If you’ve ever ended the day feeling exhausted but unsure of what you actually accomplished—you’re not alone.
In real estate, it’s easy to fill your calendar with tasks and still feel like your business isn’t moving forward. The secret to solving this?
It’s called PIE Time, and it’s one of the simplest, most powerful ways to regain control of your time, priorities, and life.
What Is PIE Time?
PIE is an acronym that breaks down how you spend your time as an agent:
P = Productive Time
This is time spent directly generating income. It includes:
- Working with buyers or sellers
- Writing offers or negotiating contracts
- Showing property
- Attending listing appointments
This is the money-making zone—your “get paid” time, income producing activities.
I = Indirectly Productive Time
This is time spent doing the activities that lead to future business. Think:
- Ninja Nine habits
- Client follow-ups
- Writing personal notes
- Prospecting
- Time-blocking your schedule
- Real estate reviews
- Networking
This is FLOW time—where the seeds of future P-time are planted.
E = Everything Else Time
This is the time that feels busy, but doesn’t grow your business:
- Browsing the MLS “just to see”
- Getting lost in your inbox
- Social scrolling
- Office chit-chat
- Over-editing flyers
- Reacting to everything without intention
This is the danger zone—it eats your hours and leaves little return.
Why PIE Time Matters
Your time is your most valuable (and limited) resource.
You can’t create more hours—but you can create more income per hour by shifting your focus toward P and I activities.
When you spend more of your day in Productive and Indirectly Productive time, your income goes up—and your stress goes down.
How to Use the PIE Time Concept
Here’s a simple weekly action plan:
1. Audit Your Week
Track your time for 2–3 days. Every 30 minutes, jot down what you’re doing and label it: P, I, or E.
You’ll be shocked at how much time is spent in “E.”
2. Identify Your Time-Wasters
Be honest—what’s not adding value to your business or life? What can be delegated, automated, or eliminated?
3. Time-Block More “P” and “I” Time
Start small:
- 1-2 hours/day of lead gen (I time)
- 3–5 personal notes/week (I time)
- Client appointments (P time) always get top priority
- Build in buffer time, but protect your core activities
4. Celebrate “I Time” – it’s Just as Valuable
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re “not working” if you’re writing notes or calling past clients. That’s the foundation of long-term growth.
5. Build In True “E Time” as Personal Time
Not all “E” time is bad. Just be intentional.
Schedule time for family, workouts, hobbies, and rest. When you treat personal time as sacred—not leftover—you create true balance.
The Payoff: Focus, Freedom, and Fulfillment
Agents who master PIE Time aren’t just more productive—they’re happier.
They close more business and feel more in control of their calendar, their mindset, and their life.
Because success isn’t about working 24/7—it’s about working smarter, with purpose.
Want Help Implementing Systems Like PIE Time in Your Business?
At Baird & Warner’s Frankfort office, we don’t just teach theory—we give agents tools, coaching, and weekly support to actually apply what works.
From time-blocking to accountability coaching and business planning built around PIE Time, our agents are growing without burnout.
If your current office isn’t helping you protect your time or prioritize what really matters—it might be time for a change.
📅 Let’s grab coffee and chat about how we help agents work smarter, earn more, and finally build a business that fits their life.
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