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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 inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Las Vegas is a city famous worldwide for its dazzling entertainment and vibrant nightlife, but its architecture is just as captivating. Whether you are considering buying or selling a home here or simply want to understand the local real estate market better, knowing about Las Vegas architecture will give you deeper insight into the unique character and potential of the area.Overview of Las Vegas ArchitectureLas Vegas architecture is a blend of styles that reflect the city’s rapid growth, diverse culture, and its status as a global entertainment hub. From the iconic themed resorts on the Strip to elegant residential neighborhoods, Las Vegas offers an eclectic mix that appeals to a variety of tastes and lifestyles.The city’s architecture can generally be categorized into three main types...
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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 dropped a powerhouse conversation on the Time To Shine Today podcast that I HAD to bring over to the ActiveRain community!I had the honor of interviewing Regina Huber — and trust me, this one isn’t just about leadership. It’s about radical self-trust, owning your story, and flipping the internal power switch 🔋Regina is the CEO of Transform Your Performance and has built businesses across five continents. She’s danced Tango in Buenos Aires, led in Madrid boardrooms, and faced life-threatening situations with grace.What she shares? Real. Raw. Relatable.Here’s what I walked away with:1️⃣ You don’t need permission to live boldly 💥 2️⃣ Your biggest challenges can become your greatest tools 🧠 3️⃣ True confidence comes from intention, not credentials...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
With the exception of a few bad apples Pets bring much comfort to their owners. The power of pet therapy is well documented. The graphic/link below is an excellent article on the topic of Pet Therapy.When it comes to Real Estate therapy animals can be a real nightmare for landlords, condominiums, and HOA's.As I mentioned above there are a few people who abuse the system. My least favorite of these people who do not get Dr's orders for their pet, they just say it's their therapy pet. A close akin is those who ignore the signs saying no pets but they feel it's just fine as FiFi fits inside their purse or coat. I've even seen this in church!Anyone who reads my posts regularly knows I love pets. We currently have a rescue dog and two aquariums. In the past we have had many birds and rodents...
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By Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
Every real estate professional has been there: you capture a great new lead, feel a surge of excitement, and then… work happens. Life happens. Showings, client communication, paperwork, holidays, etc. It all gets in the way. And before you know it, that once hot lead has gone cold, lost to a competitor who simply followed up a little faster. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, companies that respond to leads within an hour are seven times more likely to qualify a lead than those who respond after an hour, and 60x more likely than those who wait 24 hours or more.This is the lead follow-up gap. And it’s not just frustrating, it’s costing you real deal, real revenue, and real growth. In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about lead follow-up gaps and h...
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By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
One thing I think most people can agree on is that the life of a single parent is filled with challenges. One of the biggest challenges is having to manage finances on a single income. Many single parents may feel that being a homeowner is out of reach for them. But with rents going sky high, filling the pockets of a landlord when they could be investing in their own future just doesn’t make sense.If you are a single parent and you think you can’t purchase a home, think again!  There are specialized loan options and assistance programs available to help single Moms and Dads become homeowners.  For example, you will find flexible mortgage qualification criteria, reduced down payment requirements and assistance with up front costs.Here are some loan types, grants, and strategies that can ...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Chapman Homes Real Estate TeamIf you’re considering buying or selling a home in Shoreline, WA, having the right real estate team by your side can make all the difference. Among the many options in the area, Chapman Real Estate stands out as a trusted, experienced, and highly skilled group dedicated to serving the Shoreline community with excellence.Why Choose Chapman Real Estate in Shoreline?The Chapman Homes Real Estate Team has built a solid reputation for providing personalized and professional real estate services. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned seller, or someone looking to invest, Chapman Real Estate’s local expertise and commitment to clients make them the go-to team in Shoreline.Deep Local KnowledgeShoreline is a vibrant city known for its beautiful neighborho...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
What a great blog from our past Rainer Lou Ludwig. Do Something About It “Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. it’s the person who gets out of the shower, dries off and does something about it that makes a difference.” Nolan Bushnell, American Entrepreneur Founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese Pizza     As I see it . . . . . . . Do something about it   We all are carrying around a great ideas . .  . . or something that has to be done . . . . it’s now the time to do something about it.   A good idea in your head without acting on it has very little . . . or no value. An idea where you take action on it can create a breakthrough moment in your life . . . . and change the direction of your life or career. When you have an idea . . . . Do something about it . . . .  bring yo...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
My guess is you check your email, check your voicemail etc. etc.  I write my blog, after that I turn to what I call my POWERHOUR!  it is a hour that I use for prospecting, whether it is developing a postcard for buyers or sellers. Since I am back on my own, I know everything sits on my shoulders to get business.  Yes, this has been a great year so far and I know my POWERHOUR has lots to do with the postive activity I have this year. Everyone of us has varies way of prospecting but the key is you need to have a goal and have a heavy sense of doing something.  YOu need to be a GO-GETTER!!!!Do you have a POWERHOUR daily?  Are you a GO-GETTER?  What do you do daily to reach out and touch someone?
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
We Know Our 💩. But Do They?!! Little by little, I notice our industry has become eroded through bureaucratic overreach. The majority of people making decisions that adversely affect our industry, have zero experience but their know-it-all egos override all logic, claiming, "Real estate is so easy, anyone can do it." Well, then, I ask, why aren't they? There's nothing better than getting to know buyers and sellers through a sincere connection, having boots on the ground, researching a property or feeling the dirt between the toes before excavation begins on a new home for a special client. None of those people will have the luxury or satisfaction of doing exactly that! The joy of discerning whether a property will serve clients well or one that requires running away at a high rate of spe...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
The Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) will release their midyear revisions to the GAR Contract Package on 6/1/25. This video covers the 2025 Midyear Revisions to the Purchase & Sale Agreement. Stay tuned for more videos continuing in the series of Midyear Changes to the GAR Contract Package.Dana Sparks - Broker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Aurora, Colorado, Leah Celler is your go-to real estate expert. With a deep knowledge of the local market and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service, Leah has become a trusted name for buyers and sellers alike. Whether you're exploring homes for sale in Aurora or need expert advice on selling your property, Leah is here to guide you every step of the way.Why Choose Leah Celler as Your Realtor in Aurora, CO?As an experienced local realtor, Leah understands the nuances of the Aurora real estate market. From neighborhoods to schools, parks, and amenities, Leah’s expertise ensures that her clients make informed decisions when it comes to buying or selling a home.1. Local Expertise Leah's in-depth knowledge of Aurora's neighborhoods, ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
As real estate agents, providing feedback is not only our professional responsibility, it is the right thing to do.   There have been many blogs written about the topic of feedback. As real estate agents, providing feedback is not only our professional responsibility, it is the right thing to do. Feedback is a solid method of opening a dialogue between agents and also gives our sellers much-needed information to asses their price, home condition, and any other areas that might help them make necessary changes to get the home sold. It is not only disheartening when another agent who has shown your listing ghosts you , this behavior is big-time lacking on their professional and ethical responsibilities. Yes, we are all busy yet, we each have the same hours in each day. Providing feedback ...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
There have been many blogs written about the topic of feedback. As real estate agents, providing feedback is not only our professional responsibility, it is the right thing to do. Feedback is a solid method of opening a dialogue between agents and also gives our sellers much-needed information to asses their price, home condition, and any other areas that might help them make necessary changes to get the home sold.It is not only disheartening when another agent who has shown your listing ghosts you , this behavior is big-time lacking on their professional and ethical responsibilities. Yes, we are all busy yet, we each have the same hours in each day. Providing feedback takes just a few minutes and should be given within 24 hours of showing the property. It is our duty!Property feedback ...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
If you have an office that is open to the public it's important to give a good first impression of being professional. So what about your computers screen. In general I keep the Windows desktop screen up when I am not working at the computer.If I am working on the computer I usually am on Active Rain and I leave that screen up so I can tell others about Active Rain.We often talk about professionalism here and first impressions. If people coming into your office can see your computer's screen what are they going to see? I will never forget walking into a professionals office and seeing porn on the screen. I actually turned around and left. He texted me immediately and asked what happened and I told him why as well as I prefered to work with someone else with stronger moral character.
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Spring Storms and Homeownership: Protecting Your Investment in the Western UpstateSpring in the Upstate of South Carolina brings blooming gardens, longer days… and unpredictable thunderstorms. If you own a home in Oconee, Pickens, or Anderson County, it’s essential to be prepared before the next front rolls through.Here are some storm-season tips to protect your property, especially if you live in a rural or lake area.⚡ 1. Well Pumps Attract Lightning One of our area's most common and expensive storm-related repairs is well pump replacement due to lightning strikes. If your home has a private well, make this your spring habit:👉 Flip the breaker to your well pump when storms are in the area.It’s a simple move that could save you thousands — replacing a pump isn’t cheap, and insurance may...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
The Truth About "As Is" Listings: What Buyers and Sellers Need to KnowPublished: Tuesday, May 13, 2025In today’s real estate market, you’ll often see homes listed “as is.” But what does that really mean — and should you be worried?For buyers, “as is” simply means that the seller is not planning to make repairs. That doesn’t mean the home is falling apart — it may just be dated, inherited, or owned by someone who can’t manage renovations. It does mean that your due diligence is more important than ever.✔️ Inspections are still essential. Even though the seller isn’t promising to fix anything, you still need to know what you’re buying. A thorough home inspection can uncover hidden issues — and may give you room to negotiate the price.💡 Insurance matters. Some insurance carriers won’t writ...
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By Dana (Lerner) Sparks, Satisfying You with Service Innovation & Education
(Maximum One Realty - Managing Broker)
The Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) will release their midyear revisions to the GAR Contract Package on 6/1/25. This video covers the 2025 Midyear Revisions to the Brokerage Agreements. Stay tuned for more videos continuing in the series of Midyear Changes to the GAR Contract Package.Dana Sparks, Broker, Maximum One Greater AtlantaDana@MaximumOneRealty.com
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By Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
Customer service is under pressure. Expectations are higher, response times are shorter, and the margin for error is razor-thin. To meet the demand, businesses are turning to artificial intelligence, but not all implementations are working. From frustrating chatbot loops to misleading automated replies, many companies are discovering that AI alone can’t deliver the experience their customers expect.At MyOutDesk, we see AI as a powerful tool, but only when it’s used the right way. This article breaks down where AI fits in customer service, where it fails, and how to strike a balance that actually improves your customer experience, without sacrificing trust or performance.Let’s unpack the current state of AI in customer service, what’s working, what isn’t, and how to strike the right bala...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
My Word. An Unbreakable Bond From the moment a client trusted me with their goals, providing exceptional service became the top priority, dedication that has remained steadfast throughout my real estate career. My word is true and once I make the commitment, it is solid and true, unless unforeseen circumstances arise. ...Would I change this? No. I promptly communicate any delays. Clients appreciate quick action, particularly when navigating the pressures of tight timelines and upcoming deadlines. Consistent and clear communication is vital to maintaining business relationships, genuinely contributing to successful results. ...Would I change this? No. A significant part of my business results from past client or business recommendations, testimony to the positive experiences who confiden...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Aspiration Pricing vs. Reality: A Caution to Sellers”There’s a new term floating around in real estate: aspiration pricing. It means listing your home for what you hope it’s worth, not necessarily what the market supports.While it’s understandable to want top dollar, pricing too high out of the gate often backfires. Today’s buyers are savvy and have access to real-time data. If your home sits on the market too long, it loses appeal, often leading to price reductions and frustration.Instead, let’s price it right from the beginning. I’ll provide local comps, trends, and realistic expectations. We can aim for your goals while staying grounded in what today’s buyers are willing to pay. Getting it right from the start means a faster sale, stronger offers, and fewer headaches.Be a leader and ...
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