Time Management Tips For Real Estate Agents

Everybody has "those days" when you feel unproductive. We as Real Estate Agents have days when we feel like we ran around for hours but got nothing done. Usually this occurs as a result of inefficient time management. Fortunately, this does not need to be a permanent issue in our business. We can each reassess our habits and time management skills. I have found that the "Art of Time Management" is just like anything else in our lives, and can definitely be worked improved on. It is also important to note that different methods of managing one's time do exist. It is important that you not give up if the first method you try doesn't work for you,it will take trial and error to find the right one. The following tips might help get you started.

You will get more done every day if you start out with the tasks that are most urgent. I always try to make listing appointments, meeting with my buyers, and other important task the first things scheduled.  When you do this, you get these actions out of the way so they don't weigh you down. It's also a good idea to begin with whatever's most urgent so that you're sure to complete these tasks. When it comes to important activities, if you put them off you may find that you wasted much of the day on trivial matters and can't devote as much attention to the important task as it deserves. Prioritizing your tasks is extremely important for time management. Make it a point to work on whatever is most important first. When people ask you to do something, don't be afraid to turn them down. Not saying "no" often enough may play a large part in why you have problems with time management. People who are always helping out everyone else seldom have time to complete their own "to do" lists. Learn to politely decline things that will interfere with your major tasks of the day. You don't have to say "no" all the time. But if you really don't have the time to spare, you should be firm and make your own work a priority.  I have close friends that are very hard workers but have a difficult time getting things completed because they are always distracted by other people and events.

Anyone knowledgeable about time management will tell you that, to be truly productive, you must learn how to delegate. It's hard to be efficient if you have to do everything yourself. Very often, the activities that take the most time are not actually that important and can be done by someone else. If you are a team leader, allow your buyers agent to handle their business without interference from you.  Let your assistant take care of the extra paperwork on that new corporate listing.  It will help you stay focused on the most important parts of your day. If you spend too much time on trivial tasks, they can be a real distraction. Delegation is something that many people have difficulty with. This is just something you have to make yourself do.  If you are a "control freak", like myself, this can be the toughest trait to acquire!

You can improve your time management skills in many ways. You can get more organized and eventually on task no matter what situation you are beginning with. All you have to do is start making new habits. In a matter of time you will be a time management master never ever having to worry about losing time daydreaming or other time waisting activities!

Jennifer Giraldi is a real estate agent in Woodstock, Georgia