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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
I’m Building an Accountability Team for 8 Agents. Here’s What It Is — and Why It Works.By Brian Sharkey | SharkeyRE.comLet me be straight with you.Most real estate agents don’t have a knowledge problem.They have an accountability problem.They know they should make the calls.They know they should follow up.They know they should track their numbers.They know they should stop starting over every Monday like last week never happened.But knowing doesn’t build a pipeline.Consistent action does.And without a scoreboard, most agents drift. The weeks blur together. The excuses sound reasonable. The pipeline dries up quietly. Then one day they look around and wonder why their business feels like a roller coaster.That’s the gap I’m filling.I’m opening one OnTrack Accountability Team for 8 serious ...
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Every now and then, I walk into a home on closing day and notice something small that says a lot.The light bulbs are gone.There is no toilet paper.Not even a roll of paper towels in the kitchen.Now, are those items required to stay? No.But this is where courtesy comes in.     Every now and then, I walk into a home on closing day and notice something small that says a lot. The light bulbs are gone.There is no toilet paper.Not even a roll of paper towels in the kitchen. Now, are those items required to stay? No. But this is where courtesy comes in. The Difference Between “Required” and “Right” The contract will tell you what must stay: Fixtures Built-in appliances Anything attached to the property Light bulbs and toilet paper are not part of that conversation. But the experience for the b...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
"Feeling appreciated is one of the most important needs that people have. When you share with someone your appreciation and gratitude, they will not forget you. Appreciation will return to you many times." Steve Brunkhorst  Discover an ancient principle that attracts prosperity and connects you with people, passion, and purpose. http://SuccessToolsOnline.com/challenge According to William James, "The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." Human relations psychology teaches that we all need to feel appreciated and valued. Let us not forget that the most important gift we can give others cannot be purchased; it comes from the heart. It's time spent helping others feel good about themselves. Take the time to recognize and appreciate one friend, one client, one...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
For many families, the school district is just as important as the home itself. Before you fall in love with a property, it’s essential to understand exactly which district it belongs to and what that district offers.1. Confirming the School District. The most reliable way to verify a home’s school district is to check the town or city’s official school department website. Most districts offer a “street lookup” tool where you can enter an address and see the assigned schools. You can also call the superintendent’s office for confirmation, especially if the home is near a district boundary.2. Does the District Allow School Choice? Many states, including Massachusetts, offer School Choice, allowing students to attend a public school outside their home district if space is available. To fi...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
A double yellow line in a residential area is more meaningful than most buyers realize, and it’s absolutely something to factor into your decision, especially if you have children, pets, or concerns about traffic flow.A double yellow line simply means no passing in either direction. It does not automatically mean the road is a highway or that the speed limit is high. However, towns typically paint double yellow lines on roads that are: Busier than a typical neighborhood street Used as a cut‑through or connector road Wide enough for two‑way traffic but not safe for passing So while it doesn’t guarantee heavy traffic, it usually signals consistent daily volume, including delivery trucks, commuters, and school buses.For homebuyers, the significance is practical: Noise: More cars mean more ...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
When you’re considering a new home, the safety of the neighborhood is just as important as the condition of the property itself. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to research crime history, community stability, and overall neighborhood well‑being before making a decision.One common question buyers ask is whether they can call the local police department. The answer is yes—you can absolutely contact a police station’s non‑emergency line and ask general questions about neighborhood safety, community programs, or whether they offer public crime statistics. While they cannot disclose private information or comment on specific households, most departments are willing to share broad, factual data or direct you to public resources.Beyond that, buyers have multiple avenues to explore...
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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 Gwen 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 #Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore   Every now and then, I walk into a home on closing day and notice something small that says a lot. The light bulbs are gone.There is no toilet paper.Not even a roll of paper towels in the kitchen. Now, are those items required to stay? No. But this is where courtesy comes in. The Difference Between “Required” and ...
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By Bob Gallo, Success Tools Online
(Success Tools Online)
Discover an ancient principle that attracts prosperity and connects you with people, passion, and purpose.http://SuccessToolsOnline.com/challengeAccording to William James, "The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." Human relations psychology teaches that we all need to feel appreciated and valued. Let us not forget that the most important gift we can give others cannot be purchased; it comes from the heart. It's time spent helping others feel good about themselves. Take the time to recognize and appreciate one friend, one client, one prospect, and one associate. The beauty of this is that the giver gets as much, if not more, than the receiver. We all feel good when we make someone feel good.Question: How does it feel when someone expresses appreciation fo...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 Every now and then, I walk into a home on closing day and notice something small that says a lot.The light bulbs are gone.There is no toilet paper.Not even a roll of paper towels in the kitchen.Now, are those items required to stay? No.But this is where courtesy comes in.The Difference Between “Required” and “Right”The contract will tell you what must stay: Fixtures Built-in appliances Anything attached to the property Light bulbs and toilet paper are not part of that conversation.But the experience for the buyer is.They have just signed a stack of paperwork, transferred funds, and taken ownership of a new home. The first few hours matter more than most sellers realize.Why Do Sellers Take These Items?It usually comes down to habit, not intention. They are packing quickly They assume ev...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Every agent has a database.Not every agent has a working database.There is a difference between a list of names and a system that creates business.After almost 40 years, I can tell you this clearly:Your database is your business. How you use it determines your income.What Works1. Consistent, Personal ContactPeople do business with the person who stays in touch.Not once a year. Not when you need a closing.Regular contact matters: Quick check-ins “Just thinking of you” notes Local updates that matter to them Simple, consistent contact builds trust over time.2. Keeping It SimpleYou do not need a complicated system.You need one you will actually use.A working database includes: Name Email Phone number Notes about their situation If it takes too long to update, it will not get updated.3. Seg...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 There is a point in almost every listing where the seller’s emotions start to rise.The showing traffic slows.The feedback is mixed.The neighbor’s house sells first.Or worse… nothing happens at all.That is when the calls start.“Are we priced right?”“Did we make a mistake?”“Should we just take it off the market?”After almost 40 years in this business, I can tell you this is normal. The key is not to dismiss the anxiety, but to guide it.1. Acknowledge the Emotion FirstBefore you talk numbers, talk people.Sellers are not just selling a house. They are letting go of memories, routines, and sometimes a life stage.What to say:“I understand why you feel this way. This is a big decision, and you should be asking these questions.”That one sentence can lower the temperature in the room.2. Go Back...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
It wasn't until I viewed the photograph I snapped this morning and put it in my photo editor that I noticed God kept his beautiful sunrise within the lines. Power lines that is. 😊Keeping it between the lines.Isn't that what our job is, keeping things between the lines? Making sure our clients get the best deal possible without breaking moral or legal boundaries.Thankfully most agents and Brokers understand the legal aspects of coloring outside the lines. I'd like to think the majority understand not just the legal aspects but also the moral aspects.  
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By Bill Exeter, 1031 Exchange and Self-Directed IRA & 401k Expert
(Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC)
Have you found the perfect replacement investment real estate but have not yet sold your current investment property?You do not have to risk missing out on a valuable acquisition. Our comprehensive new guide explores the exact parameters of reverse 1031 exchange transactions. This detailed article breaks down everything you need to know to execute your reverse exchange safely, including: The strategic benefits of securing your replacement property first Navigating "Exchange Last" and "Exchange First" structures Tracking strict 45-day and 180-day IRS deadlines Executing essential documentation and parking arrangements Working with an experienced and regulated team A reverse exchange is a sophisticated variation of the tax-deferred exchange governed by Internal Revenue Code Section 1031. ...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
In recent months, a subtle change has taken place: AI is reading your online reviews before anyone else, and it's having a big impact on how you appear in AI generated search results. And it's not just looking at your star rating. It's looking at the stories your clients tell, the details they include, and the way you respond. If online reviews have taken a back seat in your business strategy, they just became more important than ever before. Today I want to cover some review basics and then dig into how reviews are influencing AI search results—and how you can make a difference. Review Basics: When to Ask, Where to Focus Agents often overthink when to ask for a review, but it's simple: ask whenever you complete a service of value: — a home sale or purchase, a successful referral, or e...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
I recently closed on a tract that was believed to be 343 acres. After a survey, it was sold as 228 acres. That is not a small adjustment, and it changed everything.The seller was firm at $5,500 per acre and paid for the survey, hoping there was more land than the county records showed. Instead, the survey revealed: 330 acres identified 2.3 acres in overlap Final usable acreage: 228 acres without a cloud on title The buyer was satisfied with a clean, clear purchase. The seller, understandably, was not. This property had been taxed for generations as part of a historic land grant dating back to King George, yet only what could legally be transferred was far less.This is exactly why surveys matter.3 Reasons You Need a Survey Before You Market Land1. You Need to Know What You Can Actually S...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
How to Get the 4% Property Tax Rate and Homestead Exemption in Oconee County, SCIf you are moving to Oconee County or have recently purchased a home, one of the most important steps you can take is making sure your property is taxed correctly. South Carolina offers a 4% primary residence tax rate, along with additional savings through the Homestead Exemption for qualified homeowners.These benefits do not happen automatically. You must apply.Here is how to get it done the right way.What is the 4% Property Tax Rate in South Carolina?In South Carolina, owner-occupied homes qualify for a reduced 4% tax assessment ratio, compared to higher rates for second homes, rentals, or investment properties.This applies only to your primary residence.If you do not apply, your home will be taxed at a hi...
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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)
You're Invited to this FREE Training!Burnout-Proof Your BusinessBusy is not the same thing as sustainable. If you want to create a business that is productive, profitable, and sustainable, this session is for you. I’ll be sharing practical insight on how to protect your energy, stay sharp, and keep your business growing without sacrificing everything else that matters.I’m looking forward to joining Community Connection, hosted by Derek Jones, to talk about Burnout-Proof Your Business on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10 a.m. PT.                    If you’ve ever felt like success started costing too much energy, peace, or time... this session is for you. We’re going to talk about building a business that performs well and supports your life.This session is for people who are tired of the ...
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By Jennifer Graff, Realtor serving the Las Vegas Valley
(The New Home Experts at Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
I almost took my car in for service this morning.Then I remembered there was $100,000 in cash in the backseat.Let me back up.This was the week that two of my clients — completely unrelated, completely unaware of each other — reminded me that twenty years in real estate will take you to places the licensing exam never mentioned.Both happened in the same week.Both arrived via text message.Both are completely true.And I genuinely could not make either one up.Text One — Good Morning. We Have A Quick Question.I met this couple for the first time two days ago. Referral. Brand new clients. We had done exactly three meetings together when my phone buzzed.Good morning. We have a quick question for you. We won a large jackpot yesterday and stupidly got the cash instead of a check. Can we give you...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Need a new view? Change the focus. Successful, determined real estate professionals can thrive in any market, I’m living proof of that, after jumping into the industry during an economic downturn. People thought I was crazy!Instead of waiting for the market to adjust, I took as many classes as possible, changing the focus, similar to guiding a boat away from rough water by heading toward calmer shores.  Rather than get caught cycling and recycling worried, paralyzing thoughts about an uncertain future, change the focus. Reach out to past clients to discover what their needs may be now.   Most often, the best opportunities come when shifting the view and dropping a line in the new spot. You're able to gain a clearer mindset and a whole new view of what is right before you. When condition...
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By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc.)
Abby Landvoice delivers a high-impact breakdown of why expired listings remain the gold standard for lead generation. By focusing on commitment, multi-channel marketing, and the use of modern technology like Call Capture, she provides a clear roadmap for turning "no" into a listing contract. This post is a masterclass in treating real estate as a high-performance discipline. It's no secret that most real estate agents need to improve their lead generation. Chances are if you are reading this post, you fall into that group of agents. Here is what most real estate agents do: try every new tactic, often without fully committing to it, and quickly change to something else when they don't find immediate results. But this is a mistake. According to NAR, the gross income for the average agent ...
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