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The Delightful Benefits of Working from Home

By
Real Estate Agent

http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Although gas prices at the pump have gone down quite a bit recently, there continues to be an expense to filling up the car.

When that expense is coupled with stormy weather outside, it seems reason enough to be grateful for the ability to work from my home office much of the time.

Saving on fuel expense and commute time has certainly become an interest if not a necessity for many.

Increasingly, more employees and professionals are choosing the option of working from home, or using a home office for a variety of reasons.  In addition to the cost of gas, and unproductive commute time, there can be some other desirable reasons.  Consider one real estate professional, that a decade ago felt it necessary to drive to her office 30 minutes away from home at least 5 days a week.  There was also the added expense of daycare, and more meals, which were not home cooked.

Fortunately, technology has progressed to a point, which offers independence and escape from the old idea we need to drive to a remote office, in order to always conduct work or business. 

As agent friend, once lamented, "Personally, I made a decision a couple years ago to use a space off my kitchen and dining area, as a place to set up my laptop.  In the beginning I put a note on my car keys, ‘DO YOU REALLY NEED TO MAKE THIS TRIP?’ - Amazingly most times I didn't!"

The irony for real estate professionals is we often drive to an office several miles away, when the client is a neighbor living close to their own neighborhood, or community. 

For some, beginning to make a successful conversion using a home office, simply means redefining how business is being performed.  And coming to the realization what may be gained by using a home office.  You may not need that desk space at the brokerage after-all.

 

Because many find less stress working at home, making the decision, often finds them working more successfully, and staying in the job or business for the longer haul.

Posted by

Myrl Jeffcoat ActiveRain Signature
  

Comments(9)

Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Great points, Myrl. Mostly I work from home because it's so much quieter and more private and I have fewer interruptions. But you are right--often I'm closer to where I need to go see a client than I would be from my office.

Nov 24, 2014 08:02 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

I like going to the office every day while others prefer to stay at home.  It's an individual thing

Nov 24, 2014 08:11 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Myrl. This is thoughtful and in my view better than the alternative. 

Nov 24, 2014 08:17 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Working from home requires discipline and you can't allow yourself to get distracted.

Nov 24, 2014 08:50 PM
Donna Quinlan
Keller Williams Realty - Newburyport, MA
Keller Williams Realtor & Career Consultant

Myrl - I also mostly work from my home office. There are many benefits as you stated in your post. I also think there is much to be gained from spending a few hours in the office. So much can be learned for newer agents when they can observe more experienced agents. It is also a place to learn about local happenings both in the market and in the community. 

Nov 24, 2014 11:45 PM
Sharon Paxson
Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Newport Beach Real Estate

Hi Myrl - I like to work from home as I am able to concentrate with less distractions.

Nov 24, 2014 11:46 PM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Myrl, 

Real Estate business fits so well with the home office model. I rarely go into my RE office as I have no reason to go there. Working at home I find improves productivity. 

Dec 02, 2014 05:49 AM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

Myrl,

 I think for me it would be the commute time, I am not sure how you can really work from home and not send the children to day care...it has to be one or the other or you are not really working all day just saying....

Dec 10, 2014 07:32 AM
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

I will be working from home for a while....since the antique shop closed, Myrl.  I know that this will drive Chief Cook crazy, but. hopefully, we will make it through the winter before I start looking for a new home away from home!

Dec 16, 2014 07:03 AM