Ready to take some actionable steps to set boundaries in your real estate business? Being a mom in real estate means wearing a lot of hats—agent, chauffeur, snack provider, and more. And between client calls during dinner and late-night email checks, it’s way too easy to fall into the “always available” trap!

That little voice in your head whispers “but what if they choose another agent?” (Trust me, we’ve all been there!) But here’s the truth—running yourself ragged isn’t serving anyone. Not your clients, not your family, and definitely not you.

Today, I’m sharing 5 actionable steps to set boundaries so you can protect your time without sacrificing your business. Because you can be an amazing realtor AND be present for those moments that matter most!

What Do Healthy Boundaries Look Like in Real Estate?

Before we dive into specific actionable steps to set boundaries, let’s get crystal clear on what I mean when I say “boundaries.” Think of a boundary as your personal guardrail—it’s you deciding what works for YOU and your family, then communicating that to your clients. No drama, no guilt, just clarity about what you need to thrive in both business and motherhood.

Because taking actionable steps to set boundaries with clients can feel intangible, let me give you some examples of what healthy boundaries look like in practice:

Healthy Boundaries Look Like:

• Communicating your availability clearly from day one
• Blocking off non-negotiable family time
• Using scheduling tools to manage client expectations
• Sticking to your boundaries (even when it feels uncomfortable!)

Unhealthy Boundaries Look Like:

• Saying yes to every client request (then feeling resentful about it)
• Being wishy-washy about your availability
• Letting work creep into family time until you’re completely burned out

Now let’s dive into 5 actionable steps to set boundaries that actually work! Ready to take control of your schedule? Let’s do this…

5 Actionable Steps to Set Boundaries (That Actually Work!)

Step #1: Figure out your “whys” (aka your core values)

Let’s be honest—if you don’t know exactly what you’re protecting your time for, the boundaries you set won’t stick! Taking actionable steps to set boundaries starts with getting clear on what matters most. So ask yourself →  “What’s non-negotiable for me outside of real estate?” Maybe it’s being there for bedtime stories, never missing a soccer game, or blocking out focused time for lead gen every morning.

Whatever it is that drives you, write it down! These are your core values and will become your “why” when guilt creeps in about not being available 24/7. Having these core values in place gives you the confidence to protect what’s most important (without sacrificing your real estate goals in 2025!).

Step #2: Schedule your non-negotiables first

Here’s a game-changing way to think about your calendar when it comes to actionable steps to set boundaries—block your important stuff FIRST, not last!

Instead of trying to squeeze in family dinner or your kid’s soccer game around showings, reverse it. Block off your non-negotiables at the start of each week:

• Your morning lead gen time
• School pickup/dropoff
• Family dinners
• Kid activities
• Your workout time
• Date night

Pro Tip: Share your calendar with clients during onboarding! Let them see your blocked times upfront—it makes scheduling way easier and shows them you’re organized (not unavailable!).

Step #3: Clearly communicate when (& how) you work upfront

You know that feeling? When you promised yourself you’d be home for bedtime, but a client wants a 7pm showing and suddenly you’re rushing out the door? Yeah, we’ve all been there! Taking actionable steps to set boundaries starts with clear communication from day ONE.

Here’s what changed the game for me → tell your clients upfront:

• Your working hours (and stick to them!)
• How quickly they can expect responses
• Best way to reach you for urgent vs. non-urgent needs

Pro Tip: Set up automated email responses and use scheduling apps to protect your time! When you do make an exception to work late, make sure your client knows it’s exactly that—an exception!

Step #4: Get confident in saying “no”

Want to know one of the most powerful actionable steps to set boundaries? Learning to say “no” without guilt! Here’s what changed everything for me: Every time you say “yes” to a client, you’re probably saying “no” to something else (like family dinner or your kid’s soccer game!).

Once I started seeing my “no” as a way to show up better for everyone, everything changed. After all, your clients deserve an agent who’s energized and focused—not running on empty! 

Pro Tip: If you’re still feeling guilty, start reframing “no” as a way to serve your clients better. A burned-out realtor isn’t helping anyone!!

For example, let’s pretend a client wants a late night showing. Instead of automatically saying “yes,” try this:

“I’d love to help you find a time that works during my availability! I have openings tomorrow at [time] or [time] – which works better for you?”

Remember, setting boundaries doesn’t make you any less professional!! Instead, it actually makes you more reliable! Your clients will respect clear boundaries way more than a frazzled, overwhelmed agent. 

Step #5: Take control of your tech

Anyone else guilty of checking their phone during family dinner? 🙋‍♀️ Those constant ping of notifications can make it impossible to be present—whether you’re in mom mode or work mode!

When it comes to actionable steps to set boundaries, managing your tech is a total game-changer. Here’s exactly what to do:

• Turn off notifications after hours (I do this at 6pm!)
• Set up an auto-reply like: “Thanks for your message! I’m available 9am-6pm and will respond first thing tomorrow.”
• Use scheduling apps to manage showings and calls. (You can find a few of my favorite apps for real estate moms here!)

Let’s make it easy—copy and paste this into your Notes app right now ➡️ “Hi! Thanks for choosing me as your agent! Just so you know, I’m available [times] on [days] and typically respond within [X] hours. For urgent matters, the best way to reach me is [method]. This helps me serve you better and ensure you have my full attention when we connect!”

The Gist

Being a mom in real estate means wearing a lot of hats—mom, agent, negotiator, chauffeur, snack-provider, and more. And without setting strong boundaries, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing everything but doing nothing well (trust me, I’ve been there!).

Taking actionable steps to set boundaries isn’t just about saying “no” or carving out time—it’s about building a sustainable life where your business thrives without taking away from what matters most: your family and your well-being. These changes will not only make you a better mom but also a more effective and respected real estate professional. I promise!

FAQ: Actionable steps to set boundaries as a realtor mom

→ How do I set boundaries without losing clients?

Clear communication is key. Set expectations from the start by sharing your availability and response times. Clients will respect your professionalism and consistency when you’re upfront about your limits.

→ What if my clients push back on my boundaries?

Firmly but kindly reinforce your limits. For example, say, “I understand this is important, and I’m committed to addressing it during my business hours to provide the best service possible.” 

→ How can I stick to my boundaries when I feel guilty?

Remind yourself that setting boundaries allows you to show up fully for your clients and your family. Guilt often stems from unrealistic expectations—yours or others’. Focus on the bigger picture: a sustainable business and quality time with your loved ones.

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Want support setting (and keeping) your boundaries?

If you’re trying to figure out this whole mom-and-realtor balance alone—you’re making it harder on yourself than it needs to be! When it comes to actionable steps to set boundaries, having the right support system changes everything.

Think about it: when your client texts at 9pm, don’t you wish you had someone who gets why you’re not responding? That’s what happens when you surround yourself with other realtor moms—they remind you why your boundaries matter (especially when the mom guilt hits)!

Ready to find your people? This is exactly why I created MOMward Real Estate Mastery! We’re a community of 300+ realtor moms who support each other, share what’s working, and celebrate wins together. Want to join us? 👉 Click here to learn more!