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.
Key Takeaways
- Weekends often provide real estate agents with prime opportunities for doing business.
- Most agents are free to set their own hours.
- The amount of time and effort that real estate agents put into their careers determines how much they can earn.
- Some agents work exclusively on weekends.
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.
Weekends allow agents to accommodate potential buyers' requests to look at different properties if they must fly or drive in for a quick weekend trip without affecting their time at work.
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.
What Is the Escrow Process?
Escrow describes the process of the buyer, the seller, and their brokers and agents placing documents and money with a third party. The third party holds them pending the finalization of the sale when they're distributed to the rightful individuals. The third party is typically referred to as an escrow agent and they hold this property according to the terms of a written agreement.
What Is the Difference Between a Broker and an Agent?
Real estate agents typically work for brokers. Both positions involve assisting consumers in the process of buying, selling, or renting real estate but the licensing and educational requirements are different.
Agents must undergo a period of training that can vary in duration by state law. They must then pass a written exam to become licensed. Acquiring a broker's license requires more extensive and arduous training before sitting for an exam. The exact rules and extent of this training are also determined by state law.
What Is the Multiple Listing Service?
The Multiple Listing Service or MLS is a grouping of information from 580 regional databases. These databases assist agents and brokers by detailing real estate listings and properties that are for sale. Agents must pay dues to access the MLS and find out what's available for sale as well as to post their own listings.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) settled a lawsuit in 2024 that included an agreement to prohibit offers of broker compensation on the MLS, although offers can still be negotiated privately between parties. The settlement is pending court approval.
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.
