Whether you are new to remote work or have been working from home for a while, remote work for real estate agents is here to stay. Not only does it save money (fewer overhead costs), but it also improves mental health and work-life balance.
Whether you're a new real estate agent looking to set up your home business or a more experienced professional wanting to improve your work-at-home productivity, here are some tips to make the best out of your remote work environment.
The Best Remote Work Tips for Real Estate Agents
1. Have a Dedicated Office Space
Depending on the space you have in your home, you have many choices to set up your office space. Ideally, a dedicated room with a door would make the best environment. But if you do not have that luxury, finding a quiet corner of the living room or den can work just as well.
Make sure you have enough space to keep all your tools, equipment, and paperwork on hand and organized. Purchase a small file cabinet for important documents. Working on the kitchen table might be helpful in a pinch, but always moving your computer and paperwork can become annoying.
2. Keep a Regular Schedule
One of the mistakes people new to remote work make is not setting a work schedule for themselves. This can easily lead to overwork and a lack of work-life balance. You don't have to keep a "regular" office schedule, either. As long as it works for you and your clients, you have the flexibility to make your own hours.
Develop a morning routine, choose which hours you want to work, and follow your schedule for the best work-life balance while working remotely.
3. Invest in Reliable Equipment
Even if your five-year-old laptop works well for checking email or watching videos online, it might not be enough to manage your work tasks. Getting a stable, reliable internet connection is also essential for remote work. Plus, having internet access will allow you to take our online continuing education classes when it's time to renew your real estate license.
Investing in technological upgrades for your home office will make you more productive in the long run. PropTech is the future of the industry, as our research shows that 74% of homebuyers who toured a home virtually during the pandemic would prefer this method even once the pandemic is over. So make sure you're keeping up with virtual showing technology, augmented reality staging, and more.
4. Make Your Office Comfortable
When planning their first home office, many new remote workers don't consider ergonomics. A comfortable office chair, a proper desk, good airflow: all these things matter for concentration, focus, and productivity. Badly adjusted equipment can cause physical injuries. Don't be afraid to decorate your office, either. Color and art can give you a mood boost all day long!
5. Join a Remote Real Estate Community
Despite all its benefits, remote work can sometimes feel lonely. That's why joining an online community for real estate professionals can be beneficial. It's a little bit like the old office water cooler, except via an online forum or chat room.
There are tons of communities you can join on Facebook, and it's easy to connect with other agents on LinkedIn. You may even want to join the r/RealEstate subreddit to get perspectives from buyers and sellers as well.
6. Schedule Some Breaks
When working from home, it's easy to forget about taking breaks because we're in a "comfortable" environment. But work is work, no matter where you do it! So many sure you schedule some breaks for stretching, drinking some water, or stepping outside for some fresh air.
7. Take Your Sick Days
If you're sick, you're sick. Being at home doesn't mean you have to work even when sick. Thankfully, the life of a real estate agent is very flexible, and taking a sick day probably won't have a big effect on your earnings. If you are a parent, that flexibility can also be an advantage when a child is sick.
8. Claim Your Tax Write-Offs
Working from home has tax benefits. A portion of your rent or mortgage, equipment, internet costs, insurance, and other expenses can be deducted from your taxes if your home is your primary work environment.
Enjoy Working From Home as a Real Estate Agent
Many real estate agents work from home, and many people are choosing real estate as a career because of its flexibility, earning potential, and the ability to work remotely. With these tips, you can make your remote work more productive.