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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 Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
8635 Hollywood Blvd.: SOLD!!! not your everyday sale. In 2013 I represented the seller, and another agent bought the buyer.2022 I submitted an offer from the neighbor whom I sold the land in 2022. We could not come to an agreement.2023 submitted an offer again and it was accepted. Go figure all cash deal should have been fast and easy sale. Well not really the seller's LLC was expired... he had tons of liens on all his properties... after six and a half months of being in Escrow, title cleaned up and the buyer being patient we closed today.I joke about the commission I will be getting next day or so, hopefully paid for all the wine I invested and drank in trying to keep this deal together.I congratulated the buyer this afternoon, that he finally got the neighboring lot, He said Patience...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
The Difference Between a Contact and Contract is an R. Failing to be relationship focused is the biggest threat to business, so when clients are present, making them feel they are a priority and the center of attention, matters. A happy client becomes a loyal client! 5 Steps on How to Become Customer Centric 1. Listen Closely. Get in the habit of asking questions, then allow them to speak without interuption.2. Clearly Analyze. Understand the client’s real estate wants and needs. Then repeat back to them.3. Take action. Show clients that you truly care and are willing put their needs well above your own.4. Enjoyable Interaction. Make the process stress-free, as easy and enjoyable as possible for them. 5.  Be Committed. Focus on more than just the customer service thing. Make it a busine...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Crucial topic! Pricing your home right is essential for a successful sale. This blog likely emphasizes the importance of accurate pricing in attracting buyers and maximizing your home's value. Looking forward to learning more about the significance of pricing in the selling process!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP The Importance of Pricing Your Home Right When Selling In the world of real estate, setting the right price for your home when it hits the market is crucial. Homeowners often fall into the trap of overpricing their homes, driven by the sentimental value attached or a misinterpretation of the current market conditions.    This miscalculation can lead to a stale listing, missed opportunities, and even financial losses in the long run. Working with a real est...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Great timing! Preparing your home for the spring real estate market is key to attracting buyers. This blog likely offers valuable tips for sprucing up your home and maximizing its appeal during this active season. Thanks for sharing these tips for preparing a home for sale!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Preparing Your Home for the Spring Real Estate Market: A Seller’s Guide Spring is often heralded as the prime time for real estate transactions. With the warmer weather, longer days, and the rejuvenation of nature, buyers are more inclined to search for a new home.For sellers, this season offers a unique opportunity to showcase their property in the best light. However, standing out in the spring real estate market requires more than luck; it necessitates preparati...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Uncovering The Truth Behind NAR’s Settlement: What the Media Got WrongImagine being a member of the WORLD’S LARGEST TRADE ORGANIZATION - a PAYING member and hearing the news of a lawsuit settlement by your own organization BEFORE we, the members, learned of this settlement? When the media was informed about this settlement (supposedly simultaneously as we, THE MEMBERS of the world’s largest trade association were), they shouted the most preposterous headlines from the mountaintops. I awoke to these stories and was in SHOCK on Friday, March 15, 2024! The first thing I heard was the our own trade organization had thrown its own members under the bus -  ‘admitting to collusion, price-fixing, etc.” The biggest issue I had with this whole scenario was that the media found out before we did a...
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By Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Whether you're just starting to dream about homeownership or already deep into the house hunt, remember this:it's never too early to reach out to agents or loan officers.  It may not be the right time for you but don't wait until the last moment to get some of the ground work done before you blast off.  I'm here to guide you every step of the way and can even connect you with some excellent loan officers I work closely with.Let's chat and make your home-buying journey as smooth as possible! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #househunting #realestate #newhome #happyhome #happyhomeowners #icanhelp #realtor #realestateagent
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By Alan May, Home is where the hearth is.
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
While perusing one of those online Realtor groups today I came across a conversation about home inspections.  The agent proffered that she had recently attended a Keller-Williams sponsored workshop that strongly recommended that buyer's agents should not attend the home inspection with their buyers, nor should they even view the report, as it's a serious legal liability.[pausing to count to 10]Bunches of agents jumped in and said "oh, yeah... that's right... serious legal liability... I wouldn't attend the inspection... why would you want to... I just show up at the end... blah, blah, blabbity, blah, blah, blah" (you know the arguments).(can you tell where I'm going to land by the way I just described their responses?  I'm soooo transparent).I'm definitely old school, and have been atte...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Intriguing topic! Homeownership offers numerous benefits, and this blog likely explores a lesser-known advantage. Looking forward to learning more about the unique benefits of owning a home!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP When you own your own home YOU determine what it smells like. If you are selling your home make sure it smells good! As Realtors there are times we almost get knocked over by smells when we walk into a home the first time... never a good thing. Enough negative. If possible, nothing beats fresh air. When you live in an environment as harsh (cold) as North Dakota there are several months where you just can not leave the windows open. During those months that you can not open the windows the BEST thing you can do is to make sure your home smells CLEA...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
When you own your own home YOU determine what it smells like. If you are selling your home make sure it smells good!As Realtors there are times we almost get knocked over by smells when we walk into a home the first time... never a good thing.Enough negative. If possible, nothing beats fresh air. When you live in an environment as harsh (cold) as North Dakota there are several months where you just can not leave the windows open. During those months that you can not open the windows the BEST thing you can do is to make sure your home smells CLEAN.When you clean before showing a home for sale avoid cleaners that are very strong or heavy. One thought is to go natural.Top 5 NATURAL Germ Killers1) AlcoholAlcohol is one of the most effective alternatives to chemical disinfectants. Alcohol ki...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
You need to stand out from the crowd!!!! You can not please everybody, but you need to be relevant in your marketing to the clients you want to attract.Your brand is your promise. A successful brand is a promise delivered. You better make sure you can deliver on your promise. Always surround yourself with colleges and friends that are more successful than you. You should always have and optimistic view of what ever you are doing. An attitude of I can will go pretty far in any business atmosphere.
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey real estate sales
(Fathom Realty)
It's just a reality.   It's just a fact.   There is a mountain of chaos and confusion in our national real estate landscape.   The weak will suffer.   The strong, studious and resourceful will prosper.  This is always the case whenever there is change and turmoil.My suggestions are as follows:1.  Be a great student.   Be clear on the FACTS.   Read about it.  Then read it again.  Then again.  Then picture how the changes can benefit both you and your client.2.  Be patient, but be diligent.   As long as you put your client first and honor the code of ethics.  3.  Be confident, and be a good , trusted advisor.   Give your clients options, and let them choose.  It is your job to be the best you can be, so don't be squeamish.  Be proactive.  Be bullish.  Be successful. 
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By Steve Depoe, Taking the stress out of Buying and Selling
(The Rose Realty Team)
Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know today’s market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low – and that’s leading to multiple-offer scenarios. And moving into the peak homebuying season this spring, this is only expected to ramp up more. Remember these four tips to make your best offer. 1. Partner with a Real Estate Agent Rely on a real estate agent who can support your goals. As PODS notes: “Making an offer on a home without an agent is certainly possible, but having a pro by your side gives you a massive advantage in figuring out what to offer on a house.” Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for. That advice can be game changing when yo...
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By Joanne Gillet EdgeOfTheBeach.com, Experience is not expensive. It is Priceless!
(Edge Of The Beach Realty)
The Importance of Pricing Your Home Right When SellingIn the world of real estate, setting the right price for your home when it hits the market is crucial. Homeowners often fall into the trap of overpricing their homes, driven by the sentimental value attached or a misinterpretation of the current market conditions.  This miscalculation can lead to a stale listing, missed opportunities, and even financial losses in the long run. Working with a real estate agent to price your home according to the market rather than personal expectations is fundamental for several reasons.Quick SaleThe first few weeks after listing are pivotal. A home priced right will attract more potential buyers, increasing the chances of a quick sale. Overpriced homes tend to linger on the market, leading buyers to ...
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Spring is a good time to prepare your home for real estate market changes, including better weather, higher demand, and faster sales.   Preparing Your Home for the Spring Real Estate Market: A Seller’s Guide Spring is often heralded as the prime time for real estate transactions. With the warmer weather, longer days, and the rejuvenation of nature, buyers are more inclined to search for a new home.For sellers, this season offers a unique opportunity to showcase their property in the best light. However, standing out in the spring real estate market requires more than luck; it necessitates preparation and strategic planning. This guide provides essential tips to prepare your home for the competitive spring market, ensuring it captures the attention of potential buyers and sells for the b...
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen,and thinking what no one else has thought."---Albert Einstein  My very first camera was from my Godfather when I was very young. I took to the camera like a baby sucking a pacifier. While my classmates were advancing in coloring in between the lines, I was taking pictures. By the time I started College, there were many opportunities for me to practice taking photos of my children, anything, and everything in nature, seeing the first snowfall in the Midwest, to birthday parties and special events. It wasn't until I became an adult learner, while enrolled at the College of Lake County, Illinois that a Professor in Critical Thinking planted the seeds I have been planting ever since.  Look at the ordinary; see the extraordinary-- His first na...
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By Joanne Gillet EdgeOfTheBeach.com, Experience is not expensive. It is Priceless!
(Edge Of The Beach Realty)
Preparing Your Home for the Spring Real Estate Market: A Seller’s GuideSpring is often heralded as the prime time for real estate transactions. With the warmer weather, longer days, and the rejuvenation of nature, buyers are more inclined to search for a new home.For sellers, this season offers a unique opportunity to showcase their property in the best light. However, standing out in the spring real estate market requires more than luck; it necessitates preparation and strategic planning. This guide provides essential tips to prepare your home for the competitive spring market, ensuring it captures the attention of potential buyers and sells for the best possible price.The Significance of Spring in Real EstateSpringtime is synonymous with renewal and growth, qualities that resonate wel...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
8635 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles CA 90069 another vacant lot PENDING! The buyer and seller both agreed to close this transaction! Congratulations to both of them.Directions : Take Sunset Blvd to Queens Rd and head North to Hollywood Blvd. head West and the property is on the upslope directly across from 8638 Hollywood Blvd. Approximately 130rt from 8633 Hollywood Blvd.There is a bit of history here, in 2013 I represented the seller, and another agent brought the buyer. Fast forward to 2022 I brought the new owner a potential buyer, we could not come to terms. Then A year later the same buyer wanted to come back and try again. This time there was a meeting of the minds. The buyer and the seller are ready to close.On a side note, the buyer is from Canada and the Seller is from Israel. If y...
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The more I am online (and maybe because I am now 60+)  the more it seems the "younger" agents are constantly looking for secrets / short cuts / the new thing.   The more I am online (and maybe because I am now 60+)  the more it seems the "younger" agents are constantly looking for secrets / short cuts / the new thing. Well, there are a few secrets, and here they are: 1.  Consistent, hard work.   This includes daily lead generation which is loaded with rejection.  All you need are a few new leads weekly to build a robust database and business.  2.  There is gold in a well-used, nurtured database.   There is NOTHING better than word of mouth referrals, especially from friends and past business, who already trust you.  Ask them--   who do you know who needs to buy or sell this Spring / Sum...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey real estate sales
(Fathom Realty)
The more I am online (and maybe because I am now 60+)  the more it seems the "younger" agents are constantly looking for secrets / short cuts / the new thing.Well, there are a few secrets, and here they are:1.  Consistent, hard work.   This includes daily lead generation which is loaded with rejection.  All you need are a few new leads weekly to build a robust database and business. 2.  There is gold in a well-used, nurtured database.   There is NOTHING better than word of mouth referrals, especially from friends and past business, who already trust you.  Ask them--   who do you know who needs to buy or sell this Spring / Summer / Fall / Winter?  Reward lead-givers with (real estate commission- compliant) gifts.  Deliver them personally with a warm "thank you".   Stop mailing everything...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Friday Funday: well not every day is fun day how was yours... I have been working on a very challenging escrow. If I told you would have a hard time believing it. We'll let me share some bullet points. September 1st, 2022, I wrote an offer on a vacant lot that the buyer and seller did not agree on.Then August 9th, 2023, I approached the seller with the same buyer...On September 13th, 2023, we opened Escrow. lots of drama and hurdles. Today both buyer and seller signed Escrow closing documents. The buyer signed contingency removal. We are ready to close escrow once the buyer sends in the money.Let's do the numbers no matter what the commission is when we close it has been a long and arduos project.I consider it a moral victory, testing my patience, negotiation skills and keeping both buy...
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