Admin

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 Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Today’s real estate market isn’t just fast‑moving, it’s shape‑shifting. Interest rates rise, fall, and stall. Inventory tightens, then loosens. Buyer confidence wavers. Seller expectations stretch. Through it all, one thing remains true: agents who survive are the ones who know how to shift and shimmy with the market instead of resisting it.Adaptability is the new currency. That means staying visible, staying educated, and staying connected. Agents must pivot their strategies quickly - adjusting marketing, refining pricing conversations, strengthening negotiation skills, and leaning into technology that keeps them ahead of the curve. The agents who thrive are the ones who treat change as an opportunity, not a threat.In today’s climate, you can’t afford to stand still. You have to move w...
Comments 1
By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Hail to The Chief for The U.S. Navy's 251st Birthday!  Today we honor and celebrate all Sailors - past, present and future - thankful for your service and dedication during peaceful and times of conflict. We express our deepest gratitude to the families who endure the hardships of the military lifestyle and continue to love and support your Sailor and our Navy.     We remember the thousands of our Shipmates who are deployed around the world vigilantly standing the watch and those who have gone before us in service to our great Nation. Happy Birthday, Navy, you're lookin' good for your age and thank you for your service, My Honey The Chief!     Some work standards to adopt from the Navy to incorporate into business are: show no fear, improve and evolve, get up, dress up and show up. adap...
Comments 8
By Coral Amelia, Professional Real Estate Services You Can Trust
(https://keenanhowardrealty.com/)
   Most outdoor spending starts with how a place looks. A homeowner walks outside, decides the space looks tired, and puts the money into new plants, fresh mulch, or a neater border. For a few months it looks great. Then the soft patches come back, the edges sink again, and the grass thins out in the same spots as before. In North Naples, FL, where storms drop a lot of rain quickly, and the ground stays wet for days afterward, the real difference between a property that lasts and one that keeps breaking down is not the planting. It is whether the cause of the damage was dealt with before the decorating began.What Lies Under a Good-Looking PropertyPeople see the surface of their land long before they understand what is happening below it. Poor drainage is almost always the reason a lawn ...
Comments 6
By Coral Amelia, Professional Real Estate Services You Can Trust
(https://keenanhowardrealty.com/)
 Home improvement plans often begin with an inspiring photograph, but resale value depends on more than attractive finishes. In Houston, Texas, where the Census Bureau estimated 2,397,315 residents in 2025, homeowners face a large housing market in which property condition, maintenance, and location can influence buyer expectations. Before committing to a major renovation, consider whether an improvement solves a practical problem, makes the home easier to live in, or simply reflects a passing trend.Make the First Impression Feel Well MaintainedBuyers begin forming opinions before they have explored every room. Faded paint, loose door hardware, neglected landscaping, or damaged flooring can suggest that other maintenance has been postponed. Correcting visible wear often makes a property...
Comments 1
By Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty, Florida Space Coast Homes
(Waves Realty)
This is simply a question of timing. I was at a continuing education class and we had a twenty minute break in the middle. I was sitting at a table with six or seven other Realtors. One of the Realtors was about to go live, and they posed the question to all of us. One Realtor said Friday, so you get on for the weekend.One said Sunday or Monday so they would have enough time to advertise an open house.One said Tuesday because they felt it gave them a few days to get "hot" for the weekend.I said I felt Thursday was the best day because it would get in any automatic email notifications for the weekend...this would give the buyers enough time to tell their agent they wanted it added to the showings that weekend.Another agent felt the same way I did, but felt Weds was better because it gave...
Comments 8
How we supported our Destin vacation rental guests through Hurricane Isaias with timely communication, flexibility, and fair refunds.Planning a beach vacation in Destin, Florida, should be about making memories, relaxing by the Gulf, and enjoying time with family and friends. Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate.When Hurricane Isaias threatened to disrupt travel plans, we knew our responsibility went beyond simply providing a beautiful beachfront vacation rental. Our guests needed clear communication, reassurance, flexibility, and fair treatment during an uncertain situation.At Destin Condo Rentals, we believe that exceptional hospitality isn't just about providing a great vacation when everything goes according to plan. It's also about how we take care of our guests at...
Comments 1
By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Be Aware: Corn Has Ears - So Does The Seller's Property Many homes now have doorbell cameras, security systems, indoor cameras, baby monitors and smart speakers. During a showing, a conversation that feels private may be otherwise. When clients move through, encourage note taking about pro's-con's, upgrades, location, condition or how the property compares to others. For SellersHome security systems are common and often legitimate. However, audio and video recording can raise legal questions. Rules for recording differ from location or situation. Home ownership does not automatically make every recording lawful. Questions? Agents should involve the broker and seek proper legal guidance. For BuyersLeave equipment alone, it is the seller’s property. Avoid giving away negotiating leverage ...
Comments 12
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
A smooth home sale starts with preparation! From property deeds and tax records to mortgage details and identification, having important documents organized can prevent delays and surprises. Don’t worry if something’s missing—your real estate professional can help you get started! Before You List Your Home or Property, Let's Get the Paperwork Together What Every Seller Should Bring to the First Listing Appointment When someone calls me about selling their property, one of the first things I like to do is get the paperwork organized. Selling a property involves more than photographs, pricing, and putting a sign in the yard. We need to confirm who owns the property, what we're selling, and whether anything could affect the transaction.  I have learned that getting organized early can save...
Comments 1
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Before You List Your Home or Property, Let's Get the Paperwork TogetherWhat Every Seller Should Bring to the First Listing AppointmentWhen someone calls me about selling their property, one of the first things I like to do is get the paperwork organized. Selling a property involves more than photographs, pricing, and putting a sign in the yard. We need to confirm who owns the property, what we're selling, and whether anything could affect the transaction.  I have learned that getting organized early can save a lot of confusion later.Your First Appointment ChecklistHere are some things I ask sellers to have available when we meet: ☐ Government-issued photo ID. A valid driver's license, state ID, or passport for each owner. ☐ Property address. For vacant land, the tax map number or parcel...
Comments 10
By Dr. Paula McDonald, Galveston, TX 936-203-0279
(Sand 'n Sea Properties)
Those of us in the business of real estate are often thought of as the ones who have all of the answers. Our clients look to us for guidance. Our colleagues expect us to know the rules. And somewhere along the way, it can become easy to believe that asking a question makes us look inexperienced or inept.The longer I serve this business, the more I believe the opposite is true. What is true is that the best agents aren't the ones who know everything. They're the ones who know when to ask. Our industry changes all of the time. It is imperative to stay up but realistically, we aren't always going to have every, single answer.Real estate transactions are complicated. Contracts change. Situations arise that you may not have encountered before. A seemingly simple question can have legal, fina...
Comments 7
By Mike Young, FHA 203k Consultant 916-758-1809 cell direct
(203kOnLine.com, covering the USA)
Managing 203(k) paperwork means maintaining accurate, current, and traceable project documentation from initial scope through final draw.A 203(k) file rarely falls apart because someone cannot identify a repair. It falls apart because a scope changed without documentation, a bid does not match the write-up, a draw request arrives without the right inspection record, or everyone assumes someone else has the current version. Learning how to manage 203k paperwork is how you protect the deal, your reputation, and the contractor's ability to get paid.For a HUD 203(k) consultant, paperwork is not an administrative side task. It is the operating system for the project. The consultant's work connects the borrower, contractor, lender, appraiser, and HUD requirements. When your file is organized,...
Comments 0
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
When I was younger, I thought we needed to remember the special days. Birthdays, weddings, holidays, vacations, and family celebrations.Those days are important, of course. But the older I get, the more I realize that some of the best days of our lives are the ordinary ones.The Days We Don't Put on the CalendarA quiet morning with a cup of coffee.Watching a bluebird visit the yard. A drive through the mountains without an appointment to keep. An afternoon at the farm, enjoying the trees and thinking about the people who planted them.Nothing particularly exciting happens, and yet the day feels complete.We Spend So Much Time Looking AheadWorking in real estate for nearly 40 years has meant keeping a calendar full of appointments, deadlines, showings, and closings. Something always needs t...
Comments 6
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Buying a house and affording to live in it are two different things.I have worked with buyers who qualify for a mortgage payment that looks reasonable on paper. But the monthly payment is only one part of homeownership.The Expenses That Don't Always Make the Wish ListBefore buying, I encourage clients to consider more than the purchase price. Property taxes and homeowners insurance Heating, cooling, water, and electricity Roof and HVAC maintenance Lawn care and landscaping Driveway repairs HOA dues and assessments Septic system or well maintenance Emergency repairs and replacement costs If you are buying acreage or lakefront property, you may have additional expenses.That long gravel driveway may need maintenance. The dock may eventually need repairs. A large yard requires equipment, ti...
Comments 3
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
When a seller receives multiple offers, the first question is usually, "Which one offered the most money?"That is understandable. Sellers want the best possible return on their investment.But the highest offer is not always the one that puts the most money in the seller's pocket.There Is More to an Offer Than the PriceBefore recommending that a seller accept an offer, I want to look at the entire contract. Financing: Is the buyer preapproved, paying cash, or dependent on selling another property? Earnest money: How much is the buyer putting forward, and what are the terms for its release or refund? Contingencies: What must happen before the buyer is obligated to close? Closing date: Does the proposed schedule fit the seller's plans? Seller concessions: How much is the buyer asking the s...
Comments 2
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Sometimes the most important thing an agent can do is be quiet.We are trained to explain contracts, discuss market conditions, point out property features, and answer questions. Those are important responsibilities.But representing buyers and sellers has another side. We need to listen.Buyers Will Tell You What They Really WantA buyer may begin by telling me they need four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a two-car garage.After spending some time together, I discover what they really want is privacy, a place for their grandchildren to visit, and a porch where they can enjoy the mountains. The number of bedrooms was not the most important part of their search. I might never learn that if I spend the entire showing talking.Sellers Need to Be Heard, TooWhen a seller questions my recommended ...
Comments 2
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Learning at a young age, time is money.  From growing up in the restaurant business with my parents, it was important to start the day out with habits.  You must be on time and unlock the door, start the coffee, turn on the grill, cook the bacon, get the hot holding station turn on.  Put the money in the the cash register, turn on the open sign and more and more and ready to greet the customers.After that I learn from that to do routines to get what you want done.  From my time in getting to be restaurant manager to moving up to a training manager to a Supervisor to a regional manager and V.P. of a company.Funny, how Real Estate is a little different, but we all still have routines and we wear many hats to make it in this business.  I fount a great book to help me along the way.  THE ES...
Comments 5
By Melodi Magness Morelli, Magness + Morelli Group | Luxury Real Estate
(Keller Williams Realty, Southlake, Texas)
The Best Real Estate Opportunities Aren’t Always the Most Obvious: What Buyers Should Know in Today’s Southlake MarketThe real estate market changes the questions buyers ask.When homes are selling quickly and competition is intense, buyers often worry about missing out. When the market becomes more selective, a different question emerges: How do you recognize a genuinely good opportunity when the right answer isn’t immediately obvious?For buyers considering Southlake and the surrounding luxury communities, that question matters more than ever.A Changing Market Requires a Different PerspectiveThe Dallas–Fort Worth market is sending mixed signals. September 2026 data from Realtor.com showed fewer active listings than a year earlier, but more than one in four DFW listings had experienced a...
Comments 2
By Renee Hahn, Top Real Estate Agent Serving Naples Florida Area
(Renee Hahn, Your Naples Real Estate Expert (Alfred Robbins Realty Group))
In any real estate transaction, there is often more being negotiated than just the purchase price. One of the most misunderstood tools in real estate is the use of concessions. While buyers and sellers often focus heavily on the sale price, concessions can sometimes create a win-win solution that helps bridge gaps, solve problems, and keep transactions moving forward.In today's market, where affordability, insurance costs, interest rates, and property condition are frequently part of the conversation, understanding how concessions work can be an important advantage for both buyers and sellers.What Are Real Estate Concessions?A concession is something of value that one party agrees to provide to help facilitate the transaction. Most commonly, concessions involve the seller providing a fi...
Comments 3
By Jack Cutrone, Long Island Real Estate Agent | MRP | PSA
(Patriot Real Properties)
 By Jack Cutrone, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Patriot Real PropertiesFinding the right home or receiving a good offer is exciting. But there are still details to work through before moving day.For buyers and sellers in Suffolk and Nassau County, addressing questions early can reduce confusion and help everyone prepare.Here are five areas worth discussing with your real estate team.1. WHAT REMAINS TO BE DONE FOR FINANCING?A preapproval is useful, but it does not guarantee a mortgage. Final approval still involves the lender’s review and requirements.Buyers should stay in contact with their lender and ask:• What documents are still needed?• What conditions remain outstanding?• What financial changes should we discuss before making them?Before opening new credit, making a major fina...
Comments 4
By Coral Amelia, Professional Real Estate Services You Can Trust
(https://keenanhowardrealty.com/)
Nonprofit grants do not usually pay a real estate agency’s ordinary business expenses, commissions, advertising, or transaction costs. That distinction matters. Yet they can still create meaningful opportunities for New Jersey realtors and real estate agencies when they support the community organizations, housing initiatives, and neighborhood services that shape local markets. A grant-funded housing counseling program can help more residents prepare for sustainable homeownership. A neighborhood revitalization project can improve access to services and strengthen a commercial corridor. A nonprofit development effort can create a clearer path for families, seniors, veterans, or people with disabilities to find stable housing. Realtors can contribute knowledge, relationships, and practica...
Comments 1
Back to Top