Summer is historically one of the hottest periods for real estate transactions, so you need to be ready to take full advantage of this busy season. However, this workload can often be a grueling, challenging time on many levels for agents. For example, there’s the figurative “heat”— competition for clients is known to heat up at this time of year. But let’s not forget that this is Louisiana, where the literal heat summer brings can pose just as great of a challenge.

Below, we’ve listed some of the ways you can keep cool in this summer’s hot real estate market!

Take Advantage of Technology

During the summer, real estate agents can easily feel swamped with work while assisting multiple clients. You may feel pulled in multiple directions and it can be challenging to keep up with everything on your hefty to-do list. Technology is your ally, equipping yourself now will allow you to be fully prepared for the busy season ahead.

There are a plethora of task management apps available that can greatly help to ensure nothing slips through the cracks during the hectic season—such as Asana, Pintask or Todoist. Innovative tools are only helpful if you truly need them, so pay extra close attention to how you prefer to work. For example, many agents like to bring a laptop in their car which makes a wireless hotspot an invaluable tool for working on the move.

Technology has allowed more convenience and freedom than ever before—regardless of your preferred work methods, there’s a tool available to help.

Be More Available During Off Hours

You may set limited work hours so that you can enjoy a comfortable work-life balance during the slower seasons for real estate. However, the summer provides ample opportunities for closing, which means you probably want to maximize your money-making opportunities as much as possible.

There’s a chance that you might need to make yourself available for urgent situations, as well as home tours scheduled at a moment’s notice. There are plenty of reasons a prospective buyer may not be able to meet during working hours—so try to keep an open mind about after-hours showings, too.

Keeping an open mind and being more available for off-hours showings can help dramatically with closings, as well as building client relationships. This practice may not need to be continued throughout the year, but it can certainly help during this busy season.

Keep Up With Marketing to Established Clients

Unfortunately, it can be easy to let established client relationships fall to the wayside when swamped with your summer workload. However, this can be a costly error for real estate agents.

Established clients are relationships that have been nurtured for quite some time— and they may be interested in buying or selling during this busy season as well. Allocate time in your week to continue regular marketing efforts, even when you’re already swamped with business. This will help you to keep a steady flow of business coming your way in the weeks ahead.

Dress for the Weather

While the heat of this busy season can affect you from a figurative standpoint, the overpowering heat of Louisiana summers can also take its toll. Now may be the right time to update your professional wardrobe, so that you are more comfortable and cool throughout the warmer months of the year.

Consider opting for materials that are lighter in weight and color. Look for materials that can breathe easily and may not show sweat stains—in the event you perspire while showing a house. This will help you to stay comfortable, while maintaining a professional look as well.

Bring Water Bottles in a Cooler to Tours

Touring listings requires you and your clients to walk in and out of multiple homes in Louisiana’s heat and humidity, which can possibly make you lightheaded or dizzy. Such symptoms may cause you to cut a tour short. Likewise, you do not want your clients to develop such symptoms themselves.

A smart idea is to pack a cooler for bottles of water and other drinks. This way, you can offer each client a beverage at the start of each tour—demonstrating your thoughtfulness while helping to keep everyone comfortable and hydrated.

While summer is a busy season from a real estate sales standpoint, it can be a challenging season for agents on many levels. You understandably want to make the most out of this hot season so that you can boost your overall profitability for the year. Now is the time to think ahead and to prepare for the months to come. Incorporate some of these tips into your preparatory efforts to enjoy the best results throughout the summer season.