5 min readBurnout is a reality for many real estate and property professionals. Long hours, client expectations, and market fluctuations can take a toll. Working today is an always-on affair with constant notifications. It can lead to a cycle of stress that feels normal.
What is real estate agent burnout and property manager burnout?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes work burnout as an occupational phenomenon, characterized by:
- Constant feelings of exhaustion
- Mental distance or negativity toward work
- Reduced effectiveness and performance
For people working in the property and real estate industry, this might manifest as irritability with clients, skipping follow-ups, or feeling mentally foggy. Agent burnout in real estate can impact individuals, teams, and the wider business. The good news is that real estate agent and property manager burnout is preventable with the right strategies.
Do a stress check
Stress isn’t inherently bad, but prolonged, unchecked stress can have serious health consequences. Don’t let stress become your default state.
- Take a moment daily to assess your stress levels
- Rate your stress on a scale of 1-10 and track patterns over time
- Identify whether your stress is a healthy challenge or if it feels like a threat
- Adjust accordingly by lowering the stakes or taking breaks when necessary
Kandi Wiens, EdD and author of Burnout Immunity has an online quiz that is useful in benchmarking your burnout risk level.
Set boundaries
We’ve been conditioned to be on 24/7, and it’s impossible for one person to do it all. At SignMore, we have teams across the US working between different timezones to answer your calls and chats 24/7 so you can schedule time to unplug, turn off notifications, and limit out-of-hours work.
With a call answering service, your callers will always reach a human hello, so you’re not pressured to reply instantly. You can work with us to establish a cutoff time for client calls or decide to turn our answering service on instantly.
Recognize the symptoms of burnout
Your body often tells you before your mind registers burnout.
- Frequent headaches or muscle tension
- Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue
- Lack of motivation or emotional detachment from work
- Increased cynicism or frustration with clients and colleagues
Ignoring these signs can lead to serious consequences. Take time to check in with yourself and understand the symptoms.
Reframe stress
Not all stress is bad, sometimes it can even energize you to perform under pressure. The key is to shift your mindset. Instead of viewing stress as harmful, acknowledge it as a sign that you care about your work. Channel stress into motivation and don’t let it consume you.
Develop grit
Psychologist Angela Duckworth defines grit as the perseverance and passion to achieve long-term goals. It helps some professionals avoid burnout while others succumb to it.
- Use grit selectively to push through tough periods, but don’t make it your default mode
- Balance resilience with self-care
- Recognize when you need to rest instead of pushing forward
Make time for your health
Physical and mental health go hand in hand. These tips shouldn’t be new news, but an important reminder to keep your health top of mind.
- Sleep at least 7-8 hours per night. Lack of sleep leads to poor cognitive function and increased stress.
- Eat a balanced diet. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can spike anxiety.
- Move daily. Exercise reduces stress hormones and boosts endorphins.
Find support
Real estate professionals feel like they have to do everything themselves, but delegation can be a game-changer. Use property management software to automate administrative tasks, find a mentor or network of professionals you can lean on for support, and consider outsourcing to manage your calls and chats 24/7.
Burnout often results from losing sight of why you started in the first place. It can feel dark and lonely. Consider what motivates and excites you, what impact you want to make, and even reflect on past successes that made you proud.
With intentional stress management, boundaries, and self-care, you can build a sustainable career while maintaining your health and happiness. Recognize the signs, take proactive steps, and remember that your well-being matters just as much as your success.
