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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 Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
If you have "Both Sides" of a real estate transaction, how do you get paid? What does having "Both Sides" even mean? Isn't that Dual Agency? What must a Buyer & Seller sign? Are there any other tips I should know? Watch the video to find out!Dana Sparks, Qualifying Broker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORS® Dana@MaximumOneRealty.com
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Bob has another great post here. bill  I have fond memories of playing hide and seek along with other outdoor games with the other neighborhood kids. Thinking back about 60 years I can still see the faces of Carol, Alan, Gary, Johnny and about four others. What happy carefree times those were.  Back in 1960 I am not sure how much thought went into my parents decision to purchase their home in a new neighborhood but I'm thinking my mom told the Realtor that she wanted a home in a new development with other up and comers of the same age. Being the adults were similar in age it only made sense that there would be an abundance of kids near the same age as each other. (Thanks to Google Maps I found that house). While I never gave it any thought until today I'd have to say my mom was a pretty...
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By PAUL KAPLAN, Coachella Valley/Pasadena Local Real Estate Expert
(Bennion Deville Homes)
I talk to a lot of real estate agents who are great at what they do—whether it’s staging homes, negotiating deals, or finding the perfect mid-century gem for a client. But when it comes to social media? That’s where things get murky.Many agents I meet have solid ideas and even great content. Some have impressive follower counts and get plenty of likes—but they’re still scratching their heads asking:“How do I actually make money from this?”If that sounds familiar, keep reading. Here's how to take your Instagram from a pretty feed to a powerful lead-generating, income-producing machine.1. Niche Down and Stand Out You don’t need to be the “everything to everyone” agent.Are you the go-to expert for mid-century homes? First-time buyers? 55+ communities? Vacation rentals?Specializing helps yo...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I have fond memories of playing hide and seek along with other outdoor games with the other neighborhood kids. Thinking back about 60 years I can still see the faces of Carol, Alan, Gary, Johnny and about four others. What happy carefree times those were. Back in 1960 I am not sure how much thought went into my parents decision to purchase their home in a new neighborhood but I'm thinking my mom told the Realtor that she wanted a home in a new development with other up and comers of the same age. Being the adults were similar in age it only made sense that there would be an abundance of kids near the same age as each other. (Thanks to Google Maps I found that house).While I never gave it any thought until today I'd have to say my mom was a pretty smart cookie. She insured us kids would ...
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
Looking for a weekend splash-and-dash escape near Northern Virginia? Here’s a roundup of the most popular waterparks within about an hour’s drive—perfect for families, couples, or groups wanting a fun retreat locally.1. Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole (Lake Fairfax Park, Reston, VA) Drive time: ~30 min from NoVA Admission: Around $12/person (weekday group rate)  What makes it special: A Wild West–themed park featuring flumes, sprays, the 725‑ft Rattlesnake lazy river, and kid‑friendly play areas. Rating: ⭐️ 9/10 — great for kids & teens alike. 2. SplashDown Waterpark (Manassas, VA) Drive time: ~40 min Admission: Over-48″: $19.50 weekends; $15 weekdays; Under-48″: $15 weekend; $14.50 weekday  What makes it special: Veterans’ favorite, NoVA’s largest outdoor waterpark, boasting 40‑ft slid...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
When a loved one passes away, it can leave behind not just emotional challenges but also real estate matters that need to be addressed. In a peaceful community like Okoboji, IA—where many families have held homes for generations—real estate transitions following a recent death are more common than some might expect. As a local realtor who has helped both buyers and families through these delicate transactions, I understand the complexity, legality, and emotions involved.If you’re considering buying a home from a family dealing with a recent Okoboji death, this guide will walk you through what to expect, how to navigate the process respectfully, and why homes in this unique lakeside community can still offer tremendous value for buyers.Understanding the Context of Okoboji Death and Real ...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Just a few days ago, I received an email from a fellow broker that completely stopped me in my tracks! A fellow broker in my area sent me an email regarding an area of our Texas real estate contracts that is confusing at best. It is a relatively new change and is interpreted in many different ways.Anyway, I received a contract from one of this broker's agents. The two of us (buyer agent and I), negotiated and made the changes. Now, insert the other broker. This broker sent me an "educational" email outlining the way things should be handled and that they were "right" and everyone else was "wrong". This email even contained a tutorial video.Well, this email because of the video, I think, went to my SPAM folder. I don't make a habit of checking this folder very often and, it was the holid...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
What is your SPF Rating?  Protecting your skin when enjoying the outdoors is paramount, just as ensuring clients are well taken care of when buying or selling property. The strength brought to a real estate deal, professionalism that creates trust and the focus that drives successful outcomes is all dependent on you. StrengthA real estate career is more than just transactions, it's about building lasting relationships. Having a deep understanding of market trends, the ability to weather through market shifts and to stay the course when navigating buyer and seller deals requires a solid commitment to all clients' best interests.  ProfessionalismCompetence is the foundation of trust in real estate. It begins from the first meeting to smiles all around at the closing table. Attention to de...
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By Jeffrey Richman, Creative Real Estate Specialist
(Immediate Home Solutions)
Kickstart your morning with a quick brain stretch!This little puzzle is a great way to get your mind moving and ready for the day.Even if you don’t get it right, your dendrites are waking up and doing their job! 🧠💪Answer for Wednesday You’re in a dark room with one candle, one gas lamp, and one fireplace. You only have one match. What do you light first? Answer: The Match  Brain Buster for Thursday, July 10 If you have 3 full glasses and 3 empty ones, how can you move only one glass to make them alternate full and empty?
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
A Little Wish Ignored. Until... In a mostly manicured yard in southern Utah, an old dandelion named Puffy with a fluffy head full of white knew his life cycle was close to the end. Earlier in the spring, his bright yellow bloom provided much beneficial food to pollinators. Puffy now needed help in journeying on, to ensure that more dandelions would be replenished as future generations of flowers. He began to plead to every passerby in the vicinity. "Blow me!" he said to the squirrels,who were collecting nuts to fill thefood supply for later use. “Just a little puff?" he asked the busyrobins while they searched for food,hopping past, then flying off. Even the wind, swirling slightly above him, hereand there, failed to respond to the quiet pleasof “Pssst! Over here!" They all refused to t...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Partner with a Realtor in Huntington Woods MI Who Truly Knows the CommunityIf you're planning to buy or sell a home in Huntington Woods, MI, choosing the right realtor can make all the difference. With its tree-lined streets, strong sense of community, and sought-after homes, Huntington Woods remains one of Metro Detroit’s most desirable residential pockets. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a growing family, or a long-time homeowner preparing to sell, working with a knowledgeable Realtor in Huntington Woods MI ensures that your real estate experience is seamless and successful.Why Huntington Woods Is a Standout MarketHuntington Woods is a small city nestled just north of Detroit and adjacent to Royal Oak and Berkley. It's often referred to as the “City of Homes,” and for good reason: ...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Your Trusted Farmington Hills Realtor Is Closer Than You ThinkWhether you're looking to buy your first home, sell your current property, or invest in real estate, working with an experienced Farmington Hills Realtor can make all the difference. As a local expert who knows the ins and outs of the market, I’m here to guide you through every step of your journey in one of Metro Detroit’s most sought-after suburban communities.Why Farmington Hills, MI Is a Smart Real Estate MoveFarmington Hills consistently ranks among Michigan’s best places to live thanks to its balance of suburban comfort, convenient amenities, and a strong sense of community. Located in Oakland County, the city boasts a population of around 83,000 residents and offers easy access to major highways, business hubs, and rec...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
Cash Buyers: Don’t Skip the Home Inspection — It’s Worth Every PennyI get it—when you're buying a house with cash, everything moves faster. No lenders. No appraisals. No waiting. It's a smooth ride to close… until it's not.Let me say this loud and clear: just because you're paying cash doesn’t mean you should skip the home inspection.Over my 25+ years selling homes across the Phoenix metro area, I’ve worked with plenty of cash buyers—some who did inspections, and some who didn’t. Guess who regrets it later?Here’s the deal: a home inspection isn’t just a formality for lenders. It’s your chance to know what you're actually buying. Foundation cracks, roof damage, faulty plumbing, mold issues—these don’t magically disappear just because you're not financing the place.I once had a buyer who ...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
I love animals—always have. But as someone who’s been selling homes across the Phoenix metro area for over 25 years, I’ve seen how quickly a furry friend can scare off a potential buyer and make it that much harder to sell a beautiful home.Let me paint a picture: I walk into a showing and bam—the smell hits. A powerful combo of cat litter, wet dog, and desperation masked by chemical air fresheners. The buyer’s nose crinkles. My eyes start to water and the sniffing begins. The vibe shifts. We’re no longer talking layout or upgrades… we’re wondering what’s hiding in the carpet.If you’re planning to sell your home in Arizona, and you have pets, here’s what you need to know:✅ Odor Matters – That dog smell you’ve gone nose-blind to? Buyers haven’t. Same goes for litter boxes. Remove them bef...
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By Karina Sayed, REALTOR ® CEO I BROKER I OWNER PLAYA REALTORS
(PLAYA REALTORS)
Why Choosing the Right Buyer Representative in Quintana Roo Matters More Than Browsing ListingsWhen you start looking for property in Mexico, especially in Quintana Roo, the first thing most people do is search online listings. But here’s the catch, in Quintana Roo, that’s not the smartest move.Unlike other parts of Mexico, such as Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta, there’s no MLS here. The market is fragmented, listings are inconsistent, and many of the people posting properties don’t even hold the required real estate license (matrícula).That’s why the real question isn’t “Where do I find properties?” — it’s:  “Who will represent me?”A qualified buyer representative ensures you:✔ See the real opportunities, not just what one developer wants to sell you.✔ Don’t overpay in a market with no t...
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By Andrea Lilienfeld, Scottsdale Realtor | 55+ and Investment Expert
(The Kay-Grant Group)
The Kay-Grant Group didn’t become a team of top Scottsdale Realtors by accident.It took planning, hard work, and a relentless focus on delivering full-service real estate support to our clients; many of whom live out of state.I was reminded of that today as our team headed in different directions to check on our active for sale listings across the Valley.🌧️ Last night brought rare wind and rain to Arizona.  And while weather might seem unrelated to real estate... in many ways, it’s everything.When a Storm Hits, Who's Watching Your Home?Many of our clients are out-of-state homeowners. When storms hit and they're hundreds or thousands of miles away, they’re asking: Who can I call to check on my property and make sure there’s no damage? How do I get a key to someone I trust? Who should I c...
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By Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308, Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®
(Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.)
 We’ve all heard it, whether it pertains to investing in the stock market, buying a car or a house: “Caveat emptor,” or “Let the buyer beware.”Houses have problems, even newly built houses. The problem is that many of these problems can’t be seen and are therefore not obvious to even the professional home inspector. Some of the larger problems, however, leave clues, so let’s take a look at some of these red flags. Plumbing System Red FlagsLow water pressure could be a sign of a problem as simple as a water softener requiring service, or as complicated as a leak somewhere in the plumbing lines. If the low pressure only occurs when the hot water is on, it may be an indication of a problem with the water heater.Use the tip of your toes to press on the floor around the toilet. If it feels s...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
National Association of REALTORS® Go REALTOR® Store Contact Pay Dues Sign in Real Estate Topics  Membership  Research & Statistics  Advocacy  Education  News & Events  About NAR  More  You are here Get the Facts Consumer Guide: Working With a Real Estate Attorney Share NOTE: Consumer guides do not constitute any change in NAR policy. Real estate professionals must ensure they market properties consistent with relevant MLS rules and educate sellers on the choices available. Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you can make. Many professionals are available to help you throughout the homebuying process, including a real estate attorney. When navigating the homebuying process, this is how a real estate attorney can help you: What does a real estate attorney do? A real esta...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
When working with a real estate agent, it's essential to understand the level of responsibility they have toward you as their client. In almost all cases, when a seller lists their home with an agent, an agency relationship is formed, meaning the agent owes the seller a fiduciary duty—a high level of care and loyalty. The same can apply to buyers when they enter into an agency agreement with their agent. However, some agents may work with buyers without an agency relationship, which means they are not required to act as fiduciaries. Since each state determines its agency laws, it's essential to know what kind of representation you're receiving. Reasonable Care: The Basic Standard At a minimum, all real estate agents must provide reasonable care, meaning they must perform their job comp...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Boat and Lake Safety: SCDNR Courtesy Inspections for July 4th WeekendAs we approach the busy July 4th weekend, South Carolina’s lakes and waterways are gearing up for an influx of boaters. Whether you're out on Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, or another local waterway, safety should always be your top priority. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is here to help ensure that everyone enjoys the holiday safely by conducting courtesy boat inspections at public boat landings across the state.These inspections focus on verifying that your boat has all required safety equipment and that both your boat and motor registrations are up to date. These quick but thorough checks are a simple way to ensure you’re compliant and ready to enjoy the water safely this weekend.SCDNR Boat...
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