Library › Data AI › Real estate agents

Get a deadline formula that skips weekends and holidays

  • For Real estate agents
  • You practice Giving the right context
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

Inspection contingencies end 10 calendar days after the accepted date in B2, but if that day lands on a weekend or a date on your Holidays tab (A2:A10), the deadline moves to the next business day. Ask for one formula for C2 in one code block, then exactly 2 numbered lines labeled Rule: (in plain words) and Example: (the 1407 Oak row's deadline). Under 50 words outside the code.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Asking for WORKDAY(B2,10). That counts 10 business days, which lands days too late. Try: Say: "10 calendar days, then move to the next business day only if needed."
  • Leaving out holidays. The AI skips weekends but leaves a Thanksgiving deadline in place. Try: Add: "Skip dates on Holidays!A2:A10."
  • No worked example. You can't tell if the formula is right without one known answer. Try: Add: "Example: the 1407 Oak deadline."
  • Getting a menu of options. The AI likes to offer two or three versions of the formula, so you're left to pick and test them yourself. Try: Add: "Give one formula only, in one code block, no alternatives."
  • Getting a tutorial. By default the AI explains every part of the formula at length. Try: Add: "Each line under 20 words. Nothing else."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Says calendar days, then roll
  • Mentions the holiday list
  • Asks for an example
  • Asks for one formula

Practice this now ↑

Related exercises