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 Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
Many agents struggle to maintain a consistent level of success. The good news is that, with the right approach and mindset, it is possible to turn frustration into lasting success.Here are a few key ideas that can help:1. Develop a Strong Work EthicAgents who are willing to put in the extra time and effort required to succeed tend to be the most successful. This can include working longer hours, networking with potential clients, and continuously learning about the industry and market trends.2. Build a Strong NetworkBuilding strong relationships with other agents, mortgage brokers, inspectors, and other industry professionals can help you find new leads and close more deals. 3. Continuously Improve Your SkillsIt is critical to continuously improve your skills and knowledge. This can inc...
Comments 6
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: Write it down: Keep track of your small wins and make it a habit to look at them often. This will help you keep your eye on your goals and see how far you've come. Tell other people: Tell your friends, family, or coworkers about your small wins. Thi...
Comments 3
By Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
According to Dr. Helm, Perfectionism is defined as "attaching irrational importance to being perfect."  Left unchecked, perfectionism will cause us all kinds of problems at work and in our personal lives. The first step away from the harms of perfectonism is awareness.Here are some common perfectionistic traits to be aware of: Overworking: taking much longer than required to accomplish a task in order to get it precisely right. Procrastination: putting off starting a task because you are afraid of falling short of your own lofty expectations. Inability to Delegate: worrying too much that others will not be able to live up to your high ideals. Unable to accept constructive criticism: an inability to accept positive criticism due to feelings of inadequacy. Constant self-criticism:  a tend...
Comments 10
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
As a former high school Biology teacher, education has been a huge part of my life. I firmly believe that no matter what path you take in life, we are to be life-long learners. Just because you "complete" your education in high school, college, real estate school, a designation, or certification, does not mean that learning has ended. The human mind is capable of way more than any of us can imagine. And, when we continue to feed the mind with content that is life-giving, inspiring, and compelling, we advance daily cognitively. The gray matter really does matter. The question then is, are you learning on a daily basis? And also, what are you feeding into your mind? We know the importance of what we see and hear effects because they impact our minds. Therefore, shouldn't we be wary of wh...
Comments 8
By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
As a former high school Biology teacher, education has been a huge part of my life. I firmly believe that no matter what path you take in life, we are to be life-long learners. Just because you "complete" your education in high school, college, real estate school, a designation, or certification, does not mean that learning has ended.The human mind is capable of way more than any of us can imagine. And, when we continue to feed the mind with content that is life-giving, inspiring, and compelling, we advance daily cognitively. The gray matter really does matter.The question then is, are you learning on a daily basis? And also, what are you feeding into your mind? We know the importance of what we see and hear effects because they impact our minds. Therefore, shouldn't we be wary of what ...
Comments 21
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Titus and Philemon want to help out the lost guinea pig and when they found out last week that shooting him out of a canon wouldn't work they decided to try to make Brownsie comfortable... but there are LIMITS!24/7 and other lies.No Real Estate agent does, or can give 24/7 service. It's just not possible. I admit that I may have made that promise/claim at some time in my career but just like everyone else, it would have been impossible to keep up for one individual (I don't think that even a team should try to live up to this claim).What ever you need, just let me know?I would guess that most agents who have been in this for a while have had indecent proposals suggested to us. I'd like to think few (or even less) of us are Evelyn Harper's.Evelyn Harper was Charlie Harper's (Charlie Shee...
Comments 13
By Realtyna Inc, WordPress Real Estate - IDX, RESO Web API, CRM
(Realtyna)
AI is short for Artificial Intelligence, a computer system that makes decisions and makes problem-solving a lot easier.There are two types of AI: general AI and narrow AI. General AI is an artificial intelligence capable of performing any intellectual task that a human can do. On the other hand, narrow AI is an artificial intelligence that specializes in a higher level of intelligence that can be difficult for humans to attain.AI systems have three parts: data, algorithms, and processing power. Data refers to the information used by the system to make decisions or solve problems and processing power refers to how fast the computer can execute these instructions.The Possibilities of  AI In Real EstateIn the past, the real estate industry depended solely on more traditional methods of com...
Comments 2
By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The right Charlotte REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Motivational Monday - Accepting Reality (the Good AND the Bad) in Ourselves External factors have an impact on our motivation levels during our work days, the one thing WE can control is the attitude that we bring to the table each day. On Mondays, I feel strongly about how significant our own attitudes are! In our business, we all know that Mondays are often our most hectic days - the attorneys and many lenders, surveyors, inspectors…heck, almost all of our team is off over the weekend. Mondays are catch-up days, often requiring our firemen’s hats that day! One thing that can help get you through your days, especially Mondays, is to KNOW yourself - accept that you are human and that you have strengths and weaknesses. Many of us who are Type-A personalities, beat ourselves up, believing...
Comments 17
By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Lie Down With Dirty Dogs. Get Up Flea-Bitten. Growing up, a persistent, parental warning to be cautious of the company kept, set me straight, especially after a few trial and error examples. It also proved that associating with those of low reputation not only leads a person astray, it shows anyone in a most unscrupulous light. There is already enough nonsense taking place in the world, so, consider every consequence before becoming immersed or committed. Verify other people's motives, going beyond what is / is not said. A great deal of effort and energy go into running a business so it's paramount to value yourself, be mindful of the Code of Ethics, even if it means walking away because business standards do not align. As professionals, we have obligations to real estate law, rules and...
Comments 24
By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The right Charlotte REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
Motivational Monday - Accepting Reality & Others in All You do Of course, external factors have an impact on our motivation levels during our work days, the one thing WE can control is the attitude that we bring to the table each day. On Mondays, I feel strongly about how significant our own attitudes are! In our business, we all know that Mondays are often our most hectic days - the attorneys and many lenders, surveyors, inspectors…heck, almost all of our team is off over the weekend. Mondays are catch-up days, often requiring our firemen’s hats that day! Based on my experience as a professional, my own attitude helps increase self-motivation and professional effectiveness, especially when it comes to judgement. Yes, MY judgement of others can impact my self-motivation.  The best advic...
Comments 34
By Lise Howe, Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
This is a bit of a rant - but I think it is important to share anyway - although I know that NONE of us here in the Rain would be guilty of this transgression. I know a lender - who is very competent - but whom I work with only rarely.  He is great at working his sphere and staying in touch through calls and monthly letters which go out to hundreds of people.  His letters are not filled with mortgage news.  Instead they have pictures of his family and vacation spots and are filled with updates on what his boys are doing for sports and when they saw their extended family most recently.   Obviously he is trying to connect and stay in touch on a personal level - which of course is great.I got his most recent newsletter this week - it was filled with his usual information - where they went ...
Comments 16
By Lise Howe, Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
As the market gets more challenging and there are more agents for less business agents should take these suggestions to heart.  There are great ideas which work for any kind of seller  at any price point.  Aside from successfully selling your home, your number one priority as the seller should always be to get the best price possible.  No matter how big or small your property is, there are plenty of ways to maximize what you have to get high offers rolling in.    Here are 35 ways you can get top dollar from your home.   Detach your emotions from the sale.   Because sometimes we hold back if we’re too attached to the home.   Avoid making renovations that will t affect the market value of your home.   Don’t make last-minute upgrades that are noticeable and potentially damaging.   Make you...
Comments 11
THOSE Who SCREAM the LOUDEST are LOSERS.   Used to be that raising the voice was warranted when very dangerous situations occurred outside the scope of control, like falling through thin ice or getting too close to a live wire or warning a child of a hot stove top.   Now, it is used as a tool by many adults to be heard above all else, perhaps because they are not getting the desired control. Their tantrums are often, in-your-face, explosive, increasingly angry, and threatening tirades.   My advice: Ignore if possible. My grandfather always said, "Ignore a barking dog, it will go away." Usually, back then, it worked. Not so much in today's volatile society, where some people use this as a way of communicating.   Do not engage. Their behavior might anger you, becoming involved could wors...
Comments 9
By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor with Real Broker, LLC
(Real Broker, LLC)
In this Today Matters Coaching video with Realtor Michael Mahoney, Mike explains how you need to stand guard at the door of your mind and have a PLAN and only a PLAN. If you are looking to kickstart your real estate career, need help or just want to mastermind with me, reach out. I love to talk about strategy.  See video    See video - click here 
Comments 0
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Top 5 Ways AI Can Help You In Real Estate Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in many industries, but one field that is particularly seeing the benefit of this technology is real estate. AI can help streamline the buying and selling process, improve the customer experience, and provide deep insights into the market. In this article, we will explore the top five ways that AI is helping to shape real estate today. From data analysis to improved marketing strategies, AI can be a powerful tool for success in any real estate endeavor. Read on to learn more about how AI can help you make the most out of your investments! Using AI To Help Write Blogs If y...
Comments 4
By Greg Harrelson, Myrtle Beach Real Estate
(C21 The Harrelson Group / C21 Charleston Expert Advisors)
Top 5 Ways AI Can Help You In Real EstateArtificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in many industries, but one field that is particularly seeing the benefit of this technology is real estate. AI can help streamline the buying and selling process, improve the customer experience, and provide deep insights into the market. In this article, we will explore the top five ways that AI is helping to shape real estate today. From data analysis to improved marketing strategies, AI can be a powerful tool for success in any real estate endeavor. Read on to learn more about how AI can help you make the most out of your investments!Using AI To Help Write BlogsIf you're a real estate agent, there's a good chance you're always looking for new ways to market your properties and attract potenti...
Comments 1
By Tommy Wyher, I am an freelance writer and professional marketer
(Husky Marketing)
Property management can be an incredible niche to build a career. The ability to manage commercial and residential properties is invaluable to the owners of these properties. Managing a very successful property that does not ever have vacancies can help you build a reputation. The small details are what really matter when it comes to renting out commercial property. Tenants staying for years will depend on rental prices along with the trajectory of their business. There might even be businesses that expand within the same office park due to massive success.  The following are things you’ll need to consider when trying to manage a commercial property effectively. Dumpster RentalKeeping the grounds of a commercial property clean is so important. You never know when a potential tenant is g...
Comments 0
      Several times a year I am hired by 4 different Realtor Associations to teach a full day on Business  Planning . I have each participant introduce them- selves to the class and tell us what either their  niche is or Primarily Market is . Through the years I’ve been shocked by how many answer by saying - “Wherever My Car Takes Me .”         On Page One of our Seminar I warm up the  class with several quotes. Those that fail to plan , have planned to Fail !  Also , you can not hit a  Target that you do not have . Before we get to our Lunch Break, I introduce the concept of being  Purpose Driven . I then quote Zig Ziglar from his  Timeless Classic -See You at the Top. “ You will  never get anywhere as a Wandering Generality,  you Must Become a Meaningful Specific !”         To compet...
Comments 8
January 2023 begins my 21st year in real estate.  Although I already had a broker license, in January 2012, I ventured out on my own as an independent real estate broker. There were many reasons I decided to become an independent real estate broker. Among them was the expectation that as an affiliate broker with a Big Box Brokerage, I was expected to do things that my moral and ethical compass would not do.  Being an independent real estate broker is not for everyone. I get that. Neither is owning a brokerage and managing agents.  I get that too because it is not something I have ever wanted to do. The real estate marketing that has worked for me may not work for others.  Real estate agents are not one size fits all. Our personalities and styles are different.  Adhering to real estate ...
Comments 7
By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
THOSE Who SCREAM the LOUDEST are LOSERS. Used to be that raising the voice was warranted when very dangerous situations occurred outside the scope of control, like falling through thin ice or getting too close to a live wire or warning a child of a hot stove top. Now, it is used as a tool by many adults to be heard above all else, perhaps because they are not getting the desired control. Their tantrums are often, in-your-face, explosive, increasingly angry, and threatening tirades. My advice:Ignore if possible. My grandfather always said, "Ignore a barking dog, it will go away." Usually, back then, it worked. Not so much in today's volatile society, where some people use this as a way of communicating. Do not engage. Their behavior might anger you, becoming involved could worsen the sit...
Comments 43
Back to Top