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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 Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
This video walks Real Estate Agents licensed in Georgia through how to complete the Buyer Compensation paragraphs in the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) Buyer Agreements - Buyer Brokerage Agreements & Buyer Customer Acknowledgement. Check with your Broker on Brokerage Policies regarding negotiating compensation for Buyers & Sellers. Dana's Notes on Buyer Compensation Paragraph
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By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
Are you the bear or the bunny rabbit in negotiating? This is a ProTip for real estate buyers and sellers, along with many other business negotiations. The bear is in control, powerful, confident, has the ability to take, the option to destroy, and the power to rip someone's head off. The bunny rabbit is soft, cuddly, agreeable, accommodating, sweet, and lovable.There is a time for both.At the beginning of a negotiation, generally, you want to be the bear. Let's talk about selling a property. When you go on the market, you want to be prepared in every way, strong, confident, and competent. Have plenty of marketing, disclosures, and attention on the property. You also want to give buyers clear instructions on how to make an offer and the path to success.When a buyer contacts you and wants...
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By J Perrin Cornell, Broker, ABR, VAMRES
(Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate)
The other day I was reviewing my FaceBook page and came across a post by Jason Pantana (Tom Ferry acolyte) that really hit home. Where business comes from. He was talking about a new survey that shows were agents get most of their activity. Here is the post and my lead...I think it is pretty interestingHow much do you spend on advertising... monthly?? Perhaps you should rethink that. Here is a list based upon recent interviews of where business comes from9% are a personal friend34% referred by friend or family member6% Live near you and know you as a neighbor28% Researched agent online7% saw advertising Where do you fall in the matrix?? Your leads??     There is some crossover eg. 5 & 4.    For me 100%... Re online... I have been getting excellent results with a Google Screened Business...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
This transaction has set a record for the longest closing I’ve ever experienced as a listing agent. The journey began on April 11, 2024, when we went under contract with our first buyer. Unfortunately, that buyer terminated after receiving advice from her out-of-state financial advisor, who suggested it wasn’t the right time to buy in Austin. Undeterred, we secured another buyer and executed a contract on April 27th, with plans to close on May 31, 2024.Everything seemed on track—until it wasn’t. On April 24th, the HOA’s master insurance policy was renewed, triggering issues in obtaining the necessary documentation for the loan. We extended the closing into June to allow time to resolve this, but then came the real challenge: the renewed insurance policy no longer provided adequate cover...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
We have been challenged this month to share our RPR successes and experiences. I have really been impressed with the many, creative uses our members have shared via this challenge. I have used RPR more for the commercial side and truly appreciate the many data points that help me whether I am working with a buyer or a seller.For this blog, I wanted to share that in my rural area, there are high areas of growth. I wanted to pinpoint where we are seeing the most household income growth as this points to a great indicator as to where people are moving. The Developers I work with use this data point to help them determine where they will seek out their next project location.Next, I will drill down to see where the commercial listings are in that particular area. The Developer can then asses...
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By Candice A. Donofrio, 928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text
(Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker)
Now more than ever, other agents are OUR CUSTOMER. They always have been, but now it's extremely important that we COMMUNICATE.Agents who avoid contact with other agents are failing to do an important part of their job! Of course there are those 'Coyote Uglies' we'd rather not interact with but even they can get us paid. So CUT OUT the 'I'm gonna find cute ways to show splits so I DON'T HAVE TO TALK TO YOU' . . . and pick up the effin' PHONE! Original post below goes back 8 years. How much has changed? How much stays the same?****Everyone Is Your Customer.In one of my favorite books EVER, Shut Up, Stop Whining And Get A Life, author Larry Winget, known as the Pitbull of Personal Development  (and fellow resident of the great state of Arizona) quoted the pioneering radio host and Dean of...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
Lost Control of Your Summer? I have talked with a number of agents lately who feel that they entered the summer with the best of intentions, but got derailed by chaotic transactions, life, and vacation time that took them out of their element. Now that it is mid-August and their to-do lists remain largely undone, they want to feel that they have accomplished something. Does this sound like you? Regardless of whether you had ambitions to revamp your listing presentation, start a geographical farm, plan a client event, or even repainting your bedroom, there is still time to make progress! How? All you need is an hour. Just one hour can help you get started and get on a path to project completion. You can find an hour somewhere in your schedule - get up a little early, put down your phone...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
What Happens The First Week Your Home Is On The Market Getting ready to sell your Destin Florida area home? Need the home to fetch top dollar but not stay on the market longer than a Taylor Swift song? Let's take a look at what Doug Rogers with RE/MAX Coastal Properties does IN WEEK ONE to get sellers the best terms. Before Going Live Professional listing photos- The first contact your home will have with the buying public will be online. The days of rocking ten blurry photos from the agent's iPhone 3 are gone. Only in rare instances (say an occupied rental) will anything less than a full set of high quality photos be used.  Listing paperwork-- At RE/MAX Coastal Properties we make sure our sellers understand ALL the paperwork they are filling out. In addition we will provide a mock net ...
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By Bo Zivak, Nashville Real Estate Broker
(Zivak Realty Group)
A well-planned renovation of your existing bathroom avoids financial strain. Renovations increase home value; there is no doubt about that. But renovating on a budget will make a huge difference in knowing what your home is worth. This blog offers budget bathroom renovation ideas for homeowners. It is for those seeking affordable ways to remodel their existing bathrooms.The Top 6 Lists of Ideas for Renovating Your Bathroom on a Budget Maintain the Current Plumbing Setup. Include Some More Storage Upgrade Your Basin Paint Your Bathroom a Vibrant Color Add New Lights Modernize Your Shower Head You won’t experience any hassles if you renovate your bathroom with a perfect plan and a fixed budget. Remodeling a bathroom can be a distraction. A strict budget will keep you focused on the essent...
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By Monica Hill, the REALTOR to help you discover Delaware
(RE/Max Associates)
Things are swirling these days. It feels like we’re in a real estate blender where people are tossing in all kinds of things that shouldn’t be in there. Emotions are amping up the responses that I’m seeing flying around on social media, as well as in classes and zoom sessions that I’ve been part of these past few weeks. Greatest truths being the simplest, it dawned on me what is fueling this, at least in part… Realtors feel a loss of control. No, we never controlled commissions, but we had a measure of control over a transaction and the way it was presented because we are the professionals, contracted by our clients, to provide a much-needed service. We bring so many assets to the table to ensure as smooth of a process as possible. Then enters a third party… or parties… who now have bee...
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By Alan May, Home again, home again...
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
National Association of Realtors settlement: What buyers/sellers should know | Home FrontBudge HuskeySpecial to the Herald-Tribune With all the recent media attention, by now most everyone is aware of major changes afoot in real estate this month. Commentary has run the gamut from the demise of the industry to real estate services in the future will now be essentially pro bono. Pardon if my words convey a dash of sarcasm yet, after over four decades of helping buyers and sellers and running two of the largest brokerage companies in the world, I am compelled to read missives of the misinformed as they pop corks in celebration. Let us quickly review the two primary changes required in the National Association of Realtors settlement. The outcome stems from a blatant underestimation of the ...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, The best agent in Southern Utah!
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
It’s Magleby’s Chocolate Cake or Nothing!  A past client referred me once again to another potential home buyer looking in the southern Utah area. As a way of showing appreciation and giving thanks, I found a mock recipe online and one day, bought the ingredients, proceeded to put them together to bake her a Magleby's chocolate cake. It took me several hours plus a second attempt at the frosting, because the first batch came out lumpy. I was so excited to hand over the goods then asked her for an honest evaluation. She was very honest, saying it didn’t quite pass the taste test for the favored Magleby's chocolate cake. Not to be deterred, I called the closest restaurant - 3.5 hours away and soon realized it was quite costly to deliver one cake, upwards of $200 plus the price of the cake...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, The best agent in Southern Utah!
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Having BIG Feelings? In business, it’s important to avoid ratcheting up during trying times. Turmoil can get in the way of achieving goals for clients, so it’s important to tamp down emotions, redirect and use control. Otherwise, it's an injustice to buyers and sellers. Everyone else involved in a transaction can also be pulled in. Anger, resentment, and flippancy will get you nowhere. Before picking up the phone and calling someone to give them a what-for or texting a rant-filled response or emailing a caustic diatribe, think once, twice, proceed to write it down and move on. Some things are better left unsaid, undone. In a moments notice, a personal or business relationship can be destroyed if BIG FEELINGS get in the way!
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
I did a thing over the weekend and finally took some time to do some old-fashioned peach jam-making. I had ordered these fabulous peaches from The Georgia Peach Truck. It was my first time to place an order with them and I was super pleased with the quality. Juicy and sweet!I gathered my ingredients and began the process from fruit to jam. It's a bit of work but man oh man, it is worth getting messy. At the end of the process and seeing all of the jars filled with the golden yumminess, you can't help but smile.As I was slicing, cooking, and cleaning, I couldn't help but think how putting up these peaches had a lot of similarities to what I do in real estate. You might be saying, "Now Paula, how are you going to find an analogy to real estate with this topic?" Well, hang in there.🍑 PREPA...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Everything is Better With Ice CreamOne, thing I know is that everything goes better with an ice cream sundae, even changes to the way we do business as Realtors!!We had our bi-weekly office meeting today and reviewed how we will be doing business moving forward, how our forms and addenda are changing, and how to have those difficult conversations with our clients.  And, to wash it all down, there were ice cream sundaes!!If you are an agent and, don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to changes you need to get up to speed quickly!! If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, work with an agent who knows about the changes we are facing in our industry and insists on meeting with you for a consultation and that you sign a buyer's agency agreement before looking at homes! 
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Destin Florida Real Estate-Who Should Go On The Home Tour?Is 2024 the year for you to purchase a home near Destin Florida? We are following the home buying process, and  now it's time to tour 3-5 of the properties on your list. So, who should tag along and who should check for updates on Facebook?Those Who Should Attend1) Your Real Estate agent-- The person who you pay should be familiar with the home you are interested in. Sure, some real estate teams utilize showing agents, but someone on your side needs to be there. Want to checkout a Sunday open house? Give me a call, we can go together! 2) Everyone on title--Is your name going on the contract? If so you should attend the tour. This is a struggle sometimes for our military clients. If there is anyway possible we will use FaceTime or...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Should I Have The Renters Move Out Before Listing My House?A common question Destin Florida area home sellers involves the occupancy of the home they wish to sell. Should we allow the renters to remain until closing, or is it best to have the home vacant prior to hitting the market. Let's take a closer look at some key factors...1) What does the lease say-- If the home currently has a renter, you will need to follow the terms of the lease. Some will have a provision for putting the home on the market, others don't.  In most cases an owner can't terminate early simply because they wish to sell. 2) Who is the likely buyer-- For an investment property, having a renter in place can be a plus. This is the case even if the rent is currently below market value. If the likely buyer is an owner ...
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By Monica Hill, the REALTOR to help you discover Delaware
(RE/Max Associates)
I hope you don’t have to battle your inner self like I do at times. Someone drops the ball or responds in a way that doesn’t fit my thoughts and I feel the snarky response inside me rising. I can feel the red flag starting to fly!I just read a post by Active Rainer, Lew Corcoran, today about the battle between good and evil. Here I’m aiming at being in the good lane and yet, when I just read a short email from a fellow agent about a showing, I wanted to snap back at him. Where does that come from?I learned a trick when I quit smoking ages ago that when I was feeling stressed (or really wanted a cigarette), to take a very deep breath (as deep as possible), hold it for three seconds, and then exhale FULLY. While you inhale say (doesn’t have to be out loud)… “I am….”  Then hold your breath...
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By Sylvia "Elsie" Foster, REALTOR, CRB, CRS, GRI
(Foster Realty, Inc.)
It was a bright and sunny afternoon, and I was gearing up for an inspection of several rental units newly transferred from another company to our program. I had my clipboard in hand, checklist at the ready, and a camera for documentation—everything I needed for a smooth visit at this oceanfront condo.  I was not prepared for this one. As I knocked on the door, it swung open with a creak, and there she was—a petite woman with a determined look in her eyes.“Hi there, I’m just here for the inspection!” I said, flashing my best friendly smile.Her eyes narrowed, and she leaned in slightly, almost conspiratorial. “Inspection, huh? You planning to take pictures?” She asked me before I chance to ask for her permission. “Well, yes,” I replied, holding up my camera. “Just a few quick shots for ou...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, The best agent in Southern Utah!
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Secure It Like It's Yours -Or- It Could Get Ruff!In a day's time, a local Board office can be inundated with concerns and complaints about a perceived lack of respect within their Association.  Complaints deal specifically with showing listed properties and the failure to properly secure them before leaving the premises.   A few things to consider:Check the SHOWING INSTRUCTIONS prior to visiting a property.If you are meeting another agent at the property, communicate your estimated time of arrival, especially if it has changed from the original agreed upon meeting time. DO NOT “loan” or share your Supra lockbox key.  This violates both the terms of your lease agreement and the boards policy governing lockboxes.  Violation of these agreements creates significant liability for you as a li...
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