I often see real estate agents burning the candle at both ends and pulling early mornings and late nights trying to manage clients, showings, listings, AND administrative tasks.
But what if I could show you how to work less while getting more done AND earning more?
It all comes down to managing your time well.
That’s why today, I’m sharing the best ways to master time management for real estate agents.
Ready to change your life?
Let’s go!
💡Key takeaways:
- 80% of real estate agents experience burnout in the first two years, but proper time management can help them reduce the number of hours they work each week.
- Some of the most effective ways to improve time management for real estate agents are time blocking, delegation, and creating routines and goals.
- The average real estate agent works 40 to 60 hours a week and on weekends, but you can reclaim your time.
Why is time management important for real estate agents?
In real estate, there’s no such thing as 9-5.
Most agents work 40 to 60 hours each week and on weekends! 😫
Most of that time is dedicated to:
- Marketing and advertising, which 62% of agents spend at least an hour per day on.
- Prospecting and lead generation, which 26% of agents spend several hours per day on.
- Traveling to showings and appointments, which 50% of agents spend at least an hour doing each day.
On top of it, you also need to make time for:
- Administrative duties
- Working with and representing buyers and sellers
- Managing properties
No wonder 80% of agents burn out in their first two years.
I’ve been there.
But it IS possible to overcome it and manage your time in a way that works for you.
Ready to master time management for real estate agents?
Then keep reading.
8 time management tips for realtors
Below are the very systems Demir and I used when we found ourselves unable to keep working 80+ hours each week in corporate America.
They changed everything.
We could work less, earn more, and explore the world while growing our business and family.
I promise you’ll find yourself less stressed with a better work-life balance and extra time for friends and family. 👪
1. Use time blocking to prioritize tasks
📆Instead of trying to multitask, calendarize your tasks by blocking out a specific time for each one.
It’s the most crucial part of our Winning the Week Method.
Why?
Because it gives you a plan – and keeps chaos and procrastination at bay. 🫸
Here’s how to do it:
- Schedule the “good stuff” first, like self-care, social time, or creative time.
- Schedule your Deep Work. I recommend scheduling it on Monday or Tuesday when your energy is the highest.
- Create blocks of Unscheduled Time. This “flex time” is a catch-all for any unplanned work that lands on your desk.
- Put Shallow Work in the empty slots. Because it doesn’t require much energy, I recommend saving it for later in the day or week.
Demir and I do this EVERY Sunday, and it’s a game-changer. I’ll tell you more about the process in this guide.
But don’t forget to approach your tasks with leverage.
Demir explains in this video:
2. Focus on lead generation
Lead generation is the foundation of a successful real estate career.
Constantly prospecting and nurturing leads creates a steady pipeline of potential clients and sales.
But it takes up a LOT of time.
So, if you want to stay productive and efficient, systematize the entire process.
That means things like:
- Automating follow-ups
- Using CRM software
- Dedicate a specific block of time to prospecting
Don’t underestimate the power of a good system – hear how I use them in this video:
3. Delegate non-core responsibilities
You’ve got a LOT on your plate, but only 24 hours in a day.
So don’t be afraid to delegate some of your responsibilities to other people. 👐
I promise it pays off – when you can take things like administrative tasks or marketing off your plate, you’ll have more time for the important things like client interactions. 🤝
I’ll teach you how to delegate effectively in this quick video:
And if you feel like you’re drowning in your personal tasks too, don’t be afraid to hand them off, either!
I’ve been outsourcing personal tasks – including laundry and house management – for years. 🧺
4. Form daily habits and goals
Regardless of their size, taking productive actions each day leads to big results over time.
So, start to form daily habits.
Routines can boost focus, mental health, AND productivity.
It might be as simple as starting the day by pouring a cup of coffee and checking emails or reviewing the market. ☕
But even that small action can help you jumpstart your focus and organization for the day.
Check out this video to hear about the morning routine Demir and I swear by:
🔁Read more: Four Routines to Create Your Perfect Day
But setting – and believing in – goals is just as important to structure and progress as routine.
That’s why I recommend setting measurable daily goals that align with your longer-term goals.
Think: reaching out to a certain number of prospects or scheduling a few property showings each week.
📚Read more: 4 Simple Steps to Finish What You Start
5. Be consistent
Consistency is essential for real estate agents.
A regular day-to-day schedule makes it possible to build trust and achieve steady, long-term results.
Whether you’re focused on consistently following up with leads, staying on top of market trends, or communicating with clients, it all adds up. 📈
And the more consistent you are, the easier it becomes to establish the routines and habits we just talked about.
You know, the ones that streamline and supercharge your productivity and efficiency. ⚡
And that dedication to showing up and delivering day in and day out will strengthen your reputation and set you up for success.
6. Find an accountability partner
When you hold yourself accountable, you stick to your plans, don’t make excuses, and own your actions.
And sometimes, that’s hard – it takes guts to set goals, track your progress, and be self-compassionate.
That’s why I always recommend asking a colleague or mentor to be your accountability buddy.
Accountability buddies are responsible for making sure you show up and succeed. They help you set and review goals and monitor your progress but aren’t afraid to call your bluff.
And in return, you do the same for them.
I promise nothing lights a fire under your feet like the pressure of checking in with someone you respect.
In fact, people who check in with their accountability buddy have a 95% chance of reaching their goals. 🏆
7. Say no
I know that it feels like your business might come to a grinding halt if you set boundaries. 🛑
But boundaries help you avoid overworking and are great for:
- Productivity
- Less stress
- Mental and physical well-being
- Work-life balance
- Healthy workplace environment
- Job satisfaction
So get comfortable saying no – like Demir does in this quick video:
8. Prioritize personal time
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
So, if you want to avoid the burnout so many real estate agents fall victim to, start prioritizing time for yourself.
What it looks like and when it happens is up to you.
For example, I love to take ten-minute breaks at the end of each working hour.
I make a point to walk away from my computer, get some fresh air, and stretch my legs – and I come back recharged and ready to take on the rest of the day.
But creating and sticking to office hours is another great way to draw a line between professional and personal time.
Once you’re done with work, be done – leave your work at work or, if you work from home, close your office door to signify the end of work.
So now you know how to improve time management for real estate agents.
But how do you implement these tips?
That’s what we’ll talk about next.
How do you structure your day as a realtor?
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all schedule for real estate agents.
But here’s one that could help you manage your time and get more done:
🕕6 to 7 a.m. – Self-care
- Get ready for the day
- Engage in self-care such as exercise or journaling
🕖7 to 7:30 a.m. – Preparation
- Review your calendar and tasks, prioritizing the urgent ones
- Set daily goals
🕢7:30 to 8 a.m. – Morning routine
- Check emails
- Follow-up with leads or clients
🕗8 to 10 a.m. – Deep work
- Lead generation
- Prospecting
🕙10 to 10:30 a.m. – Break
- Outside walk
🕥 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Deep work
- Conduct market research
- Manage active transactions
🕦11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Off-site
- Meet with clients
- Conduct showings
🕧12:30 to 1 p.m. – Lunch
🕐1 to 3 p.m. – Shallow work, delegating where possible
- Administrative tasks
- Marketing
- Social media
🕒3 to 3:30 p.m. – Break
- Grab a coffee with a coworker
🕞3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Varies
- Client showings
- Networking
- Accountability buddy check-in
🕟4:30 to 5 p.m. – Unscheduled time
- Handle any UUW
🕔5 to 5:30 p.m. – Wrap up
- Wrap up any remaining tasks
- Finalize emails
- Handle last client tasks
- Review your goals and to-do list, and adjust your calendar accordingly
🕕6 to 7 p.m. – Wind down
- Dinner
- Family time
There you have it – time management for real estate agents in action!
Still have questions? Keep reading.
FAQs
How can I save time as a realtor?
Effective time management for realtors involves creating and sticking to a daily routine and setting measurable goals that align with their objectives.
But you can also use time management strategies such as:
- Time blocking and focusing on tasks like lead generation and follow-ups
- Task prioritization
- Systematizing and automating processes like lead generation and client follow-ups
- Delegating non-core responsibilities
- Setting boundaries and saying no
- Prioritizing personal time
What hours do most realtors work?
Very few realtors follow a 9-5 schedule, though actual hours vary by realtor.
The average agent works as many as 40 to 60 hours each week. They also work on evenings and weekends.
Of course, this fluctuates based on market conditions, client availability, and transaction timelines.
That means flexibility is crucial, and you’ll likely end up adjusting your schedule to meet your clients’ needs.
Next steps
There you have it! The best tips for improving time management for real estate agents.
Mastering your time isn’t always easy and doesn’t happen overnight – but these strategies will get you started on the right foot.
I have something for you if you want to boost your productivity RIGHT NOW.
It’s our Winning the Week worksheet.
Thousands of people worldwide use it to conquer overwhelm and take control of their schedule in just a few minutes.
Get it for free here.
Read more:
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From Stress to Success: How Productivity Transforms Your Life and Health
