It's probably an understatement to say that the coronavirus has upended just about everyone's lives. If you've been planning a big negotiation and suddenly have to complete it online, we have a few tactics for success.

Just as you would when meeting in person, it's important not to rush into making an offer. Give yourself and the other party time to warm up and talk before getting down to business. It can also help to have an agenda of what the online negotiation session will entail. This will assure both parties that their expectations will be met and that communication will remain open. 

While it's easy to gauge body language and facial expressions in person, it can be a little more challenging via webcam or phone. A recent study found that people who could see themselves in the mirror behaved more collaboratively than those who couldn't see themselves in a mirror. If you're negotiating over a video call or web cam, be sure to pay attention to your body language and facial expressions. 

If you've ever been in a tense negotiation situation, you know how valuable a coffee break or private pep talk can be. Don't feel like you can't do the same during a virtual negotiation session. People often feel they must maintain constant communication virtually, but that simply doesn't have to be the case. Asking for a quick 10 minute break can make all the difference in the deal you're working on because it allows you to collect your thoughts and make a quick game plan if things aren't going the way you'd like them to. 

The landscape of the real estate industry is changing drastically with each day that passes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are sharing the latest news, updates, information, and resources available for real estate professionals as well as sellers and potential buyers. 

It seems that most of the workforce is at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While it may not be optimal to be working remotely, there are plenty of tips you can implement to successfully telecommute, engage with clients, and further your career. Below are our seven tips for working from home during COVID-19.

It can be tough to find a spot of your own in your home if you don't have a home office, but making a place that is set aside for working will make a huge difference in your productivity levels. Having your own work spot can help to get you focused when you continually work in that spot. It also helps create a divide between work and home life. 

Unless using social media is required for a specific task, consider logging out of all social media accounts and remove them from your browser shortcuts. Without the distraction of social media, you're more likely to be productive, less distracted, and finish your work faster. 

Are you a morning person or a night owl? Now is your chance to tackle work projects that require more brain power during the times of day when you are most focused and productive. During the times when you're feeling a bit mentally sluggish, try tackling simple tasks that are logistical in nature. 

Maybe you're a real estate agent who is suddenly unable to show houses. Instead of focusing on what you can't do, try coming up with a list of projects or tasks you've always meant to do, but put aside for issues that were more urgent. For example, you could take time to check in with past clients and see how they're doing or even send them a card. You could make a spreadsheet of potential leads, or take care of cluttered files on your computer.

It's been said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This statement especially rings true for working from home, where it's easy to become distracted and waste time trying to figure out what you want to do that day. Instead, try spending a few minutes the day before to map out what you would like to accomplish the following day so you're set and know what you want to accomplish when you wake up in the morning. 

Taking the time to further your education is beneficial for you now and in the future. Use your extra time at home to watch a webinar or two, take continuing education classes, or even host your own online class. Connecting with others in your field also has the benefit of helping you feel less alone in your career keep you up-to-date within your field of work.

You may suddenly find your self with new "co-workers, " AKA your children, spouse, and/or pets. Establish boundaries that make it clear that when you're working, your space needs to be respected and your work needs your full attention like it would if you were at the office or on the job.