The year 2020 simply changed our lives. Because of the pandemic, our daily lives have changed. Lockdown and social distancing were very difficult rules to follow. Offices, schools, universities and almost everything was closed.
COVID-19 changed our lives and all the industries that operate. The real estate industry was not an exception. Although many had been working remotely even before the pandemic, suddenly everyone was working from home.
Today, we are going to discuss the main differences between working from home and from the office for real estate professionals as well as the benefits of working either at the office or at home.
Let’s jump into it!
Working From Home vs Working From the Office
There are many differences between working from home and working from the office. It is important to outline the differences and to think about the place we prefer to work as a real estate agent. Now, we are going to discuss the issues that differentiate the working process from home and at the office as a real estate agent.
Different Environments
The office and your home differ. When at the office, you don’t have the opportunity to choose your workplace, but at home, you are free to choose. There are many people in the office, but at home, you are probably with your family or you are alone. In any case, there are less voices in the home compared to your office. While in the office, you cannot always control the working environment, but at home, you can easily control it.
Wi-Fi Connections
In the 21st century, it is very difficult to live without any internet connection at least for one day. If you work, then technology, internet and a Wi-Fi connection are essential tools for you to work. All offices try their best to have the strongest connections, but it is different in our own home. You may not have a strong connection with Wi-Fi or you may have some difficulties related to this subject.
Communication\Collaboration
We need communication skills while working no matter whether it is remotely or not. But working from the office still is very different from working remotely in the case of communication. For some of us, face-to-face communication is way more difficult than online communication. And if you are introverted, then you really prefer online communications over verbal ones.
Being Alone\Being Crowded
The environment at home and at the office are quite different from each other. Most probably, at the office you are crowded and at least 10 people are working, but at home you are alone, at least during your working hours. You need to think twice about what you prefer as a real estate agent, working in a crowded place with many voices around or working from home in silence.
Time Management Issues
While working from the office, time management is easier than working from home. The office has its own rules that apply to breaks as well. You have a limited time frame when you are working from the office. When you work remotely, you can easily schedule and manage your working hours and breaks.
Benefits of Working From Home
Comfort
Where do we feel more comfortable? Of course, it is at home because this is the cozy place we have created for us. The office seems not to be as comfortable of a place for everyone. It depends on the person, but in some cases, we feel more comfortable at home than in the office.
No Dress-Code
While going to the office on a daily basis for work, you always need to make sure that you are wearing the right dress-code in the office. Sometimes it is very hard to choose the right clothes on a daily basis. While working from home, you can wear whatever you wish and only dress up well for meetings. It makes sense, right? You may feel more comfortable since you don’t have to worry about your clothes while working remotely.
Motivation Rises
When you are feeling less tired during your working hours, of course, it affects your motivation. Quite simply, when you are working from home, in many cases, you feel more motivated and you have the will to do all the required tasks during the day. Motivation affects your presence as a real estate agent and you want to have many customers, leads and more.
Less stress
If you are not worrying about your dress-code, if you feel more free while working from home, of course, there is less stress for you during the day. Less stress makes you always less tired. That’s why, real estate agents prefer to work from home and to feel more comfortable there. Want to know more about it? Check our article on how to avoid burnout: real estate edition.
Benefits of Working From the Office
Social Interaction
No matter whether you are introvert or extrovert, you still need social interaction. Real estate professionals need to be social to excel in the industry. It often helps in your career, and at the office, when there are many people around you. You feel more social and you study how to have good communications with co-workers and with your clients.
Communication Skills
Verbal and oral communications differ from each other. Working from home helps you to acquire good online communication skills, but working from the office helps you to get knowledgeable in both verbal and online communications.
Organization
When you are working from the office as a real estate agent, you probably know good time management, which helps you to be more organized and always prepared. When you are organized, you can easily make more deals as a real estate agent.
How to Dress Professionally
Following the dress code. Although, as discussed above, it is not easy. It can be very helpful for future development and success. Choosing the right clothes on a daily basis is important to acquire a good habit. You need to know how to dress properly, and working from the office helps you to understand and know this.
Better Management
While working from the office, you simply have better management skills than working from home. Of course, you know how not to be late for work. You also know how to manage your time. Most importantly, you know how to take breaks properly.
