Time Efficiency Hacks I Learned as a Real Estate Agent that Can Apply to Any Job

I’m always looking for ways to up my productivity game whether I’m reading books or picking up ideas from friends and family. Some weeks just hit a bit harder in terms of needing motivation to just get things done and having a go-to list of ideas to help get shit done is always helpful to me. I’ve shared lots of thoughts on this topic over on my Instagram but wanted to give these tips and tricks a permanent home on the blog, so pin this to your Pinterest, bookmark it – whatever you need to do because these are game-changers!

Do the Hardest Thing First

If you’re not already making yourself a daily task list, I highly recommend starting and then prioritizing everything on that list (and don’t make it too long! 7 things max!). For me, my top priority each day is the thing that will take the most time/or is the most complicated⁣. If it’s a priority but not super time-sensitive, and other things are incoming at the same time that can be responded to or handled quickly, I will multi-task to keep things flowing⁣. If the top priority IS time-sensitive, then I will focus ONLY on that one thing and will not pick up any calls or look at my phone until it is DONE. I’m into monotasking⁣ more than anything. It’s a skill to be able to block everything else out and get something done really well – especially in today’s world with distractions around every corner.

Time Blocking

Time blocking has transformed my work life. It’s a simple concept but makes a huge difference. So, what this means is simple: batching tasks together in the same block of time. Here’s what it looks like for me is breaking my day into two halves:⁣

• Prospecting and computer work (contracts, data, comps, e-mails, etc) and my workout all at home in the AM between 8-12⁣
• Afternoons/early evenings for out-and-about showings, listing appointments and meeting clients

Of course with my job as a real estate agent this doesn’t always work out perfectly but planning my schedule this way has made things much more efficient whenever possible. For example, contracts/marketing/escrow work in the morning allows me to move about during the afternoon without having to go back and forth between my office and showings/listings appointments… And I’ll return calls from the car in between showings to further make the most efficient use of my driving time!

Social Media + Productivity

If you need to post content as part of your job or for work, actually schedule the time into your calendar to do it and then allot just that time to posting- vs. scrolling your feed throughout the day and getting distracted. This has saved me HOURS of pointless time that would otherwise be wasted⁣. Post and move on to the next thing on your calendar. BUT If you need to take 10-15 min breaks between big tasks for a reset, and you choose to use your break time to scroll- then that’s totally fine, but just stay within your schedule 🙂

BONUS FOR AGENTS

In addition to the technology that I use as a realtor (more on this later!), I also keep three digital Sticky Notes open in the background of my computer just as another reminder of what/who I need to be thinking about. One with the names of all of my sellers/landlords/listings, another with my buyers/tenants, and a third for prospective clients to follow up with. Although I have a CRM system in place as well, having this additional layer with all of my active clients’ names in front of me, makes it easier to keep clients top of mind and to remember and connect the dots between them and prospective properties. ⁣I think this could easily translate into other jobs with current projects, upcoming projects, etc.

Lastly, I just want to follow up with a reminder that you can’t DO everything, be EVERYWHERE, or get EVERYTHING done all of the time. And sometimes new things become a priority and move up on the list and that’s okay! The key is to be flexible and constantly reevaluate what the priorities at hand are. And give yourself credit for doing what you CAN do each day. 

If you have any tips to add or strategies you use to manage your time effectively and efficiently, please share with the group in the comments!

xx Farrah