Generational shifts are reshaping attitudes around punctuality and relationships, particularly within the homebuying arena, as more members of Generation Z enter the market. While Gen Z has been actively pursuing homeownership, their notoriously laid-back approach to timeliness is raising eyebrows among real estate agents and employers alike.
One vivid example is the experience shared by Hunter Schattler, a Detroit real estate agent who noted how tardiness can directly impact the buying process. Schattler was showing a client, a Gen Z musician, an ideal house located within a friendly gated community. Unfortunately, the client arrived 45 minutes late. "My guy arrived 45 minutes late," said Schattler. The delay not only frustrated the seller but also resulted in the missed opportunity; by the time the musician walked through the door, the current homeowner felt the showing was over and had lost interest.
Such incidents highlight the importance of punctuality, especially within competitive markets. "If my client had done [shown up on time], he would have the house," adds Schattler, emphasizing the painful lesson learned about the necessity of being prompt when it matters most.
This struggle over timeliness resonates beyond real estate, impacting how Gen Z integrates with the modern workforce. A recent survey by Intelligent.com illustrated managers' growing dissatisfaction with young hires, citing significant concerns over their punctuality and professional etiquette. Huy Nguyen, the chief education and career development advisor at Intelligent.com, explained, "Many recent college graduates may struggle with entering the workforce for the first time as it can be a huge...shift from their prior experiences.”
According to the survey, around 75% of managers expressed reluctance to hire another recent college graduate, and about 25% noted issues with Gen Z employees being late to work and meetings. Nguyen's commentary sheds light on the transitional hurdles faced by this generation as they navigate the professional expectations of adulthood.
It's not just the homebuying process where these issues surface, as evidenced by the personal anecdotes of other young adults trying to secure homes. Bianca Fabian, who was house hunting for her and her husband during the chaotic market conditions of January 2023, recalls the competitive nature of the process. The couple lost out on the very first house they aimed to visit simply because they arrived late, realizing too late how urgent the situation was.
Her experience echoes the sentiment shared by many prospective homebuyers: the need for immediacy has never been more pressing. After losing their initial opportunity, Fabian and her husband adjusted their approach. "We started arriving ‘super early’ for showings," Fabian said, which soon paid off, demonstrating adaptability within this frantic home-seeking climate.
The consequences of chronically late arrivals extend beyond just individual disappointment. Cara Ameer, another real estate agent, noted the potential ripple effects: “Being chronically late to showings can be a huge problem, particularly if you are showing occupied homes and if you have multiple properties you are showing.”
Agents highlighted the stakes at play, arguing punctuality is deeply rooted not only in professionalism but also respect for others' time and operations. Ben Jacobs, another New York-based agent, remarked, "Our time is valuable...there's no room for lateness.” According to him and his colleagues, tardiness can sour relationships, putting long-term partnerships at risk.
"There's a saying that's sadly true: 'Time kills all deals,'" Jacobs concluded, reflecting frustration felt by agents who work tirelessly for their clients, only to be met with disrespect when those clients fail to honor commitments.
Looking at the broader picture, it seems the importance of punctuality isn’t just confined to real estate or the workplace— it transcends social boundaries and relationships. With nearly half of the 68 million Gen Zers eyeing homeownership within the next few years, their approach to time could determine their success. The growing culture of lateness could potentially alter the generational narrative, redefining interpersonal dynamics at the most pivotal moments of adulthood.
While there’s much to be learned from these conversations, one takeaway stands out: embracing timeliness can not only facilitate smoother transitions but also strengthen relationships, both personally and professionally. With rising rates of homeownership ambitions among Gen Z, as 87% of them still view owning property as part of the American Dream, they certainly would benefit from infusing punctuality and respect for others’ time within their cultural expectations.