Should Estate Agents Work on Saturdays?

That might seem a ridiculous question with a very obvious answer, but I’ve noticed a worrying trend that has made me ask it.

I’ve found that more and more agencies are employing weekend ‘viewing staff’, and more of the candidates I’m interviewing are looking to avoid working Saturdays if at all possible.

Whilst I can understand the appeal of having Saturdays off, it simply doesn’t come with the territory. Agents have a huge incentive for being available on a Saturday; it’s the busiest day of the week, with usually 40 - 50% of viewings happening on that day. That means that estate agents who work on Saturdays have by far the most opportunity to agree a sale! Knowing that, why on earth would they not want to work on a Saturday?

Homeowners have every right to expect that the agent they’ve chosen to sell their home will be taking all measures to do just that. I strongly believe that passing a potential buyer from a member of staff who’s spent time talking to them and understanding their needs, to a different member of staff only for the viewing, substantially diminishes the chance of success for a sale.

If you want to be a successful estate agent, factor in the absolute necessity to work, and enjoy, your busiest day; Saturday.

If you’re selling a home and your agent is not accompanying viewings, passing potential buyers between staff, closing early on a Saturday, and/or generally under manning their office on a Saturday, then it’s time to ask if they are the right agent to sell your home...

Mike Cole,
Owner,
Imagine Estate and Letting Agents
Telephone: 01923 630844
Web: www.imagine-group.co.uk