More Home Model Openings Temp-Staffed

When new-home models open in prime Southern California locales, more companies are paring employment costs by hiring temporary workers to staff grand openings.

During the first two months of the year, Real Estate Temps of San Clemente reported revenue has surged 30% over revenue a year ago. “The demand is very high,” said JoAnne Williams, the firm’s national director, “and it’s pretty evenly divided around Southern California.”

Last year, she said, the 9-year-old firm placed about three temporary workers a month in permanent positions. Now, the figure is roughly seven to 10 per month. The firm even has two employees devoting much of their time to recruiting new staffers.