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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 Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
Every real estate professional has been there: you capture a great new lead, feel a surge of excitement, and then… work happens. Life happens. Showings, client communication, paperwork, holidays, etc. It all gets in the way. And before you know it, that once hot lead has gone cold, lost to a competitor who simply followed up a little faster. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, companies that respond to leads within an hour are seven times more likely to qualify a lead than those who respond after an hour, and 60x more likely than those who wait 24 hours or more.This is the lead follow-up gap. And it’s not just frustrating, it’s costing you real deal, real revenue, and real growth. In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about lead follow-up gaps and h...
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By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
One thing I think most people can agree on is that the life of a single parent is filled with challenges. One of the biggest challenges is having to manage finances on a single income. Many single parents may feel that being a homeowner is out of reach for them. But with rents going sky high, filling the pockets of a landlord when they could be investing in their own future just doesn’t make sense.If you are a single parent and you think you can’t purchase a home, think again!  There are specialized loan options and assistance programs available to help single Moms and Dads become homeowners.  For example, you will find flexible mortgage qualification criteria, reduced down payment requirements and assistance with up front costs.Here are some loan types, grants, and strategies that can ...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
What a great blog from our past Rainer Lou Ludwig. Do Something About It “Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. it’s the person who gets out of the shower, dries off and does something about it that makes a difference.” Nolan Bushnell, American Entrepreneur Founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese Pizza     As I see it . . . . . . . Do something about it   We all are carrying around a great ideas . .  . . or something that has to be done . . . . it’s now the time to do something about it.   A good idea in your head without acting on it has very little . . . or no value. An idea where you take action on it can create a breakthrough moment in your life . . . . and change the direction of your life or career. When you have an idea . . . . Do something about it . . . .  bring yo...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
 My guess is you check your email, check your voicemail etc. etc.  I write my blog, after that I turn to what I call my POWERHOUR!  it is a hour that I use for prospecting, whether it is developing a postcard for buyers or sellers. Since I am back on my own, I know everything sits on my shoulders to get business.  Yes, this has been a great year so far and I know my POWERHOUR has lots to do with the postive activity I have this year. Everyone of us has varies way of prospecting but the key is you need to have a goal and have a heavy sense of doing something.  YOu need to be a GO-GETTER!!!!Do you have a POWERHOUR daily?  Are you a GO-GETTER?  What do you do daily to reach out and touch someone?
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
We Know Our 💩. But Do They?!! Little by little, I notice our industry has become eroded through beaurocratic overreach. The majority of people making decisions that adversely affect our industry have zero experience but their know-it-all egos override all logic, claiming, "Real estate is so easy, anyone can do it." Well, then, I ask, why aren't they? There's nothing better than getting to know buyers and sellers through a sincere connection, having boots on the ground, researching a property or feeling the dirt between the toes before excavation begins on a new home for a special client. None of those people will have the luxury or satisfaction of doing exactly that! The joy of discerning whether a property will serve clients well or one that requires running away at a high rate of spee...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
The Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) will release their midyear revisions to the GAR Contract Package on 6/1/25. This video covers the 2025 Midyear Revisions to the Purchase & Sale Agreement. Stay tuned for more videos continuing in the series of Midyear Changes to the GAR Contract Package.Dana Sparks - Broker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Aurora, Colorado, Leah Celler is your go-to real estate expert. With a deep knowledge of the local market and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service, Leah has become a trusted name for buyers and sellers alike. Whether you're exploring homes for sale in Aurora or need expert advice on selling your property, Leah is here to guide you every step of the way.Why Choose Leah Celler as Your Realtor in Aurora, CO?As an experienced local realtor, Leah understands the nuances of the Aurora real estate market. From neighborhoods to schools, parks, and amenities, Leah’s expertise ensures that her clients make informed decisions when it comes to buying or selling a home.1. Local Expertise Leah's in-depth knowledge of Aurora's neighborhoods, ...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
There have been many blogs written about the topic of feedback. As real estate agents, providing feedback is not only our professional responsibility, it is the right thing to do. Feedback is a solid method of opening a dialogue between agents and also gives our sellers much-needed information to asses their price, home condition, and any other areas that might help them make necessary changes to get the home sold.It is not only disheartening when another agent who has shown your listing ghosts you , this behavior is big-time lacking on their professional and ethical responsibilities. Yes, we are all busy yet, we each have the same hours in each day. Providing feedback takes just a few minutes and should be given within 24 hours of showing the property. It is our duty!Property feedback ...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
If you have an office that is open to the public it's important to give a good first impression of being professional. So what about your computers screen. In general I keep the Windows desktop screen up when I am not working at the computer.If I am working on the computer I usually am on Active Rain and I leave that screen up so I can tell others about Active Rain.We often talk about professionalism here and first impressions. If people coming into your office can see your computer's screen what are they going to see? I will never forget walking into a professionals office and seeing porn on the screen. I actually turned around and left. He texted me immediately and asked what happened and I told him why as well as I prefered to work with someone else with stronger moral character.
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Spring Storms and Homeownership: Protecting Your Investment in the Western UpstateSpring in the Upstate of South Carolina brings blooming gardens, longer days… and unpredictable thunderstorms. If you own a home in Oconee, Pickens, or Anderson County, it’s essential to be prepared before the next front rolls through.Here are some storm-season tips to protect your property, especially if you live in a rural or lake area.⚡ 1. Well Pumps Attract Lightning One of our area's most common and expensive storm-related repairs is well pump replacement due to lightning strikes. If your home has a private well, make this your spring habit:👉 Flip the breaker to your well pump when storms are in the area.It’s a simple move that could save you thousands — replacing a pump isn’t cheap, and insurance may...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
The Truth About "As Is" Listings: What Buyers and Sellers Need to KnowPublished: Tuesday, May 13, 2025In today’s real estate market, you’ll often see homes listed “as is.” But what does that really mean — and should you be worried?For buyers, “as is” simply means that the seller is not planning to make repairs. That doesn’t mean the home is falling apart — it may just be dated, inherited, or owned by someone who can’t manage renovations. It does mean that your due diligence is more important than ever.✔️ Inspections are still essential. Even though the seller isn’t promising to fix anything, you still need to know what you’re buying. A thorough home inspection can uncover hidden issues — and may give you room to negotiate the price.💡 Insurance matters. Some insurance carriers won’t writ...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
The Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) will release their midyear revisions to the GAR Contract Package on 6/1/25. This video covers the 2025 Midyear Revisions to the Brokerage Agreements. Stay tuned for more videos continuing in the series of Midyear Changes to the GAR Contract Package.Dana Sparks, Broker, Maximum One Greater AtlantaDana@MaximumOneRealty.com
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By Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
Customer service is under pressure. Expectations are higher, response times are shorter, and the margin for error is razor-thin. To meet the demand, businesses are turning to artificial intelligence, but not all implementations are working. From frustrating chatbot loops to misleading automated replies, many companies are discovering that AI alone can’t deliver the experience their customers expect.At MyOutDesk, we see AI as a powerful tool, but only when it’s used the right way. This article breaks down where AI fits in customer service, where it fails, and how to strike a balance that actually improves your customer experience, without sacrificing trust or performance.Let’s unpack the current state of AI in customer service, what’s working, what isn’t, and how to strike the right bala...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
My Word. An Unbreakable Bond From the moment a client trusted me with their goals, providing exceptional service became the top priority, dedication that has remained steadfast throughout my real estate career. My word is true and once I make the commitment, it is solid and true, unless unforeseen circumstances arise. ...Would I change this? No. I promptly communicate any delays. Clients appreciate quick action, particularly when navigating the pressures of tight timelines and upcoming deadlines. Consistent and clear communication is vital to maintaining business relationships, genuinely contributing to successful results. ...Would I change this? No. A significant part of my business results from past client or business recommendations, testimony to the positive experiences who confiden...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Aspiration Pricing vs. Reality: A Caution to Sellers”There’s a new term floating around in real estate: aspiration pricing. It means listing your home for what you hope it’s worth, not necessarily what the market supports.While it’s understandable to want top dollar, pricing too high out of the gate often backfires. Today’s buyers are savvy and have access to real-time data. If your home sits on the market too long, it loses appeal, often leading to price reductions and frustration.Instead, let’s price it right from the beginning. I’ll provide local comps, trends, and realistic expectations. We can aim for your goals while staying grounded in what today’s buyers are willing to pay. Getting it right from the start means a faster sale, stronger offers, and fewer headaches.Be a leader and ...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Scrolling past a listing with dark lighting or outdated decor is easy, but savvy buyers know: photos don’t always tell the whole story. I encourage my buyers to look beyond first impressions. A home might not photograph well, but that doesn’t mean it lacks potential.A poor photo might hide a great layout. A cluttered room might distract from solid bones and recent upgrades. Sometimes, the homes with less “wow” online that surprise you in person. Staging will make things stand out and look polished, but houses are not always staged when the photographer goes.Look at the rooms' sizes, the layout for privacy, and the proximity between bedrooms. Also, consider whether the garage is level with the house or if you have to go up stairs to get inside. Not every day is a blue sky day; look beyon...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
First time homebuyer checklist by Stella is a good one for buyers.  Check it out! 🏡 First-Time Homebuyer Checklist ✅ 1. Financial Preparation Check and improve your credit score Create a homebuying budget Save for down payment (typically 3%–20%) Estimate closing costs (2%–5% of purchase price) Get pre-approved for a mortgage Understand your monthly payment (PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) ✅ 2. Home Search List your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves Research neighborhoods (commute, schools, crime rates) Hire a trusted real estate agent Browse listings online and attend open houses Stay within your budget ✅ 3. Making an Offer Compare recent sales in the area Make a competitive but realistic offer Include contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal) Submit earnest money (1%–3% ...
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By Stella Barbour, Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland
(NoVa Brokers LLC)
🏡 First-Time Homebuyer Checklist ✅ 1. Financial Preparation Check and improve your credit score Create a homebuying budget Save for down payment (typically 3%–20%) Estimate closing costs (2%–5% of purchase price) Get pre-approved for a mortgage Understand your monthly payment (PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) ✅ 2. Home Search List your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves Research neighborhoods (commute, schools, crime rates) Hire a trusted real estate agent Browse listings online and attend open houses Stay within your budget ✅ 3. Making an Offer Compare recent sales in the area Make a competitive but realistic offer Include contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal) Submit earnest money (1%–3% of offer) ✅ 4. Under Contract Schedule a home inspection Review inspection results...
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By L. Scott Ferguson, Sunny Florida Real Estate Professional
(Ask4Ferguson - Your House-SOLD Name in Real Estate)
🔥LISTEN HERE 👉  https://timetoshinetoday.com/podcast/vickiparisgoodman/  📚Listen for our FREE BOOK give-away!📚This conversation was one I’ll never forget.I interviewed Vicki Paris Goodman, author of To Sam, With Love: A Surviving Spouse’s Story of Inspired Grief — and it rocked me.Not just because she shared a powerful story… But because I was grieving that very same day. And somehow, her voice helped me process what I didn’t even know I needed to.Vicki is a retired mechanical engineer, a violinist, a longtime theater critic… And now, a guide for those navigating the deepest kind of loss with strength and spirit.She flipped the grief narrative completely — and here’s what I took away:1️⃣ Grief doesn’t mean you stop moving forward 2️⃣ Humor is healing — even sacred 3️⃣ Optimism isn’t den...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
While I do not have "senior moments" very often I believe you don't have to be a senior to have a moment like this. A great example is how many times to we have to remind children to TURN THE LIGHTS OFF!Real Estate application.As a remote loan closer (I am a Notary Public with the credentials to do this) I seen loans with interest rates that I perceive as high.Some of us remember interest rates as high as in the 20% neighborhood. Not so long ago I was signing loans as low as 1%. As of late rates have been in-between 6.5% and 7.75%  No matter what rate comes across my desk these days I congratulate the signers. They are on a high that they got the loan and will soon own their home. No need to burst their balloon with an uninformed opinion. However I do encourage them to keep their eyes u...
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