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. 

The importance of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting is vital for protecting our homes and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. We're sharing our tips, resources, and information for cleaning during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Which products you will utilize to clean is one of the first things to consider. The American Chemistry Council shared a list of products that can be used to fight Coronavirus. Once you have determined the cleaning supplies you will use, have a look at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website for a cleaning and disinfecting guide. 

​The American Cleaning Institute also has tips for cleaning in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Some of the tips include frequent hand washing, disinfecting frequently touches surfaces such as light switches, handles, door knobs, and desks, wiping down shopping carts with antibacterial wipes, and washing reusable bags after arriving home from the grocery store. 

The CDC also recommends using disposable gloves while cleaning and disinfecting and to throw away the gloves afterwards. Diluted solutions with bleach, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants, and alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol are effective disinfectants, according to the CDC. You can make your own bleach disinfectant by mixing 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water. It is also recommended to launder clothing immediately after returning home, and to sanitize your laundry baskets and laundry areas. Consider laundering items on the warmest water allowed for the garment, too. 

Real estate professionals use their phone frequently, so remember to clean and disinfect your phone with something like a Clorox wipe that has at least 70% alcohol. We don't recommend using a product that contains bleach so you don't ruin your phone's surface. Whatever cleaner you decide to use, make sure it has time to sit and work in disinfecting before wiping it with an unused microfiber cloth. 

​If you're having a difficult time finding cleaning products, filling a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol can be an alternative to store-bought cleaning products.