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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 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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By Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho, North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227
(Sandpoint Realty LLC)
Sandpoint Realty 'Friday Flag' finds us in Bonners Ferry Idaho this week.As you enter Bonners Ferry Idaho from the South on Highway 95 you will find Kokanee Coffee.  As you know by now, a big habit of mine.  Gots to have my morning Mocha. Thank you North Idaho business, Kokanee Coffee, not only for the great cups of Java, but flying our 'Stars and Stripes' for locals and travelers to enjoy as passing by.   'Experience the Difference' in working with a full time Professional Sandpoint Realty REALTOR® Your wants and needs will always be my priorities.  Mark Don McInnesBroker - Owner208 255-6227 SandpointNorthIdaho.com - North Idaho Home & Land Searches Sandpoint Realty LLC1205 Highway 2Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
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By Mike Young, FHA 203k Consultant 828-469-7462
(203kOnLine.com, covering the USA)
A major shift in Limited 203k re: Septic SystemsA few years ago, I received a call from a HUD employee who knew I was a national trainer. He informed me that several lenders in the Santa Cruz Mountains area of CA were replacing entire septic systems using the Limited 203k. He told me that septic system replacement was regarded as a "structural" repair as if I could stop a lender from misusing the program. It appears that this repair is now included with the Limited 203k.Under the latest 4000.1 guideline, I found what follows.This is from the HUD 4000.1 re Limited 203k'sLimited 203(k) Eligible Improvements The Limited 203(k) may only be used for minor remodeling and nonstructural repairs. The total rehabilitation costs may not exceed $35,000. For the first 15,000 Mortgages secured by Pro...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog offers crucial advice for future sellers who smoke! It emphasizes the importance of addressing smoke odors and residue, as these can significantly impact a property's appeal and value. Thanks for sharing these important tips to help smokers prepare their homes for a successful sale!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Let's get this out of the way-- I am not judging your habit.   This is merely very strong advice for future home sellers who do smoke.   1.  Do not smoke in the house.  Ever. 2.  Do not smoke in the garage.  Ever. 3. If  you do smoke outside and you have ashtray(s), keep them empty, clean, and          out of sight for showings, inspections, appraisals, etc. 4.  If you did smoke in the house at one time, ask friends, family, your Realtor if they ...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Let's get this out of the way-- I am not judging your habit.   This is merely very strong advice for future home sellers who do smoke.   1.  Do not smoke in the house.  Ever. 2.  Do not smoke in the garage.  Ever. 3. If  you do smoke outside and you have ashtray(s), keep them empty, clean, and          out of sight for showings, inspections, appraisals, etc. 4.  If you did smoke in the house at one time, ask friends, family, your Realtor if they        smell it.  Ask more than 3 people.  Some cannot detect the smell. Obviously, the smell of cigarette smoke or ANY smoke is offensive to most people, even if you cannot smell it.  More than HALF of the interested buyers, no matter how nice your property, will pass on it if they smell it.  I know this from much experience, some very recent....
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
I still use a daily check list, do you?I use a daily check list that I write up the last thing at night for the next day.  It gives me a sense of accomplishing my work and gives me a sense of getting things done without letting something fall thru the cracks.   I need to have it written down so I remember to do it. When I was in the corporate world, I took classes in Effective Time Management and trained the people I managed to use a check list.  Of course that was a long time ago, but it still works for me.
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
Let's get this out of the way-- I am not judging your habit.   This is merely very strong advice for future home sellers who do smoke. 1.  Do not smoke in the house.  Ever.2.  Do not smoke in the garage.  Ever.3. If  you do smoke outside and you have ashtray(s), keep them empty, clean, and          out of sight for showings, inspections, appraisals, etc.4.  If you did smoke in the house at one time, ask friends, family, your Realtor if they        smell it.  Ask more than 3 people.  Some cannot detect the smell.Obviously, the smell of cigarette smoke or ANY smoke is offensive to most people, even if you cannot smell it.  More than HALF of the interested buyers, no matter how nice your property, will pass on it if they smell it.  I know this from much experience, some very recent.  Lastl...
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By Mike Tolj, Commercial Real Estate Without the Stress!
(Tolj Commercial Real Estate )
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my expertise and insights to help you master the art of commercial lease negotiations. We’ll explore key considerations, strategies, and best practices to ensure you achieve the most favorable outcome for your business. So, let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to successful lease negotiations!Key Takeaways Master the art of negotiating favorable commercial lease terms with expert strategies and tactics Understand the essential elements of a commercial lease and how to leverage them to your advantage Learn how to adapt to changing market conditions and incorporate sustainability into your lease agreements Understanding the Commercial Real Estate Market To effectively negotiate a commercial lease, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the ...
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By Mike Tolj, Commercial Real Estate Without the Stress!
(Tolj Commercial Real Estate )
As a seasoned professional in commercial real estate with over 18 years of experience, I understand the critical role that maximizing rental income plays for landlords and business owners. Throughout my career, I’ve guided numerous clients toward achieving their real estate objectives by implementing effective strategies to enhance rental income.In my latest guide, I delve into various methods to unlock your rental property's full potential, attract ideal tenants, and explore additional revenue streams. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to rental properties, this article offers valuable insights and actionable tips to help you boost rental income and secure long-term success in the commercial real estate sector.Key Takeaways: Enhance your property’s potential by offering additio...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
The title of my post may seem harsh but I'm sure we have all know at least one able bodied freeloader that would rather starve then work during our life times.If you click on the photo above it leads to a very interesting article about the picture.The profession of being a Real Estate sales agent has long attracted people thinking it would be an easy occupation, thus the position of being an agent has a high turn over ratio.Failure follows those to lazy to get out of bed before noon.Failure follows those who are "ashamed" to call on friends & family.Failure follows those who only do the minimum to be licensed.Failure follows those who shun current technology.I am sure you can add to the list above (and please do) but those are the ones that came to mind for me.
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By Paul Burrowes, Seller/Buyer, residential, subdivisions, infill.
(David Lyng Real Estate)
NAR Settlement Regulations New regulations from the NAR bring significant changes to home buyers in the purchase process. As of August 17, 2024, buyers must sign a written agreement with their agents before viewing the listings. Such an agreement shall set forth very clearly and in an objective manner how the agents are to be remunerated and may not be unlimited. Agents may not receive more than what is provided in the said agreement. More so, it provides that the fees and commissions will be negotiable. Although this all sounds new to many, the same principle is applied to certain areas already. With all the above changing, the real estate agents still stand by their motto to guide and put the interest of a homebuyer first, would still have the right to choose not to go ahead with this...
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By Peter Mohylsky, Beach Broker, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Let's go beyond dreaming and start scheming!  I think that I would prefer to dream because I do not like the negative aspects of scheming.  We all can dream about what might be but then we are dragged back to reality and have to face what is.  As your helpful real estate agent, I'm here to turn your new home hopes into a successful blueprint.Together, we'll bring your vision to life.#thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #happyhome #a080624 #dreamhome #dreamit #homegoals #icanhelp #investment #realestate #realtor #realestateagent
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By Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375, Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers
(Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside)
AI - Again Into The Fray - Preparing Yet Another AI Image  Have you ever imagined yourself doing something very relaxing and refreshing after a long day? My imagination places me finding a half hour to sit quietly in my garden before the night's schedule takes over. Of course, I am not blond, not young and expected more birds from my "prompt" the AI word for image instructions I guess yet this is very close.Our wonderful AR member George Souto, introduces the weekly members only AR Zoom sessions by post before each Tuesday. George explains the upcoming topic and includes the Zoom entry link in his post. Regardless of the topic, the Tuesday Zoom meetings provide a chance to learn a diverse selection of the world as it relates to our industry.This week, Paddy Deighan will present about AI...
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By Philip A. Raices, 1 of the Most Knowledgeable Brokers on the Net!
(Turn Key Real Estate)
Today I completed my Fairhaven fair housing online course that is required and mandatory by my local Long Island Board of Realtors to be on any of their local committees. It was an excellent course that covered many situations that revolved around discrimination and steering and other protected classes.  There are 18 protected classes in the U.S.: 1.) Race 2.) Color 3.) National origin 4.) Religion 5.) Sex 6.) Familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18) 7.) Handicap (disability) 8.) Age 9.) Ancestry 10)Citizenship 11) Gender Identity and Gender Expression 12) Genetic Information 13) Immigration Status 14) Marital status 15) Primary language 16) Sexual orientation 17) Sou...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Stretching before a work out is a good thing.Stretching Real Estate descriptions is "Puffing"Puffing is walking a fine line of deception.Decades a go when I received my initial Real Estate training puffing was an acceptable practice and almost encouraged as long as it was not an outright lie. I am glad that is not the case these days as puffing is much more frowned up.Still I see Real Estate listings heavy laden with adjectives like: Outstanding, incredible, breath taking, and awesome, and on and on.A couple of my favorites from my own MLS in years past. #1) "Lots of covered parking" was used of a house located nearly under a busy overpass less than 50' from the homes sidewalk.#2) Unobstructed view from your living room.Yes, a great unobstructed view of the City dump.I believe a Real Es...
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By Bo Zivak, Nashville Real Estate Broker
(Zivak Realty Group)
Buying a home is an exciting journey, but the closing process can be complex and overwhelming. Understanding each step involved can help ensure a smooth transaction. This guide outlines the key steps in the real estate closing process. It's providing you with the knowledge you need to confidently navigate your way to homeownership.1. Open EscrowOnce your offer on a home is accepted, the first step is to open an escrow account. Escrow is a neutral third party that holds funds and documents until all conditions of the sale are met. Your earnest money deposit, which shows your serious intent to buy the property, will be placed in this account.2. Conduct a Title Search and Get Title Insurance A title search is conducted to ensure the property is free of any liens, claims, or encumbrances th...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
How do I find a form in Remine Docs? In FMLS? What if I don't know the name? What if I only know the Form number? Watch the video to find out! Dana Sparks, Qualifying Broker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORS® Dana@MaximumOneRealty.com www.KeepMoreCommission.com - Maximum One Companies www.RealEstateAcademyofAmerica.com - Real Estate Academy
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
The beauty of our industry is that each of us are in charge of our own successes. If you're the sole money source for your household, whose dawdling a little at this and dabbling in that, chances are a career in real estate will come to either an abrupt halt or a become a slow death march.   Dabble and die!   Some agents close a file, then take a month or two off before returning to real estate while many work only one transaction at a time. Hey, it's their business if it works for them but detachment can adversely affect momentum plus they might miss industry changes because their focus is elsewhere.   I have seen agents who dabble, fall out of real estate because they thought it would be easy street. You and I know that isn't true. I called on one to open her listing after dicovering ...
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Being a cheerleader for new agents has always been a passion of mine. If you’re putting forth the effort, I’ll do anything in the world to help you be successful in this business…AND I’ll be your biggest cheerleader!     Legacy Letter to New Real Estate AgentsI have had letters to each of my children and their children running through my head since Carol Williams shared her beautiful idea for this challenge last month. As there are ‘raw emotions’ with each of the above, sharing publicly would not be the right thing to do. So, I chose to go a different route this week for the challenge. Being a cheerleader for new agents has always been a passion of mine. If you’re putting forth the effort, I’ll do anything in the world to help you be successful in this business…AND I’ll be your biggest ...
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By Brian Rugg, Sun City TX Real Estate - Georgetown, TX Real Est
(Rugg Realty LLC Sun City Texas 512-818-6700)
 Changes to standard of practice forNAR Settlement ComplianceIf you are like me , I have been thinking about how to guide our brokerage through the new requirements necessitated by the NAR settlement. We have always done buyer agency, so I don't see that as a big obstacle. We have always believed the vast majority of our clients see the obvious advantage of the seller contributing to a buyer’s agent compensation. So far, that is 100% the case.Bottom Line Rugg Realty LLC has created a page on our web site called Buyer Agent Compensation (BAC) and can be found at: https://www.ruggrealty.com/buyer-agent-compensation/ . There, a consumer, agent, broker, or whoever can find all of our listings and the compensation associated with that property.We welcome feedback on this step and eager to he...
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