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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!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Success is Immanent When Simply Showing up Of course, there's more to this, so ditch the waiting game, it serves no one, especially potential clients or business! Show up, even when clients are out of town. Feed them information that they can use before they ask. Answer questions. When you're ready to put in the work, the property sells or the buyer secures their dream home, the referrals flow and the business cycle repeats. In a business where timing and trust matter immensely, showing up puts you well ahead of the competition. Success begins because momentum builds quietly, moving forward: One client, one showing, one closed transaction at a time. Of course, smiles all around after closing and recording matters too! Feature photo by Grok
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
When you’re buying or selling a home, one of the smartest steps you can take is reviewing the property’s permit file with the town or city. This file tells the story of what work has been done, who did it, and whether it was completed according to local building codes. For buyers, it protects you from inheriting hidden problems. For sellers, it prevents last‑minute surprises that can derail a closing.What Does It Mean When a Permit Is “Pulled”?When a contractor or homeowner “pulls a permit,” it means they’ve formally applied to the town for approval to perform specific work. Anything from electrical upgrades to additions, decks, roofs, or major plumbing changes. Pulling a permit triggers: A review by the building department Required inspections during and after the work A final sign‑off...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
What Clients See Before They Call There's a moment in every client relationship that most agents never witness. It happens quietly, long before the first call, text, or DM. Someone hears your name - maybe from a friend, maybe from a sign, maybe from an open house - and before they do anything else, they look you up. And they don't start with your website.They start with your social media. Recent industry research shows that 76% of consumers found their real estate agent through social media before reaching out. [Worldmetrics, 2026] That means your social media profiles aren't just part of your marketing—they are your first impression. They're the front door of your business, and potential clients are walking through it every day whether you realize it or not. The trouble is that many a...
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By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX)
Journal Entry for 4/6/2026April kicked off with a collection of excellent blog posts you shouldn't miss that promotes Motivation, Education, Marketing, Integrity, and Diversity.  Combined together equal Best Practices to spell SUCCESS! KEEP LEARNING FROM ACTIVERAIN When great minds think alike, they can create Masterclass Learning on ActiveRain without being challenged. Here are my favorites that began on April 1 and ended on April 6. However, I could not find any for April 4. April 6 - Dorie Dillard Austin TX  wrote a Motivational Post on Nelson Mandela on courage, resilience, and growth.https://activerain.com/blogsview/5928806/stepping-stones-to-strength#24723261 April 5 - Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518   wrote a very well written Educational Post that every real estate...
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By Bob Gallo, Success Tools Online
(Success Tools Online)
 We all experience fear and worry. How we respond to these thoughts determines their impact on our lives. The best way to eliminate these negatives from our lives is to take action. Consistent action leaves little room for negative thoughts. If a negative thought pops into your mind, write it down, examine it, and then burn the paper. Ask yourself, what is the best use of my time right now? and then act on the answer.Make today the day that you let go of fear, worry, and jealousy. Instead, look for the positive in everything you do. Expect success and back it up with action, and you will be successful.Question: Are you letting fear, worry, or jealousy sink your ship of success?Quote: "All the water in the world cannot sink a ship unless it gets on the inside of it. All the sorrow, fear,...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Don't Hang Your Wash on Someone Else's Line In real estate, this old saying coincides with ethical guidelines. Real estate professionals are expected to honor existing client relationships. Trying to entice a buyer or seller who’s already working with another agent is a big No-No. It’s like sneaking over to the neighbor’s yard and hanging your clothes on their line. Not only is it rude but unacceptable. Most likely you'll be in hot water with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Code of Ethics, especially Article 16. Also, refrain from hijacking other agents listings to enhance your business or using social media groups to vent. Doing this publicly on internet platforms equates to washing dirty underwear in front of everyone. Ewww, totally gross! The Golden Rule Still AppliesRespe...
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By Steffy Hristova, Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!
(HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161)
The content of the blog is great, Gwen has created a great visual, too - so you may want to head to her blog to see it. How Do You Figure Profit on Each Closing? (Step-by-Step Guide) A closing is not just a paycheck. It is a business transaction—and every one of them has a cost. If you want control of your business, you need to know exactly what each deal puts in your pocket. Here is how to break it down. Step 1: Start With Your Gross Commission This is the number most agents focus on—but it is only the starting point. Take the total commission from the closing. Example:Sale price: $350,000Commission: 3% = $10,500 Write that number down. That is your gross, not your profit. Step 2: Subtract Your Broker Split Now take out what goes to your brokerage. Example:Split: 70/30Your portion: $7,...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
How Do You Figure Profit on Each Closing? (Step-by-Step Guide)A closing is not just a paycheck.It is a business transaction—and every one of them has a cost.If you want control of your business, you need to know exactly what each deal puts in your pocket.Here is how to break it down.Step 1: Start With Your Gross CommissionThis is the number most agents focus on—but it is only the starting point.Take the total commission from the closing.Example:Sale price: $350,000Commission: 3% = $10,500Write that number down.That is your gross, not your profit.Step 2: Subtract Your Broker SplitNow take out what goes to your brokerage.Example:Split: 70/30Your portion: $7,350Broker portion: $3,150If you have a cap, you know where you are in the year. That changes everything.What you keep after your spli...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
How AI Is Changing the Way We Write (And Why It Feels a Little Uncomfortable)I’ll be honest… writing has changed.There was a time when you sat down, wrote your thoughts, checked your spelling, and hit publish. Now, it feels like there are layers—AI tools, grammar checkers, rewriting suggestions—and sometimes you wonder… is this still my voice?I find myself double-checking everything. Running it through tools like Grammarly. Asking AI to review it. Tweaking it again. And sometimes, it makes me question what is “good enough” anymore.But here is what I am learning.AI can help you organize your thoughts. It can clean up grammar. It can make things easier to read.What it cannot do… is replace your experience.Your stories.Your perspective.Your understanding of your market and your people.That...
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Your Attitude Shapes Your RealityEverything starts here.The way you think influences: How you respond to challenges How you see opportunities How others experience you A positive, grounded attitude doesn’t mean life is perfect—it means you choose how you show up anyway.  1. Your Attitude Shapes Your Reality Everything starts here. The way you think influences: How you respond to challenges How you see opportunities How others experience you A positive, grounded attitude doesn’t mean life is perfect—it means you choose how you show up anyway. 2. Gratitude Changes Everything Gratitude has a way of shifting your entire perspective. When you focus on what you have instead of what you lack: Stress softens Joy grows Life feels fuller Even on hard days, there is always something to be thankful...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Making Integrity Non-negotiable in Today’s Real Estate MarketWhat does integrity look like in 2026? Certainly not the textbook definition. Not the polished version we post online. I’m talking about the real, everyday choices—the ones no one sees.In a world that moves fast, negotiates hard and rewards results, integrity is still the one thing that cannot be negotiated.My foundation, and everyone on my team’s foundation is simple: Integrity Without Compromise. Not when it’s convenient, not when it benefits us, not when no one is watching. Without compromise. Period.Integrity isn’t just about honesty—it’s about consistency. It’s doing the right thing when it costs you time, money or even the deal itself. Integrity shows up in the hard conversations. It shows up in full transparency.Integri...
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By JORGE VAZQUEZ, Investor-Focused Broker | FL Statewide | 3,500+ De
(Graystone Investment Group)
If you’ve ever looked into real estate investing and felt like everyone was speaking a different language… you’re not alone.NOI. Cap rate. Cash flow. DSCR.At first, it feels like you need a dictionary just to buy one property.But here’s the truth most people don’t tell you…You don’t need to know everything. You just need to understand a few key basics that actually matter.I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and I can tell you from experience, most investors don’t lose money because they didn’t know a definition. They lose money because they didn’t understand how to use the numbers in a real deal.That’s a big difference.Let’s break this down in a simple way.The Few Terms That Actually MatterInstead of memorizing 100 terms, focus on these core ones:• Cash FlowThis is what you actually...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I doubt anyone has ever been tongue-tied in the matter that Titus was, literally, but I'm sure we all have been tongue-tied figuratively. I admit I do get a kick out of this advertisement on TV: While the above video is good acting I can relate to times where I have been genuinely tongue-tied. Most recently for me was an incident at church two weeks ago.At church I am a social butterfly who likes to meet everyone possible and befriend as many brothers and sisters in the faith that I can.There is a young mother of one whom I admire because of her skill in controlling her daughter and two other little girls during worship. I've never heard a peep out of the three girls or "mom" during the time of worship. Twice I tried to compliment her and I just got tongue tied because she looks at me v...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Being a REALTOR® here in AZ, I receive weekly emails from our state association. Yesterday, there was an article about Due Diligence entitled “Due Diligence More Than Just a Home Inspection.”The article went on about how important it is for buyers to read the Preliminary Title Commitment Report, any Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CCRs), HOA governing documents, etc. What was interesting none of the bullet points referenced the real estate agent reading any of these documents as per of his or her due diligence.Here is where going the extra mile is important.  The reason is many buyers don’t know what they don’t know especially out of state buyers.I read every Preliminary Title Commitment usually with 24-48 hours after receipt. If there are embedded active links, I download all o...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Food poisoning is no joke. Personally, I have only suffered from food poisoning one time in my life. The worst part was that it was over Christmas and Christmas Eve 40 years ago. My case was very mild and I was back on my feet within twenty-four hours. The culprit was some apple cider gone bad. It didn't taste bad, in fact it tasted very good going down (I best add I was dealing with a hangover when I drank it).Questionable Appliances & Real EstateI believe if you have been in Real Estate as an agent or Broker for any amount of time you have encountered an incident involving a defective appliance or outright fraud in a home your client just purchased.Agents need to be alert prior to closing, during the final walk through, and after closing as to if a seller has "substituted" an applianc...
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By Bill Exeter, 1031 Exchange and Self-Directed IRA & 401k Expert
(Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC)
Did you know that most 1031 exchange qualified intermediaries operate without any licensing, regulatory oversight or audit requirements, that one can set-up shop as a QI? The QI industry is not licensed or regulated. Trusting an unlicensed and unregulated entity with your sale proceeds carries significant financial risk. The historic bankruptcy of LandAmerica 1031 Exchange Services demonstrated exactly how millions of dollars in client funds can be lost when a company lacks strict investment restrictions and mandatory audits.Our latest article, "The Hidden Risks of Using Unregulated 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediaries," provides a factual, structured framework to protect your investments. It guides you through the exact steps needed to secure your funds, helping you: Verify that a 10...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
This is one of the most asked questions right now:How does a buyer’s agent get paid?Here is the simple answer:👉 The buyer is responsible for their agent’s compensation👉 The source of funds can vary1. Paid by the Buyer (Buyer Broker Agreement) Buyer signs a buyer broker agreement This agreement defines: Representation Compensation This is a contractual obligation of the buyer ✔ This is the foundation of the relationship✔ Clear expectations from the beginning2. Paid by the Seller (Through Concessions) Negotiated in the purchase contract Seller agrees to contribute funds to the buyer Buyer uses those funds to: Cover closing costs Pay their agent ✔ Seller is not paying the agent directly✔ Seller is helping the buyer meet their obligation3. Combination of Buyer + Seller Seller contributes a ...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Steve today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZGILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler It’s no secret—our real estate market in Denton County isn’t what it was six months ago. Interest rates have moved, buyer behavior has changed, and homes aren’t flying off the shelves like they did during the peak. So, if you’re thinking about selling, you might be wondering: “Is this still a good time?” Or better yet, “How do I make sure I don’t get stuck on the market?” I’m Steve Depoe, Realtor with The Rose Realty Team here in Denton County, and today we’re going to break down exac...
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By Steve Depoe | The Rose Realty Team, Taking the stress out of Buying and Selling
(The Rose Realty Team)
It’s no secret—our real estate market in Denton County isn’t what it was six months ago. Interest rates have moved, buyer behavior has changed, and homes aren’t flying off the shelves like they did during the peak. So, if you’re thinking about selling, you might be wondering: “Is this still a good time?” Or better yet, “How do I make sure I don’t get stuck on the market?”I’m Steve Depoe, Realtor with The Rose Realty Team here in Denton County, and today we’re going to break down exactly what selling in a shifting market means—and how you can still come out ahead with the right plan.Let’s start with mindset. In a hot market, sellers could price high, expect multiple offers, and move quickly. But when things shift—whether due to rising rates, increased inventory, or economic uncertainty—t...
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By Doug Haney, Springfield Ohio Real Estate Agent
(The Haney Group / Coldwell Banker Heritage)
How Real Estate Negotiations Work in Ohio: What Every Buyer and Seller Needs to Know Whether you're purchasing your first home in Springfield or selling an investment property in Columbus, one truth holds across every transaction: the negotiation is where deals are won or lost. At The Haney Group – Coldwell Banker Heritage, Doug Haney, Lisa Ackerman, and Brad Shuman have guided numerous clients through Ohio's unique negotiation landscape — and the market in 2026 looks very different depending on your zip code. Here's everything you need to know. The Ohio Legal Framework: What Makes a Deal Real Before strategy, there's law. Ohio has clear rules governing real estate negotiations: Written offers only. Under Ohio Revised Code, a real estate contract is not legally binding unless it's in w...
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