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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 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.  Enjoy.  Winning Requires . . . .  A Personal Commitment and Effort “Winning is not everything – but making the effort to win is.” Vince Lombardi 1913 - 1970, American Football Coach   As I see it. . . . . . . . Winning requires . . . . a personal commitment and effort   Winning requires . . . . a personal commitment to succeed . . . .and applying the necessary effort . . . .  to achieve the desired outcome.    Wanting to succeed without the application of effort . . . . is a recipe for disaster.     Success takes both planning . . . . and a consistent effort to move you in the right direction.   Your plan has to match your goals . . . . and your actions have to support your plan.   Success ...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
 There is so many ways to obtain business in the future.  Not everyone buys a home like buying a car every other year, or every three years.  Farming is a way that people will remember you, but you need to work it.  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.  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.  I am not a fan of passing out flags or pumpkins but cookie work, but no nuts in them. Do a Market Analysis for the area and get them out. Ask if anyone  can refer someone to you.  It never hurts to ask.  Good luck in your future!! 
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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:🏀 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.🏀 WORKING THROUGH PAIN - Athletes often find themselves working through injuries, sore muscles, and fatigue. When athletes work...
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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 “tie-downs.” Historically, since the lender and the loan vehicle are the buyer’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, REALTORS® Dana@MaximumOneRealty.com
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By L. Scott Ferguson, Sunny Florida Real Estate Professional
(Ask4Ferguson - Your House-SOLD Name in Real Estate)
📚Listen for our FREE BOOK give-away!📚Owning Your Story & Elevating Your Impact with Rhonda Parker-Taylor 🎙️✨I 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 life—whether it’s me, someone I’ve met, or an experience we’ve all lived through." 🎭🔍 - Rhonda Parker-TaylorThis interview was about more than writing—it was about embracing your journey, owning your voice, and making an impact. Here are some of the biggest takeaways:1️⃣ Own Your Story – Whether you're writing,...
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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 – 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...
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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.  Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’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. Let’s dive into the top 7 home buying mistakes—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...
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By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’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.Let’s dive into the top 7 home buying mistakes—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. Here’s why: It defines your budget – No guessing, no heartb...
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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.    March in North Dakota                 March in Arizona         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...
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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 sent  handwritten notes. Also, I did recommendations on Yelp as well a...
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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 sent  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.  Grant Schneider has some interesting things in his blog.  There is a difference between a consultant and a coach.  Which one do you need?  That depends on what you need.  You should know the difference before you hire either one.  Coaches and consultants both help facilitate personal development.  However, their approaches are very different.  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.  Coaches do not tell their clients what course of action to take.  Instead, t...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 🎶Does anyone remember the song 'Searching"🎶Searching for the perfect house in a specific area can be exciting but challenging! Begin by examining a map that shows potential neighborhoods and zip codes. Consider choosing a location close to relatives, schools, or your workplace. You might want a commute that takes no more than 30 minutes. Let's start the search for a neighborhood that interests you!  When searching for a home, consider your specific needs. I am looking for three single-family homes for out-of-state buyers relocating with a large family. Two of these homes should be cozy starter options with three or more bedrooms, two bathrooms, and spacious backyards where kids and pets can play. The third home can be more upscale, ideally featuring four or five bedrooms, a large lot, ...
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By CHRIS FALCONE, InterNACHI-Certified Master Inspector
(X-Factor Home Inspections)
Now that we are wrapping up the first quarter of 2025, galvanized pipes are not getting any younger. They were used as water supply pipes prolifically through the 1960’s with isolated instances through the 1980’s. Best case scenario the pipes are 50 plus years old if they are still in use but most are far older. In the vast majority of homes if galvanized supply lines are still in use, they have already exceeded their engineered lifespan and homeowners should plan to replace them. Home inspectors should be identifying the supply lines in the house as well as do their best to identify the type of supply lines brining water to the house. If your house still has galvanized lines develop a plan to replace them. Leaks are a big concern and even if you lucky and they don’t leak build up insi...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Beekeeping is a busy job. Before the harsh winter hit, we lost one of our hives. My son helps me with the beekeeping and between the two of us, we were unable to get the empty beehive up the hill, cleaned, and put away. We had to leave the empty hive over the winter.Yesterday, we were able to finally get to the hive, load it onto our wagon, and haul it up the hill. Boy oh boy did we find a mess! Over the winter months, the hive was completely invaded by wax moths. Ugh, what a stinking mess! It was gross.During the two-hour clean-up, I did a lot of thinking. Bees are actually really good housekeepers. Bees are constantly keeping their home tidy, maintained, and in good, working condition. As a homeowner, it is important that we keep our own hives, clean, maintained, and in good, working ...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
Agent Points of Practice regarding Earnest Money in a Real Estate Contract. What are YOUR favorite tips or stories?Dana Sparks, QB - Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORSDana@MaximumOneRealty.com
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
How often do you follow a road map to get to where you want to go?  In our business, it is important to have a plan and you need to work that plan.  Four things you need to do in business planing are:A.  Cultivate relationships with a large number of prospects simultaneously.B.  Don't try to pre-determine the motivations of your prospects.C.  Automate the process by using databases and email technology to save time. D.  Every prospecting medium delivers a percentage of prospects who may not convert into transactions. Your goal is to add as many prospects to your possible to be able to capitalize on every opportunity.Your business plan must includes a solid system to add prospects to your databases in order to accomplish your financial goals.and achieve the freedom to live your life by d...
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By Joel Richardson, SVP-Central Texas Mortgages, Home Reno Loan "Go-To
(First Community Mortgage)
I'm excited to announce my move to First Community Mortgage. Besides aligning with my values to offer responsive, knowledgeable, easy-to-understand, expedited, and secure service, FCM distinguishes itself through several unique offerings, here are a few:​​ Exclusive VA Loan Benefits: FCM honors veterans by waiving lender fees on VA loans, allowing qualified borrowers to secure loans with no down payment and potentially lower monthly payments. ​ Home Opportunity Loan Program: This program caters to borrowers without a traditional credit history but who have filed U.S. taxes for the past two years, providing them with accessible mortgage options. ​ Comprehensive In-House Services: As a full-service mortgage lender, FCM houses loan processors, underwriters, and a closing department under o...
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By Scott Seaton Jr. SLS Home Insp, The Home Inspector With a Heart!
(SLS Home Inspections-Kankakee Will Iroquois Grundy Counties)
Just Imagine.....      Clients have been getting home inspections since the mid 1980's. 90+% of the inspections are for the buyers. They are many times referred to the home inspection  company by their trusted real estate agent or friend. Some search for us on the web or google. A very small percentage of agents and sellers get an inspection before they list their home on the market. They are trying to get a handle on things that would very likely derail a possible sale because the buyer doesn't have the time to wait for repairs, has a past history with this type of issue, or get's talked out of the house by a relative or friend advising them to run away, keep looking. There could be other reasons, but the point is, something in the inspection turned them away from the house.     So jus...
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