Home is the new office for estate agents

It's the nature of the real estate industry that agents aren't tied to a traditional office desk. However, the pandemic has changed perceptions of where we live and work and has pushed the industry to adapt even faster to remote working.

"Many people reassessed their priorities and made a permanent change to a slower, less stressful lifestyle," says Barry Davies, Chief Operating Officer at Chas Everitt International property group. "In search of a better quality of life, people moved their families to country or coastal destinations such as the Garden Route, the Cape West Coast, the North Coast of KZN and towns close to Mbombela and the Kruger National Park."

With advanced technology and digital tools, a good cellphone signal and fast internet connectivity, you can run a business from just about any destination. We look at some of the benefits of remote working. 

Greater flexibility

Working from home allows you to set a schedule that works best for you and accommodates your family responsibilities or your personal needs. You have more freedom and autonomy to do your job your way, such as setting boundaries for when you make and take client calls. It's ideal for the person who doesn't want the traditional 9-5 day, although you do need to be disciplined if you plan to work in the evenings and on weekends.

Work-life balance

Being able to structure your day so that you have more personal time for family commitments or to take care of your health, well-being and lifestyle, will enable you to create a more seamless integration between your personal and professional life. Set ground rules and boundaries with designated workspaces and work hours and you're on your way to a better work-life balance. 

Time management

The day-to-day responsibilities of an agent can be unpredictable, which is why good time management is so crucial when working from home. Hold yourself accountable and set time for emails, calls and physical visits to properties, clients and vendors. Without needing to commute and by having the ability to plan your day, you can ultimately be more productive. 

Fewer distractions

While there are many positives to working in an office setting, the impromptu meetings and general office chatter can be distracting. Working from home is quieter and, provided you're diligent and self-disciplined, can be more productive. In a comfortable environment with fewer interruptions, you can increase focus, stay motivated and get more done in less time.   

"With the work-from-home trend growing, it's our responsibility as leaders and principals to ensure that remote agents have effective tools, tech, training and real support to not just cope remotely but to thrive. It's important to communicate with remote workers more frequently and also ensure that they are fully integrated into the company culture," says Davies.

As a real estate model that is completely unique to Chas Everitt, Nomad© gives agents unprecedented independence by enabling them to sell properties from any location. They can enjoy a work-from-home lifestyle without the desk fees, while also having the opportunity to secure higher nett earnings.

Nomad© agents still have access to the Chas Everitt network for any support needed, including access to learning and training on the Chas Academy portal. It's the perfect pathway for agents who enjoy working individually while still having access to a great HR and admin support system.

"To agents looking to shift to remote working or remote agencies, we say they should ask the questions, check under the bonnet, talk to peers on that team, look at their track record, read the fine print and make sure there's substance to the offering and the leadership. Look before you leap as your family's future may depend on it," says Davies.