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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 Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com)
This summer will make 20 years since I started in real estate, and while a lot has changed, a lot of the fundamentals haven't.It's a people business.It's a numbers game.And there's absolutely no reason to reinvent the wheel for much of what we do.  That doesn't mean continuous improvement shouldn't stay front and center, but there's also no need to start from scratch when you're in the 1,268th iteration of a certain task.To deal with what I have on my daily plate, I have to effectively use my time, and one of the ways to do that is to standardize some tasks.  That's one of the places blogging can come in handy.Do you have FAQ posts written and ready to reference?  Whether you copy them to an email or just send a link, when I get a home owner asking for their home's photos to be removed ...
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Growing your real estate sales means mastering your “book of business.”  You should have a goal to grow your database each year.   Growing your real estate sales means mastering your “book of business.”  You should have a goal to grow your database each year. In almost every one-on-one session I do with an agent, I bring up this topic. Agents tend to focus on marketing vs. prospecting (as I did as an agent... no judgement here). When I'm sitting with an agent or especially a team leader, I try to postpone that "shiny toy" conversation for a few minutes in favor of talking them through the idea that they're building something... so why don't we look at what they have built so far and what might their 2017 etc goals be? "Oh, so it looks like you have about 156 people in your database? Let...
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By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor
(Real Broker, LLC)
Tuesday, Feb. 201 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT  How To Farm Digitally: Geo Farming Mastermind with Ryan Adams and Special Guest Jeremy Knight   A great class on geographic farming.   If you would like to attend, shoot me an email.
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By Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist
(KW Elite )
    When teaching Real Estate Sales I talk about the Four Foundations of your Business. One of these is your Database , which will become your Book of Business. Shockingly 90 % of Realtors will reach Retirement with nothing to sell . The primary reason for this , they’ve never organized their Business using a Database !       Another key point is a new agent needs to be conscious of the need to feed and build their Database on a daily basis. A key number is 2,000.A Database of 2,000 names of cultivated consumers should produce 40 closings per year ( 50 to 1 ratio) . We must be Proactive in accomplishing this crucial goal . Enjoy Jeff’s post on how to  !  Growing your real estate sales means mastering your “book of business.”  You should have a goal to grow your database each year. In al...
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By Keith Kyle, Top Producing Agent
(Vista Sotheby's International)
I'm not sure about your local market, but in my area we have specific days for various neighborhoods for brokers open houses/broker tours to see new listings. When I have a listing I certainly take full advantage and want as many brokers and agents to see the home as possible.  While it's primarily for local realtors, I am more than happy when a potential buyer, or even just a neighbor comes by.  My goal is to sell the house, and the more that see it, the more likely we'll quickly find a buyer.  I recently went to another agent's "broker's open" and this was the sign at the front.  Although I wasn't familiar with the agent, he couldn't have been nicer or more friendly so that wasn't the reason behind the sign.  I'm sure there are various opinions, and reasons for them, but for me at a b...
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By Tammy Lankford,, Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville
(Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668)
In today's world most of time you can scan (even with your phone) and send documents via email with little effort.  But from time to time you talk to someone who says "we can't do that".  Recently a friend who was moving wanted her children's shot records for getting them into school quickly when they moved.  The doctor's office said they had no way to email them to her, upload them to a portal for her to print, they could mail them or fax them.  A quick text to me asking if I had a fax machine, then when I answered yes allowed this mom to have the documents sent to me and I in turn scanned and emailed them to her and she had them in minutes instead of taking time away from packing to drive to pick them up to a doctor's office an hour away.  And she has them in her email so they are in ...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
The 2024 Spring Market has Sprung Today I want to talk about our spring market, because spring has sprung! There is a very busy market out there. If you look at open house attendance, it is up. If you look at pending numbers, pending numbers are up in most areas. People want to buy. They have been waiting too long to buy. Also, while interest rates are just holding still, people are finding ways to get out of the homes that they haven't wanted to stay in. This past year, 2023, has been a year that I would describe as a Year-in-Limbo. However, this 2024 is already shaping up to be an active year. What I want you to do is to go into your MLS and find out for yourself what is happening in your area. There are three things that I want you to look for: Sales, Days-on-Market, & List-to-Sale ...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
The 2024 Spring Market has Sprung Today I want to talk about our spring market, because spring has sprung! There is a very busy market out there. If you look at open house attendance, it is up. If you look at pending numbers, pending numbers are up in most areas. People want to buy. They have been waiting too long to buy. Also, while interest rates are just holding still, people are finding ways to get out of the homes that they haven't wanted to stay in. This past year, 2023, has been a year that I would describe as a Year-in-Limbo. However, this 2024 is already shaping up to be an active year. What I want you to do is to go into your MLS and find out for yourself what is happening in your area. There are three things that I want you to look for: Sales, Days-on-Market, & List-to-Sale ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
It's up to each one of us to breathe new life into business to remain successful.   Nerdin Gardens: A Moving Story   My grandson was visiting for several weeks and enjoyed playing near the home garden, when all of a sudden he came rushing into the house, breathless, yelling, "Gma...I found a dead cat outside."   Perplexed, I asked, "How do you know it is dead!?" He said, "Because I pissed in its ear and it didn't move."   "You did what?!", I was shocked!   "You know," explained my grandson.   "I bent over and went Pssssst...and it didn't move!"   Tie-in to the real estate industry: It's up to each one of us to breathe new life into business to remain successful. If the market is slow, find ways to get in front of past clients, new buyers and sellers. Create a pipeline, remain Top of Min...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Nerdin Gardens: A Moving Story My grandson was visiting for several weeks and enjoyed playing near the home garden, when all of a sudden he came rushing into the house, breathless, yelling, "Gma...I found a dead cat outside." Perplexed, I asked, "How do you know it is dead!?"He said, "Because I pissed in its ear and it didn't move." "You did what?!", I was shocked! "You know," explained my grandson. "I bent over and went Pssssst...and it didn't move!" Tie-in to the real estate industry:It's up to each one of us to breathe new life into business to remain successful. If the market is slow, find ways to get in front of past clients, new buyers and sellers. Create a pipeline, remain Top of Mind, otherwise, people will assume you are no longer practicing real estate. Pssssst...That could me...
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By Dan Dee McGinnis The Pumpkin Man, The Pumpkin Man
(HomeSmart)
Have you ever thought about the habits you have? I was thinking of this while sitting in the dentist chair and the dentist sticking a needle which felt like it was eight inches long into my gum. Think of five habits you have that are good, and think of five habits you have that are bad. Think you don't have any bad habits? Ask your spouse, our your best friend. When you think about it you can make a big positive change in your life. Some positive examples for good habits:Read something positive for 15 minutes every dayCall a friend every dayMail a thank you to someone every dayEat healthier beginning now than you have in the pastThink how happier changing bad habits to good habits can make you happier and possibly make you more money. Real estate agents, think about your habits and how ...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Your real estate business plan is the foundation of your business. It’s your guide through the darkness, the map that tells you what you will do every day to be exactly where you want to be in one year, five years, and even ten years from now.If you’re not running your business off of a well-crafted real estate business plan, you’re holding yourself back. But that raises the question: Where do you start when putting together your plan?In today’s Real Estate Podcast, from The Tom Ferry Podcast Experience, Tom shares a webinar he did recently in which he walks you through the seven sections of an effective real estate business plan and how to fill them out.AgencyLogic shares the best real estate podcasts daily. Click here for more great podcasts! 
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By Matt Helganz
(Meridian Capital Real Estate)
Welcome, fellow landlords, to the ever-evolving landscape of property management in Los Angeles in 2024. Navigating the responsibilities and challenges of being a landlord in this dynamic city requires a blend of knowledge, adaptability, and strategic planning. Whether you're a seasoned property owner or just dipping your toes into the rental market, here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the ins and outs of being a landlord in Los Angeles this year. First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the latest laws and regulations governing landlord-tenant relationships in the city. Los Angeles has strict rent control ordinances and tenant protection laws that are continually updated to address the evolving needs of renters. Stay informed about any changes or updates to these reg...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Discover how youth sports can influence real estate decisions, from choosing a neighborhood with great sports facilities to the impact of local sports culture on property values. Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP As a mother and grandmother who has sat through many, many Little League games, it suddenly hit me that there are many similarities between our tiniest of athletes and the "sport" of real estate. And, any of you who have navigated the "game" of real estate, you fully understand the ups and downs of this business. There are days we sit back and enjoy the game while there are other days that are nail-biters, overtime, and exhaustion. Here are my observations regarding Little League sports and real estate: ⚾️CALLING THE SHOTS - We all know "those" parents/grand...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
From understanding emerging technologies to mastering marketing strategies, this guide offers insights into the key areas of focus for ongoing education.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP A recent article in Inman sparked my attention given my experience in public, private and corporate education.  The author shared 11 things he wished were taught to real estate agents in real estate school. Given the high drop out rate of licensed real estate professionals, this list is good, but fails to address what I have observed. #1 Missing Piece – Know the Sales Process Far too many wanna be agents have zero to limited sales experience.  Real estate is first and foremost about sales and requires a thorough understanding of the entire sales process. #2 Missing Piece – The Realit...
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By Hugh Grant, I help investors and consumers with real estate
(RealMax Realty)
A few hundred years ago, the best tools we had to fight fires were bucket brigades. But nowadays, fires are much rarer, and we have much more sophisticated tools for preventing and suppressing them. How did fire prevention and suppression become so accessible? And what's the best way to utilize these tools?The State of Modern Fire Prevention/SuppressionFire prevention and fire suppression have evolved considerably over the course of humanity’s development. Today, we have more tools, strategies, and knowledge than ever before; when used properly, this collection of resources can prevent the vast majority of fires and deal with any anomalies that break out.For example:·       Diversity of products. If you conduct a brief online search, you'll quickly realize just how many thousands of fir...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
When selling a home, many states require real estate property disclosure. This requirement usually happens because of lawsuits where the sellers failed to disclose known property defects or what are also identified as known material facts.In AZ, the AZ Association of REALTORS® has a copyrighted, eight page disclosure document that has been approved by lawyers. This document, Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (for homes) or Vacant Land Seller's Property Disclosure Statement   is alignment with current state statues as well as outcomes from past lawsuits.Years ago, I had the opportunity to list a manufactured home. This residential listing opportunity was a referral from a friend, now a client as well.After touring both inside the home and outside the property, I asked if there was a...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
 From understanding credit reports to implementing effective repair strategies, embark on your journey towards homeownership with confidence. Don't miss out on this essential resource for achieving your real estate goals through credit repair.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP   For many individuals and families, owning a home is a key part of the American Dream. But what happens when your credit score isn't ready for the mortgage approval process? Credit repair becomes your beacon of hope. This blog post is dedicated to those seeking to repair their credit, specifically homebuyers who are considering working with the Carey team. At no cost to you, the Carey team offers credit repair guidance aimed at making you mortgage-ready. This is not just about simple advice; it...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Fraud on the Rise with Vacant Land ListingsIn this electronic age, there are more and more opportunities for those who would wreak havoc on our lives to do so and those who would find ways to defraud us of those things we own.  I've gotten several requests from would-be sellers to list and sell vacant land recently.  But, upon doing my due diligence it seemed that the inquiring party did not have the authority to sell the property. So, to avoid heartache and grief when listing land here are some tips to help. Request a copy of and review the owner’s government-issued photo ID before signing the listing agreement, be sure you have this for all parties on title and if one or more parties are deceased be sure to get a copy of the death certificate and any will or documentation to show that...
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By Robb Harpster & Tera Barker, Residential real estate services in Central Ohio
(Century 21 Excellence Realty)
 For many individuals and families, owning a home is a key part of the American Dream. But what happens when your credit score isn't ready for the mortgage approval process? Credit repair becomes your beacon of hope. This blog post is dedicated to those seeking to repair their credit, specifically homebuyers who are considering working with the Carey team. At no cost to you, the Carey team offers credit repair guidance aimed at making you mortgage-ready. This is not just about simple advice; it's about hands-on strategies and personalized support from knowledgeable professionals who understand that repairing credit is not a one-size-fits-all journey.The Fundamentals of Credit RepairThe journey to improving your credit score often begins with understanding that significant change doesn't...
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