3 Time-Wasting Tasks Realtors Handle Themselves (And What to Do Instead)

Outsourcing time-wasting tasks like admin work, lead follow-ups, and social media helps realtors focus on revenue-generating activities. Real estate outsourcing allows agents to be more productive, close more deals, and avoid burnout during busy seasons.
Time-consuming tasks are holding you back—here’s what to delegate to grow.

Do you feel like you have no time for new leads or yourself, stuck in time-wasting tasks that are all too common for Realtors? You are certainly not alone.

Many real estate agents find their days filled with tasks that feel urgent but aren’t actually profitable. From chasing cold leads to updating social media, it’s easy to get bogged down in work that doesn’t grow your business.

Here are the top three time-wasting tasks that Realtors often handle themselves, and how outsourcing can free you up for what really matters: closing deals and serving clients.

1. Admin Work That Eats Your Time

Real estate admin tasks like data entry, appointment scheduling, contract prep, and document filing may be necessary—but they don’t require you.

Why It’s a Time-Waster:

  • Takes time away from showings, negotiations, and relationship-building
  • Distracts you from high-level strategy and growth
  • Often done inefficiently without systems or support

What to Outsource:

  • Calendar and inbox management
  • CRM updates
  • Listing data entry and MLS uploads
  • Contract coordination

Who to Hire:

  • Virtual assistant
  • Transaction coordinator
  • Brokerage support staff
Administrative work pulls your focus—offload it to reclaim your time.
Administrative work pulls your focus—offload it to reclaim your time.

2. Buyer and Seller Lead Follow-Ups That Go Nowhere

Following up with leads is critically important for real estate agents, but cold leads and inconsistent outreach can drain your time fast.

Why It’s a Time-Waster:

  • Manual follow-ups are inconsistent and easy to forget
  • Cold leads may require multiple touches with little return
  • Without automation, it’s hard to track what’s working

What to Outsource or Automate:

  • Lead nurturing email sequences
  • Text follow-up campaigns
  • Cold lead reactivation scripts

Who to Hire or What to Use:

  • CRM with automation (e.g., Follow Up Boss, LionDesk)
  • Inside sales agent (ISA)
  • Drip email campaign writer
Automating lead follow-up keeps you top of mind—without doing it all yourself.
Automating lead follow-up keeps you top of mind—without doing it all yourself.

3. Social Media Posting and Management Takes Too Much of Your Focus

Posting, creating graphics, writing captions—it all adds up. Social media is an essential part of real estate marketing these days, but it doesn’t have to take hours out of your day.

Why It’s a Time-Waster:

  • Takes longer than you think to do well
  • Breaks your workflow and distracts from client priorities
  • Often inconsistent when juggled with other responsibilities

What to Outsource:

  • Content creation and planning
  • Post scheduling
  • Engagement (responding to comments and DMs)

Who to Hire:

  • Freelance social media manager
  • Content creator with real estate expertise
  • Marketing VA
Social media works better when it’s strategic—delegate to stay consistent and visible.
Social media works better when it’s strategic—delegate to stay consistent and visible.

Avoid These Time-Wasting Tasks for Realtors and Create Space for What Really Matters

If you’re feeling stretched thin, it’s time to stop wearing every hat. By outsourcing admin tasks, lead follow-ups, and social media, you’ll gain back hours every week to focus on showings, negotiations, and client relationships—the parts of your job that actually drive revenue. Let someone else handle the busywork while you grow your business.

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