How the pandemic has changed the way estate agencies work

The pandemic has changed the way we work forever.

And although current government advice still requests that employees work from home where possible, it won’t be long until many of us are looking to make a return to the office.

For many employees, working from home has meant an overall improvement to our work-life balance, giving us more time to handle day-to-day responsibilities, enjoy family life, relax and prioritise what matters.

And aside from the general trepidation many of us are experiencing when it comes to the return to ‘normal’ life, many employees fear that after the pandemic, we’ll all be stuck back in our old routines.

For estate agencies, there have been many benefits to the newfound flexibility of our remote working routines. But has the pandemic changed how the industry operates in the long-run, or are we mere months away from business as usual?

A permanent change?

The new shift to WFH has inspired countless think-pieces on how the arrangement can bolster morale and increase productivity.

And naturally, there are complications to long-term working from home, such as communication challenges and health and safety compliance. Implementing clear policies on keeping good contact (without micromanaging) will help prevent any potential miscommunication, whilst organisations like Homework can help create the right remote-working setup for your employees.

A culture of remote working can also foster trusting relationships between employers and staff, ultimately a strong motivator on a day-to-day basis and one which will increase your employee retention.

Connecting with the customer

Your customer isn’t available exclusively during Monday to Friday – so why should your agency be?

With swathes of us returning to work post-furlough, many workers are now less available between those 9-5 peak times, meaning greater challenges in seamless communication between agencies and clients.

However, in an industry such as real estate, that flexibility is essential for providing clients with the service and support they need round the clock. By granting your agents a degree of flexibility in their working hours, it is not only them that benefit – you may also be improving your overall client service.

A change across industries?

In the long-run, a shift in working practices that allows for telecommunicating as standard, not just in our industry but across others, could mean an unexpected boon for the housing market. In a future where more roles are carried out from home on a permanent basis, fewer workers will be restricted by location when it comes to buying houses.

As this becomes less of a factor and more buyers are able to shop further afield, this pushes the boundaries of what estate agents can offer and could expand your client base significantly, meaning plentiful potential for growth in the future.

In an unpredictable industry, it’s difficult to say for sure where the next direction will lead us, but one thing is clear – what may once have seemed a radical change is set to become the norm for many of us.

How has the pandemic changed your role?

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Popping the Asking Price Bubble

Where in the Uk Can Buyers Snap Up Property Bargains and Where Properties Go for a Premium Above Asking Price   New research from fast selling property company, Upstix has uncovered the UK’s most surprising postcodes for snapping up a property at bargain prices this year, highlighting a widening gap between sellers’ expectations and the…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Highest demand to lease office space since pre-pandemic

The latest insights from the UK’s number one commercial property website Rightmove, reveals that the number of unique enquiries to lease office space is at its highest point since pre-pandemic, as businesses look for spaces that meet modern requirements. Demand to lease office space is 19% higher than the same period a year ago and…
Read More
Planning disputes on new build land
Estate Agent Talk

Planning consultations for major infrastructure to be streamlined

Robert Bruce, a planning and infrastructure partner at law firm Freeths LLP, said he: “Welcomed the change as a significant step to speeding up the DCO process and the focus on the quality and effectiveness of the consultation, rather than box ticking and a risk averse approach to pre-application consultation due to the current legal…
Read More
Breaking News

‘The property ladder pulls further away’ warns Open Property Group

For many first-time buyers across England, the dream of homeownership continues to slip further out of reach. Despite rising wages, soaring house prices are making it harder than ever to get on the property ladder. A leading UK professional house buying company ‘Open Property Group’ based in Buckinghamshire UK, has raised concerns over the ongoing…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

How Long It Takes to Buy a House in the UK: 5 Common Delays That Can Slow Down Your Home Purchase

Wondering how long it takes to buy a house in the UK? The average timeline ranges from 8 to 22 weeks, but even that can stretch significantly due to unexpected delays, especially if you’re a first-time buyer or caught in a chain. That’s why working with experienced professionals like Belvoir — one of the UK’s…
Read More
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove to host Renters’ Rights Bill webinar with Guild of Lettings

Rightmove is hosting a live and interactive webinar session with the Guild of Lettings to help agents get Renters’ Rights Ready. The webinar will take place from 10:00am – 11:00am on Wednesday 23rd April. Susie Crolla, Managing Director for the Guild of Lettings, will be joining Rightmove to help agents with questions they may have about…
Read More