Seemingly overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic has completely transformed the workplace environment we once knew—ushering in a new era of remote work.
Even organizations that thrive best in office environments, like banking institutions, are directing their staff to work remotely in an effort to contain the spread of the virus. This is no different for real estate companies.
Earlier in June, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) issued guidelines to help agents cope with COVID-19’s impact on the real estate industry. The industry has seen a major shift in the working culture, as virtual open houses and tours have become the new norm.
But how can you as an agent stay productive when working from home, in an industry that thrives on clients’ interactions? It all boils down to your organization and time management skills. Here are some handy tips to boost your productivity amid the pandemic.
1. Create a Workspace
Working from home has its perks and rewards. You get to interact with your family constantly, create a flexible schedule, get to work at the comfort of your couch…what’s not to like?
However, this won’t lead to any productive behavior. If you want to stay focused and productive all day, you’ll want to create an office space at home. If you already have a home office, you’re ahead of the game. If you don’t, finding yourself a desk and a chair can do you wonders. The idea is to keep work and personal life separate when working from home.
2. Leverage Technology
The advancement of technology has made it possible for real estate agents to work from home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tech-savvy agents are running their businesses as usual, thanks to the proliferation of virtual touring tools, video chat tools, and productivity tools. By leveraging technology, you’ll not just remain productive but also stay abreast of everything happening in the property market.
Some of the essential real estate productivity tools to use include:
• Calendly for sharing events with others
• BoxBrownie for virtual staging and image enhancements
• DocuSign for digital signing of contracts
• Follow Up Boss (real estate CRM) for lead management and follow-ups
• Skype for video conferencing
• With the right technology, you’ll also be able to streamline workflow and manage all tasks from a central point—which saves you time.
3. Create Daily To-Do Lists
A to-do list will help you plan ahead of the day and prioritize the most important tasks. Start the first 10 minutes of the day jotting down all the tasks you need to accomplish.
Your list could include a small description, priority level, due date, and status. Then check off each task as you complete it. Some good to-do list tools to use include Wunderlist, Todoist, or ToodleDo. If you prefer a simple and free solution, an Excel Spreadsheet should do the trick.
4. Keep Connecting
The real estate industry is all about connections. Successful real estate agents leverage networking events to build connections and quality buyer lists.
But how can you build connections when working from home?
Be active in the various networking platforms where your audience likes to hang out. Popular sites to keep watch include LinkedIn, Meetup, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additionally, you may also want to create your own events or host a webinar.
To Sum It Up
Success in real estate depends on your ability to manage your time and streamline your productivity. While the pandemic may have slowed down the industry growth, it has also given rise to a slew of tools that have facilitated working from home.
By following these tips and leveraging the best automation tools, you’ll be making huge strides towards becoming a leader in your neighborhood.
