One of many great advantages in real estate assistance is the opportunity it affords to work from home. Many real estate assistants enjoy the independence and autonomy of the virtual work environment. More and more employers recognize its advantages to themselves and their employees in increased productivity and decreased expense, and a successful transition is easy to make for most. Here are a few tips to help make the transition to the virtual work environment go smoothly.

So let’s examine the number one most important aspect of working outside the office – employer expectations. For those who are transitioning in the same job, will the requirements be the same? Will support be the same? What about equipment, supplies?  It is imperative to establish a thorough understanding of these aspects before transition. IT support is important, and the contractor may have to gain independence in some computer areas by enrolling in classes, for instance, or establishing contacts through computer companies for support. Be able to outfit your home office with the same supplies you use in the formal work place. An understanding of your responsibilities is imperative.

Set up a separate and dedicated area in the home as office. Choose one that affords the least distraction, be it from environment, to family and friends, and establish boundaries. Just because you’re are at home does not mean you are always available. Establish a daily routine, possibly patterned closely to your former work routine. Take breaks as always; resist the temptation to be available to address emails and take phone calls any time and any day. Begin and quit working at established times and maintain this structure.

Set measureable goals for productivity, find what works best for your own personal work habits and through interaction with other telecommuters. Stay connected to the office by attending meetings and maintaining social relationships with co-workers through phone calls and social get-togethers. Continue networking to boost your career contacts. Continue to work closely with your office supervisor and co-workers. Eventually establish your own best work-style. Document your productivity and time as structured by your employer, as well as in your own personal records, and provide written documentation of your accomplishments to your supervisor regularly. Do not depend on company evaluations alone.

There will be requirements that you must meet as an independent contractor, such as taxes, licenses, and perhaps permits. The IRS has information available on its site under “Self-Employed Individual Tax Center”. Plan to increase insurance and retirement savings, since they will now be your own responsibility instead of your employer’s. Maintain your technical skills.

Now, enjoy your new work and life-style. Continue to develop self-discipline, and remember, to be successfully employed at home, always meet and exceed employers’ expectations.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or need a little help focusing on your goals, please contact me and let’s schedule a complimentary 20 minute coaching session to see how we can, together, get you back on the right track.

P.S. Imagine you were offered the opportunity to be coached both on-site and virtually – by the leading expert in the real estate assistant industry through the 10 most important areas of a real estate agent’s business. Introducing The Real Estate Assistant Playbook. Designed for both real estate assistants and agents, The Playbook offers the training you need to excel in the business of real estate today! Visit TheRealEstateAssistantPlaybook.com for more information.

Image courtesy of Unsplash.com