5 Ways Realtors® Can Combat Business Stress

Most Realtors® are familiar with busy schedules, from juggling showings and open houses to managing paperwork, negotiations and last-minute requests. With so much on their plates, it’s important for Realtors® to slow down and find sustainable ways to combat business-related stress. 

Deb Feder, business growth strategist and CEO of Feder Development, LCC, shares five ways Realtors® can reduce stress and create a healthier work/life balance. 

1. Embrace Flexibility 

“Embrace the flexibility, rather than fight it,” Feder says. “The unpredictability of the housing market, the race to get the house and client scheduling can make this job feel like a 24/7 commitment. Start by acknowledging this and allowing yourself to set one to two boundaries on your time.” 

“This might mean protecting your morning workout time or letting new clients know that while you shut off your phone after dinner, you’ll be in touch with them first thing in the morning.” 

2. Plan for Slow Days 

“Set up a schedule and plan for slow days,” she adds. “Make this your non-negotiable time to complete back-office work, manage self-care appointments and engage in your networking and business development plans.” 

3. Have a De-Stress Routine 

When business is especially stressful, Feder suggests practicing deep breaths and reaching out to others for help, whether that’s a broker, a team member, a fellow Realtor® or someone else. 

“Knowing how to rely on your whole team, and allowing them to rely on you, addresses the biggest challenges and allows others to participate in helping you juggle the competing demands of clients.” 

4. Own Your Success 

“Own your success instead of relying on the waves of the market to carry (or burden) you,” she says, stressing the importance of focusing on nurturing client relationships and being present and appreciative of them.  

“Make a list – and update it weekly – of all your accomplishments,” Feder adds. “Celebrating all the milestones will keep you motivated and focused on what’s next.” 

5. Don’t Fall Into the “Too Busy” Trap 

“It’s very easy to think that the scrambling in our days is useful busy time and that there is no way to fit more in. Instead of trying to race faster in your days, pause and pick two priorities. Knowing what needs to anchor your day in terms of your time and attention allows you to rethink what actually needs to get done, what is just racing around and is not necessary and what goals to tackle when time allows.” 

“Rethinking your time and priorities is a great first step to stepping away from the ‘busy’ conversation and instead focusing on getting the most important stuff done.”