Do Agents Truly Have Set Hours - Fredericksburg Real Estate www.TheGPSRealtyTeam.com

Great perspectives from all.  Much continued success to everyone in 2008.

Vincent - Still working here from the day before.  This is 24/7 for me, as well!

While I find agents like that hard to work with, I also think they make it easier for me to build my business. I always answer my phone, any time, day or night. Or, I call right back. If the other agent can meet their production goals in this manner, have at it, but I hope the potential client gives up and calls me.

I hear a lot of comments about 70-100 hours a week, but I think technology makes this an easy fix. Maybe I am not working, but I can answer the phone 24/7 and set an appointment, and what did it cost me? 5 minutes? Or less even. 

Quick question, for arguement's sake... Are you really a 24/7 agent?  Would you literally jump out of bed at 4am to answer a client's call?  How do you answer their questions very late at night, especially when it is a specific question that would need you to consult a lender, title company, or attorney, when their offices don't open until 9am?  Do you show houses in the middle of the night?  I know our lockboxes don't allow us to.  Nor is it safe to show houses after dark, physical harm could befall you or you could find yourself in a situation you shouldn't be in (sexual harassment).  I think it's funny when agents say they are 24/7.  I get pictures in my mind of driving up to the local Krispy Kreme at 2am and the Hot sign is on, but there are no donuts, just Realtors waiting for people to have middle of the night real estate emergencies.  Let's face it, we all take time off.  Some of us just stucture it more than others.  My business model allows me to service my clients effectively, my clients are very happy, and I do meet all of my Production goals.  I also have a happy husband because I don't let my job take over OUR lives.  But you have to make your own business decisions.  If you are happy working until 11pm almost every night, and having your dinners interrupted, and working every weekend, then more power to you.  I can't live that way.  I only have one lifetime and I want to live it to its fullest!  I wish you all success!     

Well - I guess you could debate what 24/7 means. I have actually answered the phone at 2:00 in the morning - someone was calling one of my ads and thought they would get vm. Ended up not selling them that particular house, but we did find them another one. And you are right, I don't have access to lenders, etc at night. And no, I don't show homes late at night. And I prefer Dunkin Donuts over Krispy Kreme.

My take on it is that society has changed, and the traditional work day is a thing of the past. We have many clients who work odd hours, so they may not be able to communicate with me during traditional times, or in a traditional manner. Maybe I can't answer their question at 10:00 at night, but maybe I can.

I would rather take a two minute phone call and get back to what I am doing then have to answer voice mails later on.

I am who I am, and when I take time off, I still answer my phone, as long as I have signal, and as long as I am not violating FAA rules. I don't work until 11:00 every night, but with TIVO and a DVD, I can pause to take a call; no big deal for me.

I love what I do, and for me, this is living it to the fullest.

Anyway, if I did not get a chance to tell you before, that was a great class the other day. If you shedule another one on another subject, shoot me an email; I'll be there. It's nice to have an instructor who makes it interesting. 

This has been an interesting topic. Even if no one is physically in an office after 5pm, I wouldn't advertise that on the voicemail message, especially if you were calling on a Friday night and they weren't open on weekends. We have management monitoring our main phone lines until 9pm, and in the morning at least an hour or two before the receptionist arrives at 8.

Vincent - I hope you at least could find an alternate phone number for that listing agent.

In the early years, I used to list both my home phone and then cell phone number on my card. Now it's just direct line, main office, fax and e-mail. If a client asks for my cell, I will hand write the number on the card and explain that I don't answer my phone while on appointments, unless I'm negotiating an offer where time is of the essence. Clients get my complete attention on our appointments. I explain how I work up front. If I'm out of the office I attempt to check my voicemail a minimum of once every hour starting at 7am, and stopping at 10pm. On weekends it's at least once every two hours. On most days, there will be an outgoing voicemail message that lists the times I return calls.

And just like Sarah, there are at least 8 Saturdays each fall where I will not be physically present to list houses or write contracts, unless you meet me at my Penn State tailgate. Have never lost a client for that reason - not even the Notre Dame fans.

I love my career as a Realtor, but I love my family and my life more.

 

Thanks Kevin!  I appreciate that.  Actually, that was probably one of my more boring classes.  I wish some of the other Realtors has participated a bit more.  The more lively the students, the more lively the class.  Greg has asked if I would be willing to come into your office and do some classes.  I said yes.  Just waiting to here back about scheduling.  I also teach Ethics and ABR.  I'll definitely let you know when I'm on the calendar to teach! 

Kim- Hi!  We have a large Penn State contingency here.  I am an NC State Wolfpack fan.  It takes us a while to get back to Raleigh so I have to take the entire weekend off. Well worth it and I too have never lost a client b/c of this hobby.  But, I also don't take every buyer on that interveiws with me, nor do I take every listing I make a presentation for.  Most of my clients are GenXers and GenYers, they understand the need to get out of the work environment. 

You need to be accessible during the day but after say 8pm or before 7am you need to respect others time and people need to respect yours.  Every once in awhile my phone will ring at 2am because someone thought they could just leave a message on my office phone.  But I forward everything to my cell.  Of course my husband doesnt appreciate the midnight calls.

I try to stay to 9a-6p hours.  However, I do check my messages to see if there are important messages regarding my listings.  And as for my buyers that are active, they have my home number.  New business is put into my 9a-6p hours...and moved outside of them as necessary.

I started this because my marriage was suffering as a result of my cell phone ringing non-stop.  And, sadly, most of the calls were not anything that couldn't wait.  I had found that clients do respect my time more now, and they have a respect for me needing to spend time with my family.  My business has increased as a result!  And I'm not running around chasing my tail constantly.

I still work odd hours when needed, but it is no longer the norm.  You should try it.  You'll be surprised by the reactions you get....and the respect!!! 

Wow, what a great question.  It's one that depends on the person. 

 I know that many advertise 24 hours,7 days, yet in the real world that is not going to happen.  You have to have a life and that includes sickness, doctor visits, car breaking down, accidents and at some point sleep.  Some don't sleep and sit up most of the night in case that phone might ring. I am thinking - that person who calls at 1 AM to ask a real estate question, what do they really think about you?  Do they respect the person they are calling? Who else would they call at 1 AM?  What business professional comes to mind? If you want to be that person, that's up to each individual.

People with set hours can make plans. They can still answer their phones even when life is going on.  They have set hours in an effort to have respect.  You can work on a deal until 1 AM when needed.  Not on call every night. 

I know what you mean. I have a hard time getting a hold of some agents. There are a handful that I could set my clock by (less than a handful).

Vincent,

You've certainly attracted a lot of attention with this post and rightfully so.  Wow, it must be their hobby and not their passion otherwise they'd make themselves readily available.  Hope things are picking up for you in Fredericksburg and make sure to let your clients know that they can obtain a Fannie, Freddie or FHA mortgage up to $729,750!  FHA will do refinances on properties valued up to $768k now!

Here's a link to check your county and other counties

Zach - No, it's my profession and I treat it as such.  If I worked at Walmart I wouldn't be available 24 hours a day.  I do quite well with my set schedule and my clients don't complain, neither do the agents I have deals with.  As an independent contractor I am allowed, and rightfully so, to decide when and how I will work.  I'm sorry you need to be available 24/7, Zach.  I will be sure when I do have a client that wants a loan officer they can talk to at 3am that they contact you.  But until then, I guess my hobby won't be sending you any loans anytime soon. 

..Wow...

Sarah, I do not know what to say...I'm sorry you feel this way.  I was just siding with Vincent in that our current market requires us to be readily available at all times.  The difference between me gaining or loosing a potential client is a matter of minutes if I do not respond when they need me - that's all. 

Again, I do apologize for upsetting you.  I do see your point and I hope that things between can remain amicable.

Best,

Sorry Zach, you just hit a nerve.  This job is not my hobby, but I have found a way to have a balanced life, which involves a set schedule.  I don't like being bashed b/c I don't have to work 24/7.  I do this full time and I teach for my local association, it's not like I am sitting around just not answering my phone, but my clients also know not to call me during dinner or in the middle of the night.  Just like I won't call them at dinner or in the middle of the night.  It's a respect thing.  I also respect this business as a profession and I treat it as such.  If someone is happy being 24/7, more power to them, but it is not the only way to be successful.   

I understand your frustration, but please look at it from both sides of the equation. 

I don't work till 8:30 or 9:00 pm each night and I usually won't answer my phone after 6:00 pm.  My clients know this up front and can appreciate that I don't put business in front of my faith and my family.  Everyone should do what is best for their business, including agents who wish to have that balance between family and work.  You may choose to work late, but please try to understand those of us who do not wish to.  I have a teenage son and wife who need me as much as the agent across town, and God put me on earth to take care of my family first, then other families.  I'm sure I lose out on some business by operating my brokerage this way, but it would be so much be worse to lose my wife and son.  I can always make money, I can't make another family.

PS.  The other agents always have access to my fax or email so it doesn't stop them from forwarding offers, amendments, etc.

Sarah,

It's alright - I understand where you are coming from and respect the balance that you have been able to sustain in your life.  I have this myself, but have come to learn that a lot of my clients are working 9-5 jobs and have the easiest time speaking with me after 5,6,7,8 even 9 pm.    Don't get me wrong, I do draw the line when CA clients call me at 2 am...Bottom line, we both are equally effective running our business the way we run them.  I should not make comments that are obtuse and I apologize.

Good, no hard feelings - I like that, wink and make up:)

 

 

Well said Guy!

Vicent - thanks for posting this as it was a real eye opener into different view points.