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 is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Registration is open at hrbykaren.com for the virtual seminar, “Mental Health in the Workplace” on March 30, 2023 from 8 - 9:00 a.m. The virtual seminar is open to all businesses and individuals. The presenters are Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP and Kim LaMontagne. an expert advocate for mental health in the workplace. Shepherd is the founder of HR by Karen, LLC, a human resources consulting company. Shepherd is also a Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management and immediate past president of SHRM-HR Collier. LaMontagne is a teacher and state trainer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness.   Shepherd and LaMontagne will address ...
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By Randy Mitchelson,APR, First Impressions are made at First Click
(Marketing Advisor & Squeeze Mortgage)
Registration is open at hrbykaren.com for the virtual seminar, “Mental Health in the Workplace” on March 30, 2023 from 8 - 9:00 a.m. The virtual seminar is open to all businesses and individuals. The presenters are Karen Shepherd, MSHR, SHRM-CP and Kim LaMontagne. an expert advocate for mental health in the workplace. Shepherd is the founder of HR by Karen, LLC, a human resources consulting company. Shepherd is also a Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management and immediate past president of SHRM-HR Collier. LaMontagne is a teacher and state trainer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Shepherd and LaMontagne will address mental health and well-being in the workplace.  With 1 in 5 people living with a mental health condition, it is imperative that ...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Everyday AgencyLogic shares real estate podcasts from industry leaders and visionaries.  Here are this weeks podcasts: Real Estate Podcast: Where, When, and How to Ask for Customer Reviews Real Estate Podcast: How to Supercharge Your Business With AI Real Estate Podcast: How to Lead a Real Estate Brokerage in a Competitive Changing Market Real Estate Podcast: 3 Winning Deals in 2023 (And Where You Can Find Them!) Real Estate Podcast: Video as a Lead Generating Machine
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
I always appreciate when clients give me reviews. In all fairness I provide the same quality service to all my clients. Not everyone takes the time to write reviews. So, with that said I am truly grateful for the kindness my seller did by writing a public review. Hamidi 2409 N Beverly Glen Blvd Los Angeles CA 90077 in 2022 Overall rating    5 Stars Market expertise   5 Stars Responsiveness    5 Stars Negotiation skills   5 Stars Professionalism & Communication 5 Stars Most efficient and a lot of hard work Truly the best realtor that I have had!!!!! Well, this is great for me from a getting the word out, since it is on Realtor.com Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Bever...
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With the ever-increasing Zoom meetings, it is important to establish professional decorum for these events. When all participants follow some simple guidelines, everyone can enjoy video conferencing. However, it only takes one or two people choosing to deviate from some basic good manners. Here are the top Zooming infractions that can wreak havoc on a meeting: Eating or drinking while on camera. Not only is this distracting, but it is also just plain unnecessary.  Too much movement. This becomes more of an issue when there are many participants. But overall, a general rule is to try and remain still as this is less distracting for all. Talking on your cell phone. Seriously! Just don't do it. Give the presenter your attention. If you cannot pay attention, don't attend the meeting. Prese...
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By Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
Are you an experienced real estate agent looking to expand your skills and perspectives? Consider reverse mentorship - a concept in which a less experienced person mentors a more experienced one. Here are some examples of how an experienced real estate agent could benefit from reverse mentorship:  Learning about new technologies: Younger colleagues are often more comfortable using new technologies and can teach you about the latest tools and platforms that can help you better serve your clients.  Improving your social media presence:  If you're not as comfortable with social media, a younger colleague can teach you about the latest trends and best practices.  Building relationships with younger clients: Millennials and Gen Z are now the largest groups of homebuyers, and they have differ...
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Yesterday, we experienced a terrible hailstorm that moved through our area very quickly. I received a call from one of my agents who is working with her client to close on her home tomorrow. The concern, of course, is how they proceed in light of the potential damage to the roof. No matter what type of damage a home receives while it is on the market and prior to closing is still a concern for the current owner. The new buyer has the right to have all damages inspected prior to closing on the home. In this case, with a closing scheduled so quickly after the damage, due diligence is paramount. 1. Contact the listing agent to make sure the Seller is aware of the situation. Some Sellers may be out of town or as investors, don't live in the home. 2. Discuss the potential need for a closing...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Back in 2017 I listed three islands in the Potomac River  consisting of 108 acres between Clear Spring, Maryland, and Falling Waters, West Virginia. After tremendous publicity in the media for a unique listing the State of Maryland submitted a letter of intent to purchase the land. During their extensive title search they uncovered that in the early 1900s one-half of the interest in the property was sold to Western Maryland Railway to build piers for a bridge. The sale was never recorded in the Washington County land records or reflected on the state tax card information. My Seller purchased the islands back in the 1980s as a novelty purchase and did not think title insurance was necessary since the property had transferred a few times without any issues. Sometime in the 1980s Western ...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
You are unique. People like you, care about you and Love you. No one else can be you so why not be You? I see this identity problem much as "tell the truth and you don't have to remember what you said before". People are going to love or hate you know matter which face you present to them.Even if you are perfect some people will hate you.When I was a new agent I was surprised at how many disingenuous people worked in the business. However the longer I was in the business I could see most of the successful agents were themselves 100% of the time. Those who had split or multiple personalities usually washed out within 5 years. I can say that the vast majority of my friends here in the Rain are consistently themselves.If you are a new agent I encourage you to be you 100% of the time. Not e...
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By Sharlene Mulchandani, Property Management Software
(Innago)
Making rent payments smoothly and securely is essential for every landlord, real estate investor, and tenant. In a digital age where convenience reigns king, it’s no surprise that some landlords consider offering PayPal or Venmo as an option for rental payments. But before you use either of these payment platforms for your rental property management needs, you should be aware of the potential pitfalls that could crop up down the road. This blog post will explain why PayPal and Venmo may not offer the most secure options to collect rent from tenants, so keep reading if you want to avoid any future complications with collecting rent.Overview of why landlords should avoid using Paypal and Venmo for rent paymentsPaypal and Venmo may be an attractive option for landlords to consider when col...
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By Sharlene Mulchandani, Property Management Software
(Innago)
Navigating tenant late rent payments can be a trying experience for landlords and real estate investors alike. According to recent data from the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies, effective management of tenants’ late payment fees is critical in maintaining steady cash flow and reducing financial burden on renters. In this blog post, we will discuss how landlords can waive late fees on rent payments - both legally and fairly - so that everyone involved gets the best outcome possible. We also provide strategies for doing so in ways that protect your ability to collect timely rental payments in order to generate consistent revenue streams while keeping tenants happy. By following these steps, you are sure to create an equitable environment where everybody has a chance at...
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By Steve Vondran, IP Lawyer for the Real Estate Industry
(The Law Offices of Steven C. Vondran, P.C.)
Attorney Steve® Photo Infringement News for Real Estate ProfessionalsMy law firm is a boutique intellectual property law firm with a strong focus on copyright issues, including photographs and drone videos.   We are seeing more and more disputes involving the use of unlicensed photographs.  I wanted to set forth a few things I am seeing lately and provide a few general tips.1.   All images are subject to copyright (even if you do not see a copyright symbol on the photo or video).  Typically, it is the one who shot the photo who has the rights.  If you want to use that photo/video then you need to get permission, or a "license" as its called.  If you do not, and you post a picture on your brokerage website, or on a social media channel like Instagram or Facebook, you need to realize you ...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
We are all certain that the only constant thing is change, and leading a brokerage in a changing competitive market is a role that only real leaders can endure. In today's Real Estate Podcast, from the aptly named The Real Estate Podcast, Matt and Alex chat about the importance of consistency in your day-to-day life and how risk is a part of your decision-making as a business owner. They bring to the table the changes that a brokerage puts up with to be competitive in this constantly changing economy. Listen to real estate experts talk about where the current real estate markets are changing and how you need to lead with confidence to make the right decisions.
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Yesterday, we experienced a terrible hailstorm that moved through our area very quickly. I received a call from one of my agents who is working with her client to close on her home tomorrow. The concern, of course, is how they proceed in light of the potential damage to the roof.No matter what type of damage a home receives while it is on the market and prior to closing is still a concern for the current owner. The new buyer has the right to have all damages inspected prior to closing on the home. In this case, with a closing scheduled so quickly after the damage, due diligence is paramount.1. Contact the listing agent to make sure the Seller is aware of the situation. Some Sellers may be out of town or as investors, don't live in the home.2. Discuss the potential need for a closing ext...
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By Buzz Mackintosh, “Experience, reliable, leadership”
(Mackintosh REALTORS)
Back in 2017 I listed three islands in the Potomac River  consisting of 108 acres between Clear Spring, Maryland, and Falling Waters, West Virginia. After tremendous publicity in the media for a unique listing the State of Maryland submitted a letter of intent to purchase the land. During their extensive title search they uncovered that in the early 1900s one-half of the interest in the property was sold to Western Maryland Railway to build piers for a bridge.The sale was never recorded in the Washington County land records or reflected on the state tax card information. My Seller purchased the islands back in the 1980s as a novelty purchase and did not think title insurance was necessary since the property had transferred a few times without any issues. Sometime in the 1980s Western Ma...
Comments 35
By Sharlene Mulchandani, Property Management Software
(Innago)
As a landlord, you want to make sure that you are collecting rent in the most efficient and effective way possible. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to collect rent in 2023. We will also provide some tips on how to streamline your rent collection process so that it is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you are a new landlord or an experienced one, this blog post will provide valuable information on how to collect rent in the most efficient way possible. Thanks for reading!Get an online rent collection systemAs a landlord, one of the best ways to collect rent is online. This is because online rent collection is convenient for both you and your tenants. online rent collection is also paperless, so you don't have to worry about losing important documents...
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By Sharlene Mulchandani, Property Management Software
(Innago)
There are a few different ways that you can sign leases for your rental properties. You can do it online, through a third-party service, or in person. Each method has its own set of pros and cons, so it's important to choose the one that's best for you and your tenants. In this blog post, we'll go over the different lease signing options and give you some tips on how to make the process as smooth as possible.Get to know your tenantWhen it comes to online lease signing, getting to know your tenants is essential. By learning about the parties who will be living in your rental property, you can assess their credentials more accurately and determine whether they are a good fit for your requirements as a landlord. The best leasing practices entail taking some time to learn about each tenant'...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Plenty of small businesses would like to be able to grow faster. But it can be difficult in competitive markets. This infographic, the final part in a four part series, from Ondeck serves as a guide to growth hacking for small businesses (here is part 1, part 2 and part 3): 
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By Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
As a real estate agent, you need high-quality photographs that will capture the attention of potential buyers and help sell properties faster.Here are some helpful tips on choosing a photographer:  Do your research. The first step in hiring the best real estate photographer is to do your research. Begin by reviewing their portfolio and reviews; ask other agents for referrals or recommendations.  Check if they specialize in real estate photography. Great real estate photography requires more than just technical skills. It also requires creativity and an eye for detail. Look for a photographer who can capture unique and stunning angles of your property. A creative and specialized photographer can make your listings stand out from the rest.  Check their equipment. Make sure that the photog...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
I was interviewing a young woman in my office the other day. She is not new to real estate but has been out of the business for some time. As I was sharing my business model, she was surprised at the differences between various small, real estate brokerages.It really is important to know the right questions to ask if you are considering a boutique brokerage. Knowing the questions to ask is imperative. Does the broker of the company compete with leads with the agents? Many agents don't think to ask this question and then are caught off guard when the best leads go to the broker. Of course, the broker has that right but it is important to understand upfront. Does the broker have family members in their firm? Understanding if family members are part of the company is important. I have witn...
Comments 12
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