Doing real estate from the comfort of your own home or office is becoming more and more common. With emerging technologies and changing consumer preferences, it's easier than ever for real estate agents and investors to conduct their business remotely. From searching for properties to closing deals, many aspects of the real estate process can now be handled virtually.
How To Do Real Estate Without Leaving Your Office/House
Benefits of Remote Real Estate Work
There are several advantages to doing real estate without having to leave your office or house:
More Flexible Schedule
Working remotely allows you to be more flexible with your schedule. You don't have to commute or adhere to a typical 9-5 workday. You can take calls and handle business earlier or later to accommodate clients in different time zones. With a flexible schedule, you can be more productive by working during your peak hours.
Lower Overhead Costs
Maintaining a physical office space is expensive. But if you can conduct most of your real estate work from home, you can save on overhead costs like rent, utilities, parking fees, and more. Passing these savings onto clients can make your services more competitively priced.
Expanded Client Reach
No longer being restricted to helping local clients opens up your customer base substantially. Using digital tools levels the playing field, allowing you to work with leads and clients regardless of their geographical location.
Better Work/Life Balance
Working from home allows for an easier transition between your professional and personal life. Without long commutes or an office to report to, you can structure your schedule in a way that works for your lifestyle. This can lead to less stress and better work-life balance.
Increased Productivity
Recent studies have shown remote employees are often more productive than their in-office counterparts. With fewer distractions and disruptions, along with a quieter workspace, agents can get more done in less time when working from home.
Key Technologies for Remote Real Estate Agents
Luckily, there are now a variety of technologies available to help real estate professionals successfully conduct their business remotely:
Virtual Meeting Platforms
Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and GoToMeeting allow agents to meet face-to-face with clients via video chat. This replaces in-person meetings at a physical office. Being able to talk to and see each other through video helps build trust and rapport.
Cloud-Based Tools
Storing files and data in the cloud instead of on your local hard drive enables remote access from anywhere. Many programs like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box offer robust cloud storage and file-sharing capabilities. This allows agents to access what they need regardless of device or location.
Email and Messaging
Email and messaging apps like Gmail, Outlook, and WhatsApp facilitate prompt communication with clients. These channels keep everyone in the loop while enabling conversations to happen asynchronously.
ESignature Software
DocuSign, Dotloop, and Adobe Sign allow agents to send, sign, and store documents electronically. This software replaces printing, scanning, faxing, and overnight shipping of paper documents. Deals can progress quickly without relying on the postal service.
CRMs
Customer relationship management tools like Follow Up Boss, LionDesk, and Contactually help agents stay organized. CRMs centralize lead and client data, communication histories, marketing campaigns, task management, and more. This information can be accessed remotely to keep business flowing efficiently.
Digital Transaction Management
Solutions like DocuSign Rooms streamline the entire transaction process into one digital workspace. Users can share documents, track progress, and collaborate securely. This eliminates the need for in-person meetings or paper file exchanges.
Key Activities to Perform Remotely
With the right tools in place, real estate agents can carry out most of their critical job functions from a laptop or smartphone. Here are some of the key real estate activities that can be completed without leaving your office or house:
Property Searching
Real estate search portals like Zillow, realtor.com, and Trulia offer robust property lookup functions. Agents can research homes for sale based on location, price, beds/baths, size, features, and more. Virtual tours and photo galleries also help assess properties remotely.
Listing Management
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) enables agents to search, list, and modify property details from their computers. MLS platforms like Realtracs, Paragon, and Matrix are accessible 24/7 via the cloud on any internet-enabled device.
Client Communication
Email, texting, phone calls, video conferences, and instant messaging facilitate constant contact with buyers and sellers without meeting face-to-face. Agents can answer questions, set up showings, send listing information, and negotiate deals remotely.
Marketing & Advertising
Digital advertising through platforms like Facebook, Google, and Instagram helps agents reach and attract new leads from anywhere. Creating ads, managing campaigns and tracking performance can be done from a laptop or phone.
Contract Management
Agents can prepare offers, negotiate terms, and sign contracts electronically through email or signature apps. Security features like audit trails and encryption protect sensitive documents.
Transaction Coordination
RESPA-compliant transaction coordination platforms centralize the transaction process in one hub. Title orders, document collection, mortgage processing, inspections and more are facilitated digitally under agent supervision.
Closing
Mobile or remote online notary services now enable buyers and sellers to close real estate transactions via live video chat. This allows closings to occur entirely remotely without any in-person contact.
Tips for Transitioning to Remote Real Estate
If conducting your real estate business remotely is new territory, change doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are some top tips for making a smooth transition:
Set Up a Dedicated Home Office
To stay productive when working from home, it’s important to create an office space solely for working. This replicates the separation between work and life you get from going to an outside office. Invest in a comfortable desk and chair along with any supplies or equipment you rely on daily. Setting up the right workspace helps you get in the zone.
Establish a Consistent Routine
Remote work allows freedom but also requires discipline. Maintain set hours each day where you’re accessible to clients by phone, email, or messaging. Sticking to a steady schedule establishes professionalism and reliability.
Leverage a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants can take over administrative tasks like data entry, appointment scheduling, and email management. This leaves you with more time for high-value activities with the biggest ROI. Delegating repetitive low-skill tasks can boost productivity.
Overcommunicate with Clients
When you aren’t meeting face-to-face, overcommunication helps avoid confusion or misunderstandings. Frequently update clients on progress and proactively address any questions or concerns. Make them feel attended to every step of the way.
Video Conference for "FaceTime"
Speaking to clients over live video helps recreate the face-to-face experience virtually. Seeing body language and facial reactions during conversations builds rapport. Don’t rely solely on phone calls or email.
Invest in the Right Technology
Using the latest real estate tech tools enables remote work. Do your research and invest wisely in solutions that enhance productivity, streamline processes, and allow you to conduct business from anywhere. The right tech stack is critical when transitioning to virtual work.
The Bottom Line
While hands-on real estate activities like showings still require local presence, agents can now accomplish much of their day-to-day work without leaving home. The right combination of technologies empowers agents to search properties, communicate with clients, manage listings, prepare contracts, coordinate transactions, run marketing campaigns, and even close deals completely remotely.
Transitioning to virtual work comes with a learning curve. However embracing this new model ultimately allows real estate professionals to be more flexible and productive while expanding their client base. With proper planning and discipline, conducting real estate from your laptop or smartphone is the future of the industry. Agents who leverage technology and adapt will have a major competitive advantage.
