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 Debe Maxwell, CRS, The right Charlotte REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Motivational Monday - Accepting Reality (the Good AND the Bad) in Ourselves External factors have an impact on our motivation levels during our work days, the one thing WE can control is the attitude that we bring to the table each day. On Mondays, I feel strongly about how significant our own attitudes are! In our business, we all know that Mondays are often our most hectic days - the attorneys and many lenders, surveyors, inspectors…heck, almost all of our team is off over the weekend. Mondays are catch-up days, often requiring our firemen’s hats that day! One thing that can help get you through your days, especially Mondays, is to KNOW yourself - accept that you are human and that you have strengths and weaknesses. Many of us who are Type-A personalities, beat ourselves up, believing...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Lie Down With Dirty Dogs. Get Up Flea-Bitten. Growing up, a persistent, parental warning to be cautious of the company kept, set me straight, especially after a few trial and error examples. It also proved that associating with those of low reputation not only leads a person astray, it shows anyone in a most unscrupulous light. There is already enough nonsense taking place in the world, so, consider every consequence before becoming immersed or committed. Verify other people's motives, going beyond what is / is not said. A great deal of effort and energy go into running a business so it's paramount to value yourself, be mindful of the Code of Ethics, even if it means walking away because business standards do not align. As professionals, we have obligations to real estate law, rules and...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The right Charlotte REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Motivational Monday - Accepting Reality & Others in All You do Of course, external factors have an impact on our motivation levels during our work days, the one thing WE can control is the attitude that we bring to the table each day. On Mondays, I feel strongly about how significant our own attitudes are! In our business, we all know that Mondays are often our most hectic days - the attorneys and many lenders, surveyors, inspectors…heck, almost all of our team is off over the weekend. Mondays are catch-up days, often requiring our firemen’s hats that day! Based on my experience as a professional, my own attitude helps increase self-motivation and professional effectiveness, especially when it comes to judgement. Yes, MY judgement of others can impact my self-motivation.  The best advic...
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By Lise Howe, Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
This is a bit of a rant - but I think it is important to share anyway - although I know that NONE of us here in the Rain would be guilty of this transgression. I know a lender - who is very competent - but whom I work with only rarely.  He is great at working his sphere and staying in touch through calls and monthly letters which go out to hundreds of people.  His letters are not filled with mortgage news.  Instead they have pictures of his family and vacation spots and are filled with updates on what his boys are doing for sports and when they saw their extended family most recently.   Obviously he is trying to connect and stay in touch on a personal level - which of course is great.I got his most recent newsletter this week - it was filled with his usual information - where they went ...
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By Lise Howe, Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
As the market gets more challenging and there are more agents for less business agents should take these suggestions to heart.  There are great ideas which work for any kind of seller  at any price point.  Aside from successfully selling your home, your number one priority as the seller should always be to get the best price possible.  No matter how big or small your property is, there are plenty of ways to maximize what you have to get high offers rolling in.    Here are 35 ways you can get top dollar from your home.   Detach your emotions from the sale.   Because sometimes we hold back if we’re too attached to the home.   Avoid making renovations that will t affect the market value of your home.   Don’t make last-minute upgrades that are noticeable and potentially damaging.   Make you...
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THOSE Who SCREAM the LOUDEST are LOSERS.   Used to be that raising the voice was warranted when very dangerous situations occurred outside the scope of control, like falling through thin ice or getting too close to a live wire or warning a child of a hot stove top.   Now, it is used as a tool by many adults to be heard above all else, perhaps because they are not getting the desired control. Their tantrums are often, in-your-face, explosive, increasingly angry, and threatening tirades.   My advice: Ignore if possible. My grandfather always said, "Ignore a barking dog, it will go away." Usually, back then, it worked. Not so much in today's volatile society, where some people use this as a way of communicating.   Do not engage. Their behavior might anger you, becoming involved could wors...
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By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor with Real Broker, LLC
(Real Broker, LLC)
In this Today Matters Coaching video with Realtor Michael Mahoney, Mike explains how you need to stand guard at the door of your mind and have a PLAN and only a PLAN. If you are looking to kickstart your real estate career, need help or just want to mastermind with me, reach out. I love to talk about strategy.  See video    See video - click here 
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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 Top 5 Ways AI Can Help You In Real Estate Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in many industries, but one field that is particularly seeing the benefit of this technology is real estate. AI can help streamline the buying and selling process, improve the customer experience, and provide deep insights into the market. In this article, we will explore the top five ways that AI is helping to shape real estate today. From data analysis to improved marketing strategies, AI can be a powerful tool for success in any real estate endeavor. Read on to learn more about how AI can help you make the most out of your investments! Using AI To Help Write Blogs If y...
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By Greg Harrelson, Myrtle Beach Real Estate
(C21 The Harrelson Group / C21 Charleston Expert Advisors)
Top 5 Ways AI Can Help You In Real EstateArtificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in many industries, but one field that is particularly seeing the benefit of this technology is real estate. AI can help streamline the buying and selling process, improve the customer experience, and provide deep insights into the market. In this article, we will explore the top five ways that AI is helping to shape real estate today. From data analysis to improved marketing strategies, AI can be a powerful tool for success in any real estate endeavor. Read on to learn more about how AI can help you make the most out of your investments!Using AI To Help Write BlogsIf you're a real estate agent, there's a good chance you're always looking for new ways to market your properties and attract potenti...
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By Tommy Wyher, I am an freelance writer and professional marketer
(Husky Marketing)
Property management can be an incredible niche to build a career. The ability to manage commercial and residential properties is invaluable to the owners of these properties. Managing a very successful property that does not ever have vacancies can help you build a reputation. The small details are what really matter when it comes to renting out commercial property. Tenants staying for years will depend on rental prices along with the trajectory of their business. There might even be businesses that expand within the same office park due to massive success.  The following are things you’ll need to consider when trying to manage a commercial property effectively. Dumpster RentalKeeping the grounds of a commercial property clean is so important. You never know when a potential tenant is g...
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      Several times a year I am hired by 4 different Realtor Associations to teach a full day on Business  Planning . I have each participant introduce them- selves to the class and tell us what either their  niche is or Primarily Market is . Through the years I’ve been shocked by how many answer by saying - “Wherever My Car Takes Me .”         On Page One of our Seminar I warm up the  class with several quotes. Those that fail to plan , have planned to Fail !  Also , you can not hit a  Target that you do not have . Before we get to our Lunch Break, I introduce the concept of being  Purpose Driven . I then quote Zig Ziglar from his  Timeless Classic -See You at the Top. “ You will  never get anywhere as a Wandering Generality,  you Must Become a Meaningful Specific !”         To compet...
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January 2023 begins my 21st year in real estate.  Although I already had a broker license, in January 2012, I ventured out on my own as an independent real estate broker. There were many reasons I decided to become an independent real estate broker. Among them was the expectation that as an affiliate broker with a Big Box Brokerage, I was expected to do things that my moral and ethical compass would not do.  Being an independent real estate broker is not for everyone. I get that. Neither is owning a brokerage and managing agents.  I get that too because it is not something I have ever wanted to do. The real estate marketing that has worked for me may not work for others.  Real estate agents are not one size fits all. Our personalities and styles are different.  Adhering to real estate ...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
THOSE Who SCREAM the LOUDEST are LOSERS. Used to be that raising the voice was warranted when very dangerous situations occurred outside the scope of control, like falling through thin ice or getting too close to a live wire or warning a child of a hot stove top. Now, it is used as a tool by many adults to be heard above all else, perhaps because they are not getting the desired control. Their tantrums are often, in-your-face, explosive, increasingly angry, and threatening tirades. My advice:Ignore if possible. My grandfather always said, "Ignore a barking dog, it will go away." Usually, back then, it worked. Not so much in today's volatile society, where some people use this as a way of communicating. Do not engage. Their behavior might anger you, becoming involved could worsen the sit...
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By Stella Barbour, Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland
(NoVa Brokers LLC)
  Here is the scenario . . . Home listed, buyer agent puts offer in.  Listing agent says, we have multiple offers and will be reviewing soon.  Days later, Listing agents sends email, sorry your offer was 2nd best and we chose the best offer.  Buyer agent's response is thank you and good luck with your contract.   Weeks later . . . . buyer sees online that the property has sold and it was $1000 more than his offer.  buyer calls buyer agent and asks if they used our offer to bid a higher offer?  Buyer agent looks into it, agent did a dual agency and closed on the contract.  With the knowledge of buyer agent offer . . . the listing agent's contract was $1000 more.  Also, this property was on market for over 155 days before this happened. Not a sought after property but a property that need...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
There ARE bears in Real Estate you don't want to poke!Titus & Philemon are guinea pigs and I wouldn't be too afraid of them but if you are an even smaller guinea pig you might me. Now us humans might/should fear this:I don't remember the first time I heard "Don't poke the (sleeping) bear" and I also don't remember the first application where I did just that and found out exactly what those old words of wisdom meant.Drawing upon my years of Real Estate experience I can tell you, with certainty that there are bears that Buyers, Sellers, and Agents can poke and they to will find out exactly why you "Don't Poke The Bear". Poking the bear in Real Estate can change that sold sign to:Here are a few proven ways to poke the bear if you are the Buyer, Seller, or agent involved.Argue with the Lend...
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By Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist, Probate Real Estate
(KD Realty - 408.972.1822)
January 2023 begins my 21st year in real estate.  Although I already had a broker license, in January 2012, I ventured out on my own as an independent real estate broker.There were many reasons I decided to become an independent real estate broker. Among them was the expectation that as an affiliate broker with a Big Box Brokerage, I was expected to do things that my moral and ethical compass would not do. Being an independent real estate broker is not for everyone. I get that. Neither is owning a brokerage and managing agents.  I get that too because it is not something I have ever wanted to do.The real estate marketing that has worked for me may not work for others.  Real estate agents are not one size fits all. Our personalities and styles are different. Adhering to real estate laws,...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The right Charlotte REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
The Power of a Strong Online Presence: The #2 Best Marketing Practice for Real Estate Agents I have rallied for years that working your sphere is the KEY to success in this industry. I’ve written countless posts on this over the years so, I decided to get off of my soapbox for Alex & Anna’s January 2023 Challenge this month! So, with that, let’s dig into my #2…In today's digital age, second only to working your sphere religiously, having a strong online presence is the next most crucial marketing practice for real estate agents. As I’m sure you are aware, a recent study found that 92% of home buyers use the internet to find their next home, making an online presence essential for attracting and engaging potential clients. Here are the key components of a strong online presence for real ...
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By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor with Real Broker, LLC
(Real Broker, LLC)
In this Today Matters Coaching video with Realtor Michael Mahoney, Mike explains how hope is not a great strategy, although hope when made into an acronym and applied correctly can work.See 👀the video here 👉 https://lnkd.in/es53cPQpH.O.P.E stands for Habits, Opportunities, Potential and Execution. At the end of the chat by Mike, you will be presented a great video by Kara Lawson of the Duke Women's Basketball Team.If you are looking to kickstart you real estate career, need help or just want to mastermind with me, reach out.#realtor #career #team #realestate #coaching #strategy #opportunities #work #help
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Annoyed and Aggravated, What a greeting committee.Having walked into many professionals offices I hate to say that I have met Annoyed and Aggravated several times. Who knows why Annoyed and Aggravated were open for business and displaying their attitudes. Perhaps they were in the middle of texting, trying to find a human in customer service with their phone company... who knows?I'm guessing we have all greeted people with the wrong attitude at some time. I will raise my hand as guilty.Wouldn't this face be a lot more fun for your friends, family, and clients to be greeted by?Sometimes we need a reminder. Maybe a few smiling baby pictures in our work area might help. I need an attitude adjustment this morning after... you guessed it, trying to find a human in customer service with my pho...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Changing the Focus for SuccessWhen first taking a shot of this gorgeous southern Utah sunset, I thought the tree was in the way until adjusting the focus. Squatting to the ground, it became obvious that the tree is what makes this photo successful. A true standout!When progress becomes impeded, changing the point of view rather than accepting what is before you, is necessary. The solution might just be one step forward or one back, higher, lower or a mere turn away. Business requires adapting to whatever presents. Some days, everything can go well, while others are difficult, where everything becomes challenging. Knowing how to act or react appropriately determines the direction and by all means, set right the focus if finding yourself getting in the way! Happy Monday all!
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