Any sucessful PART-TIME agents? (contract, open houses, buyer, buy)

[George Chong]

Originally Posted by Silverfall

Part time agents should never take complicated listings like short sales. That is such a disservice to the client.

Tell me about it. The Listing Agent couldn't even get the schools listed correctly. Wrong schools - it makes a huge impact on the comps and property value. I will give him the benefit of doubt that it was an honest error. I documented the correct school district and showed the comps to the lender. He didn't even bother to post any interior photos of his listing and when he miscommunicated our first return appointment, he didn't even answer his phone and did not offer to come over and let us in.

I know that the market is tough out there but don't make us full-timers do all the work and they just collect on the commission when it sells. I would rather deal with a FSBO because at least I know what is expected of me (read everything).

[Brandon Hoffman]

You can't do real estate successfully as a side job. You either need to go full time or don't bother. And quite frankly, other agents don't want another part timer in the market anyway. You'll get in, botch a few deals, and get out.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by Brandon Hoffman

You can't do real estate successfully as a side job. You either need to go full time or don't bother. And quite frankly, other agents don't want another part timer in the market anyway. You'll get in, botch a few deals, and get out.

And then we'll all have to gone on CD and answer Threads like

"Why Can't Agents be more Professional or Get Respect" or "Should I fire my Realtor ?"

[Screen name]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I don't plan to bank big from the beginning. After college the first time, I took some RE classes and loved them. All I need to do now is take one more class and test for the license. I felt that at age 23 no one would take a "kid" seriously because after all, buying a property is probably going to be one of the biggest purchase most people make in a lifetime. Why let a rookie take care of it?? So, with that being said I decided to go back and finish up school my bachelors and gain more constructive education and skills. Sometimes I wonder if all this education is necessary, but I know if things don't work out I can easily land another 9-5 job in facilities/construction and earn a decent living.

Palmcoasting- Thank you for sharing your example with 3 known people to pull this gig with a full-time job. I suppose my definition of a successful part-timer would just generate clients and building a name at the moment.

Silverfall- I agree, I am not looking to carry many listings. Just want to start practicing. I do however have a field job that I am allowed to have phone/internet access at any given time with FAX too

Tish- I agree. Since getting into HVAC mechanical schooling, I forget a few things here and there when a situation comes around that I need to solve HVAC related. I think I'm in it just to get a general knowledge of how a mechanical systems functions while obtaining a "labeled" skill.

Rakin-I understand about the "being available whenever" However, my schedule isn't TOO bad. I work early enough and leave early enough where there is daylight left to do a showing. My boss is really laid back. As long as I do my work, I am able to do whatever as long as I get my 40 hrs in and am not making a habit of leaving early all the time.

[DMenscha]

I have a part-timer who does very well. He is an eagle scout, a retired engineer, a vineyard owner, and works a couple of days a week at real estate. He's the most efficient agent I've ever seen and I wish I could clone him.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Originally Posted by Rakin

And then we'll all have to gone on CD and answer Threads like

"Why Can't Agents be more Professional or Get Respect" or "Should I fire my Realtor ?"

Yup, might as well be honest.

[Silverfall]

Originally Posted by DMenscha

I have a part-timer who does very well. He is an eagle scout, a retired engineer, a vineyard owner, and works a couple of days a week at real estate. He's the most efficient agent I've ever seen and I wish I could clone him.

The good part timers I have seen are like this too. Educated and understand the importance of what they do.

In fairness to the other agents who commented though, most part timers are not good agents because they are hobbyists. Don't be a hobbyist. It isn't fair to consumers.

[middle-aged mom]

The part timers I know are teachers who work the summer. They refer out what they don't close.

Photo shoots, home inspections, appraisals, and closings are usually scheduled during normal business hours, M-F. If you are not available, who will do this for you?

Knowing your local dirt, the inventory, requires that you be available to tour homes, assuming that is the protocol, in your area. Local home tours occur during weekdays. If you don't know the local inventory, how will you know value? How can you advise someone how to price their home, if you have no first hand knowledge of the closed comps and competition.

We work when it's most conveneint for the client, not the other way around.

[palmcoasting]

Originally Posted by Rakin

And then we'll all have to gone on CD and answer Threads like

"Why Can't Agents be more Professional or Get Respect" or "Should I fire my Realtor ?"

Oh my goodness. You really can't say that has anything to do with part time agents. You know fully well there are many full time agents that just stink. As in any profession there are people that do their job well and others that sort do it well and then others that shouldn't be in the business at all...and yet, there they are doing it full time.

And quite frankly, other agents don't want another part timer in the market anyway.

Now that just about nails it, doesn't it.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Originally Posted by palmcoasting

Oh my goodness. You really can't say that has anything to do with part time agents. You know fully well there are many full time agents that just stink. As in any profession there are people that do their job well and others that sort do it well and then others that shouldn't be in the business at all...and yet, there they are doing it full time.

Now that just about nails it, doesn't it.

Because they normally are terrible to deal with and don't know what they are doing.