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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 Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you're thinking about moving to a 55+ community in New Castle County, you probably have one question that no brochure seems to answer directly: what about the grandkids?It's one of the most common things I hear from empty nesters rightsizing in Northern Delaware. And the answer is more flexible than most people expect, but it does depend on the specific community you choose.Here's what you need to know before you buy.The Law Allows Age-Restricted CommunitiesUnder the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (HOPA), 55+ communities are legal under specific conditions. The most common is the 80/20 rule: at least 80% of occupied units must have at least one resident who is 55 or older. That framework is what allows these communities to exist while also staying within Fair Housing guideline...
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By Joe Stephenson, Real Estate Agent serving the KC metro area
(Joe Stephenson)
Everyone tracks GCI. But if you could only track one leading indicator, what would it be?Mine is listing appointments set, and I'll tell you why.By the time GCI drops, I'm of the mindset that the damage was already done months ago.Appointments tell me what my business will look like 30 to 90 days from now. That's the number I watch when I want to know if I actually have a problem. Ideally, I want to identify this before it shows up in my income.The funnel most agents never look atMost agents know their closings. But they have no idea where business is being lost. A simple funnel looks like this. 100 Leads ↓ 40 Conversations ↓ 12 Appointments ↓ 5 Signed Clients ↓ 2 Closings If closings drop, you need to know exactly where the leak happened. Otherwise you're guessing.How to diagnose where...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
As a kid I remember the old phone prank: "I'm taking a survey, is your refrigerator running? Yes. "Than you better go chase it". 😁I know exactly where this cartoon came from. In our home we have had to implement the rule: You don't leave the bathroom until the toilet stops running. The culprit is almost always the valve inside the tank.Toilet valves are usually easy to replace as evidenced by this one and a half minute video by Home Depot.In my 64 years of home ownership I have replaced many toilet valves. As scary as it may seem this is truly a simple repair. Just a guess, I'd say that if you have owned a home for 10 years you have had to have a toilet valve replaced. It's a little harder than the video leads you to believe but it still is pretty simple.Another simple repair associated...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
 A kite is not a tool BUT it helps me make a point about over kill in Real Estate. Tim Allen made a comedic career about overkill with his TV show "Home Improvement". Here is a clip of Tim and Bob Villa in The Great Lawnmower Race.Of course a jet engine on a lawnmower is way more than overkill, but it makes a point: Overkill can be a waste of time and money and may even be dangerous as well.If you are a do it yourself guy like me you may want to ask yourself "would a professional do it this way?".It's not just DIY projects that can waist money and resources in the world of Real Estate. Chasing trends, over building, and even over insuring may not be dangerous but they can certainly be a waste of money.   
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
I recently read a story about Japanese soccer fans who stayed after a World Cup match to clean the stadium—not because they made the mess, but because they believed leaving a place better than they found it was simply the right thing to do. This has become the norm for these fans.I was so impressed by this and thought about how real estate can be much the same. There are times when we step into transactions where communication has broken down, expectations weren't set, details were missed, or problems have been ignored. While it may not be our mess, it becomes our responsibility to help find solutions.A competent agent doesn't waste time assigning blame to others. Instead, they roll up their sleeves, solve the problems, restore confidence, and keep moving the transaction forward. The go...
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By Mike Young, FHA 203k Consultant 916-758-1809 cell direct
(203kOnLine.com, covering the USA)
Can a Homeowner Supply Materials on an FHA 203(k) Project?The Kitchen Cabinets That Almost Killed the DealA few years ago, a borrower called me with what he thought was a brilliant plan."Mike, I've figured out how to save about $12,000."That statement usually gets my attention.He was buying a fixer upper through an FHA 203(k) loan. The house needed a complete kitchen remodel, flooring, paint, electrical upgrades, and several other repairs.Like many borrowers, he had spent weeks watching home renovation shows.He had found beautiful kitchen cabinets online.Countertops on sale.Luxury vinyl flooring at a liquidation warehouse.Lighting fixtures from a friend who worked at a supply house.His plan sounded simple."I'll buy all the materials myself. The contractor can just install them."On the s...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
One of the most underrated strengths in real estate is simple: working well with other agents. Today was the perfect reminder. I hosted an open house, and another agent in the same condo complex reached out to let me know he’d be holding one too. Our units were different but in the same price point, so instead of viewing each other as competition, we chose cooperation.I wished him luck, told him I’d happily direct visitors his way once they finished with mine, and he offered the same in return. He even stopped by afterward to see my listing and thank me for the professionalism.This is what our industry needs more of. When agents communicate, support one another, and treat each other with respect, everyone benefits - the clients, the community, and the transaction. Real estate is smoothe...
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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 the last time I encountered someone with really bad body order but I don't need a reminder of how unpleasant it is either.That being said, I sweat pretty easily if the temp is above 75 and I am active. A good example is the last time that I mowed the lawn it was in the upper 80's. I needed a shower immediately after.Having been in sales all my life I know the importance of good grooming. If you are face to face with a client or potential client the last thing you want to do is to give a negative impression to that client. We are often defined in peoples minds by actions that turn a person off.Throughout my careers(s) I tried to dress my best with the wardrobe I owned. On occasion it was too much for some people but all in all it worked out well for me.As we say, all Rea...
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By Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
Most agents are still pricing decks the way they did five years ago. Square footage, age, condition, done. The problem is that composite decking has changed faster than the comps reflect, and the gap between a 2018 composite deck and a 2024 one can be the difference between a $4,000 amenity and a $25,000 one.A deck is one of the most visible exterior features on a property and one of the most consistently mispriced. With outdoor living spaces driving a measurable share of curb appeal value, agents who can read a composite deck in thirty seconds at a walk-through have a real pricing edge. The cues are easier to spot than most realize.Old Composite Reputation Is OutdatedThe chalky, fade-prone boards that gave composite a bad reputation in the early 2000s are not what's getting installed n...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Many homeowners only think about their home’s value when they’re preparing to sell. But getting a current market analysis (CMA) is valuable long before a “For Sale” sign ever goes up. Your home is one of your largest financial assets, and knowing its baseline value and equity position helps you make smarter decisions about your future.A CMA gives you a clear picture of what your home is worth in today’s market, not last year’s, not what you paid, and not what online estimates guess. This matters if you’re considering a refinance, exploring a home equity line of credit, thinking about purchasing an investment property using your equity, or simply watching the market as you plan a lifestyle change down the road.Understanding your equity also helps you evaluate opportunities: Refinancing t...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
In the two decades that I have practiced real estate, I have been blessed to engage in a lot of interesting types of properties. From residential, commercial, land, farm & ranch, and historical transactions, my skillset has been formed from a desire to learn and because of many wonderful mentors in the business.A few months ago, I read a post here in the Rain about being a niche-driven agent. I went ahead and joined the program and was impressed by the prompts and questions that are generated to help you identify your niche. Now, by all means, you don't have to be a niche-specific agent in an ever-challenging industry; a specialized niche could certainly give you a competitive edge.My historical niche was never a planned specialization. When I think back to 10 years ago, and having just...
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By Ryan Jabbour, Ryan Jabbour is a top listing agent and buyers
(The Jabbour Group)
There are thousands of real estate agents in South Florida. There is only one Ryan Jabbour. In just a few years, Ryan Jabbour and The Jabbour Group have done something most agents spend an entire career chasing: closing in on $200 million in real estate sales - and doing it in one of the most competitive markets in the country. The secret isn't luck, a bigger team, or a flashier office. It's a completely different approach to buying and selling real estate - one built around AI-driven strategy, technology-first marketing, and a relentless focus on results. If you're looking for a listing agent in Boca Raton or a buyers agent anywhere in South Florida, here's why Ryan Jabbour should be your first and only call.What Does "AI-Driven Real Estate" Actually Mean?You've probably heard agents t...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Night and Day: Real Estate Successes  Work standards may look similar on the surface, but are never truly the same. What drives one business forward may not work at all for another. There are many factors that create real successes. Here are a few examples:* Self-motivation - That gets you up daily to dress up and get to work, knowing that people depend on you to show.* Tenacity & Resilience - Through any disappointments, impediments or downturns, a positive mindset is everything.* Desired outcomes - Focusing on achieving the clients goals moves everyone involved toward a fruitful end result.Real estate is an industry that is incredibly fulfilling for those who keep rising to the challenges but not everyone has what it takes to remain in this business. The difference in success from one...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Before selling your home, one of the most important steps you can take is confirming with your town or city that all open permits are properly closed. An open permit means work was started but never officially inspected or signed off by the building department. Even if the project was completed years ago, the town still considers it unfinished until the final inspection is done.Closing open permits protects you as the seller. Buyers, attorneys, and lenders routinely check municipal records during due diligence. If they discover an open permit, it can raise concerns about whether the work was done safely, correctly, or to current code. This often leads to delays, last‑minute negotiations, or even a buyer walking away.If open permits are not addressed before listing, sellers may face: Clo...
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By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
By Sam ThomasOne thing I've noticed over the years is that summer buyers sometimes get a reputation they don't deserve.A lot of people assume spring buyers are the serious ones.And summer buyers?They're often viewed as people who are just casually looking around.But in many markets, the opposite is actually true.By the time summer arrives, many buyers have already done the hard work.They've talked to lenders.They've reviewed their finances.They've narrowed down neighborhoods.They've spent months watching listings.They're not usually starting the process.They're trying to finish it.And that's one reason summer buyers often move faster than people expect.Are Summer Home Buyers Serious?Yes. Many summer buyers are highly motivated and often closer to making a decision than spring buyers.Spr...
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By Teri Isner, GRI, CRS, CIPS
(Keller Williams Realty at the Lakes)
When most people think about buying a home, they focus on the mortgage—the monthly payment, interest rate, and down payment. While those factors matter, homeownership offers benefits that go far beyond the numbers.As a real estate professional serving Orlando and Central Florida, I've seen firsthand how owning a home can positively impact families for years to come.Putting Down Roots Homeownership creates a sense of stability that renting often can't provide. It gives you the freedom to personalize your space, build relationships with neighbors, and become part of a community. Whether you're settling into Lake Nona, Winter Garden, or another Central Florida neighborhood, owning a home helps turn a place into a true home. Building Long-Term Wealth For many families, a home is one of thei...
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By Peter Mohylsky, Broker, Call me at 850-517-7098
(Property Management Inc.-Destin)
Buying a home comes with a timeline that looks a little different for everyone.  I get asked the question ALOT.  🏡The home search itself can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, depending on your needs, budget, and what’s available in the market.Once you’re under contract, the path to closing can move quickly or take a bit longer based on the details of the transaction.If you’re ready to start the process and want expert guidance from search to sold, send me a message and let’s chat!#thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a060926 #investment #dreamhome
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Buyer 101: My 3 Biggest Buyer Mistakes  Early in my career I was SO EXCITED!!! Too much so. Taking classes, going to seminars, traveling to builder conventions, the opportunities for achieving success were endless. I do admit that when it came to real life experience, I fell short, ignoring some obvious issues and common-sense boundaries.   My rose-colored glasses told me “it would work out.” Spoiler alert...it didn’t, resulting in wasted time and resources. Those experiences taught me more about buyer representation and expectations than any class ever could.  Here are the 3 biggest mistakes I made with home buyers:   A woman called and wanted to see homes in a certain price range. She asked me to meet her at her house so we could head out together. When I arrived, her husband (who had...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
It’s more common than people realize that after a home sells, either the seller or the buyer may request that MLS photos be removed. The reasons almost always come down to privacy, security, or personal protection.For sellers, interior photos can reveal floor plans, entry points, valuables, or smart‑home equipment. Once the home is no longer on the market, many prefer that this information isn’t publicly searchable. For buyers, removing photos helps protect their family’s privacy, especially if children’s bedrooms, security systems, or unique home features are visible online.There are clear advantages to taking photos down: reduced risk of burglary, less exposure of personal belongings, and greater control over one’s digital footprint. It also prevents future tenants, guests, or strange...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Listing 101: The 3 BIG Mistakes That Cost Me Early in my career, I made some mistakes with listings that taught more than any coaching or mentor ever could, actual life experience. New to the industry, not knowing what to expect and wanting the business so badly that I sometimes remained quiet. Hoping for the best. To my detriment. The result? Wasted time, lost money and listings that went nowhere.Here’s 3 examples of my early experiences: Early in my career, a couple played me perfectly. They wanted a 30-day listing and promised I’d be their lifelong agent for multiple future deals and got me to slash my commission. Yes, I was a hungry newbie! The home was overpriced by at least $75K. I poured time and money into open houses while they remained in the house, chatting up every visitor. ...
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