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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 Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog offers an intriguing perspective on the dynamics between family relationships and professional agreements in real estate. A thought-provoking read for anyone navigating these dual roles!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Is Blood is Thicker Than An Agency Agreement?   Holidays meals are a special time for people to gather with loved ones and ripe for familial opportunists to strike, getting into their relatives business dealings. Experienced real estate agents know this too well.    Sarah was putting her house on the market, Aunt Mildread began telling her the virtues of hiring a relative to list her home, instead of using an 'outsider'. Of course Mildread, a real estate agent, saw dollar signs.   Try as she might, Mildread was unable to woo Sarah over to he...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
I welcome you to watch this ENTIRE Series on the 2025 CHANGES to the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) Contract Forms. In this series, I'll discuss how various 2025 GAR Contract Documents differ from those same forms that were available to Georgia real estate agents in 2024.  Hope this helps!Dana SparksBroker, Maximum One greater Atlanta, REALTORS
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
NEW YEAR - NEW HOME? Do you know the priorities you want in your Long Island home?What is your ideal location?What size home or condo are you looking for?How many bedrooms and bathrooms?Have you been pre-approved for a mortgage?Do you have a realistic budget? Knowing what you are looking for ahead of time will allow us to rule out properties that don’t fit your criteria, and we can help you find what you really want more quickly. Let's start your Long Island Home Search Journey! Lawrence "Larry" and Sheila AgranoffCell: 631-805-4400
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By Candice A. Donofrio, 928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text
(Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker)
It's a dangerous place to venture into! Even with almost 28 years in 2 states, I can't IMAGINE knowing all!It's impossible. Plus, I've gotten my royal ass KICKED any time I thought so! The number of moving parts in even the (seemingly) simplest transaction.Changes in the industry.Changes in the laws.ALL contributing factors. We may have to 'relearn' what we used to know (or thought we did) and adapt to new information (which is the definition of intelligence, if you asked my first Psych professor--and I agree--intelligence is the ability to adapt to both old and especially new situations in our environment!)ALSO, the number of WRONG opinions and incorrect information even transmitted by what 'used to be' 'experts' (yup, lamestream fake news media) can't be relied upon.So we have to chec...
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By KAREN SANCHEZ, ...Marketing your home like no one else will.
( Reputable Realty)
  For Buyers: Get Pre-Approved for a MortgageBefore you start house hunting, secure pre-approval to understand your budget and show sellers you're a serious buyer. Know Your "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves"Prioritize what you truly need in a home (e.g., location, size, features) versus what would be a bonus. This will help you stay focused during the search. Hire a Knowledgeable REALTOR®Work with an experienced real estate agent who knows the local market, like Karen Sanchez, to guide you through negotiations and paperwork. Don’t Skip the Home InspectionA thorough inspection can reveal hidden issues and help you avoid costly surprises after the purchase. Be Ready to Act Quickly in a Competitive MarketHomes in high-demand areas can sell fast. Be prepared to make an offer when you find th...
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By Elisa Cho, Home... where our story begins
(Echo Realty)
As real estate professionals, our job is built on relationships, trust, and communication. So why, then, do we sometimes overlook one of the simplest ways to show respect and build rapport—pronouncing someone’s name correctly?  Recently, at an event, my name was announced over the mic—twice—incorrectly. It was "Elsa" the first time, and "Chow" the second. I don’t fault the individuals. We’ve all been there, stumbling over unfamiliar names or defaulting to what we *think* we heard. But as I smiled politely through the missteps, I couldn’t help but reflect on how such small moments can affect how we connect with others.  For the record, it’s *Elisa* (uh-LEE-sah)—not Elsa, not Alicia, and certainly not Alyssa, and *Cho* rhyming with Let's go!!! (Definitely not ChoW). It’s a common enough n...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
I welcome you to watch this ENTIRE Series on the 2025 CHANGES to the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) Contract Forms. In this series, I'll discuss how various 2025 GAR Contract Documents differ from those same forms that were available to Georgia real estate agents in 2024.Dana SparksBroker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORS
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By Peter Mohylsky,, Call me at 850-517-7098
(Property Management International-Destin)
🎅✨ Whether you’re on the naughty or nice list, I’ve got the gift of real estate advice just for you!🏡🎁Let’s sleigh your homebuying goals and unwrap the perfect place for you.Ready to get started? Drop me a message! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #holidays #hohohome #investment #a121924 #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #dreamhome
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
"Retirement is the next chapter of your life, and choosing the perfect home is key to writing that story. What’s most important to you when selecting your retirement destination? 🏡Cast your vote below and share your thoughts in the comments—your insight could inspire others to plan their future! 🌟📊 Poll Options:1️⃣ Proximity to family and friends2️⃣ Access to outdoor activities and amenities3️⃣ Cost of living and affordability4️⃣ Healthcare facilities and services nearbyRetirement is about enjoying the life you've worked hard to build—what matters most to you?"
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Lou Ludwig always have great blogs to share with us.  This is one of them!   There’s a Fresh Start “If you have made mistakes, there always another chance for you. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call “failure” is not falling down, but the staying down.” Mary Pickford 1892 -1979, Canadian - American Silent Movie Actress, Co-Founder of United Artists Film Studio   As I see it . . . . . . .   There’s a fresh start   A failure is only a setback . . . . unless you choose to make it a permanent condition.   You can make a fresh start after a failure . . . . the moment you decide to and choose to move pass the condition and leave it behind you.   Let a failure or a mistake become a learning experience . . . . not an anchor . . . . and then move pass it.   W...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Destin Florida Real Estate--Pricing To SellGetting ready to sell your Destin Florida area condo in 2025? Need to get top dollar without languishing on the market for several years? Let's examine the importance of pricing right from the start...What Happens If We Price Too High1) We miss out on the "new listing" synergy-- There is buzz and energy when a home hits the market. Thanks to apps like Zillow and Realtor any potential buyer in that area gets an alert when your home hits the market. Thus within minutes of hitting the market, a large segment of the buying public is notified. 2) Buyers will make an initial judgment-- This is key. Thanks to the apps (and other online resources) today's buyer is more educated than ever. If the price is high, the market will greet the seller with sile...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I don't remember being overly curious about my gifts under the tree and in the house I grew up in the stocking were not hung until Christmas Eve night. In our house we hang the socks up after Thanksgiving so we can put little treats in them right up to Christmas morning.My sister on the other hand was a shaker and a picker at the seems. I don't know why I never cared to know in advance what was in those packages but maybe it was because I knew I would be pleased with whatever Mom got me.Now for a lame tie-in to Real Estate, surprises are seldom a good thing. First of all insist on a Property Condition Statement if your State doesn't require it. Bring it along on any/every tour of the house. Look for discrepancies, my favorite is "basement has never had water issues". My experience is yo...
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By TIM GARTON, "Highly Skilled Pro"
(Messina Realty Vallejo)
I would like to cover 1 more time how marketing your property correctly is so important! The comparables and condition for this property said market value was around 329k. We received multiple offers 3 and it sold for 350k. So selling off market is a "Bad Idea" Selling to your listing agent before it goes on market "Bad Idea" Selling to your listing agents contractor friend off market "Bad Idea" Selling to your listing agents relative off market "Bad Idea" Your home is worth what someone is "Willing To Pay" so if you dont market your home for sale the correct way to the world/everyone ( Via the Internet for a least a week!) that your home is on the market for sale, chances are your not selling at market value. Any other Vallejo Real Estate Questions Contact Vallejo CA Area Specialist Ti...
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By Dorothy Griggs, LoveMiamiRealtor
(Keyes Group)
Love this! Paraphrasing from an article sent by the Lighter Side) 1. Santa has strong brand recognition and trust. 2. He knows how to delegate and motivate. 3. He is really good at double checking things. 4. He already knows every home in every neighborhood worldwide. 5. He is used to hitting a lot of homes in a single day. 6. He has the ability to leave without a trace. 7. He can eat tons of cookies without gaining more weight. 8. He is an expert negotiator. 9. He is unfazed by tight schedules.10. He is always jolly.  
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
I welcome you to watch this ENTIRE Series on the 2025 CHANGES to the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) Contract Forms. In this series, I'll discuss how various 2025 GAR Contract Documents differ from those same forms that were available to Georgia real estate agents in 2024.  Dana Sparks, Broker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORS
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
I welcome you to watch this ENTIRE Series on the 2025 CHANGES to the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) Contract Forms. In this series, I'll discuss how various 2025 GAR Contract Documents differ from those same forms that were available to Georgia real estate agents in 2024. Dana SparksBroker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORS
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By Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School, Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor
(Rowlett Real Estate School)
In the fast-paced world of real estate, it’s easy to assume that saying “yes” to every opportunity will lead you to success. More clients, more listings, more demands—surely this means more business growth and a stronger bottom line. But the truth is that trying to please everyone and stretch yourself too thin can lead to burnout, diminished quality of service, and a loss of personal satisfaction. That’s why learning to embrace the power of “no” can be one of the most valuable skills you’ll ever develop as a real estate professional. 1. Redefining Success Through Quality, Not QuantityIt’s tempting to believe that success in real estate is defined solely by the number of clients you serve. However, chasing every lead and accepting every listing often comes at a cost. When you spread you...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Denise Lones came up with a blog for the beginning of 2024, we can use it for the start of 2025 also.  Take a look at it. If You Do Only One Thing in 2024, Make It This Welcome to 2024! We are getting close to a week into the new year. How are you feeling about your progress on your goals? Do you feel that you are falling behind already or working strong? Will you will be able to sustain what you are doing or are you likely to go off-track when you get busy? This time of year has a lot of agents planning on what they want for their business in the upcoming year. I keep my eye on what agents are saying in online agent business groups and I have noticed a new year trend of agents asking agents what they are doing (or plan to do) to successfully generate leads this 2024. The challenge is, ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Unveiling the Hidden Gems in Your Home An obstacle for one person may be the selling point for another. Be aware of potential negative aspects when touring a home to list. When it comes to the real estate market, what may seem like a disadvantage to one person could very well be a unique selling point for another. As an agent, I’ve learned to look beyond first impressions and explore the different perspectives that potential buyers might have about a property. One of my first steps when preparing to list a home is to have an open conversation with the current owner. I like to ask what they don’t particularly like about their home. This often reveals hidden insights that can be reframed as opportunities for the right buyer.For instance, a ranch house with no steps and little storage migh...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, The best agent in Southern Utah!
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Say, How Much is This Going to Cost Me? Never have divulged my fees, other than at a listing appointment in front of sellers. Knowing one's self-worth is helpful at this point because paying less equates to more money in consumers pockets, in some cases. Plus, if you won’t accept what they offer, they’ll find a willing party, regardless of what you bring to the table. Industry experience and knowledge is important but many just want it done with minimal payout. Give your best effort, then ensure it’s worth your time and that all terms and conditions align with your core business values. Otherwise, you won’t move the needle enough in your favor to convince them.Once you gain raving fans, there is more room to confidently discuss the cost for services, whether guiding a buyer or selling a...
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