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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 Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Making Integrity Non-negotiable in Today’s Real Estate MarketWhat does integrity look like in 2026? Certainly not the textbook definition. Not the polished version we post online. I’m talking about the real, everyday choices—the ones no one sees.In a world that moves fast, negotiates hard and rewards results, integrity is still the one thing that cannot be negotiated.My foundation, and everyone on my team’s foundation is simple: Integrity Without Compromise. Not when it’s convenient, not when it benefits us, not when no one is watching. Without compromise. Period.Integrity isn’t just about honesty—it’s about consistency. It’s doing the right thing when it costs you time, money or even the deal itself. Integrity shows up in the hard conversations. It shows up in full transparency.Integri...
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By JORGE VAZQUEZ, Investor-Focused Broker | FL Statewide | 3,500+ De
(Graystone Investment Group)
If you’ve ever looked into real estate investing and felt like everyone was speaking a different language… you’re not alone.NOI. Cap rate. Cash flow. DSCR.At first, it feels like you need a dictionary just to buy one property.But here’s the truth most people don’t tell you…You don’t need to know everything. You just need to understand a few key basics that actually matter.I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and I can tell you from experience, most investors don’t lose money because they didn’t know a definition. They lose money because they didn’t understand how to use the numbers in a real deal.That’s a big difference.Let’s break this down in a simple way.The Few Terms That Actually MatterInstead of memorizing 100 terms, focus on these core ones:• Cash FlowThis is what you actually...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I doubt anyone has ever been tongue-tied in the matter that Titus was, literally, but I'm sure we all have been tongue-tied figuratively. I admit I do get a kick out of this advertisement on TV: While the above video is good acting I can relate to times where I have been genuinely tongue-tied. Most recently for me was an incident at church two weeks ago.At church I am a social butterfly who likes to meet everyone possible and befriend as many brothers and sisters in the faith that I can.There is a young mother of one whom I admire because of her skill in controlling her daughter and two other little girls during worship. I've never heard a peep out of the three girls or "mom" during the time of worship. Twice I tried to compliment her and I just got tongue tied because she looks at me v...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Being a REALTOR® here in AZ, I receive weekly emails from our state association. Yesterday, there was an article about Due Diligence entitled “Due Diligence More Than Just a Home Inspection.”The article went on about how important it is for buyers to read the Preliminary Title Commitment Report, any Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CCRs), HOA governing documents, etc. What was interesting none of the bullet points referenced the real estate agent reading any of these documents as per of his or her due diligence.Here is where going the extra mile is important.  The reason is many buyers don’t know what they don’t know especially out of state buyers.I read every Preliminary Title Commitment usually with 24-48 hours after receipt. If there are embedded active links, I download all o...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Food poisoning is no joke. Personally, I have only suffered from food poisoning one time in my life. The worst part was that it was over Christmas and Christmas Eve 40 years ago. My case was very mild and I was back on my feet within twenty-four hours. The culprit was some apple cider gone bad. It didn't taste bad, in fact it tasted very good going down (I best add I was dealing with a hangover when I drank it).Questionable Appliances & Real EstateI believe if you have been in Real Estate as an agent or Broker for any amount of time you have encountered an incident involving a defective appliance or outright fraud in a home your client just purchased.Agents need to be alert prior to closing, during the final walk through, and after closing as to if a seller has "substituted" an applianc...
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By Bill Exeter, 1031 Exchange and Self-Directed IRA & 401k Expert
(Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC)
Did you know that most 1031 exchange qualified intermediaries operate without any licensing, regulatory oversight or audit requirements, that one can set-up shop as a QI? The QI industry is not licensed or regulated. Trusting an unlicensed and unregulated entity with your sale proceeds carries significant financial risk. The historic bankruptcy of LandAmerica 1031 Exchange Services demonstrated exactly how millions of dollars in client funds can be lost when a company lacks strict investment restrictions and mandatory audits.Our latest article, "The Hidden Risks of Using Unregulated 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediaries," provides a factual, structured framework to protect your investments. It guides you through the exact steps needed to secure your funds, helping you: Verify that a 10...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
This is one of the most asked questions right now:How does a buyer’s agent get paid?Here is the simple answer:👉 The buyer is responsible for their agent’s compensation👉 The source of funds can vary1. Paid by the Buyer (Buyer Broker Agreement) Buyer signs a buyer broker agreement This agreement defines: Representation Compensation This is a contractual obligation of the buyer ✔ This is the foundation of the relationship✔ Clear expectations from the beginning2. Paid by the Seller (Through Concessions) Negotiated in the purchase contract Seller agrees to contribute funds to the buyer Buyer uses those funds to: Cover closing costs Pay their agent ✔ Seller is not paying the agent directly✔ Seller is helping the buyer meet their obligation3. Combination of Buyer + Seller Seller contributes a ...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Steve today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZGILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler It’s no secret—our real estate market in Denton County isn’t what it was six months ago. Interest rates have moved, buyer behavior has changed, and homes aren’t flying off the shelves like they did during the peak. So, if you’re thinking about selling, you might be wondering: “Is this still a good time?” Or better yet, “How do I make sure I don’t get stuck on the market?” I’m Steve Depoe, Realtor with The Rose Realty Team here in Denton County, and today we’re going to break down exac...
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By Steve Depoe | The Rose Realty Team, Taking the stress out of Buying and Selling
(The Rose Realty Team)
It’s no secret—our real estate market in Denton County isn’t what it was six months ago. Interest rates have moved, buyer behavior has changed, and homes aren’t flying off the shelves like they did during the peak. So, if you’re thinking about selling, you might be wondering: “Is this still a good time?” Or better yet, “How do I make sure I don’t get stuck on the market?”I’m Steve Depoe, Realtor with The Rose Realty Team here in Denton County, and today we’re going to break down exactly what selling in a shifting market means—and how you can still come out ahead with the right plan.Let’s start with mindset. In a hot market, sellers could price high, expect multiple offers, and move quickly. But when things shift—whether due to rising rates, increased inventory, or economic uncertainty—t...
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By Doug Haney, Springfield Ohio Real Estate Agent
(The Haney Group / Coldwell Banker Heritage)
How Real Estate Negotiations Work in Ohio: What Every Buyer and Seller Needs to Know Whether you're purchasing your first home in Springfield or selling an investment property in Columbus, one truth holds across every transaction: the negotiation is where deals are won or lost. At The Haney Group – Coldwell Banker Heritage, Doug Haney, Lisa Ackerman, and Brad Shuman have guided numerous clients through Ohio's unique negotiation landscape — and the market in 2026 looks very different depending on your zip code. Here's everything you need to know. The Ohio Legal Framework: What Makes a Deal Real Before strategy, there's law. Ohio has clear rules governing real estate negotiations: Written offers only. Under Ohio Revised Code, a real estate contract is not legally binding unless it's in w...
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By Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417, Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate
(HomeSmart Stars)
My clients own a fairly unique property for the area and agreed to get an appraisal prior to listing. They needed an appraiser anyway for measurements of the home due to an enclosed heated and cooled patio extension which increased the livable space.These are just a few of the values the appraiser assigned to variations between the subject property and the comparables used: 3rd garage space - $15,000 (most homes have only 2) second fire place - $2,000 (most homes here have one, if any) pool - $40,000 - this home doesn't have one, but there is room for one $130/square foot - adjustment for size What are some of the adjustments appraisers make where you sell?
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
There are so many things to do when preparing your home for sale. One of the most important aspects is thinking through how your home will look in photographs. Because good pictures really do make a difference, there are some things that you can do to make those shots even better.📸 DETERMINE WHAT YOUR SELLING POINTS ARE! Go room-by-room as well as the exterior, and make a list of what you love about your home, and focus on those aspects and how they will help sell your home.📸 USE AN iPad OR CAMERA TO TAKE PRACTICE SHOTS OF YOUR SELLING POINTS. Sometimes what we think looks great can look very different in a still photograph. You might see things in the picture that you may not notice daily.📸 MAKE NECESSARY CHANGES. Based on your practice pictures, look critically and assess what, if any...
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By Bill Exeter, 1031 Exchange and Self-Directed IRA & 401k Expert
(Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC)
A 1031 exchange provides powerful tax-deferral benefits, but the safety of your equity capital ("1031 exchange funds") depends entirely on the qualified intermediary (QI), often referred to as accommodator or facilitator, that you choose to administer your tax-deferred exchange. The 1031 QI industry operates without any kind of federal licensing or regulatory oversight. A mistake or lapse in security by an unregulated intermediary can lead to a disqualified exchange or the complete loss of your funds. To safeguard your investments, you must demand strict financial protections. When selecting a QI, always verify these critical criteria: Licensing and regulatory oversight: Ensure the 1031 firm is licensed and regulated by a government agency, and is subject to regulatory exams, minimum b...
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By Bill Exeter, 1031 Exchange and Self-Directed IRA & 401k Expert
(Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC)
Navigating the complexities of a 1031 exchange requires precision, especially when it comes to the "same taxpayer requirement."It is widely—and incorrectly—believed that the legal title to your relinquished property and your replacement property must be exactly identical. Our latest article demystifies this common misconception and provides factual, structured guidance on how to maintain regulatory compliance.In this comprehensive article, we cover: The fundamental difference between legal title and tax identity How disregarded entities (like single-member LLCs and living trusts) offer flexibility Strategies for satisfying strict lender requirements without disqualifying your exchange Protect your investments by prioritizing proactive planning and ensuring your transaction meets all reg...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Let’s Not Take It PersonallyReal estate is a business built on people, and that is where things can get complicated. Emotions run high, expectations shift, and decisions are made quickly. It is easy to take things personally, but in this business, it is one of the biggest mistakes we can make.It’s Not About YouWhen a buyer says no, it is not about you. When a seller pushes back on pricing, it is not about you. When another agent negotiates hard, it is not about you. These decisions are tied to finances, timing, and personal circumstances that have nothing to do with you as a professional.The Contract Is the GuideThe contract sets the expectations. It outlines timelines, responsibilities, and options. When issues arise, the contract is where we go for answers. Not emotions, not assumptio...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
The other day, a longtime colleague and friend, no longer with our brokerage, gave me a call. She shared a conversation that had clearly unsettled her. Another agent had told her that she was “offering too much information” to her buyers during showings and, in doing so, was potentially jeopardizing deals.She asked me how I approach property showings.I told her that I believe in being as prepared and transparent as possible. When I walk into a home with buyers, I aim to have key information readily available, seller’s disclosures, surveys, property history, and details on the age of the roof, appliances, and major systems. Depending on where we are in the process, I may also bring along comparable sales to help provide context and perspective.Her response? “That’s exactly what I do.” Ye...
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By Darryl Davis, CSP, Designing Careers and Lives Worth Smiling About
(Darryl Davis Seminars)
By Darryl Davis, CSP  Have you ever been mid-transaction, advocating hard for your buyer, when the listing agent threw up a roadblock that felt... off? Maybe it was a demand to attach a Buyer Agency Agreement to the offer before they'd even consider presenting it. If that's happened to you, your instincts were right — and knowing exactly why it's wrong could be the thing that protects your client and your professionalism. Let's talk about it. The post-NAR settlement landscape has brought a lot of new rules, new paperwork, and — let's be honest — a fair amount of confusion. Buyer Agency Agreements are now a standard part of the buyer representation conversation, and that's a good thing. Transparency and clarity serve everyone. But somewhere in the shuffle, a troubling misconception has c...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Water, Septic, and Access: The 3 Things That Make or Break Land ValueWhen buyers start looking at land, it is easy to focus on views, acreage, or location. Those matters, but they are not what determine whether the property is truly usable. The real value of land often comes down to three practical factors: water, septic, and access.If one of these is missing or uncertain, the land may not support your plans.1. Water: Can You Get It, and Will It Support the Property?A beautiful piece of land without a reliable water source can quickly become a problem.Key questions to answer: Is there a well already in place? If not, is the area known for successful well drilling? What are the typical depths and costs in the area? Is public water available nearby? A deep, productive well adds value. An ...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 What Happens When You “Wait for Rates” in Upstate South CarolinaI am having a conversation almost daily right now.“I think I am going to wait until rates come down.”It sounds reasonable. It feels safe. But let’s walk through what that decision really looks like in today’s market.The AssumptionMost buyers believe that when rates drop, things will simply get better.Lower paymentMore affordabilityBetter opportunityWhat is missing from that thinking is what happens next.What Actually Happens When Rates DropWhen interest rates drop, buyers do not quietly step into the market.They come in waves.More buyers enter the market at the same time. That means:More competitionMore multiple offer situationsLess negotiating powerThe same house that feels negotiable today can quickly become competitive ...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
When we are hired as an agent for a Buyer or Seller we need to be sure we are representing them the way they wish us to represent them.New agents may be tempted to rassle dazzle their client by doing their own negotiating with another agent on a Real Estate buy or sale. This is not only but it is a violation of Real Estate ethics, it could cost you dearly. 
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