It seems simple enough, but some business practices are overlooked with other real estate professionals. No matter your personal feeling toward other real estate agents, you should conduct your business practices with the highest possible standards. Just in case you don't know what they are, or have forgotten over time, we've provided the basic list to conduct business.
     These 'good rules of business' make common sense to some, and may be new to others, but all will help you with your business growth and success. The best part of the rules is that they don't cost anything, but the personal, professional and financial return are tremendous.

1. ALWAYS RETURN ALL CALLS PROMPTLY
   It's important to return all calls to buyers, sellers and other real estate agents as quickly as possible. It gives the impression that you are on top of your business and eager to take control. Statistics show that buyers and sellers work with the first person they can make contact with and responds to their needs. Other agents will find your prompt reply professional.

2. ALWAYS GIVE HONEST, CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
   If you can't say anything nice, find something positive to compliment. You need to be direct without being critical. Don't point out every flaw, but your professional opinion can be regarded as 'sound advice' with a developed reputation - people will ask for your opinion.

3. ALWAYS SECURE THE PROPERTY WHEN LEAVING
   It is your job to ensure the safety of your clients and any property you may show. Double check before leaving that all doors are locked and securely closed, even if they were not when you arrived. If you need, make a checklist to secure every appointment: turn off lights, close open doors....

4. ALWAYS WRITE LEGIBLY
   It's important that buyers, sellers and other agents be able to read anything you may put into a contract. The clearer, more concise and readable your handwriting in a contract, the better chance there is no confusion about the offer. Just because you can read it, doesn't mean anyone else can...

5. ALWAYS COMPLETE FORMS - DON'T LEAVE BLANKS
   Before submitting a contract, make sure you double check the forms and make sure you have completed every section. Leaving a section blank is an open invitation for mistakes.

6. ALWAYS BE PUNCTUAL WHEN SHOWING LISTINGS
   You should have scheduled your showings with enough time for the showing and for travel. In some cases the homeowner has left the home so you can complete your showing, so being timely for your appointment is important. Let your buyers know you are on a schedule; keep notes and take digital photos of the showings so you can revisit the property when they want to make an offer.

7. ALWAYS RESPOND PROMPTLY, COURTEOUSLY AND COMPLETELY
   It just makes good sense. The agents are waiting... the buyers and seller are waiting... wouldn't you want them to do the same for you? Even if others' don't follow the same rule, you should make it a point to follow-up and confirm every question with a complete response - if you don't know the answer, tell them you will find out and ... find out... Then back to them.

8. ALWAYS RESPOND IN WRITING UNLESS APPROPRIATE TO DO OTHERWISE
   If you get an email, respond to it. If you get a contract or counteroffer, fax back the response. Even sending handwritten thank you notes to clients, customers and agents leaves a lasting reminder of you.

There are more than 8 rules, we just couldn't fit them all into one Business Mastery Newsletter. We'll have the rest next week, but you can begin working on these if you don't already practice them.

How much are you doing to build your
business every day?

Schedule an appointment with yourself
every week for ten minutes!
KEEP THE APPOINTMENT!
Review your business goals and plan.
Make sure you're still on track!
It will pay off... just keep working your plan!