Time management is one of the most important skills any real estate agent can develop. It has a compounding effect: The sooner you have an understanding of good time management, the more time you'll save. That's not just about getting more done but also about having enough time to enjoy appropriate rest and reflection.

One reason why Homesale Realty agents are so effective is the many opportunities they have to sharpen these crucial skills. Time management may seem basic, but it can give you a tremendous advantage. The many BHHS Homesale Realty mentorship programs help you expand your skills in this area.

Let's consider some of the best ways to boost your time management skills:

• Set Priorities Every Day
  Just about everyone is familiar with the concept of a to-do list. Unfortunately, that kind of list can easily get you bogged down in small details instead of the things that will move your business forward. In the evening, write a short list of three top priorities for the next day, and try to focus on them as much as possible.
  
  
• Perform Blocks of Uninterrupted, Focused Work
  Time management is partly about deciding what to do and partly about focusing as much energy and attention on that thing as possible. To hone your concentration skills, try the Pomodoro Technique, where you work non-stop on a single item for 25 minutes before taking a 5-minute break to assess.
  
  
• Minimize Distractions, Especially Notifications
  Unlike many other professionals, real estate agents get some critical phone notifications: Namely, those all-important first contact messages from leads. While you should respond to those immediately, it's wise to cut out all unnecessary notifications and train yourself not to react to those that slip through.
  
  
• Make Time to "Sharpen the Saw"
  In the famous Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen Covey describes a process of "sharpening the saw," enabling you to boost your skills over time. Many of these opportunities are important, but not time-bound. Be sure to block out time for the kind of study, practice, or research that may take weeks to bear fruit.
  
  
• Set Reasonable Boundaries
  To manage your time effectively, you must know which time belongs exclusively to you. That means defining precisely what time of night you will stop taking client calls and messages, for instance, and when you will get started in the morning. Communicate these boundaries to your clients and colleagues to smooth relationships.
  
  
• Define Your Ideal Customer
  Most real estate agents spend the first year of their career learning the ropes. They need experience to know if they prefer to work with buyers or sellers, and so on. Beyond the first year, narrowing your scope is crucial. This empowers you to recognize which customers will move your business forward and which aren't for you.
  
  
• Don't Neglect the Basics
  Your time management can only ever be as strong as your basic health and wellness. While it can take months to make a noticeable difference with some health goals, getting adequate restful sleep each night can be the cornerstone of a time management strategy that gives you the energy you need.

Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to find out more, or join our team.