Agent How-To Guides
Practical, step-by-step guides covering every skill a real estate agent needs — from lead generation and listing presentations to negotiation and business management.
Browse by Category
🎯 Lead Generation
Strategies to find and convert new clients
How to Get Real Estate Leads
Proven strategies for generating buyer and seller leads through online and offline channels.
How to Farm a Neighborhood
Step-by-step guide to geographic farming for consistent listing leads.
How to Convert Online Leads
Turn Zillow, Realtor.com, and social media leads into appointments and closings.
How to Get Listings from Expired Listings
Scripts, strategies, and timing for converting expired listings into signed agreements.
How to Convert FSBOs to Listings
Approach, scripts, and value propositions that convince FSBO sellers to list with you.
How to Get More Referrals
Build a referral-based business by nurturing past clients and professional networks.
How to Build Your Sphere of Influence
Grow and maintain a powerful referral network of past clients, friends, and professionals.
How to Door Knock Effectively
Professional door knocking techniques, scripts, and best practices for lead generation.
How to Cold Call in Real Estate
Cold calling strategies, scripts, and mindset tips for agents who want consistent lead flow.
How to Follow Up with Real Estate Leads
Timing, frequency, and scripts for lead follow-up that converts contacts into clients.
How to Build a Real Estate Database
Create and maintain a contact database that generates consistent leads and referrals.
How to Generate Leads on Social Media
Platform-specific strategies for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn lead generation.
How to Use Open Houses for Lead Generation
Turn every open house into a lead generation machine with sign-in strategies and follow-up systems.
How to Get Business from Past Clients
Stay top-of-mind with past clients so they think of you for their next move and referrals.
How to Generate Seller Leads
Targeted strategies specifically for attracting homeowners ready to list their property.
🏠 Listing Skills
Win more listings and sell homes faster
How to Nail Your Listing Presentation
Create a compelling listing presentation that wins over sellers and beats the competition.
How to Price a Listing Correctly
Data-driven pricing strategies that attract buyers while maximizing seller proceeds.
How to Prepare a CMA
Step-by-step guide to creating a professional Comparative Market Analysis that impresses sellers.
How to Stage a Listing for Maximum Impact
Physical and virtual staging techniques that make listings stand out and sell faster.
How to Use Virtual Staging
Complete guide to AI virtual staging: when to use it, how to present it, and which styles work best.
How to Take Better Listing Photos
Photography tips for agents: lighting, angles, equipment, and editing for stunning MLS photos.
How to Write a Listing Description That Sells
Copywriting formulas and power words that make buyers click and schedule showings.
How to Market a Listing
Multi-channel marketing plan for listings: MLS, social media, email, print, and paid ads.
How to Handle a Price Reduction Conversation
Scripts and strategies for discussing price reductions with sellers without damaging the relationship.
How to Host a Successful Open House
Planning, marketing, execution, and follow-up strategies for open houses that generate results.
How to Manage Seller Expectations
Communication strategies for keeping sellers informed, realistic, and satisfied throughout the listing.
How to Handle Multiple Offers
Guide sellers through multiple offer situations with fairness, strategy, and maximum proceeds.
How to Create a Virtual Tour
Tools, techniques, and best practices for creating immersive 3D tours and video walkthroughs.
How to Create Property Videos
Shoot and edit professional listing videos using smartphones and affordable equipment.
🔑 Buyer Representation
Guide buyers from search to closing
How to Work with First-Time Home Buyers
Guide new buyers through the process with patience, education, and expert advice.
How to Help Buyers Write a Winning Offer
Craft competitive offers that stand out in any market: price, terms, contingencies, and escalation.
How to Explain the Mortgage Process to Buyers
Break down pre-approval, loan types, rates, and closing costs in simple terms for clients.
How to Conduct a Buyer Consultation
Structure your initial buyer meeting to set expectations, demonstrate value, and secure a commitment.
How to Get Buyer Agreements Signed
After the NAR settlement, presenting and securing buyer representation agreements with confidence.
How to Explain Your Value as a Buyer Agent
Articulate your worth to buyers who question agent compensation in the post-NAR settlement era.
How to Show Homes Effectively
Maximize each showing with preparation, presentation skills, and post-showing follow-up.
How to Manage Buyer Expectations
Keep buyers realistic about budget, timeline, and market conditions while maintaining enthusiasm.
How to Explain the Closing Process
Walk buyers and sellers through what to expect at closing: timeline, documents, costs, and keys.
How to Guide Buyers Through Inspections
Manage the inspection process: what to look for, how to negotiate repairs, and when to walk away.
🤝 Negotiation
Close better deals for your clients
How to Negotiate a Real Estate Deal
Proven negotiation tactics for getting the best terms for your buyers and sellers.
How to Negotiate Repairs After Inspection
Navigate repair negotiations strategically: what to ask for, what to concede, and how to keep deals together.
How to Handle Lowball Offers
Respond to low offers professionally while keeping the door open for negotiation.
How to Handle Low Appraisals
Options and strategies when the appraisal comes in below contract price: renegotiate, appeal, or bridge the gap.
How to Negotiate Your Commission
Defend your commission confidently while demonstrating value to sellers who push for discounts.
How to Handle Difficult Clients
De-escalation techniques and boundary-setting strategies for challenging client situations.
How to Fire a Real Estate Client Professionally
When and how to end a client relationship gracefully, legally, and without burning bridges.
How to Navigate the NAR Settlement Changes
Practical guide to the 2024 NAR settlement: new rules, buyer agreements, and compensation structures.
How to Coordinate a Smooth Closing
Manage timelines, documents, and communications to prevent closing delays and surprises.
📣 Marketing & Branding
Build your personal brand and market listings
How to Build Your Personal Brand as a Realtor
Create a recognizable, trustworthy brand that attracts clients and sets you apart from competitors.
How to Create Real Estate Content
Content strategy for agents: blog posts, videos, social media, and email that attract and convert.
How to Use Instagram Reels for Real Estate
Create engaging Reels that showcase listings, share market insights, and attract followers.
How to Build a Real Estate Website
Choose the right platform, design for conversions, and optimize for local SEO.
How to Do SEO for Real Estate
Local SEO fundamentals: Google Business Profile, keywords, content, and link building for agents.
How to Create Just Listed/Just Sold Postcards
Design effective direct mail pieces that generate leads and establish neighborhood presence.
How to Use Email Marketing in Real Estate
Build, segment, and nurture an email list that generates repeat business and referrals.
How to Get More Google Reviews
Systematic approach to collecting reviews that boost your online reputation and local SEO rankings.
How to Ask for Client Testimonials
Scripts, timing, and platforms for collecting powerful testimonials that attract new clients.
How to Use Video Marketing in Real Estate
Video strategy from listing tours to market updates: equipment, editing, and distribution.
💻 Technology & Tools
Leverage tech to work smarter
How to Use a Real Estate CRM Effectively
Maximize your CRM investment with proper setup, automation, and daily habits that drive results.
How to Use the MLS Like a Pro
Advanced MLS search techniques, saved searches, market reports, and competitive analysis.
How to Automate Your Real Estate Business
Set up automated follow-ups, drip campaigns, transaction management, and social media posting.
How to Use AI in Real Estate
Practical AI tools for agents: writing, staging, lead scoring, market analysis, and client communication.
How to Use Canva for Real Estate Marketing
Create professional flyers, social posts, and marketing materials with Canva templates.
How to Use ChatGPT for Real Estate
Prompts and workflows for listing descriptions, client emails, market reports, and social content.
How to Use Transaction Management Software
Streamline paperwork, deadlines, and communication from contract to closing.
📊 Business Management
Run your real estate business efficiently
How to Create a Real Estate Business Plan
Build a goal-driven business plan with lead targets, marketing budget, and income projections.
How to Track Real Estate Expenses and Taxes
Tax deductions, expense tracking systems, and quarterly tax strategies for real estate agents.
How to Set Income Goals as a Real Estate Agent
Reverse-engineer your income target into daily activities, leads needed, and closings required.
How to Manage Time as a Real Estate Agent
Time-blocking, prioritization, and productivity systems that prevent burnout and maximize income.
How to Succeed in Your First Year as a Real Estate Agent
Survival guide for new agents: what to expect, what to invest in, and how to get your first deals.
How to Choose the Right Brokerage
Compare commission splits, training, culture, tools, and support when selecting your brokerage.
How to Start a Real Estate Team
Build, structure, and lead a profitable real estate team: hiring, splits, roles, and systems.
How to Hire a Real Estate Assistant
When to hire, what to delegate, where to find talent, and how to structure compensation.
How to Avoid Burnout as a Real Estate Agent
Strategies for maintaining work-life balance, setting boundaries, and sustaining a long career.
How to Build a Professional Referral Network
Connect with lenders, inspectors, contractors, and attorneys for mutual referrals and better client service.
⭐ Client Relations
Build lasting relationships and earn referrals
How to Host Client Appreciation Events
Plan memorable events that strengthen relationships and generate referrals from past clients.
How to Handle Transaction Problems
Navigate common deal-killers: financing falls through, inspection issues, title problems, and cold feet.
How to Communicate with Clients Effectively
Communication frequency, channels, scripts, and updates that keep clients informed and confident.
How to Handle Dual Agency Properly
Legal requirements, disclosure obligations, and best practices when representing both parties.
How to Handle Estate and Probate Sales
Navigate the emotional and legal complexities of selling inherited or probate properties.
How to Work with Real Estate Investors
Serve investor clients effectively: analyze deals, find properties, and understand investment metrics.
How to Work with Relocation Clients
Serve out-of-town buyers with virtual showings, area tours, and remote transaction management.
How to Work with Luxury Home Clients
Marketing, discretion, networking, and service standards expected in the luxury real estate market.
Level Up Your Listings
Apply what you've learned with AI virtual staging. Stage any room in 12+ design styles for just $0.10 per photo.
How-To Guides FAQ
What topics do the how-to guides cover?+
Eight core categories: lead generation, prospecting, client management, marketing, technology, negotiation, transaction management, and career development. Guides range from tactical scripts for cold calls to long-term strategies for building a referral network.
Are these guides for new or experienced agents?+
Both. Each guide is tagged by audience — some target agents in their first year, others address team leads and brokers looking to scale. The prospecting and lead generation guides tend to help newer agents most.
How are the strategies in these guides validated?+
We draw from published NAR member surveys, brokerage performance data, and interviews with top-producing agents. Specific claims about conversion rates or ROI always cite their source.
Do the guides include templates I can use?+
Many guides link to our free scripts and template libraries. For example, the cold calling guide connects directly to our prospecting script templates, and the social media guide links to our post generator tool.