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 Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
 At one time in my life golf ruled!My best friend and I would often play 36 holes a day, rain or shine, day or past the edge of night, and more than once in the snow. However I've never practiced indoors.There is a time and a place for everything, including talking about business.   If you are new to this business it's good to keep in mind when to talk about it and when to relax and wait until you are asked about it.Do you like having friends... well sometimes shop talk is like plopping a golf ball into their diner plate.Listen for opportunities, share but don't overbear. 
Comments 25
By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
It is with great honor to help lead our state association, Texas Realtors as the Commercial Committee leaders. Serving as Chair is Michica Guilliory from Houston, Vice Chair, Paula McDonald from Granbury, and Jed Kleppen from Austin.  This committee serves to inform, educate, and empower Texas commercial real estate professionals. Through our state association, informational webinars, training, and ongoing educational opportunities, our aim is to strengthen and build a strong network for commercial practitioners. This past week, we met at the Texas Realtors Winter Meeting in Austin, Texas. We enjoyed hearing from Texas A&M Real Estate Center's, Dr. Harold Hunt, who shared the latest economic outlook for Texas. We also were briefed on the 88th Texas Legislature that is currently in sessi...
Comments 4
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
  We live in a world of sensory overload.  It doesn’t matter if we live in a small rural area or a fast paced city.  Things are constantly coming at us, demanding our attention, draining our energy.  Most people have a cell phone that is beeping and buzzing all day long.  If you go on amazon and look at curtains you will be targeted and have ads following you for weeks full of curtains to entice you to buy.   The trending way of doing business has become impersonal, unreliable, and unsatisfactory for the consumer.  How many times have you called a service to be frustrated by a phone tree that took forever to get you to a live person to talk to.   Now in 2023 we deal with supply shortages and long service times.  All of this leaves us feeling like we are a number, insignificant and that ...
Comments 28
By Sharlene Mulchandani, Property Management Software
(Innago)
 Running a profitable rental business is no easy feat. Traditional methods of property management are often time-consuming and tedious, and can be difficult to keep up with. Fortunately, there’s an easier way. Property management software offers the latest tools and features to help streamline and automate your entire rental business process. Here’s what you need to know about this essential tool.  What Is Property Management Software? Property management software is a type of computer program that helps landlords manage their properties more efficiently. It automates the most common tasks associated with managing rental properties, such as tenant screening, creating leases, collecting rent payments, tracking expenses, and more. Automating these processes can save landlords time and mon...
Comments 0
By Sharlene Mulchandani, Property Management Software
(Innago)
There are many important reasons to screen your tenants, but the #1 reason is to protect your investment. By carefully screening tenants, you can avoid costly damage to your rental property and legal problems down the road. Tenant screening gives you peace of mind and helps you sleep better at night knowing that you've done everything possible to protect your investment.The importance of tenant screeningTenant screening is an invaluable part of the tenant-landlord relationship, providing assurance to both parties that their safety and interests are taken seriously. Regular tenant screenings help reduce tenant turnover and boost property value. Landlords can trust that tenant screening processes mitigate the risk of renting to someone who may be dishonest about their past living arrangem...
Comments 1
By Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
In my previous post, "Key Characteristics of a Helpful Real Estate Agent,"  I highlighted that the difference between a "helpful" and "salesy" agent.In this post, we will take a look at some of the key characteristics of a "salesy" agent.Here are some signs of a "salesy" agent to look out for: Pressure to make a decision quickly: A salesy agent may try to create a sense of urgency and pressure clients to make a decision without giving them enough time to think things through or consult with other professionals. Not listening to client needs: Instead of listening to client needs and preferences, a salesy agent may try to push clients towards properties that don't match their criteria, or encourage clients to list your property for a lower price just to make a quick sale. Not transparent:...
Comments 6
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
I have been attending our state association winter meeting these past few days and have been making some mental notes. We all know that ONE person in business meetings who likes to ask an over-abundance of questions. Recently, I am witnessing an uptick in rude and unprofessional behavior. As a presenter and speaker in various roles outside of this association, I am writing this post on behalf of all of those who take the time to prepare and present. Placing yourself on the podium is not easy and requires hours of preparation. I hope these tips will resonate and help remind us all of the professional decorum we need to hold in the highest regard. LISTEN: While this sounds like an easy task, too many attendees in any audience are too busy on their devices or talking with a colleague. In ...
Comments 3
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Not everything needs to be a competition. I compete when I want to compete. That is not to say that I'm lazy or slothful in any way, it just means that if I want to win a prize or meet a goal I won't run off all willy nillie like I'm on a scavenger hunt. Sometimes I will think it out and sometimes I work hard. Sometimes it takes both.We don't always have to WIN to achieve.You know what they call someone who has to win at everything they do? Annoying.Timmothy's strip above reminds me of when we had Easter egg hunts. His sister was like Philemon, leaving Titus in the dust. Timmothy learned that if he went the other direction of Tina and scanned the territory he would end up with just as many eggs as Tina. It took a couple of years, just like training takes us years to improve our sales/RE...
Comments 24
By Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
In the real estate world, real estate agents can sometimes be referred to as "helpful" versus "salesy."While, a salesy agent is primarily focused on making a sale, a helpful agent is focused on prioritizing their clients' needs. So what are some of the key characteristics of a "helpful" agent? Here are some signs of a helpful agent to watch out for: They listen to your needs: Helpful agents take the time to listen and understand your specific situation. They will work hard to find properties that meet your criteria and will give you honest feedback and advice. They provide value: Helpful agents will offer valuable insights and knowledge about the local market and properties in your area. They may have particular expertise in certain types of properties or neighborhoods, and they will us...
Comments 0
By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
It is Monday, so with that said where you are and where are you going? This is not a simple question to answer. Many have no clue how to navigate the road of life.I have always been focused about my life in turn about goals and my ambitions were to be successful, since I was a child. My father used to call me " the old man" and I was only three or four years old. Clearly, I saw things differently than other kids.It did not matter when we were in the top 10 per cent of the socio-economic status in Hungary. Nor when we were in the lower middle class coming to the United States, I was always ambitious. My goals and ambitions never interfered with being kind or polite to people. I see many people who miss this part of their goals.It is your attitude and behavior that will ultimately determi...
Comments 23
By Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
Perhaps a timely topic for Valentine's Day. Have a great day, everyone.  A well-placed compliment can make all the difference in establishing a positive rapport. But how exactly do you give a genuine and meaningful compliment that makes a lasting impact?Here are few tips that may help:Be AuthenticWhen it comes to giving compliments, authenticity is key. People can usually tell when a compliment is insincere or not genuine, which can have the opposite effect of what was intended.To give a truly effective compliment, you need to mean what you say and say what you mean. When giving a compliment, it should be based on something you genuinely admire or respect about the person you’re speaking to. This could be anything from their hard work, their dedication, or their talent.The key is to fin...
Comments 14
By Sharlene Mulchandani, Property Management Software
(Innago)
Advancements in technology have led to the development of property management software that allows landlords to work more efficiently, manage their properties and increase the value of their investment. A wide variety of software programs are available today and can be fully customized as per the requirements of the landlords. Over the past few years, there has been a robust evolution in the features of property management software. What’s more interesting is that these software are now not only more effective but also more affordable. Reasons Landlords Need to Use Property Management Software Here are five of the most prominent reasons landlords must use property management software to manage their rental property investments.  Automate Notifications  With property management software,...
Comments 3
By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
I have been attending our state association winter meeting these past few days and have been making some mental notes. We all know that ONE person in business meetings who likes to ask an over-abundance of questions. Recently, I am witnessing an uptick in rude and unprofessional behavior.As a presenter and speaker in various roles outside of this association, I am writing this post on behalf of all of those who take the time to prepare and present. Placing yourself on the podium is not easy and requires hours of preparation. I hope these tips will resonate and help remind us all of the professional decorum we need to hold in the highest regard. LISTEN: While this sounds like an easy task, too many attendees in any audience are too busy on their devices or talking with a colleague. In tu...
Comments 33
By Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
According to Psychology Today: "the celebration of achievement and the positive emotion you feel is what tells your brain: "This is why it was worth it to put in all that hard work."The idea is to intentionally set smaller, achievable goals and celebrate when you achieve each one.This is the way to gradually build self-esteem and hopefulness. Smaller victories have the potential to generate ongoing momentum and build belief and confidence in your ability to achieve larger goals.Here are some simple ideas on how to celebrate the smaller wins: Tell other people: Tell your friends, family, or coworkers about your small wins. This will help you receive encouragement and support, as well as motivate others to celebrate their own achievements. Treat yourself by doing something enjoyable: It m...
Comments 6
By Lise Howe, Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
I like to look back over blog posts that I have bookmarked through the years here in the rain - and I saw this one this morning.  It's nearly 3 years since the pandemic first began to dance at the edge of our consciousness.  I remember how the world shut down on March 13 - just as my daughter flew to Siesta Key with a small suitcase to spend a few days with a friend and his family - she stayed 6 months!  and now she is marrying him in November! So very much was unknown back then.  Obviously we weren't sure what the virus was or where it was coming from - but more importantly - we weren't sure how it was going to affect all of us professionally and personally. For those of us still standing, we have survived.  I think it is a testament to our ability to adapt that has kept us working and...
Comments 29
By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
The Granbury Association of REALTORS®, took home three major awards at our TREPAC Awards Breakfast today at the Texas REALTORS® Winter Meeting! We have worked very hard to encourage members to invest in this important aspect of our business!       .   We are so proud of all of our members as their efforts were recognized this morning. When our Realtor community understands the immense difference these contributions make for all property owners in Texas, it makes a difference.Out of our huge state, Granbury stepped up and made a splash. We are super proud and congratulate our board, our members, and all of our affiliates who made this possible!
Comments 5
By Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
Being a successful real estate agent can be a challenging feat, but with the right approach and mindset, you can achieve great results. Here are 3 key indicators that you're on track in your real estate business:1. Consistent Lead GenerationConsistent lead generation indicates that your marketing efforts are working, and your business is growing. 2. Strong Client RelationshipsOne of the most important indicators of success as an agent is having strong relationships with your clients. A strong client relationship is built on trust, communication, and providing excellent customer service. If you're consistently receiving positive feedback from clients and building long-lasting relationships, it's a sign that you're doing things right. 3. Effective Time ManagementWhen you have good time ma...
Comments 3
By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
In response to a great demand for a reliable real estate data API, Realtyna has launched its para-MLS* API service, MLS Router. MLS Router API sets out to redefine the concept of APIs in the real estate sector with its fast, versatile and streamlined API technology.What Is MLS Router?As the name suggests, MLS Router is an API service that consolidates real estate data into one single API which can be used for developing state-of-the-art real estate apps and platforms. Check out the following video to find out more:Who Is MLS Router For?MLS Router is for anyone who wants to develop API-based real estate solutions including but not limited to: Real estate mobile apps Real estate websites and web platforms Real estate SaaS You can also use the API to feed other tools like digital signages ...
Comments 0
By Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
The constant pressure to be more productive can lead to negative consequences, known as toxic productivity.What is Toxic Productivity?According to Psychology Today: "toxic productivity is an obsessive need to always be productive, regardless of the cost to your health, relationships, and life."This can manifest itself in several ways, such as overworking, neglecting self-care, and sacrificing personal relationships for the sake of productivity.The Dangers of Toxic ProductivityThe dangers of toxic productivity are numerous and can have a significant impact on an individual's well-being. Some of the most common dangers include: Burnout: Overworking and neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, which is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Stress: The constant pressure to...
Comments 15
Back to Top