What Are Real Estate Agents' Hours Like?

When you have a home to sell or want to buy a home, you're probably going to start wondering about real estate agents' hours. If you're like most of us and have an even mildly insane schedule-work, kids, you name it-meeting with anyone during normal business hours can be a serious challenge. So how hard is it to find someone who can work around your hours? And what type of hours does a real estate agent keep, anyhow?

So what hours do they work? The simple answer: Everything depends on the agent. If you've looked for houses before, you know that most open houses happen on weekends around brunch time or into the early afternoon. That's a time frame that most real estate agents expect to dedicate to their clients. Saturday at 8 p.m.? Not so likely.

Still, if your schedule allows you to view houses only on weeknight evenings, there is probably an agent out there who can accommodate you. You just have to look.

The 80-20 rule often applies when it comes to real estate agents, says  Lee Dworshak, a real estate agent with Keller Williams LA Harbor Realty in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.

"Twenty percent of the licensed agents out there are handling 80% of the sales," she says.

What about the  other 80%? They are agents most likely working part time, possibly around their kids' schedules or a primary career. That means their hours are more limited, although they could coincide with the hours when you are available. Just ask.

Real estate agent  Ashlie Roberson of Triplemint tells clients her office hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"That said, a great broker understands that this is an industry where we work around our client's schedule, and we do what we need to do to provide the best service possible, regardless of what time it is," Roberson says.

If you know your schedule is hectic, be sure to mention this to your agent before you start working together. Have a frank conversation about how well your times will sync up before you sign an agreement. This will ensure you're not signing up for months of mutual frustration.

Roberson makes herself available for emergencies occurring beyond her office hours. But she says planning is crucial. So if you need to schedule an early-morning or late-night showing, be sure to bring it up well ahead of time. There's no guarantee that your agent will be able to accommodate you, but providing notice makes it more likely.

The home you're interested in buying might be occupied while it's on the market, Roberson adds. "This just means there's another party's schedule you need to take into consideration. So there are a lot of factors that contribute to your schedule."

To make the process work for everyone, you will need to be flexible, too. Keep in mind that this inconvenience is temporary. A little sacrifice of time now will pay off later. But the good news is, whatever your hours, there's probably a Realtor who can work with you.