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 Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Just like every gnome needs a perfect garden, every dreamer needs the right home!  I have a gnome that moves around the exterior of my home to see if the neighbors notice.  It was given to me as a gift and I smile every time I see it.  The wife does not like it in the front yard but it still shows up there sometimes.  Let's work together to find you a place that truly feels like your own magical haven.Reach out today and let the home search adventure begin!#thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #gnomeplacelikehome #noplacelikehome #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #househunting #happyhome #happyhomeowners #investment
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
In real estate, as in life, you need to have reference points. What are your reference points?As most or all of us know, for historians and keepers of time, reference points have always been BC and AD, i.e., Before Christ was born and Anno Domini, after Christ was born.I certainly have my own personal key life dates that I consider reference points, and I'm sure you do as well.  For me, the biggest ones are when my parents and I left communist Hungary, when we entered the United States, when I went to West Point, The United States Military Academy, when I left the U.S. Army, when I met Diane, when I became a Realtor in Boston, MA, when we relocated to California and when we bought our first (and current) home.  All of these are powerful personal memories that are fondly etched in my bra...
Comments 32
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
It's captivating to explore how these properties can hold both historical charm and potential financial gain. Your insights into the benefits, challenges, and considerations of investing in such unique assets provide valuable guidance for investors. By shedding light on the significance of preservation and the opportunities it can bring, you're offering a fresh perspective on real estate investment.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP My husband and I have now invested in and renovated two historic buildings in our town. Both projects were interesting, challenging, and fulfilling. There are certainly many things to consider before diving into any type of historic project. 🚧 SCOPE. It is important to get a full understanding of the condition of the building you are consi...
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By Kathy Schowe, La Quinta, California 760-333-8886
(California Lifestyle Realty)
We live and work in a seasonal area which means most of my neighbors, friends, and clients leave La Quinta and the Palm Springs area during the summer.  Our house is the only one on our street with people in it.  In our La Quinta Country Club neighborhood, I estimate about 35% stay, and the rest head back to the midwest, Pacific northwest, Texas, LA, or where ever they are from.  So I have a habit of sending out a note to say "hi" to clients, friends, and neighbors to keep in touch.  We communicate so often with texts, emails, zoom, and calls- sometimes it's nice to receive a card or letter.  I write a few each morning when I have my coffee and look forward to doing it.  As many of you know, I'm an artist and I usually send my notes on custom cards with my artwork on them.  As a result ...
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By Joan Cox, Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time
(House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373)
Remember years and years ago -- there was AOL --- You've Got Mail?   It was really cute back then, but now when you see an agent's email with AOL, you scratch your head.I remember way back, that AOL tried to charge us for the email, and most around me did.   I did not, but they still let me use it, until I switched. A few years back, I remember an agent having a strange email - something to do with dancing.   Cannot remember the exact email, but they taught dance, so after I asked that made sense.  But, what does their real estate clients think if they don't ask? Just be professional in the name you select, if it isn't your domain name.    Go Daddy has domains for as little as $20.00, and really easy to set up.    I think the best way to go is your name - i.e.  Joan@JoanCox.com. It coul...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
The story of the magic napkin continues in Timmothy's cartoon strip and the importance in relationships carries over into Realtor/Client relationships.As experts in our field it's easy to think "shut up and listen to me" which is totally the WRONG attitude in any service orientated business. We are here to SERVE our clients and not here to lecture them. As Nina Hollander, Broker said in a comment to one of my posts earlier this week "We are here to serve and to teach". I agree and I for one am not good at learning from a lecture. Obviously college was not for me.
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Look what arrived at my home: a fantastic bottle of Bordeaux.... one of my clients reach out to me for advice. Yes, it was Real Estate related... he wanted to thank me by sending me money. I absolutely rejected the idea. He insisted I insisted then he said OK.He asked casually what I like to drink, I mentioned I am a red Bordeaux wine drinker. Now with that said I am so thankful, and I will have a hard time waiting to open this bottle. If you are not familiar with this, it is an awesome and delicious wine.... not for everyday consumption:)Endre Wishingyou a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me ...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
Processes and Procedures This afternoon I was teaching my Encore coaching group and we were discussing referral processes and it really made me think about how important it is for agents to have a procedure for everything in their business. For example, what is your process for: Taking a new listing? Closing a property? Post-transaction client care? Every part of your business needs to be procedure oriented. The reason for that is threefold. First and foremost, it saves you time and energy. Second, it streamlines your business and adds a rhythm to your business that is regular and ongoing - you don't have to rethink things and that saves you time. Finally, it creates consistency for you and your clients. Once you have a process, it is easier to decide if something new is something you ...
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By Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com)
You can blog about ANYTHING (including those topics that most would say you shouldn't).  You can stick to one flavor or mix in a bit of everything.You can write what YOU want to write or what THEY (your potential customers) are looking to find.One gets comments (maybe), the other can gain you potential clients.So how do you understand what your potential clients want?You've got the answers to that question with past and current clients.What did they need from you?What questions did they ask you?Now run that through the filter of what you uniquely can offer to potential clients that will attract the right kind of people to your business.For the most part, we're all working from the same pool of available houses for sale, so how can we repackage that information to add value?Explore a nic...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
The cartoon above is a continuation from yesterdays cartoon so to "get" it you may want to look at yesterdays post. The point here is that if you are offering a "hand up" you need to be with-in reach or your offer to help is just a platitude. Real Estate is a service business. If you are NOT in the business to serve others you are doing our entire profession a disservice.  
Comments 17
By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Tuesday is Choose Day - Choose to be Educated!Texas REALTORS® Legal Hotline published an article by Traci Jackson, staff attorney on April 8, 2022 that is worth noting. Rumors have been floating around for a long time that "property investors are exempt from the requirement to provide a seller's disclsoure." That is a mistaken belief! The truth is in regards to sellers disclosure for investors "there are no exceptions." Everyone who owns and sells property in the state of Texas, including sellers "who never lived in the property," are required to disclose what they know. Read "Property Code Section 5.008."  It pays to know and stay educatedREALTORS® who are not attorneys are not allowed to practice law. Sharing the truth and choosing to be educated by knowing what is true and what is fa...
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By Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Student loan dreams shouldn't stand in the way of homeownership aspirations!  Reasonable debt is a part of American society.  Again, I said reasonable.  Excessive credit card debt might be the only thing that is stopping in your way.  We need to check with a loan officer to see where you stand on the debt spectrum.  🌟💪I can help you navigate the path toward your new home while managing your student loan debt wisely.Don't let anything hold you back – message me today, and let's start building your future!#thehelpfulLO #home #house #listreports #homeowner #realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #finances #investment #househunting #happyhome #happyhomeowner
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Tonight, our local school board is being presented with a much-needed proposed school bond. As our community continues to grow, the need for additional buildings, maintenance on the older buildings, transportation, and equipment continue to be in need. Our school district needs the funding in order to meet the increased demands.I served on our local long-range committee all summer long. We studied the demographics for future growth, evaluated where we are currently regarding buildings, and discussed the most important issues we are facing at this moment. The committee consisted of about 60 people who consistently attended weekly meetings.What we already knew but got into deeply, was the overcrowding that every single campus is experiencing. This situation is troubling as it affects ever...
Comments 18
By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
And Realtyna’s MLS/IDX WidgetsBuilding a website with Squarespace is a straightforward process that doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge. Since Squarespace doesn’t offer any native integration for organic MLS/ IDX integration, we will use Realtyna’s solution for this purpose. What we need to get started:Realtyna’s IDX/MLS widgetSubscription for SquarespaceSubscription for MLS Router™ APIBuild a Website with Squarespace and Realtyna’s MLS/ IDX WidgetsFollow these steps to create your own website using Squarespace:Sign up for an account:Go to the Squarespace website (https://www.squarespace.com/) and sign up for an account. You’ll need to provide an email address, create a password, and choose a plan that suits your needs. Squarespace offers a free trial, so you can explore the p...
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By Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty, Florida Space Coast Homes
(Waves Realty)
Having held real estate licenses in multiple States one thing potential buyers and sellers must know is that each State has differences in how representation by an agent will occur. Some States like Texas require the agent (before any real estate substance is discussed) to disclose what type of agency the buyer (or seller) can choose or opt out of.In Florida buyers can be represented a few different ways. For the most part a buyer will choose between (or have it forced upon them) Transaction Brokerage or Single agency.For anyone moving from another State this tends to be a bit different because in Florida we default to Transaction Brokerage when we start with a new client.For those who are confused by this let me give you a small overview:Transaction Brokerage a lower lever of required ...
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By J Perrin Cornell, Broker, ABR, VAMRES
(Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate)
No question the real estate market is different from a year ago! Also no question that the market will be different 30-90 days from now. So what to do to stay ahead, profitable  and relevant?Doesn't sound like a lot of fun but the term "Back To Basics" comes to mind!You know, calling buyers, sellers and clients every day. Posting to your web site. using forums such as Active Rain.  Working Google Business and posting it and Yelp and a hundred others with some content. Here is a novel one... send three cards a day to your data base and folks you know. How about this... actually go to your office everyday... we all have heard experts talk about letting the conversation around the water fountain getting you down. True but just being in the office you can also learn. You might get some good...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Market value appreciation enhances the value of your property over time, creating wealth and investment opportunities. Learn about the factors that influence appreciation, from location and demand to economic conditions. Whether you're a homeowner tracking your property's value or an investor evaluating potential assets, this guide will empower you to understand the dynamics of market value appreciation and make informed decisions for your real estate portfolio. Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Appreciation: The Secret Weapon in Your Seller Toolbox When someone is thinking about a move, they aren't necessarily focused on the future - they are thinking about why the home they are living in doesn't meet their needs now. The challenge in the current market is that sell...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Explore crucial insights into the world of vacation rentals, from regulatory considerations and property management challenges to market trends and financial expectations. Discover the dos and don'ts that can make or break your success as a short-term rental investor. Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional or a newcomer to the industry, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of short-term rentals and maximize your investment potential.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP PROS AND CONS OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL INVESTMENTS In recent years, the real estate market has witnessed a significant rise in the popularity of short-term rentals, driven by the emergence of platforms like Airbnb. The prospect of generating a steady income by ...
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By Alan May, A moving experience!
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
Today, I was sent by a colleague to meet a vendor who was delivering a refrigerator at one of our listings at a condo during the wee hours of the morning.  My colleague told me that she had notified John, the maintenance man, that we had permission to use the freight elevator.The truck arrived, they loaded up the fridge and took it up the elevator without issue (John was nowhere to be seen, but I had access)... when we got up to the condo, they removed the old refrigerator without incident, but surprise, surprise, the new fridge would not fit through the doorway. (Murphy's law, right?!).  We tried a number of solutions... removing the refrigerator doors (still too big)... maybe we could go in through the front door - yes, that would work, but we still couldn't get through the door from ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Challenges and responsibilities that come with being a landlord, from property management and tenant interactions to legal considerations and financial planning. Learn how to navigate potential pitfalls and ensure a successful and profitable landlord experience. Whether you're a seasoned investor or considering your first rental property, this guide will equip you with essential knowledge to make informed decisions and thrive in the dynamic world of real estate investment.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BECOMING A LANDLORD Becoming a landlord can be an exciting and lucrative venture, but it comes with many responsibilities and challenges. Whether you're considering investing in real estate or have already taken the plunge, it's crucial t...
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