Remote Work for REALTORs: 6 Great Tips for 2022

, Aug 3, 2022

There's no doubt the real estate industry is changing, due to the ongoing evolution of technology and new expectations created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these technological and societal changes is a greater dependency on working remotely from home, with many REALTORs choosing to work 100% remotely. While working from home does offer a number of benefits, it's important to keep a few key things in mind when setting up a home workstation. Without an adequate workstation, it can be easy to stagnate as a professional, or even take a step backward in terms of professional growth. By keeping the following six tips in mind, you'll stay competitive in today's tech-advanced market, and set yourself up for the greatest amount of success possible.


Tip 1: Create a Dedicated Workspace That Includes a Second Monitor

Setting up a dedicated workspace allows you to work efficiently and effectively, and is a major key to success in today's real estate market. To accomplish this goal, you must first establish which area of your home you'll use for remote work activity. Having an area dedicated exclusively to work will help you get into the right mindset when it's time to get work done. In addition, a dedicated workspace will allow you to set up the space in a way that best aligns with you and your work needs.

While it's recommended you personalize your workspace, including a second monitor in your workstation is an absolute must. Not only will a second monitor help you better collaborate and communicate with others, but it will also increase your productivity. In fact, a Jon Peddie Research survey found dual monitors increase productivity by an impressive 45%.

Thankfully, you don’t have to be a tech wizard to set up a workstation with dual monitors. In fact, most laptops and computers are preconfigured to support multiple monitors. Additionally, most applications are designed to remember which monitor you typically use them on. This means your computer will launch your programs on your preferred monitor when you start up your system. In other words, once you hook up your second monitor, your system should function seamlessly.

While purchasing a second monitor will add to the overall cost of setting up your workspace, the investment will be more than worth it in the long run. Some specific benefits of using a dual monitor system include:

  • Eliminates the need to use a split screen or switch between tabs when viewing multiple items or documents.
  • Allows you to use one screen for reference while writing or inputting data with the other screen.
  • Improves the fluidity of online meetings you are hosting, as you can present on one screen and complete behind-the-scenes tasks on the other screen.
  • Maximizes your time by allowing you to attend virtual meetings on one screen while completing other essential tasks on the other screen.
  • Contributes to your overall workspace comfort by increasing the size of your visual workspace and allows you to “spread out” work tasks.
  • Increases the accuracy of your work by making it easier to view multiple items and input information, rather than switching back and forth between them.

By saving time with the help of a dual monitor setup, you can utilize the extra time to build your business further or simply enjoy some extra time to rest and relax.


Tip 2: Embrace Virtual Meetings

As you work toward making the most of working remotely, it's also essential to embrace the benefits of virtual meetings. Rather than viewing these meetings as an obligation, think of them as an opportunity to collaborate and complete important tasks in a more efficient manner. After all, video meetings allow you to meet just about anywhere and at any time without the need to travel to an agreed upon meeting location.

Some of the most widely used platforms for video meetings include:

  • Zoom
  • Google Meet
  • Facetime
  • Facebook Messenger

Since Zoom is the most widely adopted of these platforms, it is generally considered to be the safest. There is a free version of Zoom, but you'll ultimately get more out of the paid version. On the other hand, Google Meet, Facetime, and Facebook Messenger are always free to use. You'll need to consider the needs of your clients to determine which platform is the most appropriate to use. Ideally, you should become familiar with all four of these platforms so you can offer the greatest amount of flexibility to your clients, co-workers, and collaborators.


Tip 3: Use Noise Canceling Technology

To ensure your meetings run smoothly and you are effectively communicating with your clients and collaborators, you should certainly invest in high-quality, noise-canceling technology. With the proper earbuds or headphones, you will be better able to hear and understand other participants in your virtual meetings without being distracted by outside noises. Some of the best options for noise-canceling earbuds and headphones currently on the market include:

  • 1More Dual Driver ANC Pro
  • AKG N700NC M2 Wireless
  • Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless
  • Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless
  • Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless
  • Apple AirPods Max Wireless
  • Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 Wireless
  • Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
  • Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
  • Wyze Noise-Canceling Headphones Wireless

Ultimately, you might want to purchase more than one type of noise-canceling earbuds or headphones. You'll likely find one style is best suited to your home workstation, while another is better for traveling.


Tip 4: Know That Lighting is Critical

Just as lighting is critical when taking photos of homes you are selling, it is equally important to invest in proper lighting for your remote workstation. After all, every time you participate in a virtual meeting, you are selling yourself to your clients and collaborators. As such, you will want to present yourself in the most favorable manner possible.

Having the proper lighting hardware will ensure you look presentable and professional when participating in a virtual meeting. Natural lighting is always your best option, but finding a good spot with natural lighting for your workstation is not always possible. With the help of the right lighting hardware, you can effectively compensate for a lack of natural lighting.

One option you might want to consider for your workstation is a ring light. A ring light will cast good lighting on your face and highlight your eyes, making it the most popular choice among vBloggers and social media influencers. Some good ring light choices include:

  • ESDDI 18-Inch Ring Light
  • Radiance Selfie Ring Light
  • ZAZE 10-Inch Ring Light

Panel lights are another option for your home workstation. These are flat light boards that hold multiple LEDs in such a way that the bulbs are not noticeable. They can be mounted to nearly any surface, which allows you to affix them wherever necessary to create the best lighting possible. Some of the best panel light options include:

  • Lume Cube Video Conference Lighting Kit
  • Neewer Portable LED Lighting Kit
  • Pixel G1 Rechargeable LED Light

An alternative to investing in new light fixtures is to simply change out the bulbs in the fixtures you already have in your workspace. This can make a major difference in overall lighting quality. For example, installing daylight LED bulbs in your fixtures will maximize the warmth and brightness of your video. You should also keep in mind that careful light placement will help you look your best. In general, you should follow these lighting tips:

  • Face toward your light source rather than have the light source behind you. This includes natural light from windows or light fixtures in your workspace.
  • Utilize multiple light sources from various angles to keep the lighting balanced and prevent shadows from forming on your face.
  • Avoid placing lighting directly above or below you, as both will cast unusual shadows and shading on your face.

Once you believe you have a good lighting setup, be sure to test it with someone you trust before participating in an important meeting. This will allow you to get honest feedback and make necessary tweaks, ensuring you look perfect for the real deal.


Tip #5: Get Comfortable with Video Recording Apps

To put together high-quality presentations or more effectively communicate with clients and collaborators in today’s world, it is in your best interest to get comfortable using video recording applications. These applications allow you to take screenshots, edit images, and record your screen while capturing your camera, microphone and desktop. Some great video recording applications currently available include:

  • Loom
  • Snagit
  • Jumpshare

Using these applications is a great way to provide quick feedback, demonstrate how to complete a task, create clear documentation, and even develop training materials. Video recording with the help of these applications also serves as a great alternative to disseminating information via virtual meetings, particularly if it is difficult to line up multiple schedules for a meeting. Short video clips help you communicate key ideas while also allowing the recipients to watch the videos at a time that is convenient for them. In addition, the recipients can go back and review the video message at any time for further clarification and understanding.


Tip #6: Prioritize Meeting in Real Life

Finally, while technology has many wonderful advantages, it should never be used as an excuse to avoid meeting clients, co-workers, or collaborators in real life. It is undoubtedly easy to become a hermit when working from home, which can have a negative impact on your mental health and your professional growth. For these reasons, you should always prioritize meeting in real life whenever possible.

To help ensure you are still networking and making a human connection with your co-workers, consider joining accountability groups and participating in industry happy hours and mixers. The face-to-face time you spend with other professionals in a real-life setting will undoubtedly prove to be valuable as you work toward growing your business further.

Setting up a remote workstation at home is a process that will take time to perfect. In fact, you may find you are continually making tweaks and adjustments as you become more familiar with your needs and preferences. With the help of these six tips, you will be well on your way to creating and maintaining a successful business from home that allows you to enjoy the work/life balance that you desire.

About the Author

Last updated: 03/23/2023

2300+ Client reviews!

I cannot speak highly enough about the outstanding service we received from Kasey Gilliam and Kim Jowers with Bramlett Residential Real Estate during the recent sale of our home. They are a fantastic team! From our initial consultation to the successful closing, Kasey proved to be an invaluable asset, guiding us through every step of the process with expertise and professionalism. Kasey demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the local market dynamics and economic headwinds. Throughout the entire process, Kasey was proactive, communicative, and always available to address any questions or concerns we had. She provided regular updates and feedback that kept us informed and reassured, making the selling experience remarkably smooth. I wholeheartedly recommend Kasey to anyone looking for a top-notch real estate agent who truly prioritizes her clients’ needs!

Tara McGuire recently sold our house in Circle C and did an amazing job. She is so easy to work with, knowledgable, and responsive. I believe she got us top $$. Highly recommend working with Tara and her team at Bramlett! Their service was all inclusive with staging, marketing, etc. No nickel and diming. Just great service.

It was pleasure working with Tammy Costello from Bramlett Residential Real Estate in finding our home. We could not have imagined the process to be as seamless and easy as it was! As first-time home buyers, Tammy walked us through the process and guided us through each step. She is meticulous, has great communication and negotiation skills. With her help and years of experience, we were able to find our dream home. Thanks for making it so easy, Tammy!

I had the pleasure of working with Vicki Duran and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the very beginning, Vicki demonstrated deep knowledge of the market and a genuine commitment to understanding my needs. Her communication was exceptional – always prompt, clear, and informative. Throughout the process, Vicki went above and beyond, negotiating on my behalf, explaining the process/each step along the way, and ensuring every detail was taken care of. Her professionalism, dedication, and personalized approach was exceptional. She truly cared and I felt like I was working with a close family friend (having never met her before the process began). I can’t emphasis enough how seamless she made the process for me. People have the perception that buying a house is an extremely stressful process. My experience could not have been farther from the truth. I joked with her at times how smooth/easy buying a house was, all because of Vicki!

I could not have asked for a better agent. I’ve already referred a few friends to Vicki and will continue to do so in the future. Thanks again, Vicki!

Blessed to have connected with Kristen! I can’t say enough great things about Kristen. Her professionalism, market knowledge, and communication were beyond compare. She was incredibly patient throughout our home search. We looked at a countless amount of homes (we are very picky), and never once felt she was trying to push us in to something that wasn’t the right fit for the sake of a sale. We always felt she had our best interest in mind. Couldn’t recommend her more!!!

Sally was referred to me via a business network when I first moved to Austin in 2022. She helped me understand the area, evaluate my options, and find the perfect spot in a tough market. Sally has been a joy to work with because she creates partnerships + friendships with her clients!

I was impressed by Sally’s expertise in selling both my investment property and my primary residence, and in helping us buy our dream home. At our initial meeting, we found Sally knew the real estate market, but found even more impressive her emotional quotient in understanding and navigating the differences between my partner’s and my very different personalities. For my investment property, she timed the showings and sale perfectly and created a helpful Excel spreadsheet comparing the many offers. She was also savvy enough to suggest we pay the tenants a fair amount of money to make the property available for viewing from 9am – 5pm on the first weekend to make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to get through, and we let her deal directly with the tenants because we could tell her people skills would serve us well

We got multiple offers by the deadline on Monday afternoon with one outlier that was $150K higher than what we had unsuccessfully listed the property for (with a different realtor) a year earlier!

When it came to selling my primary home, Sally’s expertise in the luxury market, and in historic homes in particular, truly shone. She understood that selling a high-end property, with various restrictions, required a different approach. Sally crafted a listing for the home that perfectly captured its unique character and premier location. Her marketing strategy was well timed and appropriate for the more limited market, attracting the right buyer pool and creating a sense of exclusivity around the property. She suggested listing it on the private market for a week or two before sending a message that it would be listed on the MLS. She organized private showings that allowed buyers to experience the warmth and charm of the home and the neighborhood, which I believe was instrumental in securing a sale.

The pricing and marketing strategy Sally recommended was spot-on, and we sold the home at a price that far exceeded our expectations. Sally helped thread the needle perfectly.

Sally is also accessible. We found more well-known realtors would respond to our email days later, whereas she was always available right away to answer my questions, and provided us with regular updates, making sure every detail was handled with care. Selling a high-end property can be a stressful experience with fewer potential buyers and some downtime inherent in waiting for the right buyer, but Sally made it a smooth and surprisingly easy process encouraging us to be patient while giving us enough information on what was happening to satisfy both me and my partner. In the end, we were thrilled with the results

Sally’s rep of us as sellers could not have been more professional, but her work repping us as buyers is the most memorable. We were trying to be our dream home in an overheated market, and Sally gave us advice that at each turn proved invaluable. She recommended offering just the right amount above the offer price for us to make it to the next round of offers. She handled a very difficult appraisal process by advising us on financing sources, even offering to help us put down a higher amount by loaning us money herself! We were able to finance the home without taking her up on that offer, but how many realtors make that kind of offer to their clients? In the end, we closed on the house ontime and ended up with the home of our dreams, thanks to Sally’s world-class advice and service.

We cannot say enough good things about Sally’s technical knowledge, people skills, and responsiveness. You won’t find a better realtor in Austin.

I have lived here in Austin for more twenty-five years, and have bought and sold several homes and rented others during those years. I have worked with five realtors during that time. SALLY IS BY FAR THE BEST OF ANY IN TOWN. Her work ethic is simply unmatched. She hides her competitive streak underneath a layer of Austin hip and friendly, but she will absolutely get you the best home, the best deal, and stop at NOTHING to get your home sold as well!

Sally loves real estate. She has a genuine passion for Austin, too, and for her client’s well-being. She took time to understand my needs and was always available to answer any questions and provide me with honest and insightful advice.

We toured many homes in Barton Hills and settled on a great home that was hotly contested by builders and homeowners. Sally understood how we could be the preferred buyer without getting into a bidding war. She knew the motivations of the Seller and we maneuvered and negotiated the contract and secured my dream home.

Furthermore, at the 11th hour, the day before we were set to close, our lender said we needed to put a fence around the pool before they would release the funds. The seller was not inclined to extend the closing again. We were out of town. Sally saved the day by racing to Home Depot and getting the largest tarpaulin available and then securing it over the pool at the house. Sent pics to the lender and we were set to close.

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Sally is incredible! She spent nearly 2 years with us – understanding our very specific preferences and needs – to help us find our dream home. She was the first agent to reach out when the home was listed and negotiated the contract astutely so that we secured the home. The home was only in the framed stage, still had a few months until completion. Once it was completed, however, our plans had changed and we needed to get out of the contract. We were expecting to have to relinquish our very considerable deposit. But Sally spent the entire weekend working on a way to get us out of the contract AND get our deposit back. Everyone we have spoken to about this extraordinary outcome has been surprised that Sally managed to get our deposit back for us. Thank you Sally, we can’t recommend her highly enough.

Sally is reliable, diligent in her research, prompt on exchanges, creative in deal making, and has a tremendous work ethic. She is the sole reason we were able to close on our primary residence, which has been our dream home and a fantastic investment. From there, we’ve gone on to close on multiple rental property purchases in Austin together. Thanks to her astute analysis, we’ve passed on many deals as well, which has proven just as valuable. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

I highly recommend Kiel if you’re looking to rent a place in Austin. We originally met him to look around a particular unit, and when it was not to our satisfaction, he was able to quickly take us around many more units that day. He also set up a whole day of viewings for the very next day! Within 48 hours we had done enough viewings to be confident in choosing a new home. The landlord accepted our offer and Kiel handled all of the paperwork, even stopping by our hotel to pick up the needed checks. We couldn’t be happier.
Kiel is highly organized and unlike some realtors in the Austin area, he is responsive and ready to move quickly. We were always able to contact him and never left waiting.

Kiel has your BACK!! We are so grateful to have had his guidance and knowledge while navigating the intense, frustrating and way competitive Austin rental market. He quickly picked up on our taste and designed a game plan to help us push through the clutter and get to the properties that best suited us. He was ALWAYS available to us and answered our emails, calls and texts with great speed. We’re so grateful to have had him on our search team. Because my goodness, it really is a crazy market out there!

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