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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 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 Dr. Paula today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler At our recent Texas REALTORS® Winter Meeting, AI was one of the hottest topics that was being discussed. AI has entered just about every aspect of our businesses. Every time we turn around, there appears to be a new aspect and application for AI. As I absorb the immense amount of information and changes within our industry, it strikes me that there are still many, many reasons that AI will not be able to replace live, breathing humans. There are many variables that only a human who has expe...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
At our recent Texas REALTORS® Winter Meeting, AI was one of the hottest topics that was being discussed. AI has entered just about every aspect of our businesses. Every time we turn around, there appears to be a new aspect and application for AI.As I absorb the immense amount of information and changes within our industry, it strikes me that there are still many, many reasons that AI will not be able to replace live, breathing humans. There are many variables that only a human who has experienced, has knowledge of, and can provide information that could only be known because of having personally encountered.Here are some examples:LOCAL VALUE - No amount of information can truly reflect that of a person who knows an area intimately. Those who live and work in an area will be able to prov...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Effort creates luck. Inaction quashes it. The harder I work, the more luck I have and the more luck I have, the harder I work. What an effective concept in it's simplest form. When younger, I believed that many people were blessed with luck in all aspects of their lives, though successful professionals refuse to wait for luck, they build it. • • • 🍀🍀🍀 • • •  Then, there's the perceived notion of downtrodden people, who are unable to get a leg up in business or catch any breaks. The plight seems viable, until reality hits. Laziness revels in comfort, fear or procrastination. Without any effort, it waits for other people's contributions for long-term gain. • • • 🍀🍀🍀 • • •  Luck doesn't stick like glue to people, neither are doors opened by magic. It isn't random, it's earned through perfo...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
When Festivals Close the Streets, and Businesses Lose the DaySmall towns depend on their downtown districts. The restaurants, retail shops, and service businesses create activity, provide jobs, and give a town its character. Many communities try to support downtown by hosting festivals, concerts, and special events. These events are designed to bring people into town and create excitement.But sometimes the results are not what business owners expect.In Walhalla, like many small towns, downtown streets are often closed for festivals and community gatherings.While these events can attract visitors, they can also create challenges for the businesses that rely on regular daily traffic. When streets are closed during the normal morning commute or during business hours, customers may simply c...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Why a Survey Matters Before Selling LandJust because the county assessor’s office shows your property as being a certain size does not always mean that is the exact acreage you own.County records are often based on older deeds, estimates, or tax mapping that may not reflect precise boundaries. While those records are helpful for tax purposes, they are not a legal determination of a property's exact acreage.When land is being sold, especially larger tracts, a current survey becomes one of the most important tools in the transaction.A survey establishes the property's true boundaries and confirms the actual acreage. It identifies corners, road frontage, easements, and any encroachments. Without this information, both the seller and the buyer may be relying on assumptions rather than verif...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Don't Be a Ding-Dong! Gaining access to a listing doesn't equate to the Three Little Pigs saga in preventing outside agents and their clients to enter a house for sale. A listing agent's responsibilities are to the seller by getting a property sold to ready, willing and able buyers.  As long as buyers are qualified, a listing agent must grant access. The Code of Ethics emphasizes cooperation and prioritizing the client's best interests above personal or local preferences. Gate-keeping can conflict with fiduciary commitments. Of course, asking for a qualification letter or proof of funds from the buyer's agent is reasonable. If that cannot be produced, no entry can result. It's impossible to dictate how other agents practice, but upholding ethical standards, matters. It's always best to ...
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By Ashleigh Camberg, Military relocation Specialist in Olympia/Tacoma
(PCS Home Group)
What should you look for in the best Pierce County Realtors for JBLM PCS moves, and how do the top buyer's and seller's agents compare for military families and local homeowners?The best Pierce County Realtors for JBLM PCS moves combine deep local market expertise, proven PCS and VA loan experience, and clear communication tailored to strict timelines—whether you're buying, selling, or doing both in Thurston and Pierce County.Why "Any Realtor" Isn't Good Enough for a JBLM PCSA PCS to or from Joint Base Lewis-McChord is not a normal move. You're dealing with hard reporting dates, tight leave windows, possible unaccompanied orders, VA loan rules and lender overlays, and kids' school calendars and child care logistics.When you add in a competitive Pierce County market—especially around Lac...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
If You Don’t Know Who Your 2026 Buyer Is, You’re Already Behind The median age of a first time homebuyer has reached 40 years old, according to NAR's 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. That single data point represents one of the most significant demographic shifts we've seen in decades. It tells us that the traditional picture of a young adult stepping into homeownership early in their career is no longer the reality - and if you're still building your business around that assumption, you're already out of alignment with the market you'll be serving in 2026. Younger adults aren't skipping homeownership; they're arriving much later. Affordability pressures, rising living costs, and delayed household formation have pushed the starting line further down the road. Today, one-in-thre...
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Let’s face it: the traditional Monday morning sales meeting is broken. You buy a dozen mediocre donuts, pull up the pipeline spreadsheet on the big screen, and watch as half your agents secretly text their title reps under the conference table. They are physically in the room, but their brains are currently fighting fires on three different pending deals. They are stressed about interest rates, annoyed with demanding sellers, and exhausted by the daily grind of lead generation.If you want to actually get your team aligned and energized, you have to completely break the pattern. You cannot inspire a burnt-out real estate agent in a room that smells like printer toner and anxiety.You need to get them out of the office. Specifically, you need to get them off land entirely. Booking a privat...
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By Peter Mohylsky, www.athome30a, Call me at 850-517-7098
(Property Management Inc.-Destin)
Multi-Year Low Mortgage Rates Spark Spring Buying Surge Home borrowing costs recently hit multi-year lows, giving homebuyers and refinancers a favorable opportunity to secure lower monthly payments. Freddie Mac reported that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6% or below at the end of last month, down from near 9% in October 2023, marking one of the largest drops in recent years. This decline comes as demand for mortgages has eased slightly, allowing lenders to offer more attractive rates and terms. For prospective homebuyers, the lower rates improve affordability, while existing homeowners may find refinancing worthwhile to reduce monthly payments or shorten loan terms. As a result, both buyers and refinancers are expected to become more active this spring, though activity will va...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Tout, tout? Wink, wink. Tut, tut! Only an ultra, ego-centric buyer agent would ever think of attaching their own résumé along with a real estate purchase contract, under the premise of improving the offer. I am not a human resources department! Here are Five Valid Reasons to Ignore an Agent's Résumé : 1. Collaborative problem solving is more important. Image-based, potentially dramatic behavior during the process may appear. 2. Subjective vibes might become fair housing and liability risks. Stick with objective terms, conditions and deadlines. 3. Tends to border on unprofessional bragging. Strong offers stand on merits such as: Price, contingencies and financing. 4. The, "I'll make it smooth!" promise can be underdelivered. Avoid frustrating the seller or potentially dragging everything...
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By Shirley Coomer, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty, Phoenix Az
(Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living)
Most of us have shown homes in Mountain Park Ranch where buyers focus on list price and condition, only to hesitate once HOA structure enters the conversation. In master planned communities across Ahwatukee and the broader Phoenix housing market, the fee itself is rarely the issue. It is the structure, reserves, and layered governance that shape buyer perception.In 2026, the Mountain Park Ranch master assessment is $219 semi annually, due January 1 and July 1. On paper, that equals $36.50 per month. In isolation, that number feels modest. In context, it becomes part of a broader value equation that influences how buyers compare neighborhoods across the Phoenix market.As practitioners, we know the monthly figure is only the starting point. The real conversation is about structureMountain...
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By Dee Toohey, Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro
(Innovative Realty Solutions Group)
No matter what business you are in, building connections matter.I like my 5x5 rule. Make 5 touches 5 days a week to build relationships. Your touches should vary. Texts, emails, phone calls, coffee or wine are just a few ways to connect with people. Topics are endless. Hobbies, birthdays, anniversaries matter to people. When building your database, keep track of these things. Your phone calendar can be valuable to add events on a one time or annual basis. Set reminders for yourself. Don't just connect with business information. Balance is the key.For example, I am an avid fan of figure skating and I keep track of my friends that share this hobby. I send them articles, competition information, tv schedules and updates regularly.  You can do the same thing for their hobbies even if you're...
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By Mike Tolj, Commercial Real Estate Without the Stress!
(Tolj Commercial Real Estate )
For agents representing medical tenants (or landlords), medical leasing is not the same as standard office leasing.I’ve seen deals slow down — or fall apart — because key details weren’t addressed early.Before your client signs a lease, make sure you review:✔ Zoning – Medical use may require approval or a Conditional Use Permit. Always confirm permitted use first.✔ ADA Compliance – Responsibility often shifts to the tenant under lease language. This needs careful review.✔ Parking Requirements – Medical office typically requires higher parking ratios than general office space.Addressing these issues upfront protects your client and prevents costly surprises later.I recently wrote a deeper breakdown here for reference:👉 https://toljcommercial.com/lease-medical-office-pasadena-zoning-ada-p...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Believe it or not, there are many lessons from the chemistry workshop I call my Sourdough experiment. As I have tried various methods and recipes, I began comparing the sourdough process to what I do in real estate. Hang with me for a moment to explain.As the flour floated in the air in my kitchen, I believed I was just picking up a relaxing, new hobby. My idea of that yummy, freshly baked bread that pops out of the oven looking perfect was quickly dashed as the messiness of the process superseded my Betty Crocker moment.While working away in the kitchen, I have had a lot of time to think through the processes of creating that perfect loaf of bread. The most important lesson was patience. Any type of baking happens with trial and error sprinkled with a ton of old-fashioned endurance.Wit...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Well this is an easy cartoon to work from off of... not that there are any "inflated" people or egos in the Real Estate business. I'm not a mean person but sometimes it's fun to see those people get deflated... like...Shania's song has always been one of my favorites. She is such a talented artist I wouldn't dare say this one is my absolute favorite.Real Estate is not the only profession where BIG egos exist, so I'll just say anyone with a big ego makes me want to puke.Some Fun QuotesWhat can you possibly add to a mind that's full, especially one that's full of itself.  JoubertAn egotist always resents meeting another egotist as if he alone had the right to be one. Jules RenardWe have a world of people to fall in love with, yet some people choose themselves. unknownThere are so many won...
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By Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD, Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D
(http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com)
Where AI fails: the judgment layerThe tasks where AI fails are not harder versions of the tasks where it succeeds. They are structurally different. They require reasoning about situations the model has not encountered, understanding how provisions interact across an agreement, and making decisions that depend on information the model cannot access: the client’s risk appetite, the counterparty’s negotiation history, the regulatory trajectory in a specific jurisdiction.Novel reasoning is the clearest failure point. Many real estate matters run on analogy: determining whether a new situation is sufficiently similar to a precedent that the same rule should apply. This is not a similarity-matching exercise. It is an evaluative judgment about which similarities are legally or practically rele...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Well, I am not a guinea pig or Popeye and I would not eat the spinach even if it were perfectly fresh. 😐What do we offer our clients? Is it always the best we've got to offer?Did we do our homework for our Buyer/Seller or did we just start looking on line after/during the appointment? Do we look our best or did we "just throw this on this morning"? If we are going to chaperone our clients did we wash and vaccum the vehicle?With all the students here on Active Rain I need to ask the obvious question, are we meeting our fiduciary obligations with every interaction with our clients? 
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By Candice A. Donofrio, 928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text
(Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker)
I alternate between mild amusement and eyerolling-into-another-dimension when some misconceptions are treated as FACT, usually by inexperienced agents and consumers.WHO TAUGHT YOU THAT . . .The seller MUST counter? Sometimes the only counter you will get is 'bring us a better number'. And that may be the best case scenario. Outright ignoring an unworkable offer is just as likely.WHO TAUGHT YOU THAT . . .it's OK to make a showing appointment requiring an occupant seller to inconvenience themselves to accommodate you, then no call-no show? When asked about it, your excuse was "I'm SOOOOOO busy!" Well everyone else was too. WHO TAUGHT YOU THAT .  . .seller needs to provide you with a NEW HOME when you're buying a RESALE. After they've agreed to pay CCs, now you want more bc you don't like ...
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By Kerri Naslund-Monday, Savvy Bay Area CA Real Estate Team Leader
(Keller Williams/ The Monday Team)
Let’s be honest.In the Bay Area — especially in Oakland — most agents know the comps. They know the inventory. They know the data.That’s the baseline.What’s harder — and far more valuable — is understanding people.We’ve worked with: Analytical engineers who need every variable mapped out Deeply rooted Oakland homeowners who care more about community than price Move-up buyers terrified of making a lateral move Sellers who are 90% ready — but emotionally stuck None of those situations are solved with pressure.They’re solved with listening.As the Monday Team, we’ve found that steady leadership beats aggressive tactics every time. When clients feel understood, they move forward with confidence. When they feel rushed, they hesitate.In complex, high-equity markets like the Bay Area, emotional...
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