Top 7 Strategies for Real Estate Agents to Skyrocket Productivity

The real estate business is known for its hectic pace, whether you're working with buyers or sellers. Clients have high expectations, and Realtors need to meet them. The secret of successful Realtors isn't just working harder, it's focusing only on tasks that bring results.

Being productive in real estate isn't just about scheduling more listings or showings. It's about examining all your processes and systems to see which ones actually help your business and which ones just keep you busy.

When you see it that way, productivity is simply how much value you get from the time you spend on a task. In real estate, that value is measured by whether the task moves you closer to closing a deal and earning a commission. Here are strategic  ways to set your priorities straight for success.

1. Make a Plan for Your Business

To get things done well, you need a plan—a business plan, that is. It might seem dull or old-fashioned, but it's super important for your success.

A business plan is like a guide that shows where your business is going and how to get there.

It's not just about setting goals. Your business plan helps you make a budget, figure out how to advertise, and plan how you'll make money during the year.

Without clear goals in a business plan, it's hard to be productive and reach your targets. Writing them down in a realistic plan boosts your productivity.

A really important note about your business plan that a lot of people seem to miss, but this is not something you create, put away in a drawer and only take a look at the end of the year to see how you did. This is a document that you should look at weekly or at least monthly to stay on track and see if there are any strategies that need to change. If you get to the end of the year, it’s too late to make adjustments.

2. Prioritize Your Most Important Tasks

Start your day as a real estate agent by tackling the most crucial tasks first. Instead of wasting time on things that don't bring in money or the outcomes you’re looking for, focus on what matters.

There’s a very big difference between being busy and being productive. Too many times people are really good at being busy, but not so good at focusing their energy on productive activities.

Set aside specific times in your schedule, and list all the tasks you need to do. Then, give each task a number and work through your list. Try to finish as much as you can during your scheduled time, without getting interrupted. Repeat this routine the next day.

3. Set Daily Goals

Imagine starting a journey without a map—it's like that if you begin your day without goals. You might end up somewhere, but it might not be where you really want to be.

Every morning, wake up with your goals in mind. These should be part of your daily to-do list. Having a clear goal each day gives you direction and keeps you motivated.

Remember, not every habit will suit you. It's crucial to develop habits that you'll stick with. That only happens if you're fully committed.

While your business plan outlines your long-term goals, it's important to set short-term goals every day. These are tasks you can accomplish right away. But they should also contribute to your bigger business goals.

Start each day by listing three main things you want to achieve by the end of the day. Make sure these are SMART goals:

• Specific, not vague

• Measurable, not unclear

• Actionable, something you can work on

• Realistic, something you can do within your means

• Time-bound, with a deadline

What should your daily goals be?

Include at least one marketing goal. Think of something you can do each day to attract potential clients. (For example, cold calling 20 FSBOs, attending a networking event, posting a social media video, etc.)

Another goal should focus on improving your business. Think of a task you can do each day to strengthen your business. (For example, refine your business systems or how you accomplish tasks with automations, ensure client care is being executed properly , etc.)

4. Revamp Your Calendar Every Month

It's time to redo your calendar to be more productive. Doing multiple things at once has been shown to make us less efficient because our brains struggle to switch between tasks smoothly. This is especially tough for Realtors who have lots of clients needing attention.

To take back control of your time and schedule, start by making general time blocks each month. Then you can fill them in with specific tasks. For example, if you're a buyer's agent in residential real estate, you'll probably have lots of showings, mostly in the evenings and on weekends. Set aside these times each week for showings, and make sure to leave time before and after for any admin work you need to do, like returning calls or updating your CRM. It's good to be flexible in case things change, but planning ahead gives you time to tackle more complicated tasks and helps you see clearly what's important.

5. Stay Focused by Eliminating Distractions

To stay on track and make the most of your time, start by turning off notifications. Silence your phone and computer notifications to avoid constant interruptions. You can schedule specific times to check messages and emails instead of being reactive throughout the day.

Create a dedicated workspace where you can minimize distractions. Designate a quiet and organized area for work—whether it's a home office, a coffee shop with noise-canceling headphones, or any space where you can focus without interruptions.

Setting boundaries is also crucial. Communicate with family members, roommates, or colleagues about your need for uninterrupted work time. Let them know when you're available for socializing or non-urgent matters to minimize disruptions.

Use time management techniques to enhance focus. Break your tasks into manageable chunks and use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working for a set time, then taking short breaks) to maintain focus and avoid burnout.

Practice mindfulness to stay present and focused on the task at hand. If your mind starts to wander or you feel tempted to check your phone, gently bring your attention back to your work.

6. Networking and Cold Calling

Networking is vital for success in the real estate industry. It's not just about making sales; it's about building lasting relationships with potential clients and industry peers.

Seek out networking opportunities such as evening socials, business lunches, and coffee meet ups. Every gathering is a chance to connect with potential clients or valuable contacts. Remember, networking is a long-term investment, not a quick fix.

Once you've collected a database of potential leads, segment them to maximize your efforts. This means organizing them based on factors like responsiveness to previous cold calls or their property preferences. By segmenting your leads, you can tailor your approach and make the most of your networking efforts.

You can segment your leads in various ways, such as by their level of interest, property preferences, or previous interactions with you. This allows you to personalize your communication and build meaningful connections with each prospect. Many CRM’s will help you segment by giving your clients an activity score based on if they have visited the website, opened emails, etc. and with the use of pipelines and tags, you can keep your CRM updated and be sure you were reaching out to the right people at the right time.

7. Simplify Your Workflow with Automation

Boosting productivity in real estate doesn't require a computer science degree. One of the most significant lessons is to automate repetitive tasks.

If you find yourself doing the same task on a computer repeatedly, chances are you can automate it. Today, automation tools make it easy to streamline these processes without advanced technical skills. By automating tasks, you can save countless hours in the long run and supercharge your productivity.

For instance, using platforms like a CRM can significantly aid in automation. They allow you to automate tasks such as email marketing, client communication, appointment scheduling, and lead management. With most CRM’s, you can set up automated workflows that handle repetitive tasks, freeing up your time to focus on more important aspects of your real estate business.

Becoming more productive may seem counterintuitive at first because it requires investing time upfront. However, by starting with a careful assessment of how you utilize your time, organizing it into categories, automating repetitive tasks, ensuring your marketing strategies are effective, and applying the same principles to your personal life, we can confidently say that you'll likely close more deals in less time and with reduced stress. Ultimately, that's what productivity truly entails.