Do Real Estate Agents Work on Weekends?

Many real estate agents choose to work on weekends because it's a convenient time for people to view houses. Agents don't get paid until they make a sale so optimizing showing windows to have as many showings as possible when they can seal the deal is crucial.

Setting Flexible Hours

Many real estate agents set their own hours and they'll work on Sundays so that they can reach out to people who work during regular business hours from Monday to Friday. Many individuals and families who are looking to buy real estate are planning a move from other cities so an agent may have people coming to the area from long distances.

Weekends are also an advantageous time for agents to work because it may also be easier for a seller to leave his or her home on the weekend for a long period of time. Rather than scheduling small windows of time each evening for different showings, scheduling an entire Saturday or Sunday of showings can maximize an agent's weekend schedule to get in multiple showings in one day. The seller can plan a family outing, run errands, and dedicate some time to other activities.

Many real estate agents have to make evening appointments when showing houses in addition to working weekends. Buyers are often not able to get to the property during regular daytime business hours.

The Effort Determines Payout

The amount of time and effort that real estate agents put into their careers determines how much money they make, along with the amount of commission they earn on each sale. Some part-time agents commit to only a few listings per year but full-time agents are keen on maximizing their opportunities to diversify properties and close multiple deals. This often means opting to work during the weekends.

Real estate is directly correlated with housing booms and busts so some years will also be busier than others with potential income to be made. On average, a real estate agent will make approximately 3% of the final selling price of a home. The average commission is 6% divided between the sellers' and buyers' agents.

It's Still a Full-Time Job

Of course, showing houses and apartments isn't the only part of a real estate agent's job. Not only do agents have showings and listing appointments on the weekends but they also may have to spend time comparing properties, dealing with negotiations, filling out paperwork, scheduling inspections, assisting buyers during the escrow process, and coordinating other tasks related to buying and selling real estate.

Many agents choose to work a full day on a weekend when they have a showing anyway because of the behind-the-scenes work that has to be completed in addition to showing properties. Some agents prefer to work exclusively on weekends and keep some of their weekdays as their makeshift weekend days.

The Bottom Line

Real estate agents cite flexible hours as a huge pro but it's still a full-time job at the end of the day. Individuals who are considering entering the real estate industry should expect to spend time working on weekends and evenings if they want their business to thrive and be successful.