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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 Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
Tax Day is approaching fast. If you bought, sold, or owned a home in 2025, there are several housing-related tax items you may want to review before filing.While every situation is different, here are a few key areas homeowners and sellers should keep in mind:1. Mortgage Interest DeductionHomeowners may be able to deduct interest paid on mortgage debt up to: $750,000 (or $375,000 if married filing separately) for homes purchased after December 14, 2017 $1 million for mortgages that closed before December 14, 2017 To claim this deduction, you must itemize your taxes rather than taking the standard deduction.For many homeowners, mortgage interest remains one of the most valuable tax benefits of owning a home.2. State and Local Tax (SALT) DeductionFor 2025 filings, the SALT deduction cap i...
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By Mike Tolj, Commercial Real Estate Without the Stress!
(Tolj Commercial Real Estate )
Finding quality tenants is tough. Keeping them can be even tougher. From my experience, tenants who stay long-term often benefit from a few key strategies:✅ Know your neighborhood – each LA submarket is unique✅ Make your space appealing – functional layouts and small upgrades matter✅ Price for value – rent alone isn’t enough✅ Build relationships – open communication keeps tenants happyI put together a guide with more practical tips for attracting and retaining tenants in LA:Attract & Keep Great Tenants in LA💬 What’s worked best for you in commercial leasing or managing properties? I’d love to hear!
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Focus is huge in real estate because there are so many moving parts, people, deadlines, and emotions involved. When you stay focused, deals move smoother, clients trust you more, and mistakes drop way down. Here’s why it really matters 👇🏡 1. Clients Need Clear GuidanceBuyers and sellers look to you for direction. If you’re focused, you can understand their needs, spot problems early, and give solid advice — not scattered or rushed decisions.⏰ 2. Deadlines Are EverythingInspections, appraisals, financing, contingencies… one missed deadline can kill a deal or cost someone serious money. Focus keeps you organized and on track.💰 3. Details = DollarsContracts, disclosures, repairs, pricing — small details can make or break negotiations. Focus helps you catch the fine print before it becomes ...
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By Alan May, Home again, home again...
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
I enjoy using Microsoft Copilot, but I have to admit: when it came to creating my caricature, ChatGPT was much kinder to me than Copilot was. Chat let me keep more hair, for one thing, and didn’t make me look quite as cartoonish. Vanity wins again.Both programs are incredibly powerful and can seriously elevate your writing, but Copilot feels far more user‑friendly and a lot less restrictive. The free version of Chat has a pretty tight cap on how many times you can use it — for both graphics and text — and I ran into those limits fast. I barely got a few graphic attempts in before it politely told me I was done for the day. Copilot has limits too, but they’re higher, and in my normal use I haven’t hit them yet.So for everyday writing and experimenting, I’ll keep playing with Copilot. But...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Why the Final Walkthrough Matters More Than Buyers RealizeThe final walkthrough is often treated as a formality. It is not. It is the buyer’s last opportunity to confirm that the property being purchased is in the condition agreed upon in the contract.This step protects the buyer more than most people expect.The Purpose of the Final WalkthroughThe final walkthrough is not another inspection. It is a confirmation. Buyers are verifying that the home has not changed since the contract was signed and that all agreed-upon items have been completed.This includes confirming that• Repairs were completed as agreed• No new damage has occurred• Fixtures and appliances remain• The property is in substantially the same condition• The home is vacant unless otherwise agreedOnce the transaction closes,...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Many buyers believe spring is the best time to purchase a home. More listings appear, the weather improves, and activity increases. What is often overlooked is how spring conditions can quietly raise the cost of buying.Here is what buyers frequently discover after waiting.More Listings Also Mean More CompetitionSpring does bring more homes to the market, but it also brings more buyers. Those who paused during winter return at the same time, and new buyers enter. Relocation activity increases. The result is not just more choice but more pressure.Homes that might have sold with little competition in winter often receive multiple offers in spring. Competition drives prices up and limits negotiation.Lower Interest Rates Attract More BuyersWhen interest rates ease, buyer demand increases qui...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 When buyers tell me they want a quiet place, they are rarely talking about silence. What they usually mean is predictability, comfort, and peace of mind.In our mountain and lake communities, it often means low-traffic roads, neighbors who respect one another, and evenings without constant noise. It means being able to sit on a porch, hear the wind or the water, and not feel rushed or crowded.Quiet also means fewer surprises. Buyers want to know the rules of the road, how the neighborhood is maintained, whether short-term rentals are allowed, and what kinds of activities are typical on weekends and holidays. A lake community may be calm most weekdays and lively in summer. A mountain road may be peaceful, but it requires awareness during weather events. Quiet is about expectations matchi...
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By Sam Shueh, mba, cdpe, reopro, pe
( (408) 425-1601)
                                                           Sam Shueh                                                          BRG Realty                                                           1900 Camden Avenue                                                           San Jose, CA 95124                                                          Sshueh@Gmail.com This used to be at or near a mentally challeged rehabilitation center.  When Ronald Regan, governor of California get local hospital to handle themn this Agnew Mental Retardation Rehabilitation Center became in disarray. It was abandoned and in disuse for decades.  With San Francisco 49 claiming Levi Stadium as its home, we have the honor to host 2026 Superbowl Game this year.  Little have people to realize homes are built almos...
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By Kerri Naslund-Monday, Savvy Bay Area CA Real Estate Team Leader
(Keller Williams/ The Monday Team)
In the Bay Area, people rarely move because they “need one more bedroom.”They move because their life no longer fits inside their home.This is something we see often in Oakland and surrounding cities, especially among socially connected households. Dinner parties get bigger. Friends stay longer. Kids bring friends home. Work-from-home becomes permanent. Aging parents visit more frequently. The house technically works — but emotionally and socially, it doesn’t.This is a lifestyle-driven housing decision, and it’s one of the most under-discussed reasons Bay Area homeowners begin to feel unsettled.From the outside, these homes appear perfectly adequate. The square footage is reasonable. The layout looks fine on paper. But living in a home is not the same as diagramming one.Homes function a...
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Closing Costs in Broward County Florida Explained by a Local RealtorUnderstanding closing costs in broward county florida is one of the most important parts of preparing for a real estate transaction, whether you are buying your first home or selling a long-time property. As a local realtor working daily with buyers and sellers in Plantation, I see confusion around closing costs slow down deals more than almost any other financial detail. These costs are real, unavoidable, and often underestimated.This guide breaks down what closing costs typically include in Broward County, how they differ for buyers and sellers, and how you can plan for them with confidence before you ever reach the closing table.What Are Closing Costs?Closing costs are the collection of fees and prepaid expenses requ...
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By Ebonie Beaco 312-392-0664 HomeLoansNetwork.com, Mortgage Strategist & Loan Officer
(Home Loans Network Powered By Loan Factory)
If you’ve spent any time around real estate investors, you’ve likely heard the term fix and flip real estate. It remains one of the most popular real estate investment strategies because it can generate profits, improve properties, and help investors grow capital.However, many people misunderstand how house flipping works. Some believe it is quick money. Others think it is only for experts. The reality is that success comes from planning, numbers, and the right financing strategy.Let’s break down what a fix and flip really means in simple terms.What Is a Fix and Flip in Real Estate?A fix and flip is when a real estate investor buys a property that needs repairs or updates, renovates it, and then sells it for a profit.The property is:Not purchased as a primary residenceNot meant as a lon...
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By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
After the Storm: How Real Estate Agents Re-Energize and Rise AgainReal estate has a way of asking everything from us—our time, our emotions, our patience, and sometimes our peace of mind. When markets shift, deals fall apart, clients disappear, or months of effort don’t translate into closings, it can feel personal. Exhausting. Heavy.If you’re coming out of a hard season, know this first: you’re not broken—you’re just depleted.And depletion is fixable.Step One: Give Yourself Permission to PauseRecharging isn’t quitting. It’s maintenance. Even the most seasoned agents need moments to step back, breathe, and regain clarity. Silence the noise for a moment—no MLS pings, no notifications, no “shoulds.” Rest is not laziness; it’s strategy.Step Two: Reconnect With Your “Why”Before the contract...
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By Ebonie Beaco 312-392-0664 HomeLoansNetwork.com, Mortgage Strategist & Loan Officer
(Home Loans Network Powered By Loan Factory)
Fix and flip investing continues to attract new and experienced real estate investors because it offers the potential for strong returns in a shorter time frame than many buy and hold strategies. Many people are inspired by television shows and social media highlights, but the reality is that successful flipping requires planning, discipline, and solid financing. A fix and flip is not just a renovation project. It is a business decision that depends heavily on numbers, timelines, and market conditions. Investors who treat it like a business often perform better than those who treat it like a hobby. Understanding how the process works before buying a property can protect both time and capital.A fix and flip is the process of buying a property that is outdated, distressed, or undervalued,...
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By Peter Mohylsky, www.athome30a, Call me at 850-517-7098
(Property Management Inc.-Destin)
This definitely needs to be noted and voted on  in this community.  We cannot dictate a procedure but we can discuss this in open forum and express our feelings.  It is what it is but I am not a fan of this tactic.  and again, if you have a contract.  That says it all.     I am seeing a practice that needs to be addressed clearly and professionally. Do not send an offer below the asking price, have it accepted, and then use the due diligence period to back out and resubmit a lower offer. That is not negotiation. That is backtracking. The purpose of due diligence is to verify conditions, systems, and material facts. It is not a second round of price negotiations, as the buyer wants to test how far the seller will bend. When a seller accepts an offer below the asking price, they have alre...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 I am seeing a practice that needs to be addressed clearly and professionally.Do not send an offer below the asking price, have it accepted, and then use the due diligence period to back out and resubmit a lower offer.That is not negotiation. That is backtracking.The purpose of due diligence is to verify conditions, systems, and material facts. It is not a second round of price negotiations, as the buyer wants to test how far the seller will bend.When a seller accepts an offer below the asking price, they have already made a concession. They have evaluated market conditions, competing interests, and timing, and they agreed to your price. Walking away during due diligence without a legitimate discovery undermines trust and wastes time for everyone involved.From a seller’s perspective, th...
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By Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner, Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!
Gwen has some solid points here, and know I TRY and get the hardest tasks done first, as the rest of the day is easy.   Easier said than done! Identify Resistance and Do the Hard Thing First Every productive day has one task that creates resistance. It is the call you have been putting off. The conversation you know you need to have. The follow-up that feels uncomfortable or inconvenient. Use the first thirty minutes of your workday to identify that task. If you are honest with yourself, you already know what it is. Resistance is usually a sign that the task matters. Please write it down and schedule it early. Do not postpone it until the end of the day, when energy and patience are lower. Momentum is built by facing discomfort before distractions take over. For many professionals, this...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Did you see Gwen blog on Wednesday, it is a 10 + blog that she wrote and one that you should see.  We can always learn from each other here in the Rain.   WIN: What’s Important NowPutting Important Work Ahead of Busy Work We all have full days. Phones ring, emails stack up, notifications flash, and tasks multiply. Ultimately, it can feel productive simply because we were busy. But busy does not always mean effective. That is where the concept of WIN comes in. WIN stands for What’s Important Now. It is a simple filter, but one that can change how work gets done and how results are achieved. Busy Work vs. Important Work Busy work keeps us occupied. Important work moves us forward. Busy work feels safe. It is often easy, familiar, and reactive. Checking email. Tweaking a file that does not...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Adaptive Reuse Projects San Mateo: A Local Realtor’s PerspectiveAdaptive reuse projects San Mateo have become an increasingly important part of how the Peninsula is evolving, and they are directly influencing buyer interest, neighborhood character, and long-term property values from San Mateo through Burlingame. As a local Realtor based in Burlingame, I work with buyers and sellers who are paying closer attention to how former office buildings, industrial sites, and underutilized commercial properties are being reimagined into housing, mixed-use spaces, and community-oriented developments.Adaptive reuse is not just a planning concept. It is a practical response to changing work patterns, housing demand, and land constraints. Understanding how adaptive reuse projects San Mateo are shapin...
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Understanding arizona property tax relief programs is an important part of homeownership planning, especially for buyers and long-term residents in Bullhead City, AZ. As a local Realtor working with buyers, retirees, and investors throughout Mohave County, I regularly see how property taxes influence affordability, retirement planning, and long-term housing decisions.Arizona is often viewed as a tax-friendly state, but many homeowners are not fully aware of the relief programs that may reduce their annual property tax burden. These programs can be particularly valuable for seniors, veterans, disabled homeowners, and long-term residents on fixed incomes. Knowing how arizona property tax relief programs work allows homeowners to plan more effectively and avoid paying more than necessary.H...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I am not comparing Real Estate professionals and clients as the same as pet owner and a pet BUT not meeting the needs of your client will make your relationship shrivel up and die.How do you know your clients needs? YOU ASK Them!Ask and then dig deep to be sure you know exactly what they want. If you don't, there is a strong chance they will do as Titus says above: I'm ready to spend some time with you. Especially if you give me something to east."There have been many posts here over the years as to how to listen to, and meet the needs of your clients. The blogger that comes to mind when I think of customer care is Nina Hollander, Broker . Perhaps she could but up a new post or repeat an older post and link it here in a comment. 
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