It’s easy to admire how real estate agents manage their time. Each day is different, so working as an agent demands effective time management.
Unlike workers who follow a fixed schedule, real estate agents conduct their business as independent contractors in most cases. And despite the multitude of duties and unforeseen events, it’s amazing how real estate agents can shift gears at the last minute.
There’s no room for time-wasting activities. They show how time management can creatively combine science and art. It’s no surprise that a lot of people want to know how an agent manages his or her schedule. Below are the essential time management practices that make a real estate agent the boss of his or her own life.
1. Start the day the night before
Effective real estate agents save a lot of time by creating a to-do list the night before. They review the things that need to be done the next day and greet each morning with readiness.
Throughout the day, they cross items off as they complete them. They also add new items as needed. Creating a to-do list ahead of time allows agents to anticipate and keep track of what must be accomplished, including client meetings and property showings.
Whether they choose paper or digital, agents have their to-do list readily available at all times.
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2. Be proactive with menial tasks
Real estate professionals smartly approach menial tasks. Other people have a disliking for what they consider boring activities, like writing emails and making phone calls.
However, agents see these things as essential for career and financial success, so they allow time for it. Avoiding menial tasks could cost someone their business.
Today’s internet age has transformed how chores can be effectively fulfilled, and agents understand that sweating the “small stuff” can make a big difference.
Agents make good use of new technology, relying on handy applications to help them quickly and efficiently get things done.
3. Focus on the work at hand
One of the worst hindrances to time management is multitasking. Although it has become popular, multitasking has been exposed as a myth by recent research.
Agents don’t waste time fooling themselves that they can solidly focus on demanding tasks at a given moment. Rather, what many real estate agents do is they compartmentalize and focus on the task at hand.
Multitasking appears to be a time-saver when in fact it can suck your energy and distract you from efficiently accomplishing tasks. Agents are good at concentrating their time to execute a plan better and faster.
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4. Keep interruptions under control
It’s easy to get distracted by background noise: the deluge of digital alerts, unpredictable emergencies and distractions eat up a lot of valuable time.
Did you know that in the U.S. alone, an estimated $588 billion yearly is lost due to interruptions on workers’ productivity? You’re correct in thinking that real estate agent is not immune to distractions.
However, what sets real estate agents apart is their ability to establish proper boundaries. They can block off essential time to work on tasks.
For many, it’s a cardinal sin to check status updates on social media or answer their phone while showing a property to a client. Successful agents are masters at prioritizing.
5. Know the value of time
Time is money, people often say. It’s odd how many fail to treat time as a valuable resource. Savvy agents take exception to opportunity loss.
Like many of us, agents find themselves stuck in situations that seem unproductive at first: standing in line, expecting a call, waiting for a meeting to start.
Yet what discerning agents do is maximize these time snippets to get real work done. With their to-list on hand, agents get in the habit of using these periods to accomplish tasks such as updating their plan, finishing some paperwork, following up with a client and so on.
6. Use appropriate communication channels
Oh, how time can be wasted with poor communication. Adding unnecessary time to a task is a no-no for real estate agents, so they place importance to thinking through their communication. This includes using proper communication channels for accurate and up-to-date information.
If they quickly need property information, they don’t waste time and effort rummaging the internet. They use innovative programs to get accurate information and guide them when making a pitch to a client.
7. Treat rest as vital and non-negotiable
Being tired and overworked gravely affects one’s efficiency. Tasks that can be accomplished quickly can drag on indefinitely when you lack the energy.
Real estate agents work hard, but they know the importance of a good rest and downtime. Having sufficient sleep is essential so agents can perform at their peak. Similarly, agents take calculated breaks to recharge and regain their focus.
8. Don’t allow challenges to destroy positive thinking
Negativity is counter-productive. Dwelling on problems wastes so much time. Sure, top performing agents experience a blown deal or a client’s change of heart.
But instead of wallowing in despair, agents quickly get up on their feet and proceed with their plan. Because they treat challenges as bumps on the road, not dead ends, agents are able to save so much time while others worry or sulk.
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Agents might not follow an eight-hour work structure, but their approach to time management allows them to live on their own terms and be the boss of their own life.
Are you ready to live the same way? How real estate agents manage their time can be an inspiration to anyone who wants to boost productivity.
Agents powerfully show that there’s absolutely no reason you can’t be a master of time management as well.
Anna Rodriguez is a manager at Homey Guide in Taguig City. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.
