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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 Mark Coppens, Luxury Referrals. Pay at Closing.
(LuxeScale | Luxury Referral Program)
Why the Agents Who Ask Better Questions Win More ListingsQuick AnswerThe highest-performing Realtors don't have better presentations. They ask better questions.If you sit through enough listing appointments, you'll notice a pattern.Average agents arrive prepared to talk.Elite agents arrive prepared to listen.That's because homeowners rarely hire the Realtor who knows the most.They hire the Realtor who understands them the best.Understanding doesn't come from talking.It comes from asking thoughtful questions.Question: Should Realtors Talk More or Listen More During a Listing Appointment?Short AnswerListen more. Much more.Most agents believe they need to impress the homeowner.The best agents believe they need to understand the homeowner.That single mindset shift changes the entire appoint...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Today I rented out this adorable townhouse in Northbridge MA.Talk about pride of ownership, my client, the landlord, purchased this four-family property years ago and has taken exceptional care of it ever since. Every part of the place has been thoughtfully maintained and improved under his ownership.The unit I just rented was recently vacated by a long-term tenant, and the owner went all out refreshing and updating the place. We’re talking fresh paint, tray ceilings in the kitchen with recessed lighting, a redesigned half bathroom, refinished wood floors, a new water heater and furnace, and a full paint job throughout.This two-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom townhouse comes with assigned parking for two and stunning landscaping, thanks to a tenant with an incredible green thumb. Her back courtya...
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By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
🏡📉 Pending Home Sales Post the Steepest Monthly Drop of 2026 📉🏡The latest housing data is in, and pending home sales took a significant step back in June as affordability challenges continued to impact buyers.📊 June 2026 Pending Home Sales🏠 Pending Home Sales Index: 72.5📉 Down 5.4% from May📉 Down 0.3% compared to one year agoWhat's driving the slowdown?💰 Record-high median existing home price of approximately $441,000📈 Mortgage rates hovering around 6.5%–6.65%🏡 Higher monthly payments making affordability more challenging—especially for first-time buyers.Regional Snapshot🔻 Northeast: -3.0% month-over-month | +2.2% year-over-year🔻 Midwest: -8.9% month-over-month | +0.3% year-over-year🔻 South: -4.1% month-over-month | -0.9% year-over-year🔻 West: -4.7% month-over-month | -1.1% year-over-ye...
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By Chris Donis, Bi-lingual Real Estate Expert
(Team Alpha Charlie of Douglas Realty, LLC)
If you've been house hunting in Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, Howard County, or Baltimore County, you've probably spent plenty of time calculating your monthly mortgage payment. That's important—but it's only part of the picture.One of the biggest surprises for first-time buyers isn't qualifying for the loan. It's discovering there are several expenses between getting your offer accepted and getting the keys that they didn't know to plan for.I've had conversations with buyers who were financially ready to own a home but underestimated the cash they'd need at closing. The good news? Most of these costs aren't surprises when you know what to expect. Planning ahead can make the entire process much less stressful.Here's what Maryland buyers should have on their radar before making...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
WORK doesn't take a vacation due to the weather, HOT or cold. It continues to need to be addressed.I don't need to tell you that it's summer and it's hot.While I typically shower every morning I have found that during these 90 and 100 degree days I have to shower at least twice a day. I fear people saying "Bob stinks!".As professionals dealing with the public I think it's a must to step up our grooming habits, especially those of us who believe in dressing as professional business people (business casual not so much).What I am going to say is just basic truth. 99% of the  basic grooming products from Walmart or The Dollar Tree are just fine. When you know you are going to be exposed to the extreme heat that we are experiencing step it up and break out that expensive soap, body wash, and...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
When you’re preparing to close on a home in Massachusetts, timing is everything. One of the most overlooked, but absolutely critical, parts of the process is securing all final municipal and utility statements and mandatory certifications. These documents confirm that the seller has paid all outstanding balances and that the property meets required safety standards. Without them, even the most well‑planned closing can come to a screeching halt.The typical final readings and certifications needed in Massachusetts include: Final oil reading Final water/sewer reading Municipal Lien Certificate (MLC) Smoke detector & carbon monoxide certification 6D Certificate for condos (verifying the unit’s financial standing with the association) Each of these items plays a role in protecting both the b...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
I have been playing around with AI a bit. As we are moving into a new home, I wanted to visualize some furniture changes. I was able to take a picture of the living room and then pull in pictures of the furnishings, etc. In a matter of minutes, the room was transformed before my eyes.It got me thinking how cool it would be to help our clients use these tools to help them visualize their own furnishings in a new space. What a powerful way to help clients who are having a difficult time imagining the home looking like their own, be able to really see how it could look firsthand!And, if AI is not something your clients like to use, what a fantastic service you could provide to them as they consider different properties. I am going to start using this in the future. I really believe it coul...
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By Mark Coppens, Luxury Referrals. Pay at Closing.
(LuxeScale | Luxury Referral Program)
Build a Community Your Ideal Clients Actually Want to JoinQuick AnswerThe highest-performing Facebook groups for Realtors usually aren't about real estate. They're about the lifestyle, interests, and problems of the people who will eventually need real estate.If your goal is to attract more listings, buyers, referrals, and long-term relationships, stop building communities around homes.Start building communities around homeowners.Question: Do Facebook Groups Still Generate Real Estate Leads?Short AnswerYes. When they're built around people instead of properties.Despite the growth of AI search, YouTube, and Instagram, Facebook Groups remain one of the most underutilized free lead generation strategies available to Realtors.Why?Because people join communities long before they hire profess...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
When a home inspection leads to a buyer’s repair request, smart negotiation becomes essential. The goal is always the same: keep the deal moving while protecting the seller’s bottom line. The first step is evaluating the size, cost, and urgency of each repair. For minor issues like loose handrails, small plumbing drips, and cosmetic flaws, it’s often reasonable for a seller to decline the request entirely. Most buyers expect a lived‑in home to have normal wear and tear.For moderate repairs, offering a credit toward closing costs or a small price reduction is often the cleanest solution. Credits avoid the hassle of scheduling contractors, and buyers appreciate the flexibility to handle repairs their own way. This approach works well when repairs are not urgent but exceed what feels “mino...
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By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
By Sam Thomas One of the biggest misconceptions I see in real estate is this:“The seller will always take the highest offer.”Sometimes he will.Sometimes he won’t.What’s interesting is that sellers are often solving a problem that buyers can’t see.Maybe he needs two extra weeks before moving into his next home. Maybe he needs a fast closing because another transaction is already under contract. Maybe he’s trying to avoid moving twice. Maybe he simply wants certainty and less stress.That’s where people get into trouble. They focus only on price and completely ignore the seller’s timeline.Why Sellers Don’t Always Choose the Highest OfferHomes do not automatically sell to the highest bidder anymore.In today’s DFW market, sellers are evaluating much more than the number at the top of the con...
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By Mark Coppens, Luxury Referrals. Pay at Closing.
(LuxeScale | Luxury Referral Program)
Why the Best Listing Agents Earn Trust Before They Ever Ring the DoorbellQuick AnswerThe listing appointment isn't where you should be trying to convince a homeowner to hire you.Today's sellers have likely already searched your name on Google, read your reviews, visited your website, looked at your Zillow profile, watched your videos, and in many cases, asked AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude about choosing the right Realtor.By the time they invite you into their home, they should already believe you're qualified.The purpose of the appointment has changed.It's no longer about proving you're the right Realtor.It's about confirming the trust you've already built and understanding the client's motivations so you can create the right strategy for them.Question: Are Listing Presentati...
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By David John Medendorp, CCIM, GRI, Investments, Waterfront Homes, Muskegon
(Medendorp Real Estate Group Muskegon )
Here are ready-to-use prompts, organized by topic. Copy them as-is into Claude (or any AI) and fill in the bracketed details. Home sale tax consequences “I’m a homeowner considering selling my primary residence. Walk me through how the capital gains exclusion works for a home sale (the amount]. Explain in plain language, and flag anything I should ask a CPA about.” “Explain the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains as they apply to selling a house that isn’t my primary residence (investment/second home). Include how depreciation recapture works if I’ve rented it out.” “I’m 62 and thinking about selling my home to downsize. Explain how the sale proceeds could affect my Medicare premiums (IRMAA) two years from now, and how it might affect taxation of my Social Security...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Selecting a tenant for a residential rental isn’t just about paperwork - it’s about people. While a thorough application, background check, credit review, and criminal history screening are essential, they don’t tell the whole story. One of the most underrated but powerful tools in the tenant‑selection process is the simple meet‑and‑greet.Meeting prospective tenants face‑to‑face gives you insight no report can capture. You observe how they communicate, how they carry themselves, and whether they show respect for your time and your property. Sometimes you get an immediate gut feeling, good or bad, and that instinct is worth paying attention to. Landlords often say they “just knew” which applicant was the right fit after a brief conversation.Your intuition shouldn’t replace proper screeni...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Radon is one of those hidden home hazards that buyers and homeowners often overlook, yet it’s one of the most important environmental tests you can perform. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it - which is exactly why monitoring matters. Long-term exposure to high radon levels is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, making testing a critical part of responsible homeownership and real estate due diligence.Testing is simple. A licensed professional places a radon monitor in the lowest livable level of the home — often a basement, but not always. The device measures radon levels over 48 hours or longer. Results are reported in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA rec...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
How to Evaluate a Steep Driveway Before BuyingIntroductionA steep driveway may come with privacy, elevation, and a beautiful mountain view, but buyers should understand how it will function in everyday life before making an offer.1. Look at the Driveway Surface Gravel, concrete, asphalt, or a combination Signs of rutting, loose gravel, cracking, or erosion Whether the surface provides enough traction during rain, frost, or icy weather Whether the steepest sections need additional traction or improvement 2. Check the Drainage Where stormwater flows Whether water crosses or runs down the driveway Condition of ditches, culverts, and drainage pipes Evidence of washouts or repeated repairs Whether melting ice or snow can drain safely without refreezing 3. Consider Your Vehicle Whether a low-...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Timmothy's cartoon today is easy to relate to Real Estate on many levels. Let's start with:Stinky HomesA home that stinks is NOT going to sell at the same price as comparable homes on the market. The stink makes your home not comparable. What makes a home stink? Pet smells and often food smells, i.e. greasy fried fish. I think it's important, as a Realtor, to point out that bad smells are not limited to "stinky" things. Most home buyers/shoppers recognize when air fresheners are being used to cover up stinky things.Stinky AttitudesKeep in mind that everyone has his/her day and a stinky attitude may not be a permanent or even semi-permanent thing, HOWEVER if you encounter that attitude from someone two or more times it may be time to move on to another: Realtor, Lender, Contractor, etc.T...
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By Mark Coppens, Luxury Referrals. Pay at Closing.
(LuxeScale | Luxury Referral Program)
How Luxury REALTORS® Get Listings: 10 Proven Strategies Top Agents UseDiscover how successful luxury real estate agents consistently attract high-end listings without relying solely on cold calling, internet leads, or expensive advertising.Luxury real estate often appears mysterious from the outside.Many newer agents assume top producers win luxury listings because they drive exotic cars, spend thousands on marketing, or have decades of experience.The reality is much different.The majority of successful luxury agents build their businesses through authority, relationships, reputation, and strategic positioning long before they're invited into a listing appointment.If you've ever asked questions like... How do luxury Realtors get listings? How do you break into luxury real estate? How do...
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By Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
Every real estate professional has been there: you capture a great new lead, feel a surge of excitement, and then… work happens. Life happens. Showings, client communication, paperwork, holidays, etc. It all gets in the way. And before you know it, that once hot lead has gone cold, lost to a competitor who simply followed up a little faster.According to a study by Harvard Business Review, companies that respond to leads within an hour are seven times more likely to qualify a lead than those who respond after an hour, and 60x more likely than those who wait 24 hours or more.This is the lead follow-up gap. And it’s not just frustrating, it’s costing you real deal, real revenue, and real growth. In this article, I’ll be covering everything you need to know about lead follow-up gaps and how...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I subscribe to the financial theory that competition is healthy. Physical competition should be left to the young, trained, professionals.We all have had complicated Real Estate transaction that left us wishing that we could be put is a boxing ring with our opponents (especially if our opponent was being held back by an ally like the picture above).Thank God that the world of Real Estate doesn't endorse  settling disputes in a boxing/wrestling ring. There would probably be a few Buyers and Sellers joining in that ring as well.I, for one, truly enjoyed the mental gymnastics involved in the diplomacy of Real Estate. There is no victory like the victory of moving from the thought... "are you F-ing Nuts" to "We've got a deal".On that note, I will add that the mental gymnastics involved can ...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Today, a new tenant is lucky to call 1C Hawthorne Village, Franklin, HOME!The new family will enjoy a spacious townhouse featuring four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a loft with a balcony overlooking the cozy living room with a fireplace. This property has so much to offer, and it took some time to find the perfect tenant willing to rent for more than a year - but we did it!When both the landlord and tenants are excited and get along wonderfully, you know it’s a perfect match.If you need an agent to help lease your investment property, give me a call - I’d be happy to help!
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