Did you know that 22 million U.S. employees work from home full-time? That is 14% of the employed population that enjoys unparalleled freedom.
But with the demands of client meetings and brokerage commitments, do realtors have the same opportunity? Can you be a real estate agent remotely? Yes, you can. Real estate is one industry that offers ample flexibility regarding work schedules. And with recent technological leaps, agents can work from anywhere.
You can work from anywhere, whether in your home, the sunny shores of the Bahamas, or the snowy mountains of Alaska. But be sure that you are completing sales in your licensed state.
Beyond answering the remote agent question, this article will venture into what it takes to work remotely. We will talk benefits, accountability, and how to set up your office. Let’s get to it.
A Cautionary Step
In the digital age, obtaining a real estate license online has become incredibly convenient. This has further opened opportunities for remote work.
However, while embracing the flexibility of remote work, real estate agents must be mindful of one crucial aspect: licensing jurisdiction.
As a realtor, you are licensed to operate within specific state boundaries. That means your clients and properties must fall within these borders.
You must be careful in your remote work endeavors to avoid traveling far beyond your allowable business jurisdiction.
If you are interested in obtaining multiple licenses, check out this guide on obtaining operating authority in other states.
Advantages of Remote Real Estate Work
Exploring the remote possibilities comes with several benefits for those brave enough to venture there in. If you are wondering what those are, here are the top three:
Less Commute
Working from home as an estate agent reduces the need for a daily office commute. While you may and I would advise should travel to open houses and meet clients in person, you eliminate the time and expense of driving or taking public transportation to a central office daily. This allows you to be more efficient with your time and focus more on serving your clients.
Cost Savings
By working remotely, you can save significantly on commuting expenses such as gas, car maintenance, and public transit costs. You also avoid the need to rent an office space and pay for a desk, equipment, and other overhead costs associated with a traditional real estate office.
Of course, you will still need to cover some expenses, like setting up a home office and potentially sharing a co-working space, but the overall cost savings can be substantial.
Increased Flexibility
Flexibility has always been one of the best parts of a real estate career. However, remote work gives estate agents much more control over their schedules and work-life balance.
Without a fixed office schedule, you can more easily accommodate your client’s needs, take breaks when necessary, and integrate personal responsibilities into your workday.
This flexibility allows you to avoid the burnout from the demanding pace of real estate, where you are often on-call for clients at all hours. By working remotely, you can create boundaries and routines that support your productivity and well-being.
Disadvantages of Remote Real Estate Work
Much like a two-sided coin, you still have tails to deal with after admiring the head. Despite its recent rise in popularity, choosing to go virtual in the industry has several disadvantages worth noting:
Less Interaction with Colleagues and Clients
One key drawback of working remotely as a real estate agent is the reduction in face-to-face interactions with colleagues and clients. In-person meetings and casual office conversations are crucial for building the relationships and trust that are vital in the real estate industry.
Without these daily, organic interactions, remote agents may feel isolated and disconnected from their professional network.
Beyond the interpersonal challenges, remote work can also impede the process of learning from experienced colleagues and mentors. In a traditional office setting, agents can easily absorb knowledge, share experiences, and stay up-to-date on market trends through impromptu discussions and collaborative problem-solving.
Imagine the value of those quick market discussions by the water cooler.
However, this type of spontaneous learning is much harder to replicate in a remote environment, where interactions tend to be more formal and scheduled. As a result, remote agents may miss out on valuable growth opportunities.
Distraction from Family and Friends
Another significant disadvantage of remote work for real estate agents is the potential for distraction from family members or friends who may be present in the home environment. It can be extremely challenging to maintain a laser-like focus on work tasks when surrounded by the comforts and responsibilities of one’s personal life.
Establishing clear boundaries and a dedicated home office space is crucial, but even then, the temptation to attend to domestic matters during the workday can severely undermine an agent’s productivity and efficiency.
Technical Issues
Finally, the remote work model in real estate is heavily reliant on technology, from video conferencing to shared document platforms. Unstable internet connections, software glitches, or power outages can all disrupt critical communication and limit an agent’s ability to serve clients effectively.
These technical issues can be highly frustrating and significantly impact an agent’s responsiveness and overall performance.
The Role of Accountability
While working remotely offers a great deal of freedom, it also requires a high level of self-discipline and accountability. This is where the importance of creating a schedule comes into play.
Establishing a daily routine helps to structure your day and ensures that you allocate adequate time for all work-related tasks and personal activities.
One effective strategy to achieve this is setting micro-goals throughout the day. These are smaller, achievable targets related to your broader objectives.
For instance, if one of your goals for the week is to reach out to 50 potential clients, you could set a micro-goal to contact ten people each day from Monday through Friday.
Not only does this make your larger goal seem more manageable but ticking off these mini achievements can provide motivation and enhance productivity.
Another crucial aspect of maintaining accountability while working remotely is having an accountability partner. This is someone who supports you in staying committed to your goals and responsibilities.
This could be another remote real estate agent or even someone outside the industry who also works from home. Regular check-ins with this person can help keep you focused on what needs accomplishing and offer mutual support during challenging times.
Setting Up Your Remote Workspace
As real estate agents transition to remote work, establishing a dedicated and productive workspace is crucial for success. By creating a designated home office area and embracing the industry’s technological tools, agents can set themselves up for optimal productivity and professionalism.
Designated Area
One of the most important steps in setting up a remote workspace is designating a specific area within the home that is solely for work. This space may be a spare bedroom, a section of the living room, or even a corner of the kitchen. The key is to create physical and mental boundaries between the professional and personal realms.
Having a dedicated workspace sends a clear signal to family members or housemates that you are “at work” and should not be disturbed. It also helps you mentally shift into “work mode” when you enter that space, allowing you to focus on your tasks without the constant pull of domestic distractions.
Embracing Technology
The real estate industry has undergone a significant technological transformation in recent years, and this shift has only been accelerated by the rise of remote work. Embracing virtual tools and platforms is now essential for real estate agents to effectively serve their clients and stay connected with their colleagues.
Video conferencing solutions like Zoom have become invaluable for remote client meetings, industry conferences, and team collaborations. Agents should invest in a high-quality webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection to ensure smooth and professional virtual interactions.
Additionally, virtual tour software like the Kuula platform has transformed the way properties are showcased, allowing potential buyers to experience listings from the comfort of their own homes. Mastering these technologies and incorporating them seamlessly into the sales process is a key skill for successful remote real estate agents.
The Evolving Real Estate Landscape
In today’s digital age, being a real estate agent remotely is a reality. While it offers numerous benefits, remember that success in remote real estate work largely depends on one’s ability to balance freedom with discipline while effectively leveraging technological tools.
Next Steps:
Here are some action steps you can take if you’re considering this path:
1. Understand your licensing jurisdiction: Make sure to operate within the boundaries of where you’re licensed. 2. Set up your workspace: Designate an area at home solely for work purposes to create physical and mental boundaries between professional tasks and personal life. 3. Embrace technology: Learn how to use video conferencing solutions like Zoom for remote client meetings or virtual tours. 4. Create a schedule: Establish daily routines that include micro-goals related to broader objectives. 5. Find an accountability partner: Regular check-ins with someone who supports your goals can help keep you focused.
What do you think about working remotely as a real estate agent? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments section below!
