T
he Rise of Gen Z Homebuyers: A Lesson in Punctuality

    As the largest generation in history, Gen Z is finally entering the housing market, but their laid-back attitude may be a liability. Real estate agents are warning that tardiness can cost them dearly, and it's not just about being fashionably late.

    Hunter Schattler, a Detroit real estate agent and house flipper, had a prime example of this when his Gen Z client showed up 45 minutes late to view a coveted property in a gated community. The seller, who had two young children, was already inside the house when the client arrived, and after doing some online research, discovered the client's troubled past. Needless to say, the sale fell through.

    Schattler's advice? "Show up on time." It's a lesson that applies not only to homebuying but also to the workforce. A recent survey by Intelligent.com found that 75% of managers would be hesitant to hire another Gen Z graduate due to their lack of punctuality. In fact, 25% said Gen Z employees are often late to start work, and 20% said they're frequently late to meetings and assignments.

    This tardiness can have serious consequences in a competitive market where hesitation can lead to regret. As Bianca Fabian, co-founder of PR agency Command Collective, learned the hard way when house hunting with her husband in Long Island, NY. They lost their first home as they were driving to the showing, but by arriving "super early" for subsequent viewings, they managed to snag their dream home in just four months.

    The takeaway? Punctuality matters – not just for Gen Z homebuyers but also for anyone looking to succeed in today's fast-paced world. As agent Cara Ameer puts it, "Time kills all deals."