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 Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com)
You can blog about ANYTHING (including those topics that most would say you shouldn't).  You can stick to one flavor or mix in a bit of everything.You can write what YOU want to write or what THEY (your potential customers) are looking to find.One gets comments (maybe), the other can gain you potential clients.So how do you understand what your potential clients want?You've got the answers to that question with past and current clients.What did they need from you?What questions did they ask you?Now run that through the filter of what you uniquely can offer to potential clients that will attract the right kind of people to your business.For the most part, we're all working from the same pool of available houses for sale, so how can we repackage that information to add value?Explore a nic...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
The cartoon above is a continuation from yesterdays cartoon so to "get" it you may want to look at yesterdays post. The point here is that if you are offering a "hand up" you need to be with-in reach or your offer to help is just a platitude. Real Estate is a service business. If you are NOT in the business to serve others you are doing our entire profession a disservice.  
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By Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Tuesday is Choose Day - Choose to be Educated!Texas REALTORS® Legal Hotline published an article by Traci Jackson, staff attorney on April 8, 2022 that is worth noting. Rumors have been floating around for a long time that "property investors are exempt from the requirement to provide a seller's disclsoure." That is a mistaken belief! The truth is in regards to sellers disclosure for investors "there are no exceptions." Everyone who owns and sells property in the state of Texas, including sellers "who never lived in the property," are required to disclose what they know. Read "Property Code Section 5.008."  It pays to know and stay educatedREALTORS® who are not attorneys are not allowed to practice law. Sharing the truth and choosing to be educated by knowing what is true and what is fa...
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By Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Student loan dreams shouldn't stand in the way of homeownership aspirations!  Reasonable debt is a part of American society.  Again, I said reasonable.  Excessive credit card debt might be the only thing that is stopping in your way.  We need to check with a loan officer to see where you stand on the debt spectrum.  🌟💪I can help you navigate the path toward your new home while managing your student loan debt wisely.Don't let anything hold you back – message me today, and let's start building your future!#thehelpfulLO #home #house #listreports #homeowner #realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #finances #investment #househunting #happyhome #happyhomeowner
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Tonight, our local school board is being presented with a much-needed proposed school bond. As our community continues to grow, the need for additional buildings, maintenance on the older buildings, transportation, and equipment continue to be in need. Our school district needs the funding in order to meet the increased demands.I served on our local long-range committee all summer long. We studied the demographics for future growth, evaluated where we are currently regarding buildings, and discussed the most important issues we are facing at this moment. The committee consisted of about 60 people who consistently attended weekly meetings.What we already knew but got into deeply, was the overcrowding that every single campus is experiencing. This situation is troubling as it affects ever...
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
And Realtyna’s MLS/IDX WidgetsBuilding a website with Squarespace is a straightforward process that doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge. Since Squarespace doesn’t offer any native integration for organic MLS/ IDX integration, we will use Realtyna’s solution for this purpose. What we need to get started:Realtyna’s IDX/MLS widgetSubscription for SquarespaceSubscription for MLS Router™ APIBuild a Website with Squarespace and Realtyna’s MLS/ IDX WidgetsFollow these steps to create your own website using Squarespace:Sign up for an account:Go to the Squarespace website (https://www.squarespace.com/) and sign up for an account. You’ll need to provide an email address, create a password, and choose a plan that suits your needs. Squarespace offers a free trial, so you can explore the p...
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By Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty, Florida Space Coast Homes
(Waves Realty)
Having held real estate licenses in multiple States one thing potential buyers and sellers must know is that each State has differences in how representation by an agent will occur. Some States like Texas require the agent (before any real estate substance is discussed) to disclose what type of agency the buyer (or seller) can choose or opt out of.In Florida buyers can be represented a few different ways. For the most part a buyer will choose between (or have it forced upon them) Transaction Brokerage or Single agency.For anyone moving from another State this tends to be a bit different because in Florida we default to Transaction Brokerage when we start with a new client.For those who are confused by this let me give you a small overview:Transaction Brokerage a lower lever of required ...
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By J Perrin Cornell, Broker, ABR, VAMRES
(Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate)
No question the real estate market is different from a year ago! Also no question that the market will be different 30-90 days from now. So what to do to stay ahead, profitable  and relevant?Doesn't sound like a lot of fun but the term "Back To Basics" comes to mind!You know, calling buyers, sellers and clients every day. Posting to your web site. using forums such as Active Rain.  Working Google Business and posting it and Yelp and a hundred others with some content. Here is a novel one... send three cards a day to your data base and folks you know. How about this... actually go to your office everyday... we all have heard experts talk about letting the conversation around the water fountain getting you down. True but just being in the office you can also learn. You might get some good...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Market value appreciation enhances the value of your property over time, creating wealth and investment opportunities. Learn about the factors that influence appreciation, from location and demand to economic conditions. Whether you're a homeowner tracking your property's value or an investor evaluating potential assets, this guide will empower you to understand the dynamics of market value appreciation and make informed decisions for your real estate portfolio. Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Appreciation: The Secret Weapon in Your Seller Toolbox When someone is thinking about a move, they aren't necessarily focused on the future - they are thinking about why the home they are living in doesn't meet their needs now. The challenge in the current market is that sell...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Explore crucial insights into the world of vacation rentals, from regulatory considerations and property management challenges to market trends and financial expectations. Discover the dos and don'ts that can make or break your success as a short-term rental investor. Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional or a newcomer to the industry, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of short-term rentals and maximize your investment potential.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP PROS AND CONS OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL INVESTMENTS In recent years, the real estate market has witnessed a significant rise in the popularity of short-term rentals, driven by the emergence of platforms like Airbnb. The prospect of generating a steady income by ...
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By Alan May, A moving experience!
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
Today, I was sent by a colleague to meet a vendor who was delivering a refrigerator at one of our listings at a condo during the wee hours of the morning.  My colleague told me that she had notified John, the maintenance man, that we had permission to use the freight elevator.The truck arrived, they loaded up the fridge and took it up the elevator without issue (John was nowhere to be seen, but I had access)... when we got up to the condo, they removed the old refrigerator without incident, but surprise, surprise, the new fridge would not fit through the doorway. (Murphy's law, right?!).  We tried a number of solutions... removing the refrigerator doors (still too big)... maybe we could go in through the front door - yes, that would work, but we still couldn't get through the door from ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Challenges and responsibilities that come with being a landlord, from property management and tenant interactions to legal considerations and financial planning. Learn how to navigate potential pitfalls and ensure a successful and profitable landlord experience. Whether you're a seasoned investor or considering your first rental property, this guide will equip you with essential knowledge to make informed decisions and thrive in the dynamic world of real estate investment.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BECOMING A LANDLORD Becoming a landlord can be an exciting and lucrative venture, but it comes with many responsibilities and challenges. Whether you're considering investing in real estate or have already taken the plunge, it's crucial t...
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By Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
Are you tired of juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities as a real estate professional? Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of your business? If so, it might be time to consider hiring a virtual assistant.Doing so has been the secret ingredient of many real estate brokerages experiencing growth, for quite some time. Virtual assistants can help you save time, streamline your processes, and focus on what you do best – selling real estate.But with so many options, how do you know which virtual assistant company is the best fit for you?We’ve done the homework for you and compiled a list of the six best companies for real estate virtual assistants in 2023. These companies provide valuable services that can help you improve your systems and processes, and increase your product...
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By Dan Rochon, Top Realtor in Northern Virginia
(Greetings Virginia with eXp Realty)
PROS AND CONS OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL INVESTMENTSIn recent years, the real estate market has witnessed a significant rise in the popularity of short-term rentals, driven by the emergence of platforms like Airbnb.The prospect of generating a steady income by renting out properties on a short-term basis has attracted the attention of many potential investors. However, as with any investment, consider the advantages and disadvantages before diving in. Pros of Investing in Short-Term RentalsHIGHER RENTAL INCOME POTENTIALOne of the most alluring aspects of short-term rentals is their potential for higher rental income than traditional long-term rentals. Short-term rentals typically command higher nightly rates, especially in tourist hotspots or cities with high demand for accommodation. This in...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Nobody likes the feeling of having someone on their tail (BTW guinea pigs do not have tails). That being said I don't understand why when people are driving they are often consumed with what is behind them instead of keeping their eyes on the road in front of them.In Real Estate, or any sales position, there is a real fine line between keeping in touch and being over zealous in maintaining contact. I will admit that if I leaned one way or the other I could have kept closer contact then I did with Buyers but I never let a situation slip with the Sellers I represented.If you are a new Real Estate professional you should learn from the pros in your office. Don't be afraid to ask them what works for them. What worked best for me was having a full time secretary who helped me out with cards ...
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By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
A guide for countries around the worldWith Realtyna’s MLS CloudThe world of real estate technology is changing rapidly. Only those with the right set of tech stacks and tools can lead the way. Multiple listings service has been a successful ecosystem which has facilitated cooperation and transparency among real estate agents. Canada and the United States have successfully implemented the MLS system and this has led to a unique, fair and a lucrative business model for real estate professionals in these countries. Following this success, a lot of countries around the world are attempting to build MLSs in their own countries. What is an MLS?MLS stands for “Multiple Listing Service.” It is a database used by real estate agents and brokers to share information about properties they have list...
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By Kathy Streib, Home Stager/Redesign
Is Your Job Really Done? Whatever work we do, whatever our job is…how do we know when it’s done? Agents have lists and a set of procedures they follow to ensure that they’ve done everything to take their clients to settlement. It’s the same with those in the mortgage profession and home inspectors.  The closing date has come. Papers have been signed and all parties leave...your work is done.  Or is it? The other day I was in a store and yes, I did purchase what I’d come in to buy. However (and this was not the first time this has happened) the young person at the counter spoke to her co-worker during the entire transaction.  I held my Apple watch at the gizmo and paid with Apple Pay. The cashier then placed my item in a bag and handed me my receipt. Never did she smile at me…in fact she...
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By Dee Toohey, Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro
(Innovative Realty Solutions Group)
Are you a Florida Realtor? Are you here? Why or Why not?There are lots of activities, events and networking opportunities.Our keynote speaker today was Tim Tebow and we sang Happy Birthday to him! He talked about many things related to making the most out of disappointments and failures and how they set us up for successes.Tonight, we Party on the Moon. Then we rest for another full day of the trade show and sessions tomorrow along with the Closing Session Legal Update with Juana Watkins and Dr. Brad O'Conner.Friday brings us former Presidential Press Secretary and TV personality Dana Perino.Why am I here? To engage with my peers, learn out what's new in Florida Real Estate and to rejuvenate.There's still time!
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
I just returned home from Chicago after attending the National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Conference. The theme that our incoming President, Tracy Kasper shared is to "Ignite Others". She laid out the six points of light and challenged us as members to help ignite.Six Points of Light:Financial LiteracyCommunitySustainabilityFinancial WellnessGrowing Future LeadersMember SuccessOne of the most exciting initiatives is the High School Financial Education Program. The goal of this program is to have a Realtor® visit every high school in the nation to share the dream of home ownership with our students. We are encouraged to apply to teach and reach our students in a first-hand manner.Regardless if you are a fan of NAR or not, these points of light are excellent initiatives for our o...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
"Don't quit your day job." This is good advice for a new agent with unrealistic expectations, one who lacks motivation in creating business or expects everyone else to carry the work load. There is so much more than passing a test and getting a license to practice!  Reasons to keep the day job because real estate is too hard: Travel plans cost money Not a real prince or princess Too old to be an exotic dancer Have weekly/monthly bills to pay Dumpster diving isn’t lucrative enough People food is better than eating cat food Most likely winning the lotto isn’t happening Mommy and Daddy no longer supplement the income A paycheck in hand today is better than a promised listing tomorrow Unless the circus is in town, there are no eager monkeys to boss around  Some seem to think they can take t...
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