The Good and Bad of Working Remotely

By Jacqueline Smith

Jacqueline Smith started in real estate in 2015 and sold 52 homes her first year in the business as a solo agent. After considering growing her own team, and exploring different team models, she decided to partner with Place in 2017. The partnership allowed her to fast track her growth, and provide better systems and models to her agent partners. Her and her team in Vancouver Washington now close over $165M in annual sales volume, while keeping the quality of the agent and client experience at the forefront.

Today, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working from home as a Realtor. While many of us are attracted to the freedom and entrepreneurial spirit of being our own boss, it’s crucial to be cautious as this freedom can also be detrimental. As someone residing in Washington State, I initially welcomed the opportunity to work from home during the COVID pandemic. It seemed like a vacation, enjoying cookies and fresh coffee at my desk. However, I soon realized that the lack of a collaborative environment began affecting people’s mindset and productivity.

Upon returning to the office and working face-to-face with colleagues, we quickly got back on track. People’s mindsets improved, leading to increased productivity. Although I appreciate the flexibility and benefits of working from home, I strongly believe in the importance of discipline, structure, and maintaining a schedule by going to the office. This approach enhances energy, focus, and the opportunity to learn from others, ultimately translating into better results.

For those opting to work from home, it’s essential to consider some valuable tips. Firstly, ensure you adhere to a schedule, dedicating specific time blocks to prioritize important tasks. Stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked by household chores during client calls or networking. Additionally, schedule breaks throughout the day and establish a time to officially shut off work. Constantly being “on” and blurring the lines between work and personal life negatively impacts mental health and productivity.

Moreover, if you choose to work from home, create a dedicated workspace separate from distractions like the dining table. Having a designated area solely for work helps minimize interruptions and prevents getting caught up in household activities like folding laundry or attending to pets.

Whether you decide to work from home or the office, the key is to structure your day and incorporate accountability into your routine. While working from the office may offer greater ease in this regard, it is important to establish accountability measures for your business. If you seek additional accountability and are interested in joining an office environment like ours, surrounded by top-producing agents, I encourage you to reach out. Let’s have a conversation about your goals.