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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 Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Townhomes For Sale In Destin Florida-150 Bent Arrow DriveSearching for a GREAT deal on a Destin Florida area investment property? Need something in a nice area, but don't want to have massive HOA fees? If so, 150 Bent Arrow Drive should be on your must tour list. Let's see what this 2 bedroom townhouse has to offer...  2 Bedroom Townhome In Destin Florida OverviewMapsPhotos $329,000 Townhouse Main Features 2 Bedrooms2 Full Bathrooms1 Half Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 1,414 sqftMLS #: 959091 Location 150 Bent Arrow Drive24Destin, FL 32541USA Doug Rogers RE/MAX Coastal Properties(318) 613-1994dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.FloridaCondoHunter.com   Listed by: RE/MAX Coastal Properties Our recent listings 2 Bedroom Condo In Destin Florida | $495,000 | Destin, FL4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pinevil...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
Watch this video which was shared / found by Kathy Streib .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD68F81kVWE Why do we (our industry) continue to fund these companies who do not ever, and never will , have our financial best interest at heart?Obviously, our industry is at a crossroads of sorts,  and now is the time for strategic planning to become a part of every agent's and every company planning. Now is the time to "defund" these online giants who ride our backs, profit from us, then charge us.There are other better options.  They are your enemy.  They are competing with us.  My cell:  (609) 864-8164My website:  https://michaelelliott.fathomrealty.com/ 
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Los Angeles land buyers need to know about the entitlement process... depending on where they decide to buy a land and build their home, the rules can vary a great deal.Most importantly they need to know that if they buy a land within 1.5 miles of the Pacific Coast the approval process falls into Coastal Commission Jurisdiction. Hence that means it could take two to three years for the approval process. I have known buyers that would like to shorten this process hence they opt to buy land outside of the Coastal Commission Jurisdiction.My point is that the entitlement process can be long and quite complicated, but without that no one cannot build a home in the Greater Los Angeles area.Now should they choose to buy a steep up or down sloped lot then that will fall into Los Angeles Hillsid...
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By Jason Mathis, Certified Tax Representation Consultant
(Mathis Tax Service)
As a real estate agent, your responsibilities extend beyond just listing properties and closing deals. Sometimes, challenges like IRS tax liens can arise, delaying transactions and complicating the sales process. For many agents, these tax issues can seem overwhelming—but they don't have to be.In this blog, we’ll explore how IRS tax liens impact property sales and the steps you can take to help your clients resolve tax issues quickly, ensuring a smooth closing process. By understanding these hurdles and knowing how to navigate them, you can distinguish yourself as a real estate agent who delivers comprehensive solutions.What Are IRS Tax Liens and How Do They Affect Property Sales?An IRS tax lien is a legal claim against a person’s property when they fail to pay their tax debt. This lien...
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By Kathy Schowe, La Quinta, California 760-333-8886
(California Lifestyle Realty)
Be Specific!  Who do you go to when want to buy or sell in La Quinta Country Club? Someone who is an expert on the neighborhood and also the country club!  I am excited to  share this wonderful place with you and help find your dream home.  Give me a call and Iet's tee it up ! ⛳️My wise father always told me that in order to excel- you need to have singularity of purpose.  Identify your goal and then zero in on the target.  Focus all of your energies and attention on your goal.  Whether it is in athletics, or academics, or love, or career.  Be specific with your intentions and go "all in".  I took his words to heart with my education and school- and with my golf. I studied and I practiced hard.  Now I am applying his principal to my real estate business. When I started in this business-...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
Mastering the Buyer Brokerage Compensation Conversation Mastering the Buyer Brokerage Compensation Conversation with Both Sellers and Buyers Since August 17th, new rules have been in effect regarding Buyer Brokerage Compensation, I have been keeping up on new issues that are cropping up across the country: Listing agents are trying to determine creative ways to share the compensation their seller is offering that does not require them to be on the phone, explaining it again and again for buyer agents wanting to show the property. Real estate companies are pursuing potential buyers, enticing them to get out of their signed buyer brokerage agreements (yes, it is illegal, but it's happening). Buyers aren't sure what they signed and therefore are signing multiple agreements. Offers are bei...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
I've written about having GRIT before in this business. Yesterday, while cheering my. son in his first Cross Country meet, I was once again reminded of this term. I revisited the two posts I wrote on this topic, one from 2015, and one from 2023. Obviously, I like this term.As I watched all of these hard-working kids push through extreme humidity and heat, the word, GRIT kept popping up in my head. I think for many, getting gritty in the business is not new. Some, however, may have lost their GRIT GRIP.In the ever-changing world of real estate, it is more important than ever to have some GRIT. And those of you who follow me, know I love acronyms. So, bear with me as we explore getting GRITTY in real estate.G - Get up, get going, get off your duff! Seriously, many issues simply are there ...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
The Perfect Home Is A MythOne of the first steps I take when working with Alexandria Louisiana area home buyers is the buyer consultation. At some point in this meeting the prospective buyer will reference their "perfect home". Here are some talking points I use to help the would be buyers flesh out the perfect home myth.1) Regardless of price point, no home is "perfect"-- I sold a Condo this year for north of 1.5 million bucks. The laundry room was so small even a juvenile snake would have a struggle stretching out.. 2) Compare the home to others in the same price range, not HGTV--Do other homes at your price point boast one bathroom? If so, that 1.5 bathroom is actually a bonus not a demerit. Life is all about perspective! 3) Focus on 1-2 core "musts" not 12--Perhaps your growing fami...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville La 71360Searching for a large home near Pineville Louisiana? Need space, and a pool to help keep cool? If so, 1518 Masters Drive needs to be on your must tour list. Let's take a look at what this great home has to offer...  4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville La OverviewMapsPhotos $485,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3 Full Bathrooms1 UnitInterior: 2,481 sqftLot: 1.57 acre(s)MLS #: 2467152 Location 1518 Masters DrivePineville, LA 71360USA     Doug Rogers RE/MAX Coastal Properties(318) 613-1994dougsoldit@gmail.comhttp://www.FloridaCondoHunter.com    Listed by: Bayou Properties  Realty   Our recent listings 4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville La | $485,000 | Pineville, LA6 Bedroom Home For Sale In Pineville Louisiana | $282,500 | Pinev...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
The Benefits of first position backup offers. I have been often known to preach about the benefits of First Position Backup Offers. One of the benefits I always said, it keeps the first buyer in line and not to ask unreasonable requests from the seller.The second benefit I used to say is if the first buyer moves, we already have negotiated and have a willing and able buyer to step in place of the buyer that is cancelling.The third benefit is we do not need to start the marketing process from the beginning. Instead, we can just move closer to the closing table.Well gratefully my sellers just received notice that the first buyer changed directions on the Escrow we were in. The Out of State buyer came out to Malibu and saw the daunting hillside that he was told via calls, emails, photos an...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Successful Real Estate Agents know what works for them so they just do it again, and again.There is no magic bullet to be a successful in Real Estate unless maybe you consider repetition.The steady bloggers on Active Rain have opened my eyes to the fact that what works amazingly for one of them may not be worth a crap to another. Yet what works for another may be totally different for another and again that works GREAT for them. What is evident to me is those that are successful stick to what works for them and they do it again and again. Successful agents may do a little experimenting and fine tuning but they do not abandon what made them successful in the first place.The video below is not real Estate Related but when I think of the phrase "Do It Again" I think of this song by The Tay...
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By Inna Ivchenko, Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate
(Barcode Properties)
Buying and selling a home is stressful. Especially today with an ever-changing market, fierce competition, and endless paperwork that makes a material difference to your finances down the road. You need to work with an expert familiar with market conditions specific to the areas you’re looking in, someone who is also knowledgeable about current regulatory requirements. Working with a professional who is tech-savvy, and knows the market inside and out, is key to finding or selling your home. REALTORS® do a LOT more than show homes. Here’s a list that outlines just how much a REALTOR® can bring to your transaction:   PRE LISTING – PHASE 1  1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation 2. Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment & call to confirm 3. R...
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By Alan May, Home again, home again...
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
After a closing, I usually ask my clients to visit the "usual suspects" of online websites and leave me a glowing testimonial if they feel comfortable doing so.  Most of the time they say "Of course, happy to", but only a small percentage actually follow-through.I recently received an email from a recent client whose condo I had sold in one of Chicago's northern suburbs.  He sent me the following note:Alan,   Here’s what I propose to write to the different sites: We met with Alan May and intended to hire him, but then he found out that our property was within 500 feet of a school, so he couldn’t show it. Alan May did a great job except he had trouble scheduling open houses because the proposed times conflicted with his AA meetings. I liked Alan May, but he made my wife and teenage daugh...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Homes For Sale In Alexandria La -275k-325kResidents (or folks moving to the area) are able to get a nice home for a modest price compared to the national average. Let's take a closer look at the local Alexandria Louisiana housing market in the 275,000-325,000 price range. Homes Active For Sale In Alexandria La from 275,000-325,000In our target range there are currently 21 homes for sale. Within this point we have homes in neighborhoods (like 5114 Mallard Drive above), properties in unrestricted areas, and even condo/townhomes. A little something for everyone! Need some space? These properties average over 2,400 heated square feet! Home That have Recently SOLD in Alexandria La from 275,000-325,000In the last six months, the Alexandria Louisiana housing market has remained stable. Even in...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Speechless Sunday: A nice call from the new owner... I was heading out to showings in Malibu, CA. I had an out of State client wanting to see some vacant lots in Malibu, CA.On my way to meet them, I received a call, and the person wanted to tell me that my sign is still at the property. I asked which property, and he told me that it is 1553 Cliff Dr. He is the new owner, and the land sale took place in April of this year. I thanked him for his call and patience and assured him that this week Monday or Tuesday the sign will be removed.I was appreciative that he was gracious and did not flip out instead moved the sign closer to the street for the sign guys to pick them up.Little did I know that my Marketing Continued for another three to four months. He texted me the photos to make it eas...
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By Alan May, Home again, home again...
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
"I understand you're going to be listing a property for my good friend Fannie", she said."That's great... " I said, sounding much more confident than I felt.  Fannie, Fannie... ?  "Uh... I don't know any Fannie"."Oh... did I say Fannie, I meant Frannie!"."Ahhh", I said, even less confidently... now I'm feeling totally senile... someone I'm supposed to be listing named Frannie... I quickly go through my mental inventory of my upcoming properties and their associated sellers... nope.  No Frannie..."Help me out, willya?... I still can't remember a Frannie.  What's the property address?... I'm feeling very old here.""Sorry... It's Fran... Fran Orlander"... now I'm in total panic mode... I don't know that name at all.  So I just make a knowing nod of my head.  At my first opportunity I rush ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Value most likely means different things to different people. Therefore, it is imperative that when visiting with your clients, you need to determine what their expectations for you are clearly defined. When you understand what your client needs from you, it is then you can know how you can add "value" to them.   The real estate industry is never one for remaining the same. Having been in this business now for two decades, I have seen the ups and downs, the numerous changes, and, the ever-changing forms that we use. While many are frightened with these changes, what I have learned over the years is if we are providing our clients with the "value" they need from their agent, your business will thrive. Value most likely means different things to different people. Therefore, it is imperati...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Selling a Home During Divorce Although not a pleasant undertaking, selling a home during a divorce situation can be done as long as both parties share the same goal. Let's review some tips for selling your Alexandria, Louisiana area home under such an environment. Advice for selling your home when the marriage ends  Make sure each of you share the same goal--As a real estate broker trained in helping such individuals this one is key. Usually one party is more interested in separation Than the other. This can torpedo the transaction on multiple levels. Have a frank (or series) of open and honest conversation regarding expectations.  Seek legal advice concerning the timing--Normally liquidating the home upfront  is the path of least resistance, especially if there is a joint mortgage invo...
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Pineville La Real Estate Market Report-Late Summer 2024Getting ready to sell your home around Pineville Louisiana? Or perhaps 2024 is the year you become a home owner! Either way, real estate market knowledge is key. Let's see how the market is doing near the end of summer. Homes Active For Sale In Pineville Louisiana 71360In the 85,000-600,000 dollar price range there are currently 83 homes on the market. Why this range? Anything less is likely an investment home, and anything beyond is luxury. Within this bracket, the average home is an impressive 2,015 heated square feet. That's a bunch of space for the dollar! In the last six months, 70 homes have entered the market. Homes That Have Recently SOLD In Pineville Louisiana During the past six months, 150 homes have successfully found a ...
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By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
CLICK BELOW FOR VIDEOWe’ve all been there—putting our full effort into something that, in the grand scheme of things, just isn’t worth it. Whether in business, relationships, or personal goals, the tendency to throw level 10 effort at level 3 opportunities can be draining, leaving us frustrated and often questioning our own judgment. So, how do we discern when to scale back and when to go all in? In this post, I’ll share personal experiences and insights on how this concept applies to various areas of life, from business and real estate to relationships and personal growth. Business: Know When to Walk AwayIn business, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that every client is worth fighting for. But that’s not always the case. I once had a client who constantly pushed ethical boundarie...
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