Time Management Tips for Real Estate Agents

Successful real estate agents develop annual business plans which must have the flexibility to adjust to market conditions. Effective plans are based on completing tasks that will generate business opportunities that convert to transactions. The key to time management is performing your daily tasks quickly with proficiency. Our industry is one whereby you can easily work 12 hours a day, seven days a week. For most of us, our tasks are personal and professional and must remain in balance. Once you have developed your skills and implemented your plan try using these tips to assist you in managing your time.

1. Use technology tools to organize

Managing your email properly is huge time saver as you can automate many of the processes for more efficiency. If you use Outlook, learn how to use “rules” and folders. Once this structure is in place create your “task list” and integrate it with your calendar.

2. Answer/or Return Phone Calls.

Avoid playing “telephone tag” by returning phone calls at the appropriate times. If you reach their voice mail, leave a time when you will be available to receive a call. Text messaging is a great tool to reduce the volume of initial and follow-calls.

3. Scheduling activities

Schedule personal activities that occur daily/weekly or monthly first. Always schedule items that you “hate to do” first and get them out of the way as early as possible. Here are some daily/weekly actions items you should schedule:

A. Email - check for mail requiring immediate attention, do not get tied up reading or responding to miscellaneous mail. Move to daily business tasks next.

• Respond to miscellaneous emails after you have completed your primary business tasks for the day.
• Leave your email on during the day, but check often – respond accordingly.
• Save personal emails to read after hours.

B. Write handwritten personal notes to sphere of influence.

C. Make phone calls to your sphere of influence.

D. Database management and mining – check your VOW inventory tool for client activity, call new leads, research names for additional information.

E. Perform your transaction management items.

F. Perform your client management items – showings, scheduling, etc.

G. Conduct networking activities

H. Review/Set Action Goals (adding to sphere of influence, handing out business cards, asking for referrals

I. Practice your voice mail messages, write new scripts that are in “your” words” and focus on the words you are using.

4. Learn to say “NO” without being offensive. When asked for a “favor” explain that you can do it after work, but you can’t take the time off during your work day, etc. etc.

5. Reduce stress in your life by planning ahead and being on time for meetings.

6. Use drive time you have alone to listen to motivational tapes, sales training books on tape, etc.

7. Reduce the length of meetings when you have control, have all necessary documents, etc. required, plan the meeting agenda – including your client meetings.

As a real estate agent that is an independent contractor, you must have the discipline and accountability to yourself to work your plan. If you don't make the commitment and stay focused, it is easy to get behind on your tasks and activities. You know what the outcome will be if that happens.

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides agents with coaching, business planning, tools, training and support to implement and work their business plans.  View the links below to view tools and resources demonstrating time managment.