What are the general hours a real estate agent has to work?

Question

What are the general hours a real estate agent has to work? I have a daily job from around 3pm to midnight each day and also do not have a lot of time on weekends. I am wondering whether a real estate agent can succeed by working from 7am-3pm on weekdays only. How flexible is being a real estate agent AND investor? How much can I expect to make working these kind of hours?

Thank you.

Patrice Boenzi · Answer

Account Closedyou need to be available when clients are available. As an agent I learned quickly "you can't make a deal unless you are there". There are many days I have my day scheduled for continuing education, training, marketing etc and then the phone rings and someone wants to see something "right now" if you aren't available they will call someone who is. The other factor to consider is cost. Start-up costs, at least in Illinois, are expensive and then there is monthly fees, continuing education etc. also, as a new agent you will need a coach and training which is also usually done during the day. Honestly, in my opinion, being a part-time agent would be difficult. You need the flexibility to be at inspections and closings which sometimes is like hitting a moving target.

Teddy Smith · Answer

You can make 7am-3pm work easily. In theory, you can work which ever hours you please, but ideally you want a 9am-5pm.

I worked as a pool cleaner for 3-4 days a week (8am-5pm) at one time and still managed to go full-time about 6 months ago. Happiest day of my life!

Chinmay J. · Answer

When do you think most people look for houses? Given that most people don't work at night, and work 8 AM - 5 PM, and have their weekends off.  As an investor who has real estate license, you are only working for yourself (like me.. with an occasional client), things are more flexible.  If you want to succeed as a realtor, you need to have your weekends off and evenings off.

Teddy Smith · Answer

Yes, I think you could. You also have to take into consideration that those jobs are going to keep you from devoting time to the business, so it will take you longer to get out of your job.

Account Closed · Answer

What about 5pm-12am? Can you be successful working these hours?

Kimberly H. · Answer

7am-3pm on weekdays only?  95% of my  showing requests are outside of those hours.

Jed Slaughter · Answer

The great thing about real estate is that you really get to do whatever you want, and what your clients are willing to put up with. Its challenging to put a specific hr to hr on there, the work is all over the place. Somedays you work 12 hours some days only a few. You usually end up working hours and days you might not be planning on. I had to work deals on both Thanksgiving and Christmas this last year. Stuff comes up and you have to act. Thats not to say you can't just be very open with clients and let them know what hours you are not available. Also, much can be accomplished on a smart phone or tablet remotely, its not all showing houses all the time. Most of the time is paperwork, lead gen, mls work etc. you should be fine. If you'd like to discuss further Pm me, always happy to talk.

Alex Bok · Answer

I agree with everything said above. At a 100% commisssion based firm you are your own boss. I find that am often working many hours but sporadically as you have to meet clients needs

Chinmay J. · Answer

Training fees vary from broker to broker.  The broker I am with (Samson Properties) currently does everything high tech. They have a very modern outlook on things. My old broker did things more old fashioned way. I had to pay $500+ one time training fee, E&O insurance, and desk fee with them. I also had 65:35 split. Their training system was pretty good and while they were expensive I learned some good basic things with them. Good thing was that they gave me leads.  Samson Properties on the other hand lets me keep 100% of commission, but that brokerage is more for people who are at a  point where they know basics and can figure things out themselves.  So when you go to a broker, make sure you are getting what suits your needs the best.  Interview them.

As far as other set up fees are concerned, I had some one time registration fees with DPOR (Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation), and association fees. I am with DAAR (Dulles Area Association of Realtors), and pay something like $480 per 6 months, and MLS fees.  It takes a little over $1500 to keep my license active. Well worth it.

First deal I ever did, I broke even, plus I had some walking around money left. I do zero advertising, because my focus is my own personal investing. If you want to do this full time as your bread and butter, you have to advertise.

What are the general hours a real estate agent has to work?

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