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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 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 one of the most powerful conversations yet on the Time To Shine Today Podcast — my interview with Michael Wish!Michael is an educator, speaker, and coach who helps students and professionals build focus, leadership, and clarity of purpose. He’s also the founder of Velle Logos, a mentorship community dedicated to learning, growth, and personal development. Add in his Marine Corps background, and you’ve got someone who brings discipline, precision, and heart to everything he does.Here’s what hit me hardest from our conversation: Chaos isn’t the problem — it’s the training ground for clarity. ⚡ “Success means you’ve already learned something; failure just means you’re learning right now.” 🎯 Habits are standards in motion — your goals are ...
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By NextDay Inspect, Residential Home Inspections & Environmental Tests
(NextDay Inspect)
 The Hidden HVAC Costs Homebuyers Never SeeYou would not buy a car without checking the engine. The same logic should apply to a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. A quick on off check during a standard home inspection rarely reveals the real condition of an HVAC system. Skipping a specialized HVAC inspection can turn a dream purchase into a sudden, seven‑figure style shock to your budget—often well into the tens of thousands of dollars when you factor replacements, duct work, and temporary housing during peak seasons.Why an HVAC inspection matters before closingMost home inspections simply confirm whether the HVAC system powers on and off. That is useful, but it is not enough. A full HVAC evaluation looks at refrigerant levels, airflow, internal components, combu...
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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.)
Commitment, practice, and persistent follow-up are key to converting expired leads! Abby Landvoice breaks down 7 powerful, practical tips to succeed where others stop. A must-read for real estate agents! "I don't like Cold Calling" Those are 5 words that come out of the mouth of both new and experienced realtors. Nobody likes calling cold leads.What is a cold call? That depends on how you look at it. Most people consider calling someone with no prior relationship a cold call. Is calling family and friends that you know are not planning on buying or selling a home really a warm call? Is there a relationship? Yes. But is that a warm lead? No, its not even warm enough to consider a lead. A warm lead is someone that is wanting to sell their home. A really warm lead is someone that desperate...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
My Seller called me today with a truly interesting story. She saw someone out in the front yard taking the information down from the real estate sign. Since they live in a gated part of the neighborhood, she went outside to greet the person.After putting on her shoes and heading out, there was no one there. She went back inside and now sees that her husband is out on the back patio with the same person who was in the front yard. They had simply helped themselves through the side gate and came up on the porch.The person explained she had just moved in one street over and wanted to know more about their home. What was "off" to my clients were several things. Most notable, just coming on through the gate to the back porch!Next, as my clients were trying to be "neighborly", the situation be...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Standing On Shaky Ground Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional commitments a consumer will ever make. In a market of fast-tracking offers, competing buyers and high-stakes negotiations, it’s easy to feel pressured to compromise on wants and needs. Stand your ground, otherwise the process can become shaky or uncertain. Know the must-haves, a budget, and specific timelines separates success from someone who ends up with regret. That’s where an experienced agent becomes your solid foundation. Avoid being in a hurry to buy the wrong house, askilled representative  helps you remain firm and protect from costly mistakes or sudden surprises. Avoid waiving the home inspection or appraisal contingencies, they can be safety nets in preventing a hard fall. Rather than standin...
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By Peter Mohylsky, www.athome30a, Call me at 850-517-7098
(Property Management Inc.-Destin)
Owning a home isn’t just about having a place to call your own—it can also come with tax perks!  This time of year getting  a handle on your taxes is a good thing.  💰From mortgage interest deductions to property tax write-offs, homeownership could help you save money when tax season rolls around. Not sure how it all works?I can connect you with the right experts to guide you!Let’s chat about finding you a home that fits your needs and your financial goals.#thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #househunting #finances #a111025 #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #newhome #dreamhome #smortmoney
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By Ed Silva, 203-206-0754, Retired Real Estate Broker
(203-206-0754 )
The Thanks for How We got to Where we AreAs we get into the flow of November, with anticipation of the coming holidays we are also made more cognizant of the people that have made parts of the journey with us and how we impacted each other's lives.Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375  has taken the lead in hosting the Challenge and will be as diligent as ever in her enthusiasm and care of the challenge.My entrance into real estate came after almost 40 years in manufacturing design, service and sales. It takes its toll and the idea of continuing beyond the borders to expand that business was not for me. What it did do, is allow me the opportunity to appreciate the care with which companies invest within themselves to ease worker stress and increase efficiency. It also demonstrat...
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By JORGE VAZQUEZ, Investor-Focused Broker | FL Statewide | 3,500+ De
(Graystone Investment Group)
One of my agents asked me about the “special assessments” section in the Florida As-Is contract the other day, and I had to laugh—I’ve done thousands of deals, but I still had to look it up. When you live in the investor world, retail-style contracts can feel like a foreign language.That question (lines 194–196) reminded me how critical those tiny check marks really are. Here’s what it says in plain English: (a) Seller pays what’s due before closing; buyer pays after. (b) Seller pays it all before closing. As a buyer, you almost always want (b). It keeps things clean, avoids hidden city debts, and makes sure the property’s free and clear.While we’re at it, here are five spots every investor should slow down and check before signing any Florida As-Is contract: Inspection Period – That’s ...
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By Daryl Datus, 360-801-6373
(Kellyright)
SELLING SUCCESS IN WINTER TO MAXIMIZE PROFITS IN MASON county www.daryldatus.com 360-801-6373 Most real estate agents will tell you winter is the worst time to sell property, but data from Mason Kits shows something completely different. Properties sold between December and February actually command 8% higher prices than spring listings, and here's the part that might surprise you - they sell 15% faster too. This happens because winter buyers in Mason Kits are serious buyers, not casual browsers who disappear when mortgage rates shift or when they find something slightly better down the street. You're capable of taking advantage of this seasonal opportunity, and the strategies we'll cover will show you exactly how to position your property for maximum profit during these colder months. ...
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By Alan May, Home again, home again...
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
One of the mistakes that many people make... not just buyers but often their agents as well, is to treat the inspection as a moment in time to "get past".I like to view the inspection as an opportunity to get acquainted with the property.  Treat it like a first date.  Get to know their quirks and foibles.  What's good, what's bad.  What do you love about your date, and what's going to need some work as you go forward?Or, worst case scenario, maybe you just need to go your separate ways?  This is a great opportunity to take notes as the inspector walks you through the home and add items to your maintenance schedule.  The inspector tells you that the water heater should be drained once every year or two ... put that on your list.  He tells you that the roof has 3-4 years of life left on i...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
White Lake Charter Township Realtor: Local Expertise for Buyers and SellersWhen you’re searching for a White Lake Charter Township realtor, you want someone who understands not only the housing market, but the lake-centered lifestyle that makes this corner of Oakland County so appealing. Whether you're relocating for better schools, eyeing a lakefront upgrade, or planning to list your home, having a local advocate who knows the neighborhoods, the market changes, and what buyers are looking for can make an enormous difference.White Lake Charter Township blends natural beauty with suburban convenience. It’s a community where residents spend summer evenings boating across rolling blue water and weekends exploring wooded parks just minutes from home. That combination has made the area incre...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Bluff Lake Homes for Sale: A Local Realtor’s GuideIf you're searching for Bluff Lake homes for sale, you’re likely looking for that rare blend of peaceful nature and urban convenience. Bluff Lake sits on the eastern edge of the Central Park community and within the greater Aurora and Denver metro corridor. This pocket of lakeside living has become one of the most desirable places to call home—where tranquil walking paths, neighborhood parks, and quick commutes all come together.As a local realtor working with buyers and sellers throughout Aurora, I’ve seen first-hand how Bluff Lake appeals to those wanting high-quality schools, walkable amenities, and access to outdoor recreation while staying close to major employers in Denver and the Anschutz Medical Campus.Below is a complete guide t...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Pulling A Sale Out My... Buyer clients had a clear vision of their needs when we began their home home search journey. A favorable deal was at the top of the Wish List!  At that time, short sales were prevalent, the market extremely brisk. They were ready, willing & able cash buyers. After educating them on multiple offers, quick timelines, minimal contingencies, we set off in search of a 2nd home that would serve them well for many years to come.  An offer submitted on a foreclosure fell through due to mud in the crawl space upon the home inspection and new cracks on walls throughout the house each time we visited. The bank refused to address, we moved on. A cute, little single level cottage adjacent to a city park caught my eye. We took a quick look and immediately submitted an offer....
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Saying Sorry Doesn't Always Work The office printer decided to mangle documents right before I was scheduled to meet a couple who’d flown in that morning to specifically see available properties. After wrestling a clean copy free, I ran out the door. Realizing, I was going to be several minutes late to the appointment, picked up phone to notify. There's a certain awkwardness when an apology is necessary but I know the importance of doing so quickly and sincerely.  I dialed, she answered, which began a meltdown, "I’m less than 3 miles away from the first house on the list. I’m so sorry.” Silence. Then she started crying, her voice cracking with emotion. Ugh! I thought, how do I fix this? She was stressed to the max and my lateness was just another log on her roaring fire of disappointmen...
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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.)
Thank you Gwen for sharing this post. I thought this was worth reading. If you didn't catch it the first time around then here is your second chance. Every seller wants to get the best price for their home. That’s natural — your home is full of memories, hard work, and improvements you’ve made along the way. Maybe you added a deck, remodeled the kitchen, or replaced the roof. You’ve invested time, money, and love, and it’s easy to believe the price should reflect all of that. But here’s the truth: the market doesn’t price a home based on what you paid or what you’ve spent. It prices your home based on what buyers are willing to pay right now. That’s where aspirational pricing comes in. What Is Aspirational Pricing? Aspirational pricing occurs when sellers price their homes based on emot...
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By Kathy Schowe, La Quinta, California 760-333-8886
(California Lifestyle Realty)
Thankful November-Grateful forLa Quinta Country ClubWe joined the La Quinta Country Club in 2000. It is hard to believe that this is our 26th season here.  When we became members, I had no way to know how grateful I would be for the friendships we would make and the years of fun we would savor.  I also did not know that I would begin a career here that has spanned 19 years in real estate.  I began as an assistant for another agent and at the time, many of our friends from the Pasadena area were discovering La Quinta CC, joining and buying homes here.  I decided that it was time for me to get to work!  Once I secured my license, it took a few years to find my footing.  I was working with clients all over the valley.  I had a lease listing in Ranch Mirage, sales of condos in Palm Desert, ...
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By Kathy Schowe, La Quinta, California 760-333-8886
(California Lifestyle Realty)
Thankful November: My Assistant-CelesteIn May of 2022, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  It was in early stages, but after several MRI assisted biopsies, tests, and appointments through the summer,  I chose to have a double mastectomy.  I did not want to live with the uncertainty and fear of wondering when cancer would return.  My surgeon and oncologist agreed that it was the best option.  Some time that stressful summer, I received a phone call from a neighbor down the street named Celeste Varela.  I knew of her, she was a single-Mom who had raised her daughter in our neighborhood- and I knew she was a licensed Realtor. We had run into each other at real estate classes and of course I had seen her coming and going.  But I didn't know her.  She said she had heard about my diagnosis a...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
While most of us have settled into a routine and think we are not very creative BUT the fact is, as Real Estate professionals we are very creative people. Many of us have just had our imagination re-sparked by AI but even before AI we create or recreate a new marketing strategy with every new listing or new Buyer we are representing.Admittedly I do not know AI well enough to create a peelable ear of corn. If you can help me out with an ear of corn that peals like a banana I will place your creation right here.This ear of corn was provided by Kathy Streib .Every agent should look at the work they do and the amount of effort that has gone into a listing or sale. When we offer to do our work at a discount we are hurting every agents value, not just our own. 
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By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Journaling for November 2025 AR Challenge BRICK BY BRICK THIS PROJECT WAS WORTH IT!!!---Patricia Feager WHY THIS TESTAMENT MEANS SO MUCH TO MEOne of the most gratifying aspects of being a real estate agent is the opportunity to play a pivotal role in people’s lives. This background story means a lot to me because I began to work with my clients during Covid. The hurdles we crossed were monumental because of restrictions due to the pandemic and buyers were commuting, meeting with me and the builder in person and long distance. In this line of work, we aren’t just facilitating property transactions; we are helping individuals and families make life-altering decisions. No matter why people move, transitioning due to a major life event, I have always been ready to guide them through their t...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Good post by Keith, worthy of our re-share. Bill  GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV /Helping Arizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor,sell my house, 2025 Market, Chandler What is the ultimate checklist Buyers can use before purchasing a home? Here are my top four designed to navigate buyers through the process with precision and confidence. So, before you start house hunting, make sure you’ve got these steps covered. 1. Check Your Finances Review credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Also save for down payment plus closing costs. 2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Make sure you get PreApproved and not just PreQualified. You also want to make sure you understand interest rates and know what you want your monthly mortgage payment to be. 3. Set a Realistic B...
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