"WORK" AT HOME AGENTS.

I know it doesn't work for everyone but I have worked out of a home office for the last 25 years.  I get dressed in the morning as though I was heading to an office and I think that sets my day.  I would never consider turning the television on.  Ever once in a while I will throw a load of laundry in but 9 times out of 10 I will forget about it until that evening.  It does take dedication but I have loved it.

Janet,

Good blog.  I believe work-at-home is a personal decision.  My preference is to work in the office.  I've learned so much from my co-workers.  Each of us have a unique approach to addressing business opportunities.  We keep each other motivated and share our knowledge.  But, that's what works for me. 

I personally like to work from home, it is peaceful.  I have worked from home for many year even when working for large non real estate corporation.

I might get my laundry done but trust me I get more real estate done thanwhen I gointo the office; my husband could verify that.

Everytime I go into the office to work, I leave frustrated, so much interruption, etc.  I know working from home is not for everyone, it requires alot of discipline.

Great post Janice. 

For a vast majority of work-from-home agents, your post holds a great deal of water. 

I think the operative word here is "work".  How one would define "work"?

For me, work is generating business and keeping my lead pipeline going.  Most times my "work" is done in the field because if I am not in front of a potential customer/client I am not earning money and not working. 

In The Millionaire Real Estate Agent book, work activities are separated into two distinct categories:

1. Revenue producing activities

2. Supportive activities.

Revenue producing activities are those which turn into money (as I write this post this activity falls into neither of these categories--I'm on a late lunch break).  Supportive activities are those which help run my business but are not resulting in current dollar production. 

For many agents, working from home can be a real distraction so it should be avoided if this is the case.

What is needed to work from home is FOCUS and DISCIPLINE. If you are a newer agent, I would strongly suggest you work from the office until you have your work routine set.  The only times you'll find me in the office now are when I am teaching a class, attending a class, office meetings, meetings with clients, dropping off commission checks, office functions, charity functions, and the like.  

I would caution those at the office to avoid the pitfall of watercooler culture. Although what happened on "American Idol" last night might seem like interesting conversation, it's not going to pay your bills or make you a better professional. Another caution is to avoid the time burglars; those that hold you hostage in a conversation when you need to get something done. 

If you are at the office, the synergy can be great, just make sure you are there to work.  Always be helpful and be friendly, but don't let socializing take the place of work.  You can always socialize and even express your outrage of Sundance being voted off "American Idol" after hours.