Part of being a real estate agent is that work never seems to "stop". Many agents claim they don't know how to take an actual vacation. But, just because you are, or want to be, a successful real estate agent - doesn't mean that you aren't allowed to turn off, unplug, and avoid burnout. It just takes some special planning.
Avoiding Burnout is Necessary
Before we even talk about how to take an actual vacation - let's talk about how you must. Avoiding burnout is necessary for all, but especially professions like real estate where it never really stops.
Sure, agents might be extra busy leading up to and coming back from their vacations; but those trips still need to be taken. An agent can't give their best if their head isn't in the game. Especially in a hot market like the one we're currently in, when real estate as a profession is more popular than ever, agent's can afford to not be on their a-game.
Planning Ahead
Spontaneous trips might be out the door for real estate agents, unless they aren't that busy or they have an incredible assistant/co-working team. That being said, planning ahead to take an actual vacation is going to be an agent's best bet. Agents can even go as far as to plan their travel around when they're least busy. But, if an agent wants to take a trip during the middle of summer or spring break like the rest of the world - if there's a will, there's a way.
Plan ahead to have systems in place (covered below) and also tell your current clients well ahead of time. Most things can be schedule to be signed, sent out, etc. if needed - even if an agent is gone. As long as you've planned ahead, the show can indeed go on.
Have Systems in Place
Some systems every agent should have in place when taking a vacation are:
- Set-up your voicemail box with minimal details (you are out of town, when you will be back, where to send inquiries).
- Auto-replies on emails stating you are out of town, when you return, and a date you will get back to people by.
- Updated website with listing information, etc.
- Schedule emails to go out while you're gone with important paperwork or reminders for clients
- Better yet - field everything to a well prepared assistant.
These systems would take less than a day to generate and put into practice. The only thing left standing between an agent and their actual vacation now is to ensure a fellow agent or ideally, their assistant, is following up with scheduled emails etc. and packing their bags!
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