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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 Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
In today's Real Estate Podcast, from Real Estate Rockstars, Caitlyn Blosser, gets 100 percent of her real estate business from SOI and referrals. She joins Real Estate Rockstars to share how. Listen and learn the easy way to love on past clients, how to farm your neighborhood, and what it takes to enjoy a long, successful real estate career. Shelby and Caitlyn also discuss the best gifting services for Realtors, the key to long-term real estate success, and low-cost events that your contacts will love. AgencyLogic shares the best real estate podcasts daily. Click here for more great podcasts!
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets, CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
Loyalty Beyond the Game: Standing Proud with the 49ersIn the wake of the Super Bowl, emotions run high, KC victories celebrated, and SF defeats mourned. As a lifelong fan of the San Francisco 49ers (1979), I find myself reflecting not just on the game, but on the profound relationship loyalty forged with this team...and beyond, looking into my business and personal life.For many, sports allegiance transcends mere fandom; it's a deeply rooted connection built on shared experiences, memories, and a sense of belonging. And while it's easy to bask in the glory of victory, true loyalty reveals itself in moments of adversity.The Super Bowl loss stings, no doubt. Yet, as I reflect on the journey of this season, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Pride not just in the team's ...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Call me to get in! As a long-time southern Utah resident, who truly enjoys the high desert climate, I can offer specific insights and information, benefitting both home buyers and sellers. From a small 55+ condominium, to a sprawling estate, I am the real estate agent to call who can get you in. As an experienced real estate agent, I am respectful toward fellow agents, affiliates and clients. It's most important to: Maintain professionalism Deliver reliable, up-to-date information Allow the Code of Ethics be a guide every day Surround myself with positive, motivated people Avoid negative discussions putting others in a bad light  Listening to wants and needs, then passing along information keeps me in business and clients happy! As most of us know, that is the intended, daily goal in th...
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By KAREN SANCHEZ, ...Marketing your home like no one else will.
( Reputable Realty)
Have you search for lost money lately?  You might want to check out your states website and see if you misplaced anything.https://www.fdic.gov/resources/resolutions/bank-failures/failed-bank-list/unclaimed-property-states.htmlYou don't need to pay someone to look for you or pay a fee to get your money back.  So be careful where you search. You don't want to loose anymore money. If you want more info about the CALHalfa dream program get in touch right away. It'll go away soon. The video will stay around longer than the program.I'm Karen I market your home like no one else will. I offer Mom-approved customer service. Agents, I am a referral resource you can trust. Call me, and we can talk. I serve the Victor Valley of CA and other areas by request.  Karen L. Sanchez Broker#01804752   "Mar...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
🚚 Moving is hard... it's hard on you but it's especially hard on kids! Here are my tips for making it easier on your kids during your move! Anything else you have to add to the tips? Comment below... #realestate #realestateadvice #realtor #sellingahome#movingwithkids #whoyiuworkwithmatters#sacramentorrealestate #elkgroverealestate#sellingrealestate #sellinghomes #realtorlifestyle#howtosellhomes #sellertips #buyingahome
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
From hidden structural issues to unseen damages, this guide sheds light on the critical aspects of a thorough home inspection. Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Today, we're delving into the not-so-charming side of dream homes – the hidden issues that could turn your dream into a financial nightmare. So, whether you're a potential buyer or seller, stay tuned to uncover the top home inspection nightmares that might impact your transaction. THE FOUNDATION Let's start with the very foundation that holds your dream home. It's not just about bricks and sticks; it's about the slab or basement foundation. Foundational issues can be deceptively costly, from small repairs like crack filling or soil regrading (under $1,000) to larger undertakings like underpinning or full foun...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Selling a home with young children can feel chaotic, unpredictable and slightly comical.  But, here are some genuine insights to help you navigate this wild ride of home selling when you have kids. As a mom and a home designer, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the home selling process while juggling the demands of parenthood. While I no longer have young kids living at home, I have worked with many young families with children both as a real estate professional and interior designer  With that in mind, here are a few of the most practical tips that I can offer, to help make selling your home with kids less stressful in a stress filled world.  Prep and Purge:I know you’ve heard this before, but this is no joke. You have to get rid of all of your accumulated stuff! T...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Rewards in real estate come from many areas.  One great source is repeat customers.  If they like what we do, mother will be back and they will brag about us to their friends and co-workers.  I am a firm believer that if we Wow my clients they will pass our name on to everyone they know who even starts talking about buying or selling real estate.  I am a firm believer that the more we do for our clients and the more we communicate, the more they will remember us.i am a firm believer in what goes around comes around.Now phone,  I believe you will ring with referrals! 
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
A recent article in Inman sparked my attention given my experience in public, private and corporate education.  The author shared 11 things he wished were taught to real estate agents in real estate school.Given the high drop out rate of licensed real estate professionals, this list is good, but fails to address what I have observed.#1 Missing Piece – Know the Sales ProcessFar too many wanna be agents have zero to limited sales experience.  Real estate is first and foremost about sales and requires a thorough understanding of the entire sales process.#2 Missing Piece – The RealityBeing a real estate agent as an independent contractor is a sole proprietor of a small business.  Very few new agents and even established agents have a strategic thinking business action plan.  If there is a p...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Great words of wisdom from the late Lou Ludwig...  "Learn to become a better person and learn from your mistakes . . . . and be willing to step to the edge and be an innovator and trendsetter.  Step Out of the Box and Be an Innovator and Trendsetter  “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and get on with  improving your other innovations.” Steve Jobs 1955 -2011, American Entrepreneur, Marketer, Inventor, Co-Founder and Chairman, CEO of Apple Inc       As I see it. . . . . . . . Step out of the box and be an innovator and trendsetter   Innovators and trendsetters . . . . move to the edge to find success.   Innovators will occasionally make mistakes to find an edge. When they make a mistake they admit it . . . . correct the condition. . . . . and...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Learning from people here is the Rain is worth it and Barbara Todaro is one to learn from all the time. We commonly hear the phrase “do what works best for you” so we continue to follow that system because it’s familiar and comfortable.  When discussing listing presentations, there is a one-step visit and a two-step presentation.  In my area, the majority of agents use a two-step.  Sellers now expect it!! However, whether we use one or the other should not make a difference.  The two step actually allows us more time to “assess” and “make good decisions.”  The one step is a “one shot deal” but with either method, the agent’s presentation will be the determining factor. One cannot say that because he/she planned a two-step the homeowner chose someone else.  If the presentation reflects t...
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets, CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."Author and Founder/Chairman of BNI-Business Network Int'l, Ivan MisnerAilina, Dr. Ivan Misner & Myself circa 2007Your action for today is to do something special and unexpected for one of your clients or friends that shows them how much you care. This doesn't have to cost money, be creative!Design An Extraordinary Day! 👉 Get After It / Take Action Archives 👈We work 100% By Referral!Our experienced team is coached by the #1 businesscoaching company in North America:Buffini & Company for over 20 years!We Provide Excellent Service and:Active Duty Military DiscountsVeteran RebatesSchool Teacher RebatesFirst Responder RebatesAll our listed properties come with:and Professional Photography,Marketing and Negotiating Skills...
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets, CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
"When the past controls the present, the future is a rerun."~Unknown AuthorYour action for today is to see if you are holding off making some decisions because of what happened in the past.Giddyap to the future!Design An Extraordinary Day! 👉 Get After It / Take Action Archives 👈We work 100% By Referral!Our experienced team is coached by the #1 businesscoaching company in North America:Buffini & Company for over 20 years!We Provide Excellent Service and:Active Duty Military DiscountsVeteran RebatesSchool Teacher RebatesFirst Responder RebatesAll our listed properties come with:and Professional Photography,Marketing and Negotiating Skills that...most agents do not possess!Contact us for a pressure-FREE consultation.#thomasjnelsonrealtor
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
In the world of Real Estate sometimes we think we see something but we were not sure... so we hire a Home Inspector and often they confirm what we thought we might have seen. Things like:I can not imagine purchasing a home without a home inspection. I felt that way before I ever entered into the world of Real Estate. My feelings have been strongly reinforced by the Home Inspection professionals here in the Rain. If you are not subscribed to one or two of the pros here you should be. The first HI i started to follow was Jay Markanich  and he is still active today so I recommend you check him out and search for a couple more.As far as HI's in your area keep in mind they are NOT all equal. Check them out so you can let your clients know who you would hire. It's part of your job as a Real E...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
February is a great time to move for so many reasons! → Start before the Spring rush. The real estate market often picks up in spring, and having your home on the market early may attract more potential buyers. And if you’re a buyer – you’ll have less competition now!→ With fewer transactions occurring, the mortgage approval and closing processes may move more quickly. This can result in a faster and smoother transaction for both buyers and sellers.→ Some buyers may receive tax refunds in February, providing them with additional funds for a down payment or closing costs. While these factors can make February a favorable time for real estate transactions, it’s essential to consider local market conditions, regional weather patterns, and individual circumstancesIf you’re thinking of buyin...
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By George Thoma, Mortgage Broker
(Kamaaina Mortgage Group Inc.| Equal Housing Lender, NMLS 1276471 - NMLS 312260)
🔷 Imagine presenting your clients with the opportunity to secure their ideal home on Maui in Hawaii in a sought-after school district, all while eliminating the stress of selling their current property first!With our innovative approach, you can write a CONTINGENCY-FREE offer using our Buy Before You Sell loan. ⛪I also Share The Matrix Details. that are important to meet its Qualifications.Metrix: Buy Before You Sell - Loan Feel free to contact me for further details so we can help therefore, You can make a contingency-free offer using the Program Buy Before You Sell.  
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Well… Good, concise communication truly matters while transacting. The ability to negotiate, depends on many factors, including the spirit of cooperation.. The art of conversion loses all meaning or reference when neither side of the parties involved agree to bend at all. Sometimes you just have to say… Well…
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By Joanne Gillet EdgeOfTheBeach.com, Experience is not expensive. It is Priceless!
(Edge Of The Beach Realty)
Elevate Your Curb Appeal: A Guide to Plants and Shrubs That Boost Home ValueSelling your home is an exciting journey, and one of the keys to a successful sale is making a memorable first impression.The exterior of your home sets the stage for potential buyers, and investing in landscaping can significantly enhance its curb appeal.In this guide, we'll explore the power of plants and shrubs to transform your property and attract potential buyers.The Importance of Curb AppealFirst impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see.A well-maintained and attractive landscape can create a positive perception, making your property stand out in a competitive real estate market.Investing in the right plants and shrubs is a cost-effective way to elevate your...
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By Mike Tolj, Commercial Real Estate Without the Stress!
(Tolj Commercial Real Estate )
Implementing comprehensive safety measures to protect is crucial, but I know it can feel overwhelming to property owners and managers, especially when managing multiple locations. By taking a systematic approach focused on prevention and preparedness, you can effectively secure facilities against risks like break-ins, vandalism, and theft. In this article, I’ll walk through the most vital steps all owners should take when developing safety plans for their commercial spaces.Key Takeaways Conducting regular risk assessments is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities in commercial properties. Installing surveillance systems and access controls limits unauthorized entry and deters criminal activity Creating emergency preparedness plans and conducting safety drills prepares occupants for pot...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
By asking yourself  "will this matter a year from now".  You will take control of your decision making process.  Keep your decisions in prospective by their order of importance.  Focus your decision on your priorities and the ones that have the biggest impact on your business, career, and personal life.Good advice from the late "Lou Ludwig". Still relevant today as it was several years ago...  Will This Matter a Year From Now  “Ask yourself this question. Will this matter a year from now.” Dr. Richard Carlson 1961 – 2006 American Author, Psychotherapist and Motivational Speaker       As I see it . . . . . . . Will this matter a year from now   You will be called on every day to make decisions . . . . some with far more importance in your life than others.   Keep your decisions in prospe...
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