As real estate agents, we are often subject to time constraints that require us to work longer than might have originally been planned at the beginning of our day. Unexpected things always tend to pop up. Perhaps you have to show a large amount of properties that day. Or maybe the phone rang off the hook and you picked up 7 new leads that you need to get started on right away.
Maybe you had a cash buyer that walked in at 4:30 and wants to make an offer TONIGHT if he finds something he likes.
You could be scrambling to submit documents to escrow that are due TODAY.
Or it could be any combination of the above events. This is just a small number of the potential things that could occur. We usually know what to expect for the following day, but things can change in an instant.
How does everyone handle and cope with extremely busy days/weeks. How do you handle the stress of it all?
How do you ensure that your work isn't interfering or taking time away from your family life?
As a new agent I want to try and strike the right balance between work and my personal life early on. I figure if I start making good habits now, it will carry over to the time when I actually become a very busy professional.
I want to be an effective agent and still look like this when I get home:
Any advice is appreciated...how do you be successful and stay sane?
When time does your workday typically begin, and what time do you leave the office?
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LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale
Too many is too less an answer to the 'title' question, Tyler - though the good news is,kids are grown up so one less thing to worry...
Apr 28, 2011 05:12 PM
Platinum Funding Group, Inc.NMLS-243033 - Irvine, CA
Platinum Funding Group
I find that I'm working more hours than I ever have, and I'm doing less business... The market is challenging enough without the help of the Federal reserve board and their new regulations...
Apr 28, 2011 05:25 PM
Advantage Mortgage Inc. - La Grande, OR
NW Mortgage Pro
Time blocking, prioitizing, and organization are key for me... I have certain days of the week set aside for certain tasks no matter what else is going on unless it is funding or lock related that's where the prioritizing comes in ;) Family time is just that family time but if you make exceptions, say for that cash buyer, set limits. Most clients appreciate my honesty when it comes to family time and activities and find value there. Dont for get to schedule YOU time too cause no one's happy if you are not happy!
Apr 28, 2011 06:17 PM
Coldwell Banker - 1000 Palms, CA
Marc and Carey: I didn't want to pay for photos online so I just took that one on the spot :P. And that's just my nephew, I'm not married, and no children yet. But 6 months is a great rule, I've heard that alot. And I wouldn't mind a two week vacation either! :P
Myers: It makes sense!
Charles: It's nice having the freedom to make your own hours or take personal days when needed. Mid-afternoon gym session sounds great to me, might try that.
Andrew: The built in flexibility is awesome, it seems time management is key here as you suggested. Tried the link but isn't working?
Mike: Knowing when to stop for the night seems to be key issue and I'm sure it's different for everyone else. But there comes a point that if it's not critical, hang your hat up for the night. Thanks for the advice.
Praful: It seems working alot is key in this business to get ahead! This is true though, gives you great flexibility!
Tiffany: That's not the best combination, the government does make things harder than they have to be. Sending some good luck your way!
Apr 28, 2011 06:27 PM
Coldwell Banker - 1000 Palms, CA
Corri: That sounds like a great idea....keep definite time periods set where you are not available. And it seems easy to forget about ourselves in this business....gotta make time! Thanks for the comment :P.
Apr 28, 2011 06:52 PM
Mike Mayer, Broker/Owner - i List For Less Realty, LLC - Lafayette, LA
Make a schedule and stick to it. Yes we work in a profession that often requires our attention in varying degrees. But you need to schedule "me" time to make it happen.
Apr 28, 2011 07:36 PM
Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections - Carlsbad, NM
Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586
Hi Tyler. I do inspections and service work. I put in about 12 hours a day and it's hard to keep up with that much. I always look forward to a couple days off with nothing to do but the "honey do list" LOL
Have a great day and year in 2011
Clint McKie
Apr 28, 2011 11:17 PM
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA
Its about choices. .
my days off are my days off. . my phone is off and I'm on for my family. .
Did I miss at a chance to list a million dollar home meanwhile?
maybe. . but its my choice.. .
but when I'm on my business, I'm on. . you will not catch me playing solitaire or be reading about the royal wedding.
Apr 28, 2011 11:40 PM
3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co. - Prosper, TX
Real Estate Agents
Tyler - Been there! Done that! And got the t-shirt! I used to work every minute of the day. Now, everything is on my calendar and I am sticking to it as close as possible. I love Jeanne's comment above. Good job!
Apr 29, 2011 02:29 AM
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON
Real estate is not a 9-5 job. To get deals done you are going to have to make sacrifices, now the question is how much of your personal life are you willing to sacrifice. Sometimes to do a deal you have to work late into the night or make appointments when you would rather be doing something else.
Apr 29, 2011 03:33 AM
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!
I usually start work at 9 to 9:30 every day and usually end up taking a lunch and dinner break and then back to work until 9 to 11 pm every night. I have a new business and know I have to put in the work to get it off to a good start.
Apr 29, 2011 03:38 AM
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate
Tyler - We have been in business for over 10 years and find that we have to take our time when it's not busy. This is our choice as we have to be available to our customer/clients as need be. Just our way maybe not everybodies way but it works for us.. Our two cents...
Apr 29, 2011 04:13 AM
PEARSON REAL ESTATE-San Antonio Homes for Sale - San Antonio, TX
Good post. It is important to block our time for personal & business. In an effort to decrease anxious client calls on Sunday evening when weekends are important to me, I try to touch base with all of them on Friday to give them a "status" report.
Apr 29, 2011 04:16 AM
Los Altos, CA
I have regular work hours like any business and I make time for my family, myself, and my friends. If something comes up that requires immediate attention, I make a business decision if it can wait or not. The sense of urgency and panic that clients have needs to be mitigated so it's done at a reasonable time and place.
Apr 29, 2011 04:49 AM
San Diego, CA
Broker (760) 563-4022
Time management is key and tough...I know top agents who set time every morning from 8-11am for lead generation only and nothing else...all appointments are made in the afternoon and they stick by that schedule..
Apr 29, 2011 04:55 AM
Masters Utah Real Estate - Cottonwood Heights, UT
Broker Associate, Realtor, CRS, SRS, SFR, e-Pro
Best thing I ever did when starting out was take a Floyd Wickman course and learned a time manaegment approach called "Smart Week" that way you don't short your family and your productive time is spent well. The important aspect is to accomplish all the right things and not make you subject to every little emergency that pops up. Take a look and Good luck!
Apr 29, 2011 05:00 AM
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA
Tyler, you have to carve out time for your family. Treat it as an appointment you can't miss. Clients will understand if you tell them you have another appointment.
Apr 29, 2011 05:32 AM
Madison Specs - New Rochelle, NY
Cost Segregation Specialist
The biggest problem I have is that this is a fluid business. There are hours during the working day where I am totally free, but then my evening and weekends are booked solid. You definitely have to set aside time for your family and personal life. Block it off, and don't let anything get in the way of it.
Besides, sometimes personaly activities can lead to referrals . . .
Apr 29, 2011 05:44 AM
LoKation Real Estate - Cherry Hills Village, CO
Specializing in Golf Course Properties
Always, always place your family number one, I make sure to plan my family events first, and fill in around those "appointments". The reason I got into real estate was to have more control over my time, do NOT let it control you.
The Tyranny of the Urgent vs The Priority of the Important - which do you choose?
Apr 29, 2011 06:07 AM
Group 1 Real Estate - Tooele, UT
Tooele UT
I find that if I don't set and stick to set hours, I will work until I drop, making myself worthless to family and clients alike. You have to set the boundaries. As was mentioned above, you may occasionally lose a deal over it. However, I have to believe that you'll make up for it by being in game shape all the time. Great discussion.
Apr 29, 2011 08:02 AM
Comments(29)