So true, I can't count the numbers of times that I pick up new clients that switch agents because they can't get hold of them "after hours".

Janice~ Plus you had them under contract quickly, so it wasn't as though you were going out EVERY evening and EVERY weekend for weeks on end!

There are days I wish my work was done by 5. It's been an exhausting few days showing houses.

Truth is, real estate is just not a 9-5 job.  So true.  I think that one must have some flexibility to accomodate the buyer's schedule.  On the other hand, there are times when family comes first.

Yes so often the buyers MUST look at homes after 5 pm and weekends based on their jobs.

Just spent the day today with my daughter. Showing 2 house tomorrow. Just how it is sometimes.

Isn't that the truth? I got a call from one of my pre-approved buyers who wanted to see at house and at 9:05 pm we were punching in the code to get inside.  I work when they are available.

As much as I want it to be..

Just an hour ago (yes, at midnight) I emailed the request for showing a home on Sunday. Guess what, I get a reply within 5 minutes to confirm the appointment!

Janice

when you have a passion for this work we do, and you enjoy it as much as your time on the golf course or racquetball court, you know you can take off a couple of hours (if you want) any day of the week to play and being willing to work almost anytime when you do not have a scheduled appointment or other commmitments is just common sense.

It is not about quantity but quality. I admire agents who are productive and have their life( time for families, friends, hobbies). You must have some boundaries. Being available 24/7 is very stressful( not just for you, but for everyone around you).

Janice - So true.  You need some flexibility and you need to work around the client's schedule.  It doesn't have to be insane hours, but yes, most need to look on weekends and early evening.

There is simply no way to service clients properly if we only do it from 9-5!

I agree with you. Most buyers can see homes on weekends and in the evenings. 

I couldn't agree more.  If I only showed homes during regular hours, I'd be out of business and working for someone else...  that's not happening!

On a side note, I was stationed down in Moody AFB, GA way back in the day.  I saw that you are from Valdosta, GA in your signature.  I sure miss that place.  

True. I have learned a thing or two about priorities as well as referring customers with schedules I could not accommodate.

We are fortunate in my market. Most are retirees that want to work with us during the day. I do some Saturday work but during the week NOT after 6p.m.!

Janice, you are so right. We work when others are not and that means evenings and weekends, although I won't go anywhere before noon on Sunday

Janice, this is a business where an agent has to be flexible with the client's hours of availability. As you said, they may be looking to go out of business.

Janice - I totally agree with your premise... we work when our clients are not at work.  Getting into the houses that they want to see when they can see it is the key to the game... and blocking some personal time for the agent along the way

You work when other people don't. But in defense of the here we go with kick the other agent in our own profession. Maybe that won't work nights, weekends professional  that really does. But not for this particular buyer. Who as you ask questions, realize why the ten foot pole marks all over them.

Not qualified, want to see anything, everything. All over the place. Wants to look now, ask questions later. Resists filtering the list to zero in on something their budget, bank loan program could hope to match up and get to a closing to actually buy.

When I have something to do in Real Estate...there is no clock...I live by results

I have always believed that being a real estate agent was not a job. It is more of a lifestyle career. I tell people I retired from the working world 21 years ago:)

I mostly work with investors and with listings. This avoids hogging up too much time on the evenings and weekends.  The buyer agents can get their half of the commission in return for working those extra long hours on my behalf. 

Janice, you are right, real estate is not a 9-5 job.  But it doesn't need to be a 24 hour a day job either.

Janice... you are right that it's not a 9-5 job... but that being said, there are ways to organize your time so that you are not out every evening after 5pm and all day long on weekends.

It's rare that I will work with a client that can go out and see property during the week.  It happens, but it's rare.  I don't understand agents that work 40 hours and cut it off. 

I agree but up to a point, limnits have to be set otherwise your time is not your own. I remember years ago when the President of Tiffanys was asked why he maintained regular store hours during Christmas. He said first we have an exceptional product that you should come in to our sotre for, and second you just give people the excuse not to budget their time and yours. After 25 years this is a lesson I have learned.

An agent can set their own hours.  However, no broker has to hold their license with those restrictions. 

I'd like to work 9-5 weekdays too.  In fact I did when I was with the government.

HATTED IT!!!

Perhaps, commercial real estate would be more to their liking as it is 9-5.

I have watched many an agent fail as a REALTOR due to not wanting to work nights or Sunday's.....all the more for us.

I do understand you. Being in Real Estate requires time and devotion. And if you are not up for it, surely you will not survive. All the best!

I seldom work with clients past 5 pm and almost never past 8pm. As far as the weekends go, maybe a few days a month.

However, I do internet or computer things in the evening and weekends. It takes time to be looking at properties.