It's often said the home market drops off during the holidays. But this year is an exception!

One reason why Homesale Realty agents are so effective is their ability to adapt to change. Yes, it's true many sellers avoid listing during the holidays. It can also be challenging to motivate buyers to do the footwork necessary to explore their options. But this year is very different.

With historic shifts in the housing market, both buyers and sellers have an incentive to work overtime for their goals. That means real estate agents need to be ready to put in some extra hours as well. Those who succeed in doing so will be in a position for a long-term relationship and the referrals it offers.

But, of course, this is easier said than done!

It's important to deliver excellent service, of course, but just as valuable to make sure you and those you love enjoy the holidays. Work-life balance is an essential part of long-term effectiveness in real estate. If you push yourself, you may end up with burnout – and lose the benefits of the hard work you did.

So, exactly how can you find the balance?

Use these tips:

• Give Yourself Time Off
  First and foremost, be sure you are giving yourself an appropriate amount of time off. In any given week, that means at least the same two-day weekend everyone else gets. For holidays, be sure you not only count in the days themselves, but the travel time you'll need.
  
  
• Communicate Your Boundaries
  If you have active transactions ongoing, clients will still need to be in touch with you. Communicate what they can expect – whether there will be certain days you won't respond or others where you have a certain cut-off time. Ensure they understand this will not affect their outcomes.
  
  
• Pace Yourself
  It's a good idea to leave time for a few work breaks a day. Even though we're all accustomed to the eight-hour workday, results drop off for intense intellectual labor after about six hours. When possible, try to do tasks at the right time of day for your own concentration and energy level.
  
  
• Get a Separate Phone Line
  No matter the industry, most people are tethered to work by their phone. Since they can get messages and notifications any time, there's no "turning off." You can gradually develop healthy habits around this issue, but the path of least resistance here is to get a second work line and turn it off when the time is right.
  
  
• Add Some Holiday Cheer to Your Workday
  No matter what you celebrate, find some ways to incorporate the holiday season into your workday. You might have some decorations up in your workspace or enjoy a cup of your favorite holiday-flavored coffee in the morning. Find the right way to add some enjoyment to the work experience.
  
  
• Save Time by Avoiding Social Media at Work
  Social media and news websites are among the two biggest productivity killers around. You can reduce your stress level and make better use of your time by using a browser plug-in to block them. Remove any social media apps on your phone and set aside specific times to do work-related social media.
  
  
• Leave Time to "Sharpen the Saw"
  In November and December, it's wise to be extra selective in terms of what commitments you make. Instead, try to leave time for yourself. That includes holiday cheer, of course, but also enough space to think about your plans for next year and decide on ways to develop your skills.

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to learn more.