Every realtor has that never-ending to-do list—calls to make, clients to follow up with, listings to post, social content to plan. But if you’re ending most days wondering where the time went (and why your list keeps growing), you’re not alone. The problem isn’t that you’re not working hard enough—it’s that your system is working against you. Let’s fix that.
Why Your To-Do List Isn’t Working
To-do lists can create a false sense of productivity. You check off low-value tasks, answer emails, and schedule posts, but your high-impact work—like nurturing leads or building relationships—gets pushed to “tomorrow.” That’s because most agents organize their day by urgency, not importance. The result? You’re busy, but not effective.
Start by auditing your list: what’s actually driving revenue or deepening client relationships? Everything else might be keeping you busy for the sake of feeling productive.
The 80/20 Rule for Realtors
Here’s where the 80/20 rule (also known as the Pareto Principle) comes in: 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. In real estate, that might mean 20% of your clients bring in 80% of your referrals—or 20% of your marketing drives most of your leads.
Use this rule to simplify your to-do list. Circle the tasks that directly connect to income or client satisfaction and make those your non-negotiables. The rest? Automate it, delegate it, or drop it.
Build a System That Prioritizes Results
Once you’ve identified your top priorities, create a workflow that reflects them. Tools like CRM automation, social scheduling platforms, and smart task batching can help you focus on client growth instead of administrative noise.
The key is consistency. A productive realtor doesn’t do more—they do what matters better.
Simplify, Focus, Grow
You don’t need a longer to-do list—you need a sharper one. Focus on the 20% of actions that drive 80% of your results, and watch your business (and sanity) grow.
If your days are packed but your progress feels stuck, it might be time for a smarter system. Ollin Reach can help you streamline your marketing, automate your follow-ups, and refocus your time on what really matters—closing deals and building relationships.
