Admin

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 L. Scott Ferguson, Sunny Florida Real Estate Professional
(Ask4Ferguson - Your House-SOLD Name in Real Estate)
šŸ”„LISTEN HERE šŸ‘‰ https://timetoshinetoday.com/podcast/hensley/Ā Ā Ā šŸ“šListen for our FREE BOOK give-away!šŸ“šReclaiming Creativity and Resilience: My Interview with Susan Hensley šŸŽ™ļøšŸ–ļøI recently had the honor of interviewing Susan Hensley on the Time to Shine Today podcast, and I have to say ā€” this conversation stuck with me.Susan is a transformational coach, speaker, and author who helps people navigate lifeā€™s transitions with joy, creativity, and resilience. And the tools she uses? Crayons, color, and play. šŸŽØAt first, it sounds simple. But after speaking with Susan, I realized it's actually revolutionary.We talked deeply about her journey from journalism to corporate leadership, and now coaching. She has helped countless people rediscover their authentic selves by embracing uncertainty, getting...
Comments 0
By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
The listing appointment has been completed, papers are signed, and now the real work begins as the Sellers begin to gear up to prepare their home to sell. Some homes require a bit more work to get ready to be on the market. The time between signing the listing agreement and being ready for the photographer is a critical time to get the necessary repairs, cleaning, and staging completed.As I was at my seller's home today to go through the home room by room, it was evident my clients had hit their ceiling of stress and exhaustion. Although the home was shaping up very nicely, they were exhausted and snipping at one another. My role was to stay positive and encourage them the best I could.I have found that my role as a real estate agent involves being a sounding board, remaining calm in th...
Comments 14
By Kathy Streib, Retired Home Stager/Redesign
Staging Storiesā€¦Lessons LearnedĀ While searching for photos of staging examples, I began reflecting on some early lessons I learned.Ā Ā No matter how long youā€™ve been in your field, you are always presented with opportunities to learn something new. When youā€™re just beginningā€¦every call, every consultation, every meeting becomes a learning moment or on-the-job classroom.Ā Here are just a few lessons I learned when I began staging.Ā Give your client what theyā€™re paying you for.My first staging consultation was a beautiful home in Northern VA. The sellers were out of town but their agent walked me through. It was in good condition, kept up, and only needed a few tweeks, except forā€¦In the focal point of the family room was a large religious shrine in their bookcase. There was also ivy growing u...
Comments 21
By Frank Gallinelli
(RealData, Inc.)
Iā€™ve just re-launched an updated version of my e-book, ā€œ10 Commandments for Real Estate Investors,ā€ and you now can get it free on Amazon Kindle & Apple Books!This guide lays out the core principles every investor should know, especially if youā€™re just getting started in real estate. Itā€™s a quick, practical read that can help you avoid common mistakes and build a strong foundation for long-term success.Did I mention itā€™s free? ā€”Ā  for now, so donā€™t wait to grab your copy.Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/10-Commandments-Real-Estate-Investors-ebook/dp/B0090UTDKO/Feel free to share this with anyone who might find it helpful! Ā Ā Ā 
Comments 2
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog is a must-read for anyone entering the home buying process! I appreciate how it clearly outlines common mistakes and offers helpful tips to avoid costly missteps. Itā€™s informative, easy to understand, and could definitely save buyers time, money, and stress. Great advice for making smarter real estate decisions! Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves youā€™ll ever make, so you better be ready to negotiate like a Shark. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or upgrading to your dream home, one wrong move can turn your purchase into a financial nightmare. Letā€™s dive into the top 7 home buying mistakesā€”and how to avoid them, Shark Tank style. Because in real estate, just like in business, you need to know your numbers, do your due diligence, and avoid bad deals at all ...
Comments 0
By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Nothing Bundt The Best!Ā Top notch ingredients when putting a recipe together, are so important for overall taste, presentation and desirability. Scrimp and get mediocre results. The same goes when effectively and sincerely grabbing the attention of buyers/sellers, who require a real estate professional's service.Ā Ā  ā™¦ā™¦ā™¦ šŸ„® ā™¦ā™¦ā™¦Ā Too often newbies in the industry get it wrong, cutting corners, racing and immediately chasing the money in an effort to become THE TOP AGENT. Consumers deserve better than that! Doing the work is essential, as it sets the tone for wealth plus is paramount to long-term success.Ā Creating a productive environment in which goals can be met is done by making clients feel they matter by putting them first, offering solutions they need. That allows trust to develop. Leve...
Comments 18
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Teamwork Sells Homes: The Power of Collaboration in Real EstateIn the world of real estate, every sale is the result of teamwork. As the saying goes, "It takes two to tango," and in this case, it took two professionals working in tandemā€”albeit from very different places! I recently had the privilege of selling the stunning 5,000-square-foot home at 3100 Chatham Drive in Cross Creek Plantation. It was a smooth and successful closing, but like every great story, thereā€™s more to it than meets the eye.This impressive property, listed by a fellow agent, offered luxury living at its finest. It featured four spacious bedrooms, including a master suite on the main floor, a formal dining room for elegant entertaining, and an open-plan kitchen designed for serious cooks. With two dishwashers, dou...
Comments 7
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Watching March Madness this week make me think of how true Lou Ludwig blog fits in to this week.Ā  Enjoy.Ā  Winning Requires . . . .Ā  A Personal Commitment and Effort ā€œWinning is not everything ā€“ but making the effort to win is.ā€ Vince Lombardi 1913 - 1970, American Football Coach Ā  As I see it. . . . . . . . Winning requires . . . . a personal commitment and effort Ā  Winning requires . . . . a personal commitment to succeed . . . .and applying the necessary effort . . . . Ā to achieve the desired outcome.Ā  Ā  Wanting to succeed without the application of effort . . . . is a recipe for disaster. Ā  Ā  Success takes both planning . . . . and a consistent effort to move you in the right direction. Ā  Your plan has to match your goals . . . . and your actions have to support your plan. Ā  Success ...
Comments 7
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Ā There is so many ways to obtain business in the future.Ā  Not everyone buys a home like buying a car every other year, or every three years.Ā  Farming is a way that people will remember you, but you need to work it.Ā  Ways to work it. Direct mail, at least a quarter Walk your farm and either door hang or knock on that door and hand them something.Ā  I even have a restaurant that gives out a coupon for the hand out. Pass out those notepads, people use them. Sport schedule stick around, so get them out. Ā I am not a fan of passing out flags or pumpkins but cookie work, but no nuts in them. Do a Market AnalysisĀ for the area and get them out. Ask if anyoneĀ  can refer someone to you.Ā  It never hurts to ask.Ā  Good luck in your future!!Ā 
Comments 8
By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
I am one of those college basketball fanatics. I love this time of year as I select my teams for my brackets, watch the games unfold, and anticipate the final four teams. The excitement of the upsets and watching that Cinderella team emerge is always exciting.There are some lessons from March Madness those of us in real estate can relate:šŸ€ PLAY HARD - There is no doubt these athletes play their hearts out all season long in order to make it into the coveted, March Madness tournament. As a real estate agent, we also have to learn to play hard all season long. When you hustle, train, sweat, and, push through the tough times, your business will experience the wins.šŸ€ WORKING THROUGH PAIN - Athletes often find themselves working through injuries, sore muscles, and fatigue. When athletes work...
Comments 20
By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
True professional real estate agents must engage in proactive behaviors if they want to secure a successful close of escrow. Sometimes this means doing the work of the agent on the other side.One Example of Proactive BehaviorCurrently a recent residential property transaction has resulted in my being very proactive as the listing agent. The buyers for this property I listed here in Golden Valley, AZ decided to secure a FHA Loan for a manufactured home. This type of financing does require foundation certification also known as ā€œtie-downs.ā€ Historically, since the lender and the loan vehicle are the buyerā€™s decision, then the buyer accepts any and all fees including additional costs required by that loan vehicle unless otherwise negotiated.After escrow was opened, I received an email from...
Comments 7
By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
There is a NEW License Law requiring 18 hours of "BROKER" CE for all Georgia Real Estate Licensees who hold a "Broker" type license REGARDLESS if you are a Qualifying Broker, Managing Broker, Associate Broker or Inactive but prior to renewing. Watch the video for all the information! GREC Rule Changes to Broker Continuing Education Requirements - Effective 7/1/25 - https://realestateacademyofamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-Broker-CE-Rule-Change-effective-7-1-25.pdf Dana Sparks, Qualifying Broker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORSĀ® Dana@MaximumOneRealty.com
Comments 0
By L. Scott Ferguson, Sunny Florida Real Estate Professional
(Ask4Ferguson - Your House-SOLD Name in Real Estate)
šŸ“šListen for our FREE BOOK give-away!šŸ“šOwning Your Story & Elevating Your Impact with Rhonda Parker-Taylor šŸŽ™ļøāœØI had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Rhonda Parker-Taylor on the Time to Shine Today Podcast, and this conversation was packed with game-changing wisdom!Rhonda is an author, entrepreneur, and academic researcher who shared deep insights on storytelling, success, and the power of self-expression.Her words stuck with me:"Every character I create is a reflection of real lifeā€”whether itā€™s me, someone Iā€™ve met, or an experience weā€™ve all lived through." šŸŽ­šŸ” - Rhonda Parker-TaylorThis interview was about more than writingā€”it was about embracing your journey, owning your voice, and making an impact. Here are some of the biggest takeaways:1ļøāƒ£ Own Your Story ā€“ Whether you're writing,...
Comments 2
By Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
Are you tired of juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities as a real estate professional? Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of your business? If so, it might be time to consider hiring a real estate virtual assistant. Doing so has been the secret ingredient of many real estate brokerages experiencing growth, for quite some time. Virtual assistants can help you save time, streamline your processes, and focus on what you do best ā€“ selling real estate.But with so many options, how do you know which virtual assistant company is the best fit for you?Our team has done the homework for you and compiled a list of the six best companies for real estate virtual assistants in 2024 on expertise, track record, quality, and cost-effectiveness. These companies provide valuable services...
Comments 1
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Sam Thomas nailed it in his blog for buyers and worth reading.Ā  Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves youā€™ll ever make, so you better be ready to negotiate like a Shark. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or upgrading to your dream home, one wrong move can turn your purchase into a financial nightmare. Letā€™s dive into the top 7 home buying mistakesā€”and how to avoid them, Shark Tank style. Because in real estate, just like in business, you need to know your numbers, do your due diligence, and avoid bad deals at all costs. 1. Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (A Shark Would Never Walk in Without Funding)Would an entrepreneur pitch their business without proving they have solid financials? No chance. Before you even start browsing listings, get pre-approved for a mor...
Comments 1
By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves youā€™ll ever make, so you better be ready to negotiate like a Shark. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or upgrading to your dream home, one wrong move can turn your purchase into a financial nightmare.Letā€™s dive into the top 7 home buying mistakesā€”and how to avoid them, Shark Tank style. Because in real estate, just like in business, you need to know your numbers, do your due diligence, and avoid bad deals at all costs.1. Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (A Shark Would Never Walk in Without Funding)Would an entrepreneur pitch their business without proving they have solid financials? No chance. Before you even start browsing listings, get pre-approved for a mortgage. Hereā€™s why: It defines your budget ā€“ No guessing, no heartb...
Comments 4
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
It's easy to relate the seasons to where you grew up but when you move across or around the country the weather may be disorientating for a year or two.Ā  Ā  March in North DakotaĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā March in ArizonaĀ  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā We see a lot of disorientation or reorientation with folks moving to the Minot area from Southern climates. The Minot Air Force base and the Western North Dakota oil fields bring a lot of people up here that had never experienced snow or sub-zero temperatures before in their lives.It was rare that I worked with clients prior to their arrival here in Minot North Dakota but it did happen on occasion. When visiting with them on the phone I would ask if they were familiar with a Northern climate and if not I would fill them in verbally and if they wanted I volunteered to send...
Comments 10
By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Life for real estate agents and others is indeed crazy busy. Between phone calls, texts emails, physical showings, paperwork, the minutes quickly slip by. Yet, we as professional real estate agents appreciate those who show us that they care by sending us their gratitude through handwritten notes to written recommendations on various websites. Then if we appreciate those efforts of gratitude, maybe we should also show we care. This past week was very hectic with two septic inspections in Golden Valley, AZ as well as a tie down installation for a manufactured home. Both local small businesses answered my requests quickly and also delivered services on time as requested. I thanked these two vendors by email as well as sentĀ  handwritten notes. Also, I did recommendations on Yelp as well a...
Comments 1
By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Life for real estate agents and others is indeed crazy busy. Between phone calls, texts emails, physical showings, paperwork, the minutes quickly slip by.Yet, we as professional real estate agents appreciate those who show us that they care by sending us their gratitude through handwritten notes to written recommendations on various websites. Then if we appreciate those efforts of gratitude, maybe we should also show we care.This past week was very hectic with two septic inspections in Golden Valley, AZ as well as a tie down installation for a manufactured home. Both local small businesses answered my requests quickly and also delivered services on time as requested.I thanked these two vendors by email as well as sentĀ  handwritten notes. Also, I did recommendations on Yelp as well as on...
Comments 7
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Should you hire a coach or not.Ā  Grant Schneider has some interesting things in his blog.Ā  There is a difference between a consultant and a coach.Ā  Which one do you need?Ā  That depends on what you need.Ā  You should know the difference before you hire either one.Ā Ā Coaches and consultants both help facilitate personal development.Ā  However, their approaches are very different.Ā  A coach works with individual clients to help them achieve results and sustain life-changing behaviors in both their personal and professional lives. Coaches address the whole person, with an emphasis on uncovering blind spots and producing right action that leads to more fulfillment, more balance, and more effective processes for living.Ā  Coaches do not tell their clients what course of action to take.Ā  Instead, t...
Comments 6
Back to Top