Real Estate Blog - Do You Take Off Work on Labor Day?

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Do You Take Off Work on Labor Day?

Because of cell phones and computers, how do you get away from work on Labor Day? I just heard the trucks on my street scraping up garden refuse, so I know that some Sacramento city workers don't take off Labor Day. I suspect it's because they can earn time-and-a-half. Plus, it's an early morning job. But do you take off Labor Day? Relax with the family, go to the beach or on a hike or maybe just stay home and read a book?

I received an email this morning from an Lori Kim Polk, wishing me a happy Labor Day and suggesting that I enjoy my day off. <Waving -- hi Lori!> What day off? I have a home showing tour this morning and another in the afternoon. It's my clients' day off, not mine. Some of my associates have set up open houses today to accommodate the number of buyers who will be out looking at homes.

I'd say I work most holidays, except maybe Christmas. However, that can be the best day to buy a home. With our non-stop busy lives, I imagine most people are doing some kind of work today, but maybe not. What about you? Are you taking Labor Day off?

Photo: Big Stock Photo

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Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout Sacramento. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. DRE License # 00697006.

The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available through bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.

Photo: Unless otherwise noted in this blog, the photo is copyrighted by Big Stock Photo and used with permission.

Posted by Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Short Sale Agent, 916.233.6759, Lyon RE on 09/01/2008 09:40 AM

Comments (40)

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Originally posted at: Elizabeth Weintraub • Sacramento Short Sale Agent • Land Park: Do You Take Off Work on Labor Day?

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40 Comments on Do You Take Off Work on Labor Day?

SEP

2008

I think probably the only reason I'm taking off today is because my oldest son is home for the weekend from Ft. Bragg. I'm not even answering the phones. He's still asleep so I'm cheating a little. I doubt I'd even be cheating if my other son was home but he is with his father today. When my little one is home I try not to work at all.

I'm working! I'd love to take the day off and relax with my family, but I'm needed, so I'll go to work!

Thanks for the article on best days, pretty interesting stuff. I think I am 1/2 and 1/2 today. I have a contract to sign at a new home builder's office about 45 minutes away. I think I will stop by the office for a minute or two but after that I am taking off all afternoon :). Have a great labor day!

Kristin

I take off when I wish. However, holidays are a day when home buyers are likely to surf the Internet and call or e-mail me.

I got a very good buyer call this a.m. and had to contact 4 agents before I could give the buyer to an agent.

One of my broker referral partners snapped me once when I called him on Memorial day. "Good Grief, Lenn, it's a national holiday. I wouldn't think of calling anyone on a National Holiday," he said. Well folks, buyers are calling me on National Holidays.

I didn't even call him this a.m.

Can not take a whole day off. I respect the holiday and wish we had more of them, but a little work never hurt anyone.

I "chose" to take the day off - It is good that we can do that!

I have shut down most of my computers and enjoying my kids and a relaxing day. Will do filing and catch up with reading while at home and just relax.

Will take the kids with me and check out some new listings on the market, and grab some ice cream, joining work and play

If I get some amazing lake invite, I take Labor day off. But this year, no such luck, so I am working a little, and available. I think planning ahead is the key. If I am truly off off, I have someone covering for me. Otherwise, if I take a day off and someone calls me, I say " I am already booked today, when is the next best time for you?" Or I turn my phone off and check it every 2-3 hours. I don't mind working most holidays, but I WILL NOT work Christmas or Easter.

BethAnn in Spokane

Hi Elizabeth,

Normally I take off most all holidays. If someone really needs to reach me they can, but that's about it. Time off if more important than ever for me. It's added to my longevity and in the long run it renews my enthusiasm which is good for production.

Happy Labor Day to you!

Elizabeth, as a small business, hands on, general contractor for over 30 years, Labor Day, just meant the day you Labored More because your employees had better things to do:)

Mortgage folks have the day off until Realtors call us...phone is on and computer is geared up!

I enjoyed the beach for the past few days, so I came back last night so that I can show homes later this afternoon. Fortunately, I really like the buyers so it will be a pleasure.

I'm in the working column. I don't mind it, had a nice lazy day off yesterday, ready to get going!

I am always working...we can fix our scediles how e want to..but if a good buyer calls, why not work-look at the money we make!!!

Labor Day is like any other day for me. Many businesses in our town will be closed but we'll still have buyers in town -- so I'd better be there to work with them. ~ Evelyn

If all these people are taking off, why are they on AR? Happy Labor Day!

Elizabeth ~ While I am off from my day job, I have to do some shopping for a home I will be staging. It won't take all day, but it's something I "have to" do; in my book that's working!

If you want to take off I guess you could. I posted something about this and received a few harsh responses from folks who it would seem could definitely benefit from taking some down time. Anyhow, the business is out there if you want it.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/668143/You-re-Taking-The

You're Taking The Day Off? Really!?!

Elizabeth - No, I don't take Labor Day off. I guess I don't get many holidays "off". I try to squeeze some time off here and there. If I try to take a day off, it seems that's when everybody needs me... :)

I work "24/7" (sort-of anyways), although days like today have little or no assignments - but I am still marketing and networking. You must do something to generate business!

we mostly do...

Labor day is a fantastic day here in Virginia. We have family here from New Orleans and they are enjoying beautiful weather!

your friend in Charlottesville!

Gotta go treat my fleas in my fleas infested house. Other than that, it's a free day.

I'm out laboring. That's what Labor Day is for, right?

Sandy

I'm in the office today, it can be one of the best last hurrah days of the year. Usually we start to slow down right after Labor Day. I've had two good calls this morning will see where they lead hopefully to an offer or better yet a closing.

Nope, I with Sandy I labor.

Looks like about 30% of the responses so far are taking the day off. Well, except for that little part about typing in front of your monitor. :)

Happy Labor Day, everybody. I'm back out for my second showing of the day. Then, I'll write about 1,000 words for my book, maybe put together a list of blogs I need to write for my About.com site and, if all goes well, enjoy a grilled steak dinner on the deck with my husband.

Good luck with the deflea-ing, Barbara. Google "Fleas in the House." It ranks number one. :)

Hi Elizabeth! I'm working and happy to have the business and be needed. Well, I showed a house this morning, enjoying ActiveRain right now, may write an offer later, probably enjoy a dinner at some point. I perfectly happy and love the flexibility....I used to be tied to an office job, so I really appreciate this!

Ann Allen Birmingham Realtor

Elizabeth: I take about 75% or better of holidays off! I find that most of the clients I work with like having days off to relax. Home shopping is anything but relaxing.

Taking the day off...Hmmm..I remember that concept. But not today. In this down market, we're on 24/7. The only exception is next week. We're taking the day (or hope to anyway) to turn off the cells and tune out the world. It's his birthday and we're hoping to get some hiking in.

I too work most holidays for the same reasons you mention - and since about 60% of my market is second homes you really have to work holidays if you want to make a go of this business.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I had an open house this weekend (not many other agents did), and I met two new prospects. One seller and buyer and one First Time Home Buyer. I wrote a contract that got accepted today for a first time home buyer and met two more new seller prospects from a sign call late this afternoon who were out driving around. MAN WHAT A WEEKEND!

I hear you, Ann. Flexibility is one of the reasons I'm in this business, too. I might gripe now and then about working 20 hours a day, but then there are days where it's much more reasonable. I'm happy today because my buyer from this afternoon found a great deal and wrote an offer, plus, the buyer from this morning most likely will write an offer tomorrow. It was productive. And I was able to accommodate both of these buyer's schedules whom otherwise might not have been able to get a jump on today's competition!

Hi Chris: Well, most of the buyers I work with are dedicated to getting the job done before prices go up.

Hi Carol: I go hiking with my husband on his birthday, too!

Hi Thesa: I guess second-home business demands more. I never thought of that before.

Hi Michael: Good for you! See, it's been a good weekend when you can make it rain.

I did take today off, but I had to spend some time this evening reading my favorite bloggers.

Elizabeth, I took the "day" off but had to go back to work in the "evening." Such is life in RE. :-)

SEP

2008

Hi Fred and C: And it's back to work this morning in any case, right? :)

Like I need more time off? LOL! We take off, but it is amazing that the phone does ring on holidays and Sundays and even late at night. It we feel it is urgent we act on it especially this year.

Hi Jim: Except for Wednesday nights when I work later, I leave my cell on from 7 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week. If clients need to contact me after 7 PM at night, they can email me, and I'll respond. I do set some limits. :)

I left my office on Saturday afternoon and didnt look back. I shut my puter off...and my cell phone as well. I spent the weekend (and Monday) playing with my sons and wishing I could just get paid for that...:-)

I did not work on Labor Day...I went fishing on the Lower Sacramento River in Redding. I have started taking Sundays off too...I would make an exception if I needed to. It is just not fair to my husband if I work so much. I know my little weekend trips have cost me business, but I will choose my hubby over a client any day.

Hi Clint: I wish I could do that, but I can't. To each his own, I suppose.

Hi Erin: Ooooo, I'm so jealous. I LOVE fishing. Fortunately, my husband is a workaholic, too, so he doesn't mind my work schedule. Well, that, and I buy him presents, you know: new car, remodeled kitchen, actual planned vacations in Europe. The way it works in my household is my money is our money. So, thank goodness, he forgives me. :)

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