This blog is directed at new agents. Experienced agents, who know their systems, their markets and their contracts, and who have a steady stream of business can certainly succeed working part-time. But in the first year......
No! Selling real estate (well) is NOT a part-time job!
I know this opinion is unpopular. And because I like to be liked, I've kept my mouth shut. As an active participant on several real estate forums, I see this question come up time and again. Responses range from "Oh, yes, you can definitely sell real estate part time" to "Well, you can do it, but you'll have to work real hard." To my great surprise, no one comes right out and says "Are you crazy??"
So, I'll be brave and go first... "Are you crazy?"
Let's talk about the reasons someone might become a PT real estate agent...
Uh...okay, only one reason comes to mind. Money. Not enough of it.
I can't think of any other reason someone would start a new career and only attack it half-assed (or less!)
This is a tough business to get into, especially now. Well, I should rephrase that - it's certainly not tough to get into, but it's very tough to succeed in. Rumor has it that eighty percent of new agents fail within the first year. Eighty percent! So, if you are considering entering a business in which eighty percent don't make it through the first year, the odds are very much against your chances of succeeding. And you think that giving it less than your all is going to improve those odds?
The common song I hear when agents insist on going part-time is a whining "Well, it would be NICE if I could do it full-time, but not EVERYONE has that luxury!"
Fair enough.
Then, maybe, just maybe, this isn't the right time. Just because selling real estate is your dream doesn't mean that you are entitled to succeed if you aren't ready. Some dreams may just have to wait. Patience, grasshopper!
But enough ranting and raving (maybe). Here are some solid reasons part-time is not nearly as cool as full-time:
1. Being part-time screams to your friends, prospects and clients that you aren't successful enough to do it full-time. And who wants to work with an unsuccessful real estate agent?
2. Being part-time requires you to be oh-so-efficient with your time. This sounds like a good thing, but it's not. In the course of learning to be a good real estate agent, you need to be able to risk "wasting" your time. For example, let's say you get a floor call from a marginally qualified buyer. If you're part-time, you might be tempted (or forced) to turn him away. If you're full-time, you're delighted for the opportunity to practice your craft, regardless of the potential for a paycheck. But I guarantee you, whether or not you get paid for running around with this buyer, the learning experience will be worth every "wasted" minute. And who knows, this buyer could end up being your biggest referral source.
But as a part-time agent who doesn't have time to mess around, you'll never know.
3. I don't see how a new part-time agent can truly serve her clients when she doesn't have the time to learn her craft. When I was new, everything I did took me five times as long to do as it should have because I had a huge learning curve to climb over. I worked very hard (full-time) to learn my market, to master my systems, to know my contracts inside and out, to develop my team of service providers and oh, yes, to answer my phone every time my clients called... or to return their calls within five minutes.
4. Your paying clients expect and deserve your full attention. Especially when you're new and, c'mon, admit it, you don't know what you're doing. When you go on your first listing appointment, you SHOULD have spent the previous 48 hours straight preparing your market analysis. Your fear of failure and embarrassment should motivate you to go through the comparable market data with a fine-toothed comb. A part-time agent doesn't have the time or energy for this.
Your buyer needs an agent who is as enthusiastic about his house-hunt as he is. He deserves an agent who previews like a madman to find just the right house the day it hits the market. An agent who is willing and able to hold the buyer's hand through the painful inspection. An agent who can drop everything and spend five hours making phone calls when a last-minute crisis threatens your buyer's closing.
5. The agent on the other side of the deal expects and deserves your attention. She doesn't want to do your job for you just because you're at your "real" job and can't get away. And remember, you're making her look bad to her clients when she can't reach you to get a question answered or a problem resolved.
6. Selling real estate is a constant learning experience. Even full-time, experienced agents learn something new with every sale or listing. If you're only selling four or five houses a year because you're part-time, you're missing out on a lot of on-the-job training. It doesn't matter how smart, how motivated or how charming you are, you'll never be as qualified as a good full-time agent.
(Note I said "good." There are plenty of bad full-time agents and you may very well be more qualified than some of them).
7. In both of your careers, if something goes wrong, it's going to be blamed on your dual-life. Perhaps with good reason.
Again, I know my opinion is unpopular. I just know how hard I worked in my first five years, and I can't imagine succeeding in (or even enjoying) this career without devoting my heart and soul to it.
So, here's an alternate plan. If you want to sell real estate and you want to succeed... work your backside off for the next year and save some money. Work two or even three jobs that guarantee you a paycheck and put that money away. After all, that's what you're talking about doing anyway, right? Working two jobs? If you think building a real estate business is easier than, say, waiting tables at night, you're mistaken. At least waiting tables guarantees you $3/hour with no out-of-pocket costs!
Then, hit your new career with guns blazing. ALL your energy. ALL your enthusiasm. ALL your attention. You'll be glad you did, I promise.
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Confidence-Builders for the Rookie Real Estate Agent
copyright Jennifer Allan 2007
We have the same problem in the world of finance. I pride myself on getting things done in a timely manner. If you aren't in the office you can't get things done when they need to be. Most part time finance people give there friends and family bad loans so they can make an extra buck. In short order the friends and family referrals dry up and they go away.
The other similiar problem we have in finance is residential LO's trying out commercial. I know some LO's are having a tough time with residential finance but they are going to step into commercial find a mentor to teach you. Do you real estate agents have the same problem?
I am a part-time agent. And I guarantee you I won't be one of the 80% who fall off in the first year. I have a passion for real estate and I always will.
My decision to become part-time and not full-time right now was because my financial situation wouldn't allow me to continue paying my bills on time. Another major reason is that I wanted to get a feel of the business, take my time and build my strategy and at the same time build a client base. I intend to transition into being a full- time agent within 12 months. And while I can appreciate your arguments; I know of successful agents who did exactly what I did, sold a couple houses their first year to supplement their income, secure some financial stability and then transitioned. By doing that, you don't have to have a panic attack if you don't close a transaction in two months, when real estate is your full-time job.
Thanks so much for the post!
Nattalie... You know what? I believe you. Keep me posted, okay?
Jennifer
Harsh words, Jennifer, but they ring so true. As the old saying goes, "You can't have two masters."
ANY type of sales can be a very rewarding experience, but you have to put your time in to reap the rewards. When a client wants to contact you, telling them you weren't available because you were at your other job won't cut it. It just paints you in a bad light that will surely kill your chances at referrals.
The next few months will most likely see a major correction in the number of real estate agents and loan officers in the country. It's time to really WORK at this business and many will throw in the towel instead.
Jennifer, What a great and brave post! I agree with you coming from my side I see this a lot. Your very first point nails it. When any of my Loan Officers or myself start to work on a file and we find out that the Realtor is a "part-time" this what I tell our clients. I fully disclose our fee up front and let the client know this is my fee's however in my experience when working with a part-time Realtor i usually have to do a lot more work. If this does happen my fee's are subject to change. I go to tell them if they don't return calls because it will effect their full time jobs then my fee's will change.
I do not mean to bash all the Part-Time Realtors. I believe if they are working towards becoming full time that changes everything. I played golf with Neal Bloom and we had this same discussion. In his case when he moved to Florida he took a job to help his income until he was up and running. I told him that was different because in his eyes he was a Realtor 1st and foremost and the job was to help supplement his income. Not the other way around.
Just because selling real estate is your dream doesn't mean that you are entitled to succeed if you aren't ready.
Very well written, thank you for a great post. There are some part time professionals that are more involved in real estate than their "full time" counterparts, but that is the exception. I do believe Nattalie will make it as well, but she again is an exception, not the norm. There are some agents that can make a transition from part time to full time, once they have had time to "learn the ropes", but what I find are more that aren't able to attend the training classes, aren't able to keep up with their "9-5" and their real estate, and slowly drift away from the industry.
I will Jennifer -
I may have an uncommon situation, but I do answer all my phone calls or call back within 30 minutes. I've forwarded all my calls to my cell phone. I constantly check my emails through out the day.
I don't tell my clients I am at work, I tell them I tell them I am in a meeting, and schedule to meet them immediately after work. The thing is most of my clients are also working individuals and it usually works out well scheduling them in the evening or on weekends. I do a lot of research at work as well...
I know I am at a disadvantage because I am a part-time agent; But not one that would crimple me from prospering in the real estate world.
Matthew - great point. We all have "second" jobs - family, investments, health, whatever - other issues and obligations that take our time away from our career. I agree with you - having a second job (2nd to your real estate career) is a much more viable option.
Thanks!
I think your point is moot. I know very successful agents who work Part time or not at all because the have their support system in place and it is up and running. I know you have heard of the team concept? If one chooses to only handle a certain all full time agents are not always flush with business and many days you spend taking care personal business. I choose to only sell a certain number of homes a year because my business arrangement with my broker allows me to do so. Most agents have to sell three (3) homes to my one (1) to gross the same amount. Does this make me part time?
The most successful agents I know work collectively 2 or 3 days a week and let their machine take care of the rest.
One other thing, the material in your post is taken directly from informational handouts that some brokers give their new agent.
I would go as far as to say that most Realtors aren't full-time. I"ve been guilty of this myself, but if you were to put a clock on a so-called "full-time" agent and subtracted the 27 Realtor board committee meetings, the picking up the dry cleaning, the running the cat to the vet because you make your own schedule, etc., you'd see that most agents don't even put in a 30 hour week.
That's not to say that there isn't some value in circulating and peculating, but be mindful of the clock. How many hours are you truly putting in?
R.B. "Bob" Mitchell
ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.
Jesus had more than one job.
I respect someone who works multiple jobs to make ends meet, provide for their family, etc..
(as opposed to someone who flops on the sofa every day watching Oprah while waiting for the welfare check to arrive)
Part-time agents are consistently being criticized and condemned here at AR by the elitists.
If you are a new or part-time agent reading this comment, please send me an email and I will provide the encouragement you are seeking.
Thanks for reading.
LOL @ Gregory comment.
Were you reading my Licensed Assistant Posts??
haha... this is an epidemic these days
I agree and neither is mortgage brokering... both take more dedication and consumers need to realize that the best professional is one that is 100% dedicated to that single industry niche
Grant - who are you referring to as "new" and "chasing their tail?" Also, what specifically are you implying was plagiarized?
Bob - I agree that we full-time agents have the luxury of picking up our dry cleaning and taking the kids to the vet, but we do those things around the schedules of our clients. We don't go shopping instead of attending a closing or blow off our hot buyer to get a hair cut. Real Estate offers the Illusion of Controlling Your Time!
Being part-time versus full-time is not a function of hours spent. It's a function of being available and flexible to accomodate your clients and prospects and in having the energy and enthusiasm to learn your craft. My last four years I worked fewer than 30 hours a week and made over $250,000/year. My first year I worked 60+ hours a week, putting together the systems and the client database to enable me to work "part-time" hours later down the line.
I think we owe it to our new agents to answer their question honestly. Can you succeed part-time? Maybe, but probably not. Should you go full-time? Yes, if you want to increase your chances of succeeding. What if you can't afford to quit your day-job? Maybe you should wait. Or at least, be realistic about your chances.
Successful full-time agents are not threatened by part-timers. There's plenty of business to go around and this post was not intended to insult anyone. It's intended as frank talk to new agents. Then, it's their decision.
Grant - that was a personal attack. Maybe some people work harder than others and maybe some people have the luxury of free time and a six-figure income but there's absolutely no merit for you or anyone else to bash Jennifer for standing up for what she believes...
Also - I think you went the wrong direction on this... I believe she was thinking more about the semi-pros... the ones who do nails all day and hand out cards while they're chatting... or the bartenders who make a little money here and there in their spare time
not the veterans who have their systems in place
think before you speak
I started as a full time agent. Eventually, you have to become part time because if you want to have a life at all - you can't do real estate full time. Now full time for a regular job is 9-5. If your clients are buying a house, they probably have 9 to 5 themselves. So if you want to serve them, you have to extend your hours to 6-9 in the evening. So if you do that, you are working 9am-9pm.... AND WEEKENDS! What kind of job is that? Awful, that is what. So, I think that what people mean, if they are doing it right, is that they have 2 full time jobs, not a part time real estate career and a full time "other" job. I am up at night waiting for expired listings, I am up early in the morning dropping off stuff and faxing and making calls, then I still take my son to school, clean up, wash clothes, run personal errands, make more calls, prospect, stuff envelopes, blog, read email, respond to email, do CMA's, fix dinner, work on my husband's projects (I design websites, and he does the database programming), pick up my son from school, coach his soccer team, answer more calls, put up sign riders, drive by my properties, go into the office, go grocery shopping, and the list goes on. If you spend 9-5 at a desk or in the field doing real estate, you won't be fresh and ready for the working people you are trying to serve. I think if they do it right, part timers can be just as effective as full timers. That is IF they do it right! I don't believe that you should do real estate work at your 9-5 if you have one. That is unfair to the company that you work for. Answer phone calls and emails on your breaks - time that belongs to you. Also, don't use company stuff for real estate (paper clips, copier, envelopes, computer, etc.). Your co-workers are watching you, and when they are thinking of buying or selling real estate, they will have the impression that you are not professional, and need stuff from your job to get your other job done. Depending on the person, they may see you as a thief... no one wants to work with a thief on their biggest asset! Then again some may not even care! lol
Good job expressing the unpopular opinion... someone has to do it!
:)
Eva
If my goal was 3 and I consider that successful, then yes PT can lead to success.
It's all in the definition of one's perception.
I must say that everything you said makes perfect sense. I think it ultimately depends on the person, how bad they want to succeed, how much effort they are willing to put in, and how flexible their "other" job is. I will be starting my real estate career this summer, and yes, I will be part time. I will consider real estate my "career" though, and my other job a suppliment. I intend to have enough savings to go full time within 12 months. I have a solid plan for achieving that goal. My full time job is pretty flexible. I can answer calls while I am there. I know that I can make this work for me. I know it will be NOT be easy.
I also have to agree with some of the folks here who pointed out that a lot of Realtors that are "full time" only work part time, or less. Some of the Realtors I know don't work AT ALL. They sit in the office all day and hope the phone will ring, but that is the extent of it. I can't help but believe that with the effort I am willing to put in I should be able to out perform these agents.
Thanks Jennifer for a thought inducing post!
Ali
I completely agree, but I love part-time agents. I get referrals from Realtors in my office all of the time. Many times they just give them up with no fee. They won't bother with renters (wasting time).
I rented to a couple two months ago and they referred me to a friend of theirs that is going to BUY in the area. When their lease is up they are going to BUY, too. If I did not have the TIME to find them a rental, I would not be looking at TWO more sales in the next 6-10 months. I love being able to blow a few hours so that I can make an additional $8,000-$12,000.
I am currently a part time agent and if I had to plan it all over again I would have chosen to go full time from the start. If I had to advise someone new to the business, I would tell them to pursue real estate 100% from the start. It takes momentum to build up the business you need to survive, and it is hard to maintain that momentum when there is another job taking that energy away.
I truly believe that you are correct part-time is not a way to do business in this industry. The part-timers that only do a handful of transactions a year are the ones that usually make my life difficult. The ONLY way i would falter on that comment is if in my state they had continuing education. New Jersey has NO continuing education and it is my opinion that if you aren't fully active in the industry that are too many changes, laws, disclosures etc. to keep up with and act in the best interest of your client.
Thanks for the post.
Grant,
(NOTE, this response is in reference to a deleted post)
You can't be serious. Regurgitated material? Word for word? Please... justify this ridiculous accusation. Other than the fact that I wrote it all 100% this morning, I sincerely doubt that any brokerage firm has provided a new agent anything as casually written (word for word???) as what I wrote above.
Is what I'm saying revolutionary? Of course not. You can find these sentiments on any real estate forum. But don't you dare accuse me of plagiarism with some damn good proof. Or, even some mediocre proof.
JA
whatever, you know you striped the thesis and bullet points from other articles and wrote around them.
Here is one article by NAR ( there is more but I am too busy and don't care enough to continue
Can I start my real estate career as a part-time agent?
Perhaps the first quandary that we face in looking at this question is to define what it means to be a part-time agent. The National Association of Realtors, at one time, defined a part-time agent as someone who worked less than 20 hours per week. Some brokers define part-time agents by some minimum income standard. For practical purposes let's assume that being a part-time agent in real estate means that you are gainfully employed full-time somewhere else in a non real estate occupation. When you're not working at your full-time job (i.e. nights and weekends) you will while away your spare time dabbling in the profession of real estate.
However you define the term "part-time agent" the reality is that working less than full-time will make your success in this industry much more difficult. Full-time agency means that "this is what you do for a living." You are a professional real estate salesperson, employed by a broker, assisting buyers and sellers reaching their real estate goals.
Let me share with you some of the facts of life with regard to the real estate profession:
The gap between part-time and full-time agents is getting wider and wider. The start-up costs to enter the real estate profession are much higher today than they have ever been! Licensing requirements, including the costs of pre-licensing and post-licensing courses, are escalating. Entry fees for the local Board of Realtors and participation on the MLS can be staggering
Let's also take a look at the perspective of part-time agent from different situations.
•1. You're at your other job and diligently engrossed in a major project when you receive a telephone call from the buyer client you met this past weekend. He is very interested in seeing a property that has just gone on the market. He's lost out on a couple of other properties and so he is very anxious to have his offer written up immediately and presented as soon as possible. But, it's only 1:15 p.m. and you have to stay at the office until at least 5:30 p.m. What will you do?
•2. An offer to purchase is ready to be presented to your seller. The buyer's agent would like you to present the offer immediately. Your seller is quite anxious to get the house sold. Everyone would like to meet at 7 p.m. but, your supervisor has just informed you that you must work till 9:30 p.m. that evening. There is no one else who can cover your shift. Is this the quality of representation that you want to provide your client? I hope not!
•3. As a part-time sales associate how will you ever generate enough prospects to earn sufficient income in the first few months of your new career to facilitate your transition from part-time to full-time agent?
•4. As a part-time sales associate how will you build the relationships within the office and real estate community that are necessary ingredients of marketing your listings? When will you go on the property tours that are required to build a working knowledge of the available inventory?
There are no easy solutions to this dilemma; should I go full-time or can I ease into the profession as a part-time agent. Although in no way a perfect answer to the question, I suggest your consideration of the following possibilities:
I would love to comment further... but i think at this point... I am going to just
If any of us were "looking" for professional service, would we be looking for someone that provides us the service on a PT basis? Would we look for a PT attorney, PT doctor, oh.... how about PT surgeon? Doesnt that sound scary?
Some people might argue that those are in the "highly professional" jobs? But isnt a real estate agent a local real estate market expert?
Grant - I don't see how this is considered "Plaigarism", Jennifer is speaking from her OWN experience - as did the writer of the sections you pasted above. There a 1,001 ways for anyone to voice an opinion - most require similar terminology but would in no way be anything remotely close to "Plaigarism".
Jennifer - I'm very new (in my first year) and due to some poor choices in the beginning I changed brokerages a few months back and feel that I am just now getting my feet wet (so to speak). I do think that where you live directly affects what you "can" accomplish as an agent (especially as a new one) and a market as saturated and remote as mine come with major challenges. (I don't live in NY City lol; no, my home is Santa Claus Indiana and it is REMOTE to say the least).
Because of my location I am actively trying to GET a part time job - I don't "Have" to work but I see it as a GREAT marketing tool for me. Work in the community - MEET members of my community AND earn a little extra cash to use for running ads in the community. My reasons for working part time are part of my marketing plan - and NOT necessarily about the money. I think if an agent approaches it from that stand-point, their payoff will be one that can bring referrals and business that in time will enable them to go full time.
Greetings Jeenifer:
You hit on a hot button of mine.
It's amazing that people believe they can function as a part time agent for a client.
Agents have a duty to provide all the services and professionalism that the client is expecting and, by the way, they are paying for this service in one way or another. Integrity is important part of this equation. If they are in the business part time are they disclosing this to the client and if they are and have another job are they disclosing to their current employer that they are working another job. After all, that employer is paying wages for the time they spend on the job for work assigned to them. They are not paying them for their work or someone else's work. Are they being honest with the client, other agents, and current employer?
Of course, the part time agent wants to charge the same commission as the full time agent that's been on the job for years. Is the part time agent really bringing the same skills to the table and are they really providing the services a full time agent is expected to give their client?
I have had to work with part time agents and I have never had a good experience with any of them. Let me give you an example of the last part time agent we encountered.
We found a willing and able buyer a house that they wanted to call home. We put the offer together and tried to reach the agent. We could not contact the agent. The part time agent was an airline pilot that was currently flying from Seattle to several points in Asia. We contacted the Broker who did not want to participate in the administration of the transaction and asked us to perform some of the tasks. We did what we could because our client wanted the house. We had to plead the Broker to work with their own client during the negotiation process and she even suggested that we work with the client directly. In the state of Arizona this could have put my license at risk if I would have proceeded as she suggested so we had to force the issues.
This was a $750,000 dollar sale. We negotiated a price at below market value. The owners were retiring and going to use the equity to down size their house and toward their retirement income.
We never once spoke with the agent as he was out of state for the entire process. That agent collected a full commission per the settlement report.
The client did not receive the representation that they paid for and lost part of their equity because of the poor performance of the agent and Broker. If we could have helped their client more during this process without jeopardizing our fiduciary responsibility to our client or our license we would have done so. Is it a wonder REALTORS® are left with the reputation that we have today.
Give me a full time professional agent across the table everyday and twice on Sunday.
Part time agents do have a place but that would be on a team or as a transaction coordinator where they can learn and be supervised. In some of these jobs they are paid while learning the business.
My personal opinion is that our licensing structure and Broker procedures for hiring agents are broken. I say that because they do not serve the best interest of the public.
Jeff Daley
Considering that ALL doctors have 4 year degrees and MD's and ALL lawyers have 4 year degrees and JD's, comparing a real estate agent to a doctor or lawyer has no logic. The fact is that about 90% of agents don't make it passed their first year. Why? because anybody can get a real estate license and the requirements are way to low. Just because you "work" full time doesn't mean that you give professional service and just because you work part-time doesn't mean you don't.
Yawn!!! this stuff is old hat. Maybe those who feel that they need to preach to others and run their constituents down, should look in the mirror and find ways to make their own practice better or see someone about their low self-esteem
I know a many agents who have a ton of experience and are "Full Time" that aren't worth the time of day.
I also know new agents who have a ton of experience in real estate related areas and stellar educations, who will take the most "experienced" agent to the wood shed.
Jennifer M. - great attitude! I agree - if taking a second job helps you to meet people, then it's a good use of time. When it gets in the way of your business... you know it's time to quit.
Jeff - what an amazing story. Does the public really not know better?
Loreena - Okay, so even if we're not on the same playing field as an MD, JD or CPA, most newly self=employed folks dedicate their lives to their new endeavor to ensure that it's successful. Heck, when I was new, I WANTED to work 60 hours a week cause I was so excited about my career!
Jennifer Allen simply stated her "opinion" on part-time vs. full-time, so I feel Grant Howell's aggressive (and negative) responses were unwarranted. He seems angry at the world. Maybe he should spend more time learning how to spell before attacking someone else's opinion.
True, we as Realtors don't possess 4-year degrees, but that's the beauty of succeeding in this business. True, the requirements are way too low, but the strong will prevail, thank goodness. There are pros and cons to part-time. And yes, there are great new agents, as well as bad "seasoned" agents, but isn't this true for all professions?! We should be thankful for our right to free speech and the ability to blog, and we should not cut someone down for their opinion.
.....and that's my opinion!!!!
I apologize for misspelling your last name, Jennifer.
Jennifer,
Solid. This goes for the lending industry as well. Today's tough market conditions have weeded out many PTs that leaves more of the field for the pros and that's good for everybody.
All I was trying to say is (and nothing to do with education requirements) is that when I wanted professional service, I would go to a professional. I wouldnt seek someone who does it part of the time and the reason?
I was a PT agent. I knew what limited time I have serving my clients. Unlike now, I can be there *Most of the time - yet I cannot promising if I'd be there ALL the time. But if I could, I would.
As a new agent (less than 1 year) I can say that financially this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But, to think about doing real estate while working a 9-5 just isn't fair to anyone, least of all my clients. The comment that I hear most is that I either answer my phone or return phone calls within 10 minutes. People expect good service and if I'm going to be successful I've got to exceed their expectations. That means being available and responding to their needs- when they have them on their time schedule....not when I do or around some other 'job'.
Jennifer, I applaud you for being so honest and frank about issues that can cause other people to put way too much energy into trying to prove you unjustly wrong or irresponsible in your writings.
lol, I'd say it's the mystery person without the backbone to stand by their own words :). Just my Humble OP.
AR is supposed to be an OPEN Dialogue - just because Jennifer has views that differ from yours doesn't make hers wrong. I do believe a Part Time agent can be instrumental in the industry "So Long As" they put their clients FIRST. Even full time agents have "responsibilities" (kids, errands etc...) but they FIT it in around their career. You have good and bad apples in ALL walks of life, all careers, all professions --- the ones who take it seriously will prevail and the ones who don't - won't!
I think placing "Hours Worked" as the sole indicator for full and/or part time is silly. 1 week you may be lucky to get 20 minutes to catch your breath and the next you'll be bored out of your mind because you have too much time on your hands -- at the end of the month if you average your hours - some months you may be maxed out and wonder how the heck you managed to kiss your kids goodnight and other months you smile at the 20 bedtime story books you ACTUALLY got to read to them.
Stop hashing over something that is truly up to the individual. They know in their hearts if they are a full timer or a part timer. Accept that everyone has the right to their own opinion and they don't deserve to be bashed for it. If you don't like the topic - find one that you do and forget this one is here. It's that simple.
I agree with you to a degree Jennifer! I can't wait until a list agent gets off of work to ask questions on a property I am ready to write on. Then again, I can't wait until the FT'er rolls their lazy booty out of bed at noon. My day is full and long and I couldn't imagine if I had to split my attention to anything else.
Full time or part time I wished more people treated it as it is: a business!
FYI: Go into Grant's profile and read the comments he has left on my blog and Lauren Corna's blog. He likes to be a jag off. Remember what momma says about boys who are mean...
LOL!
Jennifer-What defines full-time or part-time real estate agents? We have a few associates who works a part-time job to supplement their real estate business. I personally know a Real Estate Professional who works retail as a manager, who schedules what most would consider his full-time job around real estate. He has made over $50,000 consistently since he began his real estate career 3 years ago. Would he be considered a full-time or part-time agent?
I know a few amazing people like this. Think about this we have 1740 associates in our board or realtors and only 300 closings in a month. Someone is going hungry!
I believe it has to do with work ethics!
For me I tried it, no it did not work for me! For some people they do what they have to do for survival and to feed their families, I can't question or argue that.
It's not the hours you spend doing the business that is important it's the quality of service you provide whether its 5 customers a year or 30. Love this post!
I started as a part time agent and that lasted approximately 3 weeks. Becoming emotionally obsessed with the business was a huge part of my decision. Of course, it's a highly personal decison. As long as the part-timer has his/her bases covered and doesn't jeopardize someone's sale or purchase in the process. should be a big consideration as well.
At this point in my life, I could never tolerate anything other than real estate. LOL
Lets burn all the Part-Timers at the stake!! .....Wait a minute, I guess since I am operating an auction business as well, I must be Part-Time! The difference is, if you are a Part-Timer, you MUST have a business plan or plan to fail in the first year. It is a business you are operating. Period. What you put into it, is what you get out of it.
On a side note, don't shoot the Part-Timers for wanting to add income to their account, look at the Brokers who are satisfied with empty training classes at 9AM!
BTW - I am in the #1 Sales office in Harford County, a Part-Timer with a Team, 2 Buyers Agents, been a REALTOR for less than a year (June 1st. I believe is my anniversary date) and the boss gave me a double desk at the front window.....why? Because I have a business plan, marketing skills, and a small bank roll to back my advertising....NO GAMES HERE!!!
Well, I am currently a successful part time real estate agent who cares so much about my clients. I work full time at a Real Estate Foreclosure Corporation for 4 years and selling RA for 2 years. Its total serparate and differnt from selling real estate I work from 8-5 M-F. And my real estate appointment are from 5:30 to 9:00 and weekend when most real estate business is conducted and most wanted by clients all day until last client. I will say that I focus 100% on my clients. I understand it is very important to make my client aware this is part time but I dedicate too full time work. On my full time job I still take appointment, talk to my clients, get anwer for them, the whole nine. My full time job is lenient and understand that I am also a agent. I do disagree with some of the comments about not working with a part time agent.. because if you are didicated your going to get the job done no matter what making the client as happy as possible just as if I were working full time. So for all who think you shoudnt pick a part time agent. Its enough money and people out there who want to buy and get rid of a house so lossing up a little. Dedication has no time limit. People do.
One more point.. I know part time agents who work 3 times harder than full time agents. It not to judge every part time agent. Some are awsome and some are terrible.
Stacy, I think you have a great point...... Dedication has no limit - part-time or full-time. I know how you feel because I walked your road for 3.5 years. It was a long 3.5 years to walk. The good thing was that I didnt have kids and a supporting husband who is pretty self-sufficient. What you are describing is something some full-time agent cannot give. So, kuddos to you.
You have made some very strong arguments. So, sometimes I wish people would stop talking about part-time vs. full-time agency. But talk about part-time vs. full-time efforts.
Some pretty harsh words for a rookie to read from someone who authored Sell with Soul. This is a pretty tough crowd.
I'm putting my neck out on the block......
As a rookie starting part-time I am working with my friends and extend family. They know me and my work ethics and know I am trying to break into (an apparently rough) new business. They would rather work with me than a full-time seasoned veteran.
My "other-job" allows me the flexibility I need. Not every "Part-Timer" is a half wit. Here in Ca. to change careers in mid stride takes planning and yes patience. I don't feel as though I am taking on my new venture "half - assed". I have a lot invested in my future as a Real Estate Professional already and do not intend on being an static.
Don't take on more than you can chew... find someone to team up with. You can make it work.
Sandra - I'm happy that it's working out for you! I, too, worked with friends from Day One and it's a wonderful way to build a business, contrary to other opinions you will see out there. You sound as if you have the right attitude - a "soulful" one, if you don't mind me saying so. "Sell with Soul" means that you put your clients first, ahead of your own needs and desire for a paycheck. As long as you continue to do that, regardless of the number of hours you work, more power to you!
In general, my point is that when new agents ask if they can sell real estate part-time, they need to know what they're getting into and why it probably won't work. Heck, most agents who start out full-time fail too!
We all have lives outside of work. What bugs me is that so many people take the business of selling real estate so casually that they seem to feel "entitled" to a successful career even if they aren't willing to put in the time to make it successful. IF THIS DOESN'T APPLY TO YOU, then keep up the good work!
The 20th of July will be my final day as a part-time agent. I will leaving my full time job and working real estate full time. I think we all can agree that full-time/part time is more of the effort and time you put into when working real estate. When I read those posts that speak how being a part-time agent is working for some agents, I am a little jealous. What you all have in common is the fact your current jobs are flexible and allow you the space you need to take care of a client even during work hours. I didn't not have that luxury. So if I have a client that wants to view a property during my work hours or I need to make several calls to get information for a client, I have to hope they will not be disappointed to wait until the evening or weekend to see the property. As far as the phone calls, I would have to go outside to talk on my cell. Which means, if there is phone tag involved, I am jumping up and down running outside to my car to take care of business. I talk with other part-time agents that tell me their job are more strict than mine. I seriously do not see them staying in the business unless they quit and step out there. If I had a more flexible job, I would probably stay part-time agent for a little longer to really build more financial backing that I think I need before going full time, but since I didn't have a flexible job, I either had to step out full-time now OR leave the business all together. With the position I had, I could not do both.
Theron: I want to jump in to share my experience with you..... I started part-time too. I quit my corporate job in December last year. I am not making like I used to, but do you know that it's the best decision I have made?
Leads and opportunities will come. The best thing is that we dont need to worry about where they will come from. They will. You have read this, Prepare for Rain. I go back to it as often as I need to. There are so many days (even after I left) I wonder where my next client will come from. They always do.
The reality is that yes, I am not having life as great like I did before but I have changed my lifestyle to support my business. We are more frugal and apparently it seems like that's better for us anyways.
I hope Martina McBride in her song, Do It Anyways can help you ease into this transition.
Good luck, sister!!!! We are here to cheer you on.
Jennifer,
Your post did come off a bit rough for a site targeted at rookies. I thought this was a site for exchange of useful information. Unfortunately I got caught up...
To classify part-timers in one category was I feel was short sighted. Just know the part-timers who stick with may become top producers, because they have the work ethic and tenacity to work twice as hard.
This is great. I bookmarked it. I can see how it would be easy to just "practice" real estate but if you want to succeed, you will have to approach it differently. To have uncommon results you must have uncommon work ethic.
Lord love a duck J-Dawg, you sure have ruffled a few feathers. I read some of the comments and I seem to see a trend with those that are written by folks with the letter G at the beginning of their name. Forgive me but I must share. Gregory, I don't know whom you are referring to but welfare ceased to exist long ago. It is important that you understand this regardless of your status as full time or part time.
Grant, you might want to understand plagerism and it's definition before you start actively practicing libel.
Now, to the point. Every agent has been schooled and it is common knowledge that in practicing your profession you are usually dealing with the largest financial investment your client will make. I will not be so presumptious as to say it is on the scale of choosing a surgeon and you would not want a part time surgeon. It is not a life and death transaction. It is a transaction that involves where they will live their life.
I understand all the reasons that people have for attempting to practice real estate part-time. I also believe that if you comprehend the importance of what you are doing, you would not dare to do so on a part time basis.
Yes there are complaints about convenience from other agents. These exist regardless of whether you are full-time or part-time. It is not about convenience (yours or the other agents). This is totally about competence and your ability to shephard the transaction to close, all the while protecting your clients best interest. That is a full time job. It requires "experience through osmosis" (read that as actually being around agents that are doing business). It requires actually learning your craft which will take more than sitting through continuing education classes. It requires time set aside to review what you are doing and analyzing what your next course of action will be.
Remember, your clients are entrusting you with a life decision. You can not in your heart believe that you can competently handle that on a part time basis. You are not a sales person. You are an agent. There is a tremendous difference that seems to be overlooked in this industry.
You are not the only one that has to live with the results. You will continue going home and sleeping in your bed each night. Your clients will have to live with the outcome everyday.
I can not believe that anyone that understands the importance of our profession would ever contemplate, encourage or accept anything other than a full time effort. The focus always seems to be on the agent and it should be on the quality of the representation provided the clients.
Gina - the funny part is that I read this first (before I got your email) so I wasn't sure what you were talking about! Anyway, I'll respond to your email personally.
I got into real estate with the sole purpose of investing, not to sell. However, one thing led to another and I ended up selling and loving it. You just never know!
As a broker and a real estate licensing instructor... I always warn people NOT to try to be part time. Go full time or not at all. It's the only way you'll have a chance!
I don't hire part timers. Period.
BUT if someone wants to start out as an assistant, or "intern" in the office answering phones and their day job is flexible, I also offer that. After a week they may decide it's not for them and run off. Or they'll make the commitment to JUST DO IT. All the way or nothing!
Being a Realtor is NOT rocket science.
I requires no intensive upfront training thus the low bar.
If it was a harder "job" they demographics of the industry will change so unless the bar is raised, may a college degree or a masters to be a Realtor, things will remain status quo.
Then, there'll be a different set of complaints!
Absolutely brilliant post Jennifer.
My husband and I saved for over a year to get to a point where I could quit my full-time pensioned job (that I hated) for my more financially risky dream job as a Real Estate Sales Representative. You're right, there is such a huge learning curve and if you want to build yourself a fantastic reputation and build a solid client base, you have to go at it with your head 100% in the game. Many people asked why I didn't keep my FT job and do real estate part-time until I got established. My response? "Because I'll never get established if I don't do it full-time!"
You are a courageous gal Jennifer, but that's what I love about ya!
I have an opinion on this:
I asked my broker at my interview what she considers a part time agent - she said "someone who's primary focus is NOT real estate" I then asked "so if someone was to have another passion or hobby that excited them and allowed them networking opportunites and spirtitual growth, but took 10-15 hours aweek, would that take away from RE so much that it's not longer full time? She said "no, probably not"
So this leads me to my current situation. I had intended, up until a week ago, to devote ALL my working time to RE. But I never intended to give up my personal passions and hobbies, which include my church attenance and volunteer hours. I attend on a regular basis and volunteer on several committees there, and often teach SS classes or Vacation Bible School. Being at the Church feeds my soul and as they say in The Secret, it helps me be a joyful person. It also is a huge networking resource (secondary, of course, to what I again from it in self-improvement and soulful and spiritual growth.) It is my stress reliever, my "grounding" and what makes up a large part of ME.
So by some fluke, the other day the Director of Children's programs offered me a job in the office. I had no intention of seeking out another job - but after thinking long and hard about it, I took it - I figured why not? I am there several hours a week anyway, and as my kids get older, they are participating more in church events. This position is only 15 hours a week and is 100% flexible, except Mondays from 11-12 (staff meeting). I set my own hours and can work a little from home. It is not a high stress position. And it pays our montly property taxes!!! :) It's all website, photoshop and publisher type admin work (great skills to hone for RE.)
Will it interfere with my RE career - maybe a little - but with the flexibility they've offered me and the small amount of hours, I think it will work nicely and provide a little money to pay a bill or two to boot.
So in summary, Real Estate is still my primary focus, without a doubt. The Church job will be my sanctuary, my place to refocus, my place to be around positive uplifiting people and very possibly, gain clients (but again, that is not my primary goal at church!) It is also a chance for my kids to socialize and learn about Christianity. It is good for my family. I mean, I as at church probably 5 hours a week anyway (sometimes more if volunteering for special events) - now I will just get paid to do it!
So am I considered a part-time agent? I understand COMPLETELY what you are saying in your post - I personally couldn't do it, or at least do it RIGHT, if I had another 9-5 stressful set-hours type job - but just wanted to clarify that there are lots of different situations that include *another* job, but work nicely with real esate :)
Just another persecpective and situation to consider.
Paula - Yes yes yes!
Ronda - I have mixed emotions on this....but I know you'll make the right decision for you.
The thing is that when you get started, you can never do enough to become a master of your market, systems and contracts. When you have another fairly major obligation, you simply don't have the time or energy to devote to the task of getting up to speed.
I'd almost advise you to WAIT six months and THEN take on the church job... if you don't need the money right now, your time might be better spent really throwing yourself into learning your stuff... until you're more comfortable in your Realtor skin.
For example, I always preview before going out with a buyer or going on a listing appointment. ALWAYS. It gives me a lot of confidence and of course, makes me just that much better at my job. I have time, and more importantly, the energy to do this because it IS my job. Your first six months, everything you do will take five times longer than it will later and if you're already strung out from kids, hubby, work, church and maybe even staging, you'll be miserable... Just my pennies...
Well, the staging is now officially out (you know the story behind that) but the kids and hubby will still be here LOL. :)
Believe me, I agree with you and Paula (and the others who work RE 24/7) wholeheartedly - except I didn't save for a year so I could quit - I quit a job I was miserable at under much duress and got my last paycheck in December. This leap off the deep end kind of pushed me into RE (it had been on my mind for years). Of course the training and getting set up takes a while and I have received a good deal of pressure from hubby. We bought a house a year ago with the understanding that I would work full time to afford it....(gulp)
So me not working is a sore issue between us and is creatiing "strife" at home. By taking the church position, he is off my back and much more obligatory when I ask him for help with this or that. So that is worth ALOT :) :)
And, for what it's worth, I believe this job was put in my path for a reason - I didn't seek it out, it found me :) (was it the answer to the nagging husband dilemma in my life?)
Plus the flexibility is amazing. I only work Sunday mornings (which I would be there anyway), all day Monday (come in when I want, leave when I want) and a few hours from home. Sunday afternoons are still free for showings and open houses and I can even take off a Monday if I need to, or leave early and make up that time later in the week if necessary. Plus they offer free care for my kiddoes (all employees get this for their children) so I can go in anytime I want. PLUS PLUS they are an amazing group of people to work with - I feel very blessed (as I do with our Reality Show Group and so many others here at AR) to be a part of.
Like I said in my other post, Church fills that part of my soul that makes me confident and peaceful :) (when I don't attend Church or am not around them for a stint of time, I can feel the nervous, unfocused, overwhelmed mess creeping back in)
Anyway, I plan to devote the rest of my week (Tues-Sat) to RE (and kids and hubby, like so many others do!)
And your comments were worth WAAAAAAAAAY more than pennies!!! As always!
I was, I was! Wheeewwwww.... :) :)
I honestly wish I didn't have to take even this part-time-super-flexible-perfect-for-the-situation-in-a-place-I-enjoy-being job. :) I really WANT Real Estate THAT much - I REALLY want to put every last spare moment I have into it.
BUT......like you said, it was a compromise for my family and I feel lucky that if I *have* to do it (which I sort of do) it's the job that it is :) I didn't really want to flip burgers at McD's :P LOL
Oh my gosh! It is sooooo funny that I would come across this post today - a post that was written over a year ago! I think that, under certain circumstances, someone can work as a real estate agent part-time but those circumstances have to be just so (like Ronda's case).
As a Virtual Assistant, I've come across many part-time agents who really don't realize just how much work is involved in becoming successful at real estate. They think that, if they hire a VA, that makes all the difference. The problem is, we can only handle the marketing and administrative tasks. We can't show houses. We can't write contracts. We can't do the dozens of other things that truly make up the real "real estate agent."
Sometimes, it's like you said. You just have to jump in there and tread water until you can swim.
~Renae