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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
The "Motivation" Myth: Why Your Real Estate Business is Actually a Math ProblemMost real estate agents wake up every morning feeling like they have a motivation problem. They look at their empty calendar, their stagnant bank account, and the mounting pile of incomplete tasks, and they think: "I just need to get fired up. I need a better 'Why.' I need more coffee."Stop lying to yourself. In the SMART Program, we have a saying: A student does not have a “motivation problem” until the math says so.If you are an independent agent or a team leader wondering why you aren't hitting your targets, it’s time to stop looking at your vision board and start looking at your scorecard. Feelings are fickle, but the math is absolute.🔍 Diagnosing the Gap: The 3 Truths of Your ProductionWhen you stop hidi...
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A PERSONAL STORY  ·  BLIND SPOTS  ·  COACHINGThe Day I Sat in My Truck and Couldn’t Remember the Last Time I Made a CallI had convinced myself I was busy. I was. But busy and productive are two completely different things — and I didn’t know the difference until it almost cost me everything I had built.Brian SharkeyGRI Broker  ·  Rworld Educator of the Year 2022  ·  SharkeyRE LLCIt was a Tuesday morning in early November. I remember the month because the air in South Florida had finally dropped below eighty degrees and it felt like the whole state exhaled at once. I was sitting in my truck in a parking lot outside a title company, waiting for a closing that was running late. Coffee going cold in the cupholder. Phone quiet for the first time in weeks.And for the first time in longer than...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Success: It's the Climb! Most people gage success by results. For me, it is the desire to keep progressively moving toward set goals. Purpose gives meaning to the journey and becomes emotional fuel that propels forward momentum. Whether building a career, healing from loss, pursuing a dream, learning a difficult skill, raising a family or growing as a person, almost everything worthwhile eventually becomes very real. Inner commitment matters. Motivation plays a role in every day life. The desire to be successful in business encourages people to wake, meet the day, make a positive difference. While some claim it's impossible to move mountains. I say, watch me! An uphill journey is duly measured by one's desire and purpose to continue climbing. ~ Wanda Kubat-Nerdin 
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Cwen today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZGILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler   Waiting for Interest Rates to Drop? Read This First “I’m going to wait until interest rates come down.” I hear that every day. And on the surface, it makes sense. Lower rate = lower payment. But that is only part of the story. What Happens When Rates Drop When interest rates go down, something else happens immediately. More buyers enter the market. Buyers who were waiting step back in Competition increases Multiple offers become more common The same home suddenly has more demand. Pri...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 Waiting for Interest Rates to Drop? Read This First“I’m going to wait until interest rates come down.”I hear that every day.And on the surface, it makes sense.Lower rate = lower payment.But that is only part of the story.What Happens When Rates DropWhen interest rates go down, something else happens immediately.More buyers enter the market. Buyers who were waiting step back in Competition increases Multiple offers become more common The same home suddenly has more demand.Prices Often FollowAs demand increases, prices tend to follow. More buyers competing Less inventory available Sellers gain leverage So while you may gain on the rate, you may lose on the price.The Payment Difference Isn’t Always What You ThinkLet’s look at a simple example. $350,000 home at 7% $367,500 home at 6% The l...
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By Brian Sharkey, SharkeyRE
(SharkeyRE LLC)
Accountability Coaching · Independent AgentsWhy Your Best Month Was Followed by Your WorstIt wasn't bad luck. It wasn't the market. And it definitely wasn't a lack of talent. Here's what actually happened — and how to make sure it never happens again. BS Brian SharkeyGRI  - Licensed Real Estate Broker · Rworld Educator of the Year 2022 · SharkeyRE LLC I want you to think back to your best month in real estate. Maybe it was six months ago. Maybe it was last spring. Closings stacked up, referrals came in, your phone was actually ringing. You were in the zone. You felt, maybe for the first time in a while, like this career was exactly where you were supposed to be.Now I want you to think about what came immediately after it.For most independent agents, the answer is uncomfortable. A slow s...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 What Buyers Notice in the First 30 Seconds (And Why It Matters)Buyers make decisions quickly.Sometimes faster than you think.Within the first 30 seconds of walking into a home, most buyers already have a feeling about it.They may not say it out loud—but they feel it.And that feeling shapes everything that follows.It Starts Before They Walk InThe first impression actually begins outside. The condition of the driveway The front door Landscaping and entry If the outside feels neglected, buyers begin to question what is inside.The Front Door MomentWhen the door opens, everything happens at once.Buyers take in: Smell Light Temperature Space This is not a checklist—it is a reaction.You cannot talk a buyer out of a first impression.Smell Matters More Than You ThinkThis is one of the most impo...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 For many buyers, the idea of living near the National Forest is exactly what they have been looking for.Privacy.Quiet.Nature right outside your door.In areas like Mountain Rest, Long Creek, and Tamassee, this is not just a lifestyle—it is a way of life.But before you make that move, there are a few things you need to understand.It’s Not Just Location—It’s a LifestyleLiving near the National Forest is very different from living in town or in a subdivision.You are choosing: Fewer neighbors More land Less structure and fewer restrictions That sounds ideal to many buyers—and it often is—but it also means you are responsible for more.Road Access Matters More Than You ThinkOne of the first things to look at is how you get to the property.Not all roads are equal. Is it paved or gravel? Is it ...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Success is Immanent When Simply Showing up Of course, there's more to this, so ditch the waiting game, it serves no one, especially potential clients or business! Show up, even when clients are out of town. Feed them information that they can use before they ask. Answer questions. When you're ready to put in the work, the property sells or the buyer secures their dream home, the referrals flow and the business cycle repeats. In a business where timing and trust matter immensely, showing up puts you well ahead of the competition. Success begins because momentum builds quietly, moving forward: One client, one showing, one closed transaction at a time. Of course, smiles all around after closing and recording matters too! Feature photo by Grok
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
When you’re buying or selling a home, one of the smartest steps you can take is reviewing the property’s permit file with the town or city. This file tells the story of what work has been done, who did it, and whether it was completed according to local building codes. For buyers, it protects you from inheriting hidden problems. For sellers, it prevents last‑minute surprises that can derail a closing.What Does It Mean When a Permit Is “Pulled”?When a contractor or homeowner “pulls a permit,” it means they’ve formally applied to the town for approval to perform specific work. Anything from electrical upgrades to additions, decks, roofs, or major plumbing changes. Pulling a permit triggers: A review by the building department Required inspections during and after the work A final sign‑off...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
What Clients See Before They Call There's a moment in every client relationship that most agents never witness. It happens quietly, long before the first call, text, or DM. Someone hears your name - maybe from a friend, maybe from a sign, maybe from an open house - and before they do anything else, they look you up. And they don't start with your website.They start with your social media. Recent industry research shows that 76% of consumers found their real estate agent through social media before reaching out. [Worldmetrics, 2026] That means your social media profiles aren't just part of your marketing—they are your first impression. They're the front door of your business, and potential clients are walking through it every day whether you realize it or not. The trouble is that many a...
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By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX)
Journal Entry for 4/6/2026April kicked off with a collection of excellent blog posts you shouldn't miss that promotes Motivation, Education, Marketing, Integrity, and Diversity.  Combined together equal Best Practices to spell SUCCESS! KEEP LEARNING FROM ACTIVERAIN When great minds think alike, they can create Masterclass Learning on ActiveRain without being challenged. Here are my favorites that began on April 1 and ended on April 6. However, I could not find any for April 4. April 6 - Dorie Dillard Austin TX  wrote a Motivational Post on Nelson Mandela on courage, resilience, and growth.https://activerain.com/blogsview/5928806/stepping-stones-to-strength#24723261 April 5 - Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518   wrote a very well written Educational Post that every real estate...
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By Bob Gallo, Success Tools Online
(Success Tools Online)
 We all experience fear and worry. How we respond to these thoughts determines their impact on our lives. The best way to eliminate these negatives from our lives is to take action. Consistent action leaves little room for negative thoughts. If a negative thought pops into your mind, write it down, examine it, and then burn the paper. Ask yourself, what is the best use of my time right now? and then act on the answer.Make today the day that you let go of fear, worry, and jealousy. Instead, look for the positive in everything you do. Expect success and back it up with action, and you will be successful.Question: Are you letting fear, worry, or jealousy sink your ship of success?Quote: "All the water in the world cannot sink a ship unless it gets on the inside of it. All the sorrow, fear,...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Don't Hang Your Wash on Someone Else's Line In real estate, this old saying coincides with ethical guidelines. Real estate professionals are expected to honor existing client relationships. Trying to entice a buyer or seller who’s already working with another agent is a big No-No. It’s like sneaking over to the neighbor’s yard and hanging your clothes on their line. Not only is it rude but unacceptable. Most likely you'll be in hot water with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Code of Ethics, especially Article 16. Also, refrain from hijacking other agents listings to enhance your business or using social media groups to vent. Doing this publicly on internet platforms equates to washing dirty underwear in front of everyone. Ewww, totally gross! The Golden Rule Still AppliesRespe...
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By Steffy Hristova, Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!
(HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161)
The content of the blog is great, Gwen has created a great visual, too - so you may want to head to her blog to see it. How Do You Figure Profit on Each Closing? (Step-by-Step Guide) A closing is not just a paycheck. It is a business transaction—and every one of them has a cost. If you want control of your business, you need to know exactly what each deal puts in your pocket. Here is how to break it down. Step 1: Start With Your Gross Commission This is the number most agents focus on—but it is only the starting point. Take the total commission from the closing. Example:Sale price: $350,000Commission: 3% = $10,500 Write that number down. That is your gross, not your profit. Step 2: Subtract Your Broker Split Now take out what goes to your brokerage. Example:Split: 70/30Your portion: $7,...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
How Do You Figure Profit on Each Closing? (Step-by-Step Guide)A closing is not just a paycheck.It is a business transaction—and every one of them has a cost.If you want control of your business, you need to know exactly what each deal puts in your pocket.Here is how to break it down.Step 1: Start With Your Gross CommissionThis is the number most agents focus on—but it is only the starting point.Take the total commission from the closing.Example:Sale price: $350,000Commission: 3% = $10,500Write that number down.That is your gross, not your profit.Step 2: Subtract Your Broker SplitNow take out what goes to your brokerage.Example:Split: 70/30Your portion: $7,350Broker portion: $3,150If you have a cap, you know where you are in the year. That changes everything.What you keep after your spli...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
How AI Is Changing the Way We Write (And Why It Feels a Little Uncomfortable)I’ll be honest… writing has changed.There was a time when you sat down, wrote your thoughts, checked your spelling, and hit publish. Now, it feels like there are layers—AI tools, grammar checkers, rewriting suggestions—and sometimes you wonder… is this still my voice?I find myself double-checking everything. Running it through tools like Grammarly. Asking AI to review it. Tweaking it again. And sometimes, it makes me question what is “good enough” anymore.But here is what I am learning.AI can help you organize your thoughts. It can clean up grammar. It can make things easier to read.What it cannot do… is replace your experience.Your stories.Your perspective.Your understanding of your market and your people.That...
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Your Attitude Shapes Your RealityEverything starts here.The way you think influences: How you respond to challenges How you see opportunities How others experience you A positive, grounded attitude doesn’t mean life is perfect—it means you choose how you show up anyway.  1. Your Attitude Shapes Your Reality Everything starts here. The way you think influences: How you respond to challenges How you see opportunities How others experience you A positive, grounded attitude doesn’t mean life is perfect—it means you choose how you show up anyway. 2. Gratitude Changes Everything Gratitude has a way of shifting your entire perspective. When you focus on what you have instead of what you lack: Stress softens Joy grows Life feels fuller Even on hard days, there is always something to be thankful...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Making Integrity Non-negotiable in Today’s Real Estate MarketWhat does integrity look like in 2026? Certainly not the textbook definition. Not the polished version we post online. I’m talking about the real, everyday choices—the ones no one sees.In a world that moves fast, negotiates hard and rewards results, integrity is still the one thing that cannot be negotiated.My foundation, and everyone on my team’s foundation is simple: Integrity Without Compromise. Not when it’s convenient, not when it benefits us, not when no one is watching. Without compromise. Period.Integrity isn’t just about honesty—it’s about consistency. It’s doing the right thing when it costs you time, money or even the deal itself. Integrity shows up in the hard conversations. It shows up in full transparency.Integri...
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By JORGE VAZQUEZ, Investor-Focused Broker | FL Statewide | 3,500+ De
(Graystone Investment Group)
If you’ve ever looked into real estate investing and felt like everyone was speaking a different language… you’re not alone.NOI. Cap rate. Cash flow. DSCR.At first, it feels like you need a dictionary just to buy one property.But here’s the truth most people don’t tell you…You don’t need to know everything. You just need to understand a few key basics that actually matter.I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and I can tell you from experience, most investors don’t lose money because they didn’t know a definition. They lose money because they didn’t understand how to use the numbers in a real deal.That’s a big difference.Let’s break this down in a simple way.The Few Terms That Actually MatterInstead of memorizing 100 terms, focus on these core ones:• Cash FlowThis is what you actually...
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