Spring Reset: 7 Daily Habits Real Estate Agents Should Ditch This May
1. Ditch Chaos—Start Your Day with Intention
A consistent morning routine can set the tone for a focused, productive day. Instead of forcing yourself into someone else’s version of the “perfect morning,” build one that fits your real life and feels good.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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Hit snooze—or don’t. While many experts say to skip it, recent research suggests limited snoozing might not be so bad after all. Find what works for you.
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Spend a few tech-free minutes with your kids or partner before the day takes off.
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Go for a peaceful walk—bonus points if your dog joins you.
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Sip your coffee or tea without multitasking.
- Make your bed—it’s a small, simple habit that can give your morning a calm, intentional start.
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Keep your phone in another room and use an actual alarm clock—avoid diving into texts and apps first thing.
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Take five minutes to review your schedule and set your top priorities for the day.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Choose a few things that are meaningful to you and that help you feel centered and consistent.
2. Let Go of the Multitasking Myth
If you’re constantly bouncing between texts, emails, showings, and paperwork, it might be time to ditch the multitasking hustle. Instead, try monotasking—just focusing on one thing at a time. Block off chunks of your day for specific tasks (like follow-ups or marketing), silence those nonstop notifications, and give your brain a breather between jobs. Make a short to-do list in the morning , stick to it, and save email check-ins for set times. Oh, and when you’re with clients? Be with them—no peeking at your phone. You’ll feel more in control, less scattered, and way more productive.
3. Stop Thinking Texts Are Always Enough
Texting is fast, convenient, and often appreciated by busy clients—but it’s not always the right tool. In moments of big news (good or bad), tone matters. A phone call lets your clients hear empathy, clarity, and care in your voice—something a thumbs-up emoji just can’t convey. Whether it’s a rejected offer, a deal gone sideways, or even a happy “you got the house!” moment, live communication builds stronger, more human connections.
That said, not every update needs a phone call. The best habit? Ask your client how they prefer to communicate—and adjust accordingly. You’ll avoid missteps, show respect, and deepen trust. When in doubt, if it’s emotional, complex, or high-stakes: call.
4. Don’t Put Off Prospecting
When your calendar’s packed and your phone won’t stop buzzing, it’s easy to let prospecting slide to “tomorrow.” But let’s be honest—tomorrow turns into next week, and suddenly your pipeline’s running dry.
Prospecting doesn’t have to be a time-consuming grind. The key is consistency. Block even a short time frame every day to focus on it—no distractions, no rescheduling. For more insights, check out these helpful articles on prospecting strategies:
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Real estate prospecting: 18 proven strategies to supercharge your business by HousingWire
Discover a range of innovative prospecting methods tailored to today’s real estate market—helping you stay ahead of the curve. -
Sales Prospecting: 43 Skills, Tips, Techniques, Templates, & Tools to Succeed by HubSpot
HubSpot shares step-by-step strategies and best practices for nurturing prospects and creating lasting connections. -
Farming & Prospecting by National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Learn how to blend traditional farming with modern prospecting techniques for a powerful, sustainable lead-generation strategy. -
15 Clever Real Estate Prospecting Ideas to Boost Your GCI by The Close
Explore 10 proven prospecting techniques, from cold-calling to online methods, and how to adapt them for your specific market. -
13 real estate prospecting tips to generate leads by Pipedrive
This guide focuses on using sales funnels and tools to optimize your prospecting efforts and turn leads into clients faster.
5. Don’t Ignore Your Budget
As a real estate agent, your income can fluctuate, so sticking to a budget is essential for maintaining financial stability. You’ve got big goals, so let’s make sure your budget matches your hustle. Keeping track of your budget isn’t about holding yourself back—it’s about setting yourself up for success. When you know what you need to earn and how to structure your work around that, you can hustle smarter, not harder. We’ve put together a budget sheet to help you calculate what you need to make and what actions it’ll take to get there. Reach out to your sales rep, grab the sheet, and let’s make sure you’re on track to hit those goals.
Plus, in the free Unlocking Your Real Estate Potential workbook, you’ll find additional exercises to help you assess your strengths, stay on top of market trends, and build your expertise in your local area. It’s all about setting yourself up for success and staying on track to reach those big goals!
6. Unplug from Constant Digital Connectivity
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in a never-ending cycle of emails, texts, and social media notifications. Medical experts have observed that excessive smartphone use can lead to what’s informally known as “brain rot,” where the brain becomes overactive and less efficient, making it harder to focus and increasing feelings of anxiety and depression. And as a real estate agent, being constantly “on” isn’t just exhausting—it’s a fast track to burnout. Setting digital boundaries is essential for maintaining focus, productivity, and your overall well-being.
Here are a few tips to help you create a healthy digital routine:
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Designate specific times for checking emails and social media, rather than constantly reacting to them.
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Turn off non-urgent notifications so you’re not constantly distracted by your phone.
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Create phone-free zones in your home or office to encourage more face-to-face interaction and relaxation.
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Use “Do Not Disturb” when you need uninterrupted focus—or want to be fully present with someone. For an extra layer of quiet, switch to airplane mode.
- Reorganize your phone so it works for you—move distraction-based apps off your home screen or into folders to reduce temptation.
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Take regular offline breaks—even a full tech-free day each week—to recharge and prevent burnout from constant connectivity.
- Try the Hair Band Technique from Brad Soroka—wrap a band around your phone to pause and ask, “What’s my intention?” before using it.
7. Stop Putting Yourself Last—Invest in You
You are your business’s most valuable asset—so take care of yourself and keep growing! Whether it’s through reading, attending training, or focusing on self-care, it’s essential to continuously invest in your development. At PNWT, we believe in empowering you with the right resources to succeed. We offer a range of resources to help you stay ahead, including title and escrow education, client relationship resources, open house resources, farming tools, and more. And don’t forget, our Sales Representatives are always ready to help you access these valuable resources. Invest in your growth, and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way!
Other Ideas for Investing in Yourself:
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Take online courses or certifications to enhance your industry knowledge.
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Listen to podcasts or read books that focus on real estate, sales strategies, and personal development.
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Attend workshops and networking events to build connections and gain fresh insights.
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Set aside time for the people and things you care about to ensure mental clarity and emotional well-being.
- Set aside time for moments of solitude to reflect, recharge, and find the peace or joy you need to maintain balance and clarity.