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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 Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP, Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services
(Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722)
Stop Waiting To Be Remembered💡 The Power of the Right Message at the Right Time -To End Call ReluctanceEver wonder what to say when you pick up the phone, send an email, or mail something to your clients? The secret isn’t just in reaching out — it’s in delivering the right message at the perfect moment. That elusive “nugget” can transform a simple touch into a meaningful connection.Here’s the key: Call behind the message. When you reach out, focus on one clear idea. Give your clients clarity about what matters now, so they can easily consider your message and feel comfortable asking questions. The reality is, most of us don’t lack good content—we often lack focus of message and that leads to call reluctance. How do you create that focus?Start with one message. Break down complex topics...
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By Steve Keighery, Real estate problem solver & cash home buyer
(Home Buyer Louisiana)
Earlier this week, New Orleans CityBusiness published an article that really captured what we do at Home Buyer Louisiana—and why we do it.Most people assume real estate investors are only interested in fast flips or cookie-cutter deals. But in reality, our most meaningful work happens when a property is completely stuck: blighted, legally complicated, emotionally messy, and seemingly unsolvable.That’s our niche. That’s where we thrive.🔍 The Problem: Title Issues, Successions & Stalled SalesNew Orleans is a city full of beautiful homes—and deeply complicated property histories. Many houses were passed down over generations without clear title transfers. When heirs pass away without succession, properties get locked in legal limbo. Often, they sit vacant for years.Some examples we’ve enco...
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By PAUL KAPLAN, Coachella Valley/Pasadena Local Real Estate Expert
(Bennion Deville Homes)
🧭 Feng Shui & the Front Door: What Pasadena Condo Sellers Should KnowIf you're planning to sell a Pasadena condo, it's important to think beyond square footage and curb appeal. In communities with strong Asian and Taiwanese cultural influences, Feng Shui can be a big factor in how buyers feel about your home—and whether they make an offer.In our latest blog post at Pasadena Condos by The Paul Kaplan Group, we explore one of the most critical elements in Feng Shui: the front door. Known as the “mouth of qi,” the front door is considered the main energy gateway into a home.Even if you’re not a Feng Shui follower yourself, making small changes to your condo’s entryway can dramatically improve how it feels to potential buyers—especially those sensitive to energy flow, layout, and symbolism....
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Before the front door even opens, buyers are already forming opinions. It’s called The Driveway Test, which matters more than you might think.Buyers often decide how they feel about a home when they pull in. If the outside is cluttered, cracked, or chaotic, it’s hard to recover, no matter how beautiful the kitchen is.Here’s what potential buyers are noticing before they ever get out of the car:🔍 The Driveway Test Checklist: 🧼 Clean driveway and walkway – Power wash off mildew, stains, or weeds. 🌿 Neat landscaping – Fresh mulch, trimmed bushes, no jungle vibes. 💡 Lighting – Replace burnt-out bulbs and consider solar path lights. 🪟 Windows and trim – Clean windows make a huge visual difference. 🚪 Front door appeal – Repaint or polish the door, and add a seasonal wreath. 🚧 Parking situatio...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Stacking Goals to GrowBy Gwen FowlerGrowth doesn’t happen in giant leaps. It happens by stacking small, intentional goals, one on top of the other.In real estate, it might start with a simple commitment: follow up with every lead within 24 hours. Once that habit is built, add another: post one piece of local content each week. Then, another: schedule quarterly check-ins with past clients. None of these goals is flashy, but they create serious momentum.The same goes for personal growth: Walk 20 minutes a day, cut one soda, and read 10 pages before bed. Small steps, done consistently, lead to big shifts—financially, physically, professionally, and emotionally.The key is to stack your goals, not scatter them. Build one into your routine, then add the next. This creates structure, confidenc...
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By L. Scott Ferguson, Sunny Florida Real Estate Professional
(Ask4Ferguson - Your House-SOLD Name in Real Estate)
🔥 Real Talk: Burnout, Healing & Sales with Kirstin Carey 🔥 🔥LISTEN HERE 👉  https://timetoshinetoday.com/podcast/kirstincarey/ I had the honor of interviewing Kirstin Carey — and wow, did we go deep! This wasn't your typical sales or mindset conversation. This one hit the heart, the health, and the hustle.Kirstin is a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and holistic practitioner who built multiple six- and seven-figure businesses… and then had to rebuild her health after being hit with not one, but two autoimmune diseases.Here’s what stood out the most from our convo — and why every real estate pro, business owner, and high achiever should listen in:1️⃣ Burnout is a warning light, not a badge of honor 🚫 2️⃣ “Our bodies know how to heal. We just have to stop interrupting the process.” 🧘‍♂️🌿 3️⃣...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I can't say that I was like Joe, a kid who liked jumping into puddles. If I did it probably would have given my mother a breakdown as she was an extreme "neatnic".As far as the guinea pigs response, I'd suggest it is not either one or the other but the entire experience as a whole package.The product above is beautifully packaged and I'm sure that the way it is packaged brings about an air of excitement and anticipation that actually makes the contents taste better then it would if three little jars and a pack of crackers were thrown into a brown paper bag.How does this apply to Real Estate?The first thing that came to mind is a Real Estate agent who demonstrates care and compassion for/about their client AND is hard working to see that every step of the home buying/selling experience g...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Why Neighborhood-Specific Knowledge Still Mattersn today’s real estate landscape, it's easy to assume that data alone can guide every decision. With the rise of powerful platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and RentCafe, professionals across the industry have access to more information than ever before — from national pricing trends to neighborhood walkability scores.But in dense, diverse urban rental markets like New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles, data can be both a tool and a trap. Averages smooth over critical details. Aggregates flatten nuance. The difference between a vacant listing and a leased one can be just a few hundred feet — or a few hours’ delay in response.Understanding why hyper-local data still matters — and why human insight remains irreplaceable — is key for any propert...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
While scrolling through new listings in the Arizona Regional MLS today, one listing jumped out at me.  The main photo was not unusual.  The list price versus square footage looked accurate for the area in Scottsdale.  In fact, everything looked great.  But the list price caught my eye as they used only one number when creating this listing. Listing agents will tell you it's best to include zeros as the 4 or 5 digits of every price because you don't want to miss out by using 9s.  But what about numbers that give you bad vibes?  Not wanting to misunderstand that aspect of listing a home for sale, I consulted Google and found these answers. Number 13: In many Western cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky. This is why some buildings skip the 13th floor, and some people avoid hosting...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Being I often deal with people whose second language is English this comic got me thinking that one should NOT use figurative language when dealing with people who may not know/understand our slang.As a Notary Public I need to adhere to the State of North Dakota's strict policies when it comes Notarizing a foreign document. Those strict policies are meant to keep me out of legal trouble and also protect everyone involved with the document I am notarizing.Admittedly this is NOT something I paid close attention to as a Real Estate professional. In retrospect I should have. I never did get myself in a jam in this way but I could have as I did work with foreign Buyers on occasion.Keeping in mind that until very recently hundreds of thousands of people poured over our Southern border I assum...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Don’t Buy a House to Impress Other PeopleBy Gwen FowlerGoing into debt to impress others isn’t confidence. It’s insecurity with a mortgage. In real estate, buyers stretch far beyond what they can reasonably afford, not because the home fits their needs, but because it looks good to others.Here’s the truth: granite countertops and vaulted ceilings won’t make your payments. And when the mortgage is tight, credit card debt often fills the gap. Suddenly, simple pleasures like a weekend trip, dinner out, or holiday gifts are only possible by swiping a card.That’s not freedom. That’s stress.Credit card debt also grows faster than mortgage debt. With interest rates over 20 percent in many cases, your balance can snowball with just one rough month. The house you bought to impress others may kee...
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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!📚🔥 Just had the privilege of interviewing Michelle Schafer on the Time To Shine Today podcast — and I couldn’t wait to share her insights with the ActiveRain community.Michelle is an ICF-certified coach, leadership expert, and one of Ottawa’s Top Coaches in 2024. She’s helped thousands navigate tough career transitions and find purpose-driven paths. Whether you’re a real estate pro, entrepreneur, or team leader — this conversation will move the needle for you.  🔥LISTEN HERE 👉  https://timetoshinetoday.com/podcast/michelleschafer/   Here are some key takeaways that struck me hard:1️⃣ You Bring Value — Right Now 💥 You don’t need a title change to matter. Your experience already has impact.2️⃣ Turn Setbacks Into Setups 🔁 Michelle lost her job twice — and...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Not every home search is about a long-term investment. Sometimes, life circumstances—whether job-related, medical, or family-driven—call for a temporary move that still requires the comfort and stability of a home.For buyers and sellers navigating personal transitions, understanding how to secure short-term housing can be just as important as closing on a permanent residence. Whether you need a place near a specialist facility or want to stay close to loved ones during a challenging time, knowing how to evaluate furnished rentals, flexible lease terms, and available resources can make the process far less stressful.Use Real Estate Platforms to Find Affordable Accommodations Near Your Treatment CenterShopping for a rental when you need to travel for cancer treatment may be a time crunch,...
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By Salar Davari
(AI HomeDesign)
Picture Sarah, a software engineer who just landed her dream job in Seattle. Her current home in Austin has appreciated nicely, but she's torn between selling for a hefty profit or keeping it as a rental property while she starts her new chapter. This scenario plays out thousands of times across the country, leaving property owners wondering whether immediate cash or long-term income is the smarter move.The choice between selling your house for a lump sum or renting it out for ongoing income rarely has a clear-cut answer. Your financial situation, local market conditions, and future plans all play crucial roles in determining the best path forward. While selling offers immediate liquidity and freedom from property management headaches, renting can build long-term wealth and provide stea...
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By Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com)
Over the weekend I attempted to scan a document to my email.  Wait, wait, wait...nada.  Reboot router, modem and printer/copier/scanner and still nothing.  Tinker under the hood,  No luck.  Spectrum had forced us to update our modem and router in April, and looking back through the error log realized that was when the issue started.  Wait, the problem started in April and you just now noticed?  Yep.  Scanning isn't the big tech tool it used to be for us.  Most offers/contracts are now Dotloop, so scanning has taken a distant back seat.Monday I gave it one last try.  Talked to the copier tech service desk and Spectrum's tech service desk.  Neither was really much help, and while I spent a little more time on Google searching for answers, it didn't take long to decide that continuing to t...
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By Anna "Banana" Kruchten, 602-380-4886
(Retired Broker/Owner)
Do you focus on Problem Solving or on Solution Seeking? There is a BIG difference between these seemingly similar approaches.  Here's my take....and mind you this is not new news! I wrote about this subject almost 15 years ago to this day and it had over 3400 views!  Now is a good time to give this subject another go around!  Let's say the home inspection didn't come out quite like your seller/buyer wanted it to. Some agents get their shorts in a bunch and 'blame the clueless inspector' as if they're the problem.  The other type pf agent gets busy finding solutions to what needs to be fixed and working with the home buyer/seller to get the job done right. Which agent is bringing better energy to the transaction? Which agent comes across more professional and trustworthy? Which agent com...
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By Robert L. Brown, Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic
(www.mrbrownsellsgr.com)
I felt a need to share this. It was posted by Richard Rawdin(in LinkedIN). Quite a few points to help us achieve what we want to achieve. Everyone needs/wants a blueprint for success. 
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
We can all learn from others here in the Rain and Lou Ludwig was great to re read his blogs  A Push In The Right Direction  “Being pushed in the right direction . . . . may be just the thing to get you over the finish line . . . . and into the winner’s circle.” Lou Ludwig Sales and Management Consultant, Success Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author     As I see it . . . . . . . A push in the right direction   A push in the right direction will break a logjam on your success . . . .  Open the doors to new opportunities . . . . and propel you in the direction to achieve your goals.   A push in the right direction will get you out of a rut . . . . and reenergize the forward momentum in your career.   To get the most out of the push in the right direction . . . . you have to know where you wa...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
The Smallest Repair That Made the Biggest DifferenceSome repairs are obvious. A leaky roof? Please fix it. Broken HVAC? Replace it.But sometimes, the smallest updates make the biggest difference—especially in how a home feels to a buyer walking in for the first time.I remember one listing where we spent less than $50 and changed the entire showing experience.The house had great bones, fresh paint, and a clean layout. But every time we walked in, something felt “off.” It took us a while to figure it out—it was the old, scratched brass doorknobs and creaky hinges on every interior door.We ran down to the hardware store, bought a full set of matching brushed nickel knobs and hinge pins, and swapped them out in an afternoon. The next showing? The feedback went from “dated” to “move-in ready...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
We talk to buyers every day about price, location, and features. But if I could wave a magic wand and have every buyer know one thing before ever stepping inside a house, it would be this:👉 Touring starts after you’ve done your homework.That means: Talking to a lender and getting pre-qualified (not just browsing). Meeting with your real estate agent—not just to see houses, but to see if you're a good fit. Understanding the rules: Who can see the property? How are showings handled? What’s expected during the process? Before we unlock any doors, a good agent will review these basics. Why? Because you're not just shopping for a home—you're entering a negotiation, a legally binding process that requires readiness and clear communication.I’ve had buyers fall in love with a house they weren’t...
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