. Join our team... Bike as many kilometers in August that you...
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By Sam Shueh, mba, cdpe, reopro, pe
( (408) 425-1601)
                                                                           Sam Shueh                                                  Realtor One Group                                                   Silicon Valley, CA As west coast is getting less rain started about a decade ago, local Water District has offered programs getting people to be waterwise.  It starts with encouragement to replace lawn by drip system with water tolerant local plants. Those water their lawn not on a scheduled day or running are subject to fine and embarrassment with names in the paper.Some adopt Japanese sand garden with sand and rocks.  A few creative home owners start putting AstroTurfs or just spray paint their lawn soil with green paint.Here are a few photos of my garden. Sam Shueh (408) 425-1601   Sam...
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By Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty, 601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell
(Front Gate Real Estate)
When a client writes a recommendation for your business, it is both personally and professionally rewarding. The seller had moved out of state when he contacted me, so we met over Thanksgiving weekend. He needed to make repairs that he wasn't thrilled with having to make, but it made the difference between sitting on the market stagnant, or receiving multiple offers. He did everything I asked of him. Here's what my client said:  Pat was the second agent I worked with after attempting to sell my property for six months with another agent came to frustrating results.To summarize, Pat sold the property in less than two months and I couldn't be happier to have selected her! Here is what you can expect from Pat: • Proactive, go-getter o Within first two weeks of signing with her, she staged ...
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By Kathryn Acciari, Brand Ambassador and Business Coach
(Century 21 Real Estate)
My Mailbox is Empty! (Hint: A Good Time for Direct Mail) In the past two months, my mail has dwindled. Gone are colorful postcards from local businesses. Now I receive white envelopes containing either bills or fund raising requests.What has happened to Just Listed, Just Sold, and Hire Me postcards? Amid the COVID-19 crisis, it appears that real estate pros and other businesses are holding tight to their marketing funds. This is completely understandable, given the uncertainty of the economy. However, I want to suggest that if you have been considering marketing to a farm, that now is the perfect time to do it. Here are some other ideas to help you get started: Thinking of Moving? I'll Help You Do It Safely  My 8-Point Distancing Real Estate Protocol Market Snapshot During COVID-19 5 Wa...
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By Jim Lord
(DeLex Realty)
We have all heard it, write down your goals or they are just dreams. My question for many years was simply and then what? I wrote down goals all the time, posted them to walls, in my top desk drawer, on mirrors, said them like a yoga mantra only to not see them materialize, well, until I figured out you must build a road map to the goal. I use what I call a pyramid system. I start with my design at the top. What is my goal? When I first got into real estate, the goal was to make $5,000 per month. That is about what I needed to live fairly well. So that is what I teach my team, start with a dollar figure of what would make your life good. You place that number on top. The second row is a little larger as it represents the final work to make your goal. So in Real Estate in Arizona, $5,000...
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By Roy Kelley
(Realty Group Referrals)
According to Suzanne Willis Zoglio, Ph.D. author of 7 Keys to Building Great Work teams, there are seven elements that high performing teams have in common.   If you are a solo worker you need to manage your day but once you hire an assistant or add an associate you have an organization to manage. There is a different attitude about work today.  Top down control has been replaced with shared control.  The recent need to work virtually has only accelerated this trend. It is not enough to be a great individual performer if that performer can’t work with anyone or collaborate. “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.” Think about this quote as i...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
 Since I first began blogging on ActiveRain since the Fall of 2010, I discovered ActiveRain is unique because bloggers can use this Platform for many different purposes. Examples may include the following: Get Referrals! Relationship Building Get Something Off Your Chest! Educate Consumers Get Leads! Inspire others Get motivated! Write About Business, Yourself, or Something Else Get Your Name and Business Out There! On the flip side, over the years one discovers quickly that there is a Point System and bloggers have an opportunity to get Points, Featured by ActiveRain, Featured by a Group, or get swooped up into someones Blog Post, for example by re-blogging. What this tells me, in my professional opinion is, Competition is in the blood of people in Sales. But do you have to be an activ...
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By Alan May, A moving experience!
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
I don't expect that my listings will suit every viewer.  Sometimes they'll walk in and know immediately that it just doesn't work for them.  Sometimes they need to inspect every inch of the property, and then ruminate for a couple of hours, or days before they know.I recently accompanied a showing of one of my properties.  An agent came with his clients, and their adult daughter.  They spent a fair amount of time in the property, looking at each floor with a critical eye (I don't say "critical" in a negative fashion)... they seemed to have some interest.As their last step, they walked out into the backyard, and gathered on the patio talking amongst themselves.  I figured they were discussing the property... usually a good sign, so I left them alone for a while.As I walked back to join t...
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By Tommy Wyher, I am an freelance writer and professional marketer
(Husky Marketing)
Commercial properties can bring in massive amounts of revenue consistently depending on a myriad of factors. The market in the area that you own a property is going to be extremely important. Certain businesses rely on foot traffic while others can be off of the beaten path for the right price. Brick and mortar stores or restaurants want this foot traffic while other businesses simply have a location for staff to convene/work from. Below are ways you can revamp your commercial properties in order to make sure you have renters for the extended future.Resurfacing the Parking LotResurfacing the parking lot and adding spaces reserved for managers in the building is important. You want to stroke the egos of those managers as they make the decisions on which spaces to rent. Resurfacing a park...
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Did a person know that renovating a small business is complex? It may sound like a small project but involves plenty of options. With excellent communication and coordination, skilled people will be employed for the renovation of small bathrooms. High-level of communication will be great for the desired benefits for the person. Bathroom Renovations will include plenty of features to be employed in New Zealand. The style and designs of the place will be great for the right results.Waterproof, electrical tillers and plasterers will work according to the specification of the person. The style should not be temporary for the renovation of small bathrooms. The process will be the same for the rooms and bathrooms. With the hiring of professional, reliable, and trusted services will be deliver...
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By Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
We asked a client, “What made you interested in working with MyOutDesk?”They answered, “With another virtual assistant company, I spent money for 6 months and I got nothing out of it. I felt scammed.”Other virtual assistant companies are hurting the trust that businesses have for virtual assistants — and these are the companies which do not hold the same gold standards as MyOutDesk does.When considering a virtual assistant company: Will the company provide highly vetted virtual assistants? Seamless interviewing & talent matching processes? Productivity tracking software? Training? Unparalleled customer service? We do this & strive to give the best overall value! Don’t be fooled a lower price.With a plethora of virtual assistant companies out there, it takes some effort to determine dist...
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By Realtyna Inc, Realtyna- MLS RETS Integration software & services
(Realtyna)
We’ve all heard by now that real estate services are deemed essential in many states. This means that many real estate agents can continue to show properties with some restrictions of course. And it also means that virtual open house tours are becoming more and more common in the real estate industry. We briefly talked about virtual open house tours here. We mentioned the importance of video content and how real estate agents can advertise it on social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram.In this article, we will focus on another social media channel, YouTube, which is another great placement for your video content.But before we actually start talking about YouTube and its importance during the COVID-19 pandemic, we should briefly mention that this is a world crisis and no one ...
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By Brian Sharkey, SharkeyRE - #SouthFloridaBroker
(SharkeyRE LLC)
October 2019 REAL ESTATE NEWSBrought to you by Brian Sharkey   Can't Afford to Buy a Home? Have You Considered Down Payment Assistance? What's the number one hurdle for renters making the leap to homeownership? That pesky down payment. Even with an FHA loan that only requires a minimum of 3.5% down, the thought of setting aside several thousand dollars is daunting (and for some, darn near impossible).A survey from Apartment List highlights the struggle for millennial renters, with 62% citing a lack of down payment savings as their reason for delaying homeownership. 48% have zero down payment savings, and just 11% have saved $10,000 or more.Fortunately, there are programs out there to help, they're just not always well publicized. Here are some tips for finding Down Payment Assistance:1...
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By JM Padron, CCIM, CCP, CCIM, CCP, International Commercial Broker
(THE JMTEAM NETWORK)
I'm happy to announce that my YouTube channel is up nd running. It has lots of videos for learning commercial rea estate as well as great advise and best practices in the commercial field.If you want to understand what is commercial related estate about, this is an excellent source.And the best of all is FREE! youtube.com/c/thejmteam    
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By Barbara Todaro, Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team
(RE/MAX Executive Realty - Retired )
Wanda always provides beautifully written posts.... but this one is truly "top shelf"....  from the visual to the narrative Wanda has written, it's truly perfection. Sonnet’s Best in Show     Averse to blending in with her surroundings once in full bloom, Sonnet chose the brightest color for a most excellent costume.   Frocked in a pristine white bonnet and matching, frilly gown, she haughtily desired to be the center of attention, hands down.   Away she set off for the borough, intent to catch the eye of several handsome suitors on the go. She hurriedly left her sisters behind, in tow.   The sidewalks were crowded. Rip, tear! Someone tamped on Sonnet’s gown, down the silky skirting fell, she was now the talk of the town.   That fateful day became a rough row for her to hoe, as many loc...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
 Due to these turbulent times you should be readjusting your business plan. Most business plans begin with a statement of vision, mission, and values. Mission and vision can change as is the case now. However, core values should never change. Values are more important than anything else when selecting team members. You may now need different skills; you may be changing job duties; you may have new protocols; but your values should be cast in stone!If you know your core values and stand behind them, you can change goals and set new direction with confidence. Your values will help you with your WHY. Moreover, your why is much more important than your how. How many businesses can say why they are in business or articulate their basic business foundation? You might be surprised at how few r...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
Amplify Your Business I am so excited about my upcoming Amplify business planning workshop! This is a brand new class - hot off the press and is the first class we have specifically designed to work in an online environment over a period of four sessions. We have designed this limited-seating workshop to provide that one-on-one friendly environment you have grown to love about our workshops, but have built in exercises and tasks that will both invigorate your business, help your new good habits stick, and incrementally improve your systems and processes. If you have been to one of my classes, you know that I am never short on ideas. Some have said it is like drinking from a firehose! With the way we have set this workshop up, although we will have plenty of ideas and strategies you can...
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By Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-939-2727, Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers
(Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside)
Dear Readers - In this post, our own Margaret Woda from Maryland, shares her techniques for legal compliance while serving her Clients' best interests. She is an example of a real estate professional willing to share her best with all of us!   Margaret details her method for all of us to learn from what she has developed over the years. I enjoy her posts and continue to learn by following her Blog. Have a successful day -Lynn PS -- If I haven't thanked you personally for following my writings, please accept my gratitude now. Your views and comments mean a lot to me.  L. How to present multiple offers and not risk a Fair Housing complaint.   You probably thought I was planning to tell you how I presented six offers on one property yesterday in a 2-hour appointment, and walked away with ...
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By Winston Heverly, GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA
(Winston Realty, Inc.)
Margaret Woda, consistently has so many great posts and most importantly is terrific about sharing it to us Rainers and beyond. This article has new & exciting information for all the readers to take advantage from. I, myself will be anxious to learn from it! So many times I write blogs and really don't think that it gets the impact that it should. So I love to see re-blogs of popular posts. Thanks again for sharing.   How to present multiple offers and not risk a Fair Housing complaint.   You probably thought I was planning to tell you how I presented six offers on one property yesterday in a 2-hour appointment, and walked away with a signed contract. Well, that too - but the Fair Housing element definitely comes into play. Crofton Real Estate It all begins at the listing appointment ....
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