How to Be Proactive During COVID-19 Self-Isolation as an Agent

As Coronavirus spreads aggressively around the United States, staying healthy, safe – and keeping others healthy and safe – is the most important priority for everyone. But, unfortunately, many of us are also worried about our jobs as real estate agents, especially as lockdowns and restrictions rightfully limit the amount of work, showings, and interacting with clients. This is a scary time, not just health-wise, but financially. And, as projections of an economic crash loom over us, there are still some things we can do as agents to make the best of our time in self-isolation. This way, when this nightmare is over, we have something to fall back on.

Update Your Clients

If everything feels chaotic and uncertain right now, that’s normal. You’re not the only one feeling this way, and just as you probably have a lot of questions regarding what’s going on, it’s likely your clients have even more. All states have resources on what the guidelines are for real estate agents (for example, most states are stopping home showings at this time). Find the most up-to-date information and share it with your clients regularly, or provide them with resources to get the information yourself.

Inform Leads of the Situation

For new clients and high-qualified leads that you’ve been talking to, it’s important to not let them go, despite the fact that everything may be on hold right now. There’s a good chance you’ve already had people tell you that they want to hold off looking for a home for the time being, and that’s okay. Keep them informed, and maintain contact. If you find a listing that they’ll love, it’s fine to still send it their way, especially if the price is right. Nowadays, we may see home prices going down significantly, which is definitely a good way to stay in touch.

Do Some Housekeeping

When was the last time you did some housekeeping? Now is the perfect time to do so. Clean out your inbox that may have thousands of messages piled up, and if you have a home office, get organized. You can also use this time to sort through listings and see which ones have the most potential during this time, perhaps reaching out to expireds, FSBOs, homes with significant price-cuts, etc.

This is especially true for real estate agents who don’t normally work from home, but will have to for the time being. It’s important to keep a normal routine as much as possible, and one way to do that is to make your environment as similar to the one you normally work in. Keeping your digital and physical life organized can not only help ensure you stay focused in such an unpredictable time, but also help with your mental health.

Update Your Marketing Materials/Website

Have you felt like your other tasks have been put on the back burner as more important tasks (you know, meeting with clients and closing on deals) have taken over? Of course, we may feel that there’s no need to put that much effort into our marketing materials, social media platforms, and our website when things are going well. But, this is how you can make sure that you’ll have no shortage of income when things start to get back to normal.

Take Some Courses

Furthering your education as a real estate agent is also something that often gets set aside for another day. But, professional development is important for any professional. Now you can take the time to sign up for courses or online webinars, which is a great way to fight off the loneliness of self-isolation. 

Reach Out to Other Agents in Your Area

If you feel alone right now in trying to get hold of the current situation, remember that you’re not. There are thousands of other real estate agents across the country and perhaps hundreds in your area that are in the exact same boat as you. Reach out to others to get information (though, be sure to cross-check whatever you learn) and to get support or advice. 

Lower Your Expectations and Be Kind to Yourself

One of the best ways to get through the COVID-19 crisis as a real estate agent is to lower your expectations and be kind to yourself. There’s a lot going on right now, and no one expects you to do it all. Feel free to relax, enjoy time with your family, and be grateful for what you do have at this moment.

Pay Attention to the News

Watching too much of the news or being on social media can do much more than keeping you informed, and that’s not always a good thing. The media has the power to scare people, cause stress and anxiety, and it can also misinform people. That being said, as it relates to your business and/or your ability to “go back to work”, or how the housing marketing can and likely will be impacted by this virus, take some time to read accurate and true sources when you can.