While there are many perks associated with being a real estate agent, the job also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest is managing what can be a very busy schedule. The good news is, a bit of planning and a few simple tools can help you balance your time and maximize your productivity. 

If you’re an agent who has a lot on your plate, try these simple time-management tips…

1) Know when you work best 

As an agent, you likely have a good deal of freedom to schedule your workday. While creating this structure can be a challenge, it also means you get to choose when to tackle the most demanding tasks on your to-do list. Some professionals are at their most efficient early in the morning, while others work best in the evening. By aligning your schedule with your peak-productivity times, you can ensure that you get the most out of every minute of your day. 

2) Utilize time blocking 

In a world full of distractions, achieving the focus you need to take on cognitively-complex work can feel nearly impossible. All too often, busy agents resort to multitasking—which can hinder productivity and wind up wasting time. That’s why it’s so important to have uninterrupted work sessions each week (if not every day). Whether you’re going over contract specifics or updating your CRM, you’re bound to get it done quicker if you put away your phone, turn off your laptop notifications, and devote yourself to the task at hand!

3) Schedule times to communicate 

While time blocking can help you make the most of your work hours, it’s often difficult in practice. That’s because continuous communication—with clients, leads, and professional connections—is a crucial part of being a real estate agent. Fortunately, it’s possible to carve out focused work time while also managing your professional relationships effectively. The key is to set dedicated times to check and respond to your emails, texts, and voice messages. Establishing these communication boundaries will help you be more strategic about how you plan your day.

4) Delegate! 

Many real estate agents take a hands-on approach to every aspect of the job. While the result can be great customer service, there’s also a potential downside: wasted time and even professional burnout. The best way to avoid this outcome is by determining which tasks fall within your scope of expertise—and assigning those that don’t to support staff. For many agents, that means delegating administrative and marketing work in order to focus on what matters (their clients). 

5) Use technology 

When life is busy, it’s easy to continue relying on the way you’ve always done things. For many agents, that means neglecting to discover and take advantage of time-saving technology. It doesn’t have to be complicated. From advanced inbox filter settings to speech-to-text, there’s no shortage of handy, easy-to-use tools that can shave hours off of your workweek. If you’re struggling with a time-management challenge, chances are that there’s an online platform or digital technology out there that can make your life easier. 

Support makes all the difference

The most successful real estate agents are those who have a diverse skillset, proactive mindset, and strong client focus. Unfortunately, these same qualities lead many talented professionals to overextend themselves. Fortunately, when you join a truly supportive brokerage, you’ll have the resources, tools, and administrative and marketing expertise you need to maximize your efficiency! 

If you’re ready to maximize your efficiency and take your career to the next level, get in touch to learn how RE/MAX Professionals can set you up for success!