Special offer
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS, South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker! (Fathom Realty Washington LLC)

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I get up each morning, get dressed, put on my make-up, do my hair and go to my office on the other side of my home. I am no more casual about my appearance or my work because I work from home than from a formal office.

Aug 13, 2016 01:04 AM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

We need to do what works best for us as individuals.  The more corporate personality needs that structure & discipline and feels great in a formal office. 
Those of us who are a little more free wheeling appreciate the convenience of no restraints. 
I've heard others say they could never work from home because they are not disciplined enough and would be too easily distracted.  To each their own and may we all succeed in the manner that suits us best!

Aug 13, 2016 12:46 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I think it depends on the individual. I also think that it just becomes a habit to go to the office even if nothing is really going on.  

I will say that realtors in general are dressing down & not in a good way. 

Aug 13, 2016 01:03 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Different people are motivated to work in different surroundings.  Do what works best for you.

Aug 13, 2016 10:47 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Personally, I'm at an advantage working at home.  I get a lot more done.  

Aug 13, 2016 05:32 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't think it makes any difference.  It really depends on the individual.

Aug 13, 2016 04:31 AM
Rainmaker
1,090,637
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington 

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options so there is no right or wrong answer. What really matters is what works best for each person.

 

Aug 13, 2016 11:38 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I think it depends on the individual as well as the office - both have their advantages and disadvantages

Aug 13, 2016 09:02 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

It takes more discipline to work from a home office, especially when your kids on vacation and pets are running around. If you left for office, you are done, you just there working. 

 

Aug 13, 2016 07:22 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I don't think that is the differentiator as to who is more professional or who is working harder. There are some really lazy unprofessional agents goign to the office every day and drinking coffee and chewing the fat, wasting time with anyone they can get to talk with them. Working from home takes discipline and is not for everyone either.

Aug 13, 2016 05:33 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

What Nina Hollander said.  The person who has the real advantage is the one that WORKS each day and keeps focused on what they need to do to reach their goals.  Where they do that ... does not matter.  

Aug 13, 2016 05:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

What works best. It is like our clients, even though I couldn't live on an acreage in the country doesn't make it wrong for those who do.

Aug 13, 2016 04:28 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Paul,

We are all different.  Sometimes those of us who work from home tend not to be disciplined about taking breaks, or shut the door when they are done for the day!  

Personally, we like working from home.  We had offices for our company, and this way works best for us.  By the way, we are always early.  LOL A

Aug 13, 2016 12:58 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

and that has nothing to do with whether you work from home or an office setting.... I know lazy ones who are in the office and should have stayed home!!!  I often work from home....lazy??? no....let me say it again, NO....

Aug 13, 2016 12:58 AM
Rainmaker
2,707,721
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

I would disagree Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington as I believe it takes more discipline to work from a home environment.  Most people find it too distracting.  I, of course, love my home office and am more productive without the aggravating commute!

Aug 13, 2016 01:40 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

That answer can be 'both', it truly depends on the personality Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington.  For me, I can easily work from home, though more is involved when going to the office, so that's not really discipline for me, it's just initially more to do.  The broker that you met may always be late, not to say that's a great first impression, but it maybe his style. 

Aug 13, 2016 12:20 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

There is truth to the disciplines. How we go about that is subjective. I have found mine and work it well with results keeping score. I am never late, always available and when I give my word, it is gold.

Aug 13, 2016 08:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

That depends.  Home offices are great to do bulk work. Office is great to meet clients. 

Aug 13, 2016 04:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,333,761
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Some people need the "push" that may happen by going to an office everyday...We don't!

Aug 13, 2016 02:12 AM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

All will likely think that their system is best, I do both and think that my formal office days are a little better.  Less distractions, more of an expectation of WORK.

Aug 13, 2016 02:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

Each individual is different and the brokerage culture also differs from office to office.  Therefore, there is no one answer.

Aug 13, 2016 02:03 AM
Rainmaker
797,457
Liz Wallace
Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY
Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

I have some Agents that are hardly ever in the formal office and are very successful.  I think whatever suits your personality.

Aug 13, 2016 01:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Can't improve on what Susan Emo says.  Do what works best for you.

Aug 13, 2016 12:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I have to say a person first starting out that goes to the office has the advantage vs one who stays home.

Aug 13, 2016 12:51 AM
Rainmaker
466,731
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Paul,

I think it is a matter of preference.

Aug 16, 2016 11:50 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I have always preferred a professional office setting.

Aug 14, 2016 09:12 PM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I think it depends on the indivudual. Working in the office is no guarantee of success, but there are some advantages of having the networking and learning. But if you are not focussed being in the office could be a distraction

Aug 14, 2016 02:40 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Both have their advantages and disadvantages.  Some people need to go into an office each day.  Others, like me, lived the 8-5 corporate office drone life for far too long and prefer working from home.  I've known many a realtor over the last 30ish years that went into an office simply to avoid their wife and drink their cough syrup (the kind with alcohol) for their imaginary cough.  I've known many an agent who never set foot in a formal office yet out produced the majority of the city's agents.

 

It's all about the person, not if they go into an office.

Aug 14, 2016 04:22 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

The one who consistently & effectively executes the things needed to drive them closer to the finish line.

Aug 14, 2016 12:47 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Susan Emo nailed this one!

Aug 13, 2016 11:24 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

The agent who understands what works best for her/him and develops a schedule to make it work! Some need a formal office atmosphere and some do better working from home!

Aug 13, 2016 11:20 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

It depends on the agent.

Aug 13, 2016 10:08 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

It really depends on the individual.  

Aug 13, 2016 08:49 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Most of our agents work from home.  Just me and one other agent make it to our office each day..

Aug 13, 2016 08:39 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

I was about to write my answer but Susan Emo has stated it to perfection! To each their own, whatever works for you is the best path.

Aug 13, 2016 07:40 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, Broker, Tacoma Washington - well, the one who really 'works' has the  advantage!

Aug 13, 2016 04:18 PM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

Depends on the agent.  I work from home often.  Either way my day starts the same. I get up and get ready, just as if I knew I had an appointment.  Working from home I may get distracted - it's no different at the office.  Both have disadvantages.  For me it takes more discipline to work from home.  

Aug 13, 2016 03:30 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,677
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I have done both and it all the same for me.

Aug 13, 2016 02:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

It doesn't matter as our time is more productive when in front of clients showing homes. Both types strive for the same opportunity.

Aug 13, 2016 01:17 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,948
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I think the style of office needs to fit the person -

Aug 13, 2016 12:31 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,642
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

The nice thing about our profession is we can operate our business the way we see fit. I personally like to go into our office..I love our location,  my colleagues, the view and my administrative assistant..I don't want that going on in my home. To each their own!

Aug 13, 2016 12:28 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I am a lot more productive when I am working from the office.

Aug 13, 2016 12:18 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I think it takes discipline to work at home. I can do that. Although I also like being in the office. We still get a lot of walk in traffic with our Main Street location. 

There's one agent in my office who is very old school. He thinks if you aren't in the office or out showing property...you aren't working the business. He is so very wrong, but I won't argue with him. He's very set in his ways. 

Aug 13, 2016 10:58 AM
Rainer
2,540
Cecilia Trotter
Berger Realty Group - Coconut Creek, FL
Real Estate Advisor

Working from home can seem inviting. No need to dress, no interruptions (except the daily house work), but dressing up and going to the office makes us more productive and responsible for our actions.

Aug 13, 2016 09:51 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

It really depends on the individual. I can be much more focused when working at home. There are way too many distractions at the "real" office.

Aug 13, 2016 09:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,280,748
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

I probably does take more discipline to go to the office, but does that really give you an advantage?

Aug 13, 2016 09:50 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

What Nina Hollander said.

   Anybody who works from home had better forget about those infomercials that show someone working in their pajamas, or sitting by the pool with a laptop.  You need to dress for business, work on a schedule, and keep your office looking like an office.

Aug 13, 2016 08:12 AM
Rainmaker
2,810,149
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Paul - I don't know about discipline or other's perceptions, but I want to keep my work at the office as much as possible (which often isn't very much) and my home as my refuge. We worked from home for a couple of months while we were waiting for our office to be done, and the real estate never stopped - it was obnoxious.

Aug 13, 2016 06:49 AM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

i think late doesnt matter where you work from.. i agree with office...even if its at home but a place that is only for that. it is convenient to be at home, but harder to stay motivated

Aug 13, 2016 05:27 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

He still has a "Limiting Belief" !!!

Aug 13, 2016 01:02 AM