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Virtual offices. Are they the wave of the future?

By
Industry Observer with Responsive Pest Control

Hello all: I hope you're enjoying your weekend. Here in Seattle, it's beautiful.

I was wondering this morning about virtual offices and how they work for you. Increasingly, I see people working from home. I know quite a few realtors who have adopted this model. Some I think because it's less expensive. Others do it because they are more productive and may actually have less distractions by working from home.

I have the ability to work from home and occasionally (2x/month during the  week) like doing it. It allows me the luxury of not commuting and sometimes I need the peace and quiet. The rest of the time I need the support that my home office provides. Is that then the answer? That most of us would like to have our cake and eat it too?

I do believe this. A person really needs to be a self starter to work from home a majority of the time. Especially if you have a family still at home. I'm curious what works best for you. What do you prefer? I think it's the wave of the future although it will never replace our need to interact with our peers in person! Have a great day.

Posted by

Paul McFadden

Comments (12)
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Amanda Wilson
EWM International Realtors, Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Real Estate Advisor

Paul...I love the opportunity to work from home....I get sooooooo much more done; however, the office is a great place to network and do much of my paperwork!  I can decide each day where I want to work from...it's Great and one of the benefits of being a realtor!

May 17, 2009 03:39 AM
Maria Morton
Platinum Realty - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate 816-560-3758

For me, going into the office is important but blogging is better done from my home office. What I'd really like to have, someday, is a printer and a scanner in the trunk of my car.

May 17, 2009 03:41 AM
Katharine Carey
eXp Realty - Bellingham, WA

It is truly like having cake all the time. Our job has us on the move all the time much like our families if that is the case. Being able to take care of laundry and respond to emails makes sense for me.

The only downside is when I am making phone calls and my dog decides she doesn't like the cat crossing the street and lets everyone in the neighborhood know!      

May 17, 2009 03:54 AM
Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

I prefer to work from home it sames on time and gas when commuting. Less of a hassle. Although sometimes its great to associate with the office.

May 17, 2009 04:00 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Pat: Thanks for your thoughts. I like the peace and solitude. Of course, I don't have distractions any more such as kids, etc.

Katherine: Occasionally our dog will go off or our son will show up with the little girl he watches. When that happens, I just shut the door!

Maria: A printer and a scanner in the trunk of your car? My! You are dialed in. I love it!

Amanda: I agree. It's nice to have the flexibility. I changed offices right after the first of the year so felt it necessary to be there more often than not. But I have worked from home several days already and like the fact I don't need to deal with the commute! Take care.

May 17, 2009 04:14 AM
Eric Villaverde
DoubleTree Home Inspection Services L.L.C. - Phoenix, AZ

Most people prefer virtual offices rather than traditional offices. This has been my experience.

May 17, 2009 04:31 AM
Kathy Toth
Ann Arbor Market Center Keller Williams - Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts - Kathy Toth Team

I work at least half my time from home. Always in the morning. I also have an air card for my laptop and VPN access to my prime database on the office sever. So really where ever I am is my office. But it does take discipline and my kids are off to college.

May 17, 2009 11:19 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Eric: I think I probably do as well. It's just tougher for me to stay focused. With other people around, I find I don't get distracted.

Kathy: It sounds like you've got it pretty well figured out. I still am. Thus, the slow easing into the cycle! take care.

May 17, 2009 12:25 PM
Susan Templeton
Bellingham, WA

Paul, Working from home for three years limited my ability to get around to clients during the day when I need to be paying attention the market and lender interaction. Even with a processor, I found that travel time (big county here) was very time consuming and now my clients not only come to me but I am the one on TIME (punctuality being my lesser virtue). I am also saving gas and feel more relaxed in my office without the invasion of work into my home sanctuary.

May 19, 2009 06:46 PM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Susan: That's good to hear. Most of the time I drive into Bellevue (30 miles one way) because there is more support there. That being said, I occasionally like to work from home. It saves commute time and I can ease into my day, especially if I have evening stuff going on. Thanks! Take care.

May 20, 2009 03:06 AM
ratemodify.com modify
www.ratemodify.com - Bothell, WA

Working from home certainly fuels my creative process for blogging and such, but indeed requires more "will to power" to stay on top of my game without the support of the office.  Going to the office certainly can help with inspiration, and is also a formal place to meet clients.  Still, virtual "reality" is the wave of the future I believe, and more and more people enjoy the comfort of doing business online as well.

Jun 24, 2009 07:14 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Ben: Thanks for your input. I agree with you although working online will never completely replace our method of doing business which is primarily face-to-face. Thanks again!

Jun 25, 2009 02:26 AM
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