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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 Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
5 Pitfalls to Watch for When Researching Niche Markets If you haven't taken a dive into your MLS stats and tried out its powerful market data tools, you're really missing out on an incredible opportunity to identify niche markets for growing your business, trends that will help your buyers and sellers, and so much more. Plus, it just gets better from there as you become more familiar with your market. However, when it comes to new market segments like middle housing, you'll find that while MLSs have incredible tools you need, but reality is going to create challenges that you should be aware of. Let's take the middle housing segment a step further and say you want to look up pricing trends for properties with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or maybe a detached ADU. For our local MLS, ...
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By Christopher Shearer MBA DRE #02062657, Experience You Can Trust. Results You Can Count On
(Christopher Shearer Real Estate)
How Legitimate Credit Repair Companies Use Current Law (FCRA, Metro 2) Credit repair companies follow this exact framework: • Pull your credit reports regularly. • Identify inaccuracies/inconsistencies based on Metro 2 guidelines. • Submit dispute letters citing specific FCRA violations (FCRA §§ 611, 623). • Track and escalate unresolved disputes to CFPB or pursue litigation via consumer-rights attorneys. • Aim for precise legal challenges rather than vague disputes to ensure deletion. Note: • Legitimate repair firms never guarantee removal, as that’s illegal under CROA (Credit Repair Organizations Act). • They can only challenge accuracy, completeness, and compliance violations. ⸻ ⚖️ Legal Requirements for Creditors Reporting (Metro 2) Under current standards, creditors must report: • ...
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By Christopher Shearer MBA DRE #02062657, Experience You Can Trust. Results You Can Count On
(Christopher Shearer Real Estate)
Part 2 Credit Disputes  ✅ Step 4: Filing Your Dispute (Direct & Precise Approach) You can dispute in two primary ways: A. Directly with Credit Bureaus (recommended first): • Online Disputes (fast, easy, but paper trail limited): • Experian Disputes • TransUnion Disputes • Equifax Disputes • Certified Letter Dispute (strongest legal documentation): • Clearly outline disputed items, reasons, and cite FCRA §611. • Request deletion or correction explicitly. • Include copy of government-issued ID & proof of address. • Send via certified mail (USPS), return receipt requested. Example Letter Excerpt: “Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act §611, I am formally disputing the following inaccuracies on my credit report. The creditor has not complied with Metro 2 guidelines for accurate reporting. Ple...
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By Christopher Shearer MBA DRE #02062657, Experience You Can Trust. Results You Can Count On
(Christopher Shearer Real Estate)
Is Your Credit Report Accurate? Below is a structured and precise overview of the best practice methods to dispute items on your credit report, aligned with current federal laws (FCRA, FACTA, FDCPA) and the processes utilized by reputable credit repair companies, as well as the legal reporting requirements creditors must follow (Metro 2 Compliance). ⸻ ✅ Step 1: Pull Current Credit Reports (All Three Bureaus) • Annual Free Report: • AnnualCreditReport.com • Each bureau (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) must provide one free report annually (currently weekly free reports extended through 2025). • Paid/Frequent Updates: • MyFICO • Experian.com • Equifax.com • Transunion.com ⸻ ✅ Step 2: Identify Errors or Inaccuracies (Common Targets) Review your reports for: • Incorrect account status (open/...
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By Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com)
When we were newer real estate agents, we kept hearing about scripts.  A script for talking to a first time buyer.  A script for a potential seller.  Pick a scenario and there was a script for it.Flash forward and we get calls all the time from those trying to use a script on us.  Tons of "we're looking at your website and there are errors...", and "local" calls starting off with "are you still working with home buyers and sellers?".This week our roomba started acting up.  Error 26, vacuum.  And with that error comes a script of things to try.  Clean/change the filter.  Check for obstructions.  Reboot.  And if that doesn't work, replace the Cleaning Head Module (which costs about a third of a new machine).  None of the suggestions cleared the error, and frankly I know more about the inn...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
From Timid to Tenacious! A journey of self-discovery from external validation to internal conviction. The days when working for a paycheck every 2 weeks, my value felt tied to other people's opinions or the bottom line. Let's face it, when in business, EVERYTHING is tied to the bottom line! Bringing in dollars to make a profit, overrides the human condition. Even when I had had one foot out the door at a job, rather than speaking up when the owners refused to pay overtime for 100's of hours, I put in a two week notice and moved on to another job. So THANKFUL for GROWTH! Silence, as a real estate agent, however, is not an option. Positive connections are essential for quicker results.Several repairs on a transaction were agreed upon. My clients contacted multiple window companies who wer...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Of course pets never bath themselves and likewise homes never clean themselves. In the process of moving the last thing the home owner does is clean their now empty home... at least they should clean the empty house before the new owners move in.I've never seen a mess quite like the one above but I have actually seen worse messes, especially in refrigerators. I think the worst messes I've seen were in rental properties after the renter was evicted.So what can you do to be assured your new home doesn't look like this or worse? When I was active and I was concerned about the Sellers housekeeping skills I would write into the contract that the home MUST be cleaned by a professional. When I did property management I wrote the same into the lease but it seldom had as good of results as it di...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
If you have "Both Sides" of a real estate transaction, how do you get paid? What does having "Both Sides" even mean? Isn't that Dual Agency? What must a Buyer & Seller sign? Are there any other tips I should know? Watch the video to find out!Dana Sparks, Qualifying Broker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORS® Dana@MaximumOneRealty.com
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By Andrea Lilienfeld, Scottsdale Realtor | 55+ and Investment Expert
(The Kay-Grant Group)
Andrea LilienfeldThe Kay-Grant Group🔗 www.kay-grant.com📞 480-387-3990📧 andrea@kay-grant.comThe loss of a loved one is always emotionally overwhelming, and it can become even more stressful when they pass away without a will or trust in place.Instead of focusing on grieving, families are often left scrambling with questions like: What do we do with the home? Who is responsible for making decisions? How does the probate process work in Arizona? As a Probate Real Estate Specialist in Arizona who specializes in 55+ active adult communities, I've helped many families navigate the complexities of selling a home after the death of a loved one.A Real-Life Probate Home ScenarioRecently, a close friend of my father's received a call: his uncle had passed away, and he had been named the executor o...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Bob has another great post here. bill  I have fond memories of playing hide and seek along with other outdoor games with the other neighborhood kids. Thinking back about 60 years I can still see the faces of Carol, Alan, Gary, Johnny and about four others. What happy carefree times those were.  Back in 1960 I am not sure how much thought went into my parents decision to purchase their home in a new neighborhood but I'm thinking my mom told the Realtor that she wanted a home in a new development with other up and comers of the same age. Being the adults were similar in age it only made sense that there would be an abundance of kids near the same age as each other. (Thanks to Google Maps I found that house). While I never gave it any thought until today I'd have to say my mom was a pretty...
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By PAUL KAPLAN, Coachella Valley/Pasadena Local Real Estate Expert
(Bennion Deville Homes)
I talk to a lot of real estate agents who are great at what they do—whether it’s staging homes, negotiating deals, or finding the perfect mid-century gem for a client. But when it comes to social media? That’s where things get murky.Many agents I meet have solid ideas and even great content. Some have impressive follower counts and get plenty of likes—but they’re still scratching their heads asking:“How do I actually make money from this?”If that sounds familiar, keep reading. Here's how to take your Instagram from a pretty feed to a powerful lead-generating, income-producing machine.1. Niche Down and Stand Out You don’t need to be the “everything to everyone” agent.Are you the go-to expert for mid-century homes? First-time buyers? 55+ communities? Vacation rentals?Specializing helps yo...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I have fond memories of playing hide and seek along with other outdoor games with the other neighborhood kids. Thinking back about 60 years I can still see the faces of Carol, Alan, Gary, Johnny and about four others. What happy carefree times those were. Back in 1960 I am not sure how much thought went into my parents decision to purchase their home in a new neighborhood but I'm thinking my mom told the Realtor that she wanted a home in a new development with other up and comers of the same age. Being the adults were similar in age it only made sense that there would be an abundance of kids near the same age as each other. (Thanks to Google Maps I found that house).While I never gave it any thought until today I'd have to say my mom was a pretty smart cookie. She insured us kids would ...
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
Looking for a weekend splash-and-dash escape near Northern Virginia? Here’s a roundup of the most popular waterparks within about an hour’s drive—perfect for families, couples, or groups wanting a fun retreat locally.1. Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole (Lake Fairfax Park, Reston, VA) Drive time: ~30 min from NoVA Admission: Around $12/person (weekday group rate)  What makes it special: A Wild West–themed park featuring flumes, sprays, the 725‑ft Rattlesnake lazy river, and kid‑friendly play areas. Rating: ⭐️ 9/10 — great for kids & teens alike. 2. SplashDown Waterpark (Manassas, VA) Drive time: ~40 min Admission: Over-48″: $19.50 weekends; $15 weekdays; Under-48″: $15 weekend; $14.50 weekday  What makes it special: Veterans’ favorite, NoVA’s largest outdoor waterpark, boasting 40‑ft slid...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
When a loved one passes away, it can leave behind not just emotional challenges but also real estate matters that need to be addressed. In a peaceful community like Okoboji, IA—where many families have held homes for generations—real estate transitions following a recent death are more common than some might expect. As a local realtor who has helped both buyers and families through these delicate transactions, I understand the complexity, legality, and emotions involved.If you’re considering buying a home from a family dealing with a recent Okoboji death, this guide will walk you through what to expect, how to navigate the process respectfully, and why homes in this unique lakeside community can still offer tremendous value for buyers.Understanding the Context of Okoboji Death and Real ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Paying attention to what really matters creates optimum results.   What is your SPF Rating?    Protecting your skin when enjoying the outdoors is paramount, just as ensuring clients are well taken care of when buying or selling property. The strength brought to a real estate deal, professionalism that creates trust and the focus that drives successful outcomes is all dependent on you.   Strength A real estate career is more than just transactions, it's about building lasting relationships. Having a deep understanding of market trends, the ability to weather through market shifts and to stay the course when navigating buyer and seller deals requires a solid commitment to all clients' best interests.    Professionalism Competence is the foundation of trust in real estate. It begins from t...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Just a few days ago, I received an email from a fellow broker that completely stopped me in my tracks! A fellow broker in my area sent me an email regarding an area of our Texas real estate contracts that is confusing at best. It is a relatively new change and is interpreted in many different ways.Anyway, I received a contract from one of this broker's agents. The two of us (buyer agent and I), negotiated and made the changes. Now, insert the other broker. This broker sent me an "educational" email outlining the way things should be handled and that they were "right" and everyone else was "wrong". This email even contained a tutorial video.Well, this email because of the video, I think, went to my SPAM folder. I don't make a habit of checking this folder very often and, it was the holid...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
What is your SPF Rating?  Protecting your skin when enjoying the outdoors is paramount, just as ensuring clients are well taken care of when buying or selling property. The strength brought to a real estate deal, professionalism that creates trust and the focus that drives successful outcomes is all dependent on you. StrengthA real estate career is more than just transactions, it's about building lasting relationships. Having a deep understanding of market trends, the ability to weather through market shifts and to stay the course when navigating buyer and seller deals requires a solid commitment to all clients' best interests.  ProfessionalismCompetence is the foundation of trust in real estate. It begins from the first meeting to smiles all around at the closing table. Attention to de...
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By Jeffrey Richman, Creative Real Estate Specialist
(Immediate Home Solutions)
Kickstart your morning with a quick brain stretch!This little puzzle is a great way to get your mind moving and ready for the day.Even if you don’t get it right, your dendrites are waking up and doing their job! 🧠💪Answer for Wednesday You’re in a dark room with one candle, one gas lamp, and one fireplace. You only have one match. What do you light first? Answer: The Match  Brain Buster for Thursday, July 10 If you have 3 full glasses and 3 empty ones, how can you move only one glass to make them alternate full and empty?
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
A Little Wish Ignored. Until... In a mostly manicured yard in southern Utah, an old dandelion named Puffy with a fluffy head full of white knew his life cycle was close to the end. Earlier in the spring, his bright yellow bloom provided much beneficial food to pollinators. Puffy now needed help in journeying on, to ensure that more dandelions would be replenished as future generations of flowers. He began to plead to every passerby in the vicinity. "Blow me!" he said to the squirrels,who were collecting nuts to fill thefood supply for later use. “Just a little puff?" he asked the busyrobins while they searched for food,hopping past, then flying off. Even the wind, swirling slightly above him, hereand there, failed to respond to the quiet pleasof “Pssst! Over here!" They all refused to t...
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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 Sweat It When Looking For Property in Southern Utah!! As temperatures rise, we are used to pushing through the heat. One sweltering summer day, while showing a young couple a house that was less move in ready and more a fixer, I quickly encouraged them to move on. Though the asphalt shingles on some properties seemed to be dripping onto the concrete below and air conditioners constantly churning, my clients, though red-faced, were determined to find a house this summer. Dagnabit!  And I knew that, as the day heated up so did the chances of an emotional meltdown occurring, so we took a break and ordered a blended lemonade with a touch of mint at Xetava Garden Cafe in Ivins. Perfect for what was needed!  Onward we went. Shortly afterwards, they found the perfect house in a fantastic...
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