You Wouldn't Call a Part-Time Doctor to Do Your Heart Surgery, Would You??

Rich:  Appreciate the comment .. and the tonegue-in-cheek humor ...

Joan:  Agreed ... but I think perhaps one of my greatest concerns is with accessibility too.  That turns-out to be an issue and a big issue way too many times.  If that issue is addressed well, then that touches upon so many other concerns I have.  Accessibility goes a long long way ...

Brenda:  I like you too!  Thank you ...  but after reading so many of the comments left, I'm beginning to think that so many of us are pleading much the same cause.  But where the argument lies is in the differences in our own personal interpretations of the word "part-time".  What each of us perceives as part-time has entered into play in the discussion so many times.  I don't think we're actually that far off in our thoughts regarding the conduct of professionals, or our expectations regarding the abilities and standards of those professionals.  Not really.  And the post was not meant as a bashing of any sort.  More as an alert to buyers/borrowers to know upfront what their own expectations are for the professionals they seek ... and then find professionals that meet those needs and standards.  As long as they are aware of what they are truly going to receive in service and they are okay with that ... at least on the buyer's/borrower's side, I'm okay with that.  But as another professional in the transaction, I too have to live with their decisions.  And sometimes as of late, that has been an uphill struggle.   Thanks for taking the time to write, Brenda ...

Dale:  Exactly the same issue and concern I had with the attorney I mentioned within my post.  Out-of-touch in actuality and out-of-touch as far as current demands of his role in the transaction.

Melissa:  I think the issue surrounds perception.  They think all professionals in real estate are created equal??

Dawn:  I appreciate your comment.  And again I say, I think after reading the comments left me that the fine line is to be found in each of our own interpretations of what "part-time" is.  Many of us are really arguing much the same points .. and we definitely have the same needs and expectations of one another.

William:  Not sure why the need for a personal slam was felt or included.  And as far as many pointing out the obvious "flaws" in my argument ... no, they didn't.  They expressed their opinion, just as I did mine within my post.  Which I stated as my opinion and my suggestions regarding this topic.  And yes, I'm sticking with my opinions.  If you check within the comments, you will see that there were those that chose to agree with me.  The comments and observations I made within my post were not solely aimed at agents.  I took other professionals in other arms of the industry to task as well.  And I am not arguing that a part-time professional can't have a grasp and knowledge of their business.  Many can and do, just as there are those that are good in bad in full-time positions.  What has been pointed out to me within many comments has been the vast differences in our perceptions of what "part-time" means.  And as you yourself pointed out, how time management skill level enters into that.  Should what I consider a part-timer have their ducks in a row and back covered during those times that they are not officially "on duty" ... I'm all good.  If I still have the ability to interact and communicate with them in a timely fashion and during reasonable times ... all is good.  But in each of the specific cases I mentioned within my post, that was NOT what I experienced.  And it caused great problems within each transaction.  And yes, I've had closings/transactions with agents that were part-timers where the outcomes were successful.  I do not dispute that.  And in the past, I don't believe that the differences in part-time and full-time were as great.  But with all the many changes we experience within our industry and transactions currently?  In my experiences, it has become much more noticable and problematic.  Thank you for taking the time to comment.

Praful:  The headline I used just happened to use doctors within it ... I could have used other professions. The point was not to compare doctors with anyone in our real estate industry.  And I think what you describe is a perception of success ... not necessarily quality of service.  I'm not sure how well any professional can provide their services in this quickly-changing world if they are not at least mentally involved in it consistently, not intermittently.  I can't imagine stepping-back from my own profession for months and then jumping back in and doing a good job.  Too many changes happening way too quickly for that ... and I don't think that would be fair of me to ask clients to agree to that.

Tammie:  I've  mentioned it above in other comments, but I'll write here too ... I think the issue between many of us lies in our own interpretations of what "Part-time" means.  For some it means one thing and they visualize X.  For others it means another and they visualize something completely different.  Yet most of us all want the same things.  And I see that as availability and competency.  We've gone different routes to arrive at the same conclusions.  I really think we all want and need the same things for our clients ...

Amen Tim .. amen!  Never a dull moment in our real estate industry, is there??

Ahhhh Jane.  Maybe you're right .. the "qualifying" would have helped.  But it sure would have made for a much much longer post!  And I so agree with you about the broad definition of "part-time" being an issue.  I've come to that conclusion after reading my comments here.  And as I've said, I think although our perceptions of what part-time is may be a little different ... our pleas for good consequences of the differing perceptions have not.  We all want much the same things, as I see it.  I have no real issue with the hours that someone works, as long as they deliver good service in a timely fashion and it assists my clients needs and positive outcome.  As you say, much of that depends on availability ... and therein lies much of my complaint with the examples I provided within my post.

Jordan:  Yep ... this one went up like a torch!  And I'd love to learn how that lender worked his magic.  But seriously, I think much of this must rest upon the support and assistance provided them.  If that's in place, I have no issue ...

Chuck:  Your point is a very good one.  The speed in which most deals are transacted currently certainly raises concern with someone that is not working full-time or stereotypical normal business hours.  Our work days have lengthened, no doubt ... but there are times that still remain key business hours.  And many times business cannot be facilitated past a certain point until those offices/businesses are in operation during the day.  Time IS of the essence and important frequently ...

Carol:  Definitely!  It does boil down to the individual and how they manage and deliver their personal business services.  And that is why I suggest that buyers/borrowers ask questions ... and that the professionals asked those questions respond honestly.  That way the client can make an educated and informed decision about those they want to work with .. or not ...

You've noticed that too, huh Gabe??  Sometimes I wonder ...

Mike:  Sounds like you've had a run-of-it lately.  And I'm certainly not saying that what are considered "full-timers" cannot make mistakes or provide bad service.  Or the opposite either.

Michael:  Oh wow ... you just introduced even another term ... "spare-timers" into the mix.  And I think you may be onto something, as a few of the service providers I had issue with could definitely be perceived as that ...

Rob:  My suggestion to ask questions and inquire regarding all sorts of info on a professional stands.  That way moving forward, a buyer/borrower knows what to expect.  And that is the most important thing.  But as another professional taking part in the transaction?  The decision a client arrives at DOES impact me and possibly the outcome of the transaction itself.  I truly hope that my clients do their homework regarding ALL professionals utilized within their deal ... it makes life so much easier on everyone involved.

Ed:  I have those feelings as well.  And I guess that is where some of my concerns and questioning comes from.  I know how many hours and how hands-on I have to be to deliver what I think is quality service to my clients.  How can it be that for someone else it would be that drastically different?  That is where some of my doubts arrive ...

Darryl:  You're right.  Sometimes you do just pick-up those vibes immediately.  And you're also right that that is true in all real estate professionals, including mine.  I tried to make that clear in my blog ... it's ALL professionals I think this relates to.

Adrian:  No easy answers, that is so true.  And much of it is related to how our industry has chosen to present itself and set itself up.  Wide variances are allowed.  I guess where the great number of questions arise for me personally is when I take stock of the number of hours I must involve myself in my business in order to service my clients well and thoroughly ... and to remain successful.  Can it be vastly different for others??

Doctor Gene ... lol    Doctor Gene has a few wounds after this post, Richie!  Doctor heal thyself ...

Eric:  All good points.  And perhaps that is more the real discussion.  I want the potential clients to know honestly what they are going to get as service/services.  In impacts them greatly .. as it does the other professionals within the transaction.  I just hope they stop, think about it, do their homework .. and make quality choices.  If I can help them do that by suggesting here within a post ... I think everyone will be much better off during the transactions and after ...

Gene

Thanks Tim.  Appreciate your commenting.  And I agree the likelihood of that seems much higher ...

Gene

Erica:  And exactly what we are trying to get them to stop ... and think through thoroughly, right?  I've seen too many instances where this very scenario turned-out poorly ...

Thanks for commenting ...

Gene

William:  I will disagree that I didn't have supporters.  And at this point I will agree to disagree with you and let it go at that.  I appreciate your writing back ... as you say, the discourse was interesting ...

Gene

Sure seems like it Liz and Bill.  My intent was to spur buyers to do their preliminary homework and get them asking questions regarding their own needs for service and the expectations that surround them.  Get them to do that and I think alot of the problems I encountered would have been non-existent.  And it was not aimed at agents.  I was rather disgusted with my own arm of the profession when writing the post.  I think I've had enough fun for now ...

I appreciate your note ... thank you ...

Gene

Brave doesn't always equate to a smart move.  Although the message to buyers was an important one .. that being that they need to do their homework in regards to finding and choosing their real estate professionals ... ALL of them ... and know that those they choose are going to fulfill their needs, whatever they are.  And yes, the point was NOT surrounding anything to do with physicians.  Glad you got that.  I came to realize though that there is a wide variance in perceptions as to what constitutes "part-time"  .. and that greatly contributed to the debate.  I appreciate you taking the time to write ... it's always great to hear from you.

Hope all is well, you're enjoying those grandkids ... and business is prosperous for you!

Gene

Thank you, Maureen.  Because of the very reasons you state ... and the time demands of the business ... I wrote this post with my opinions.  Should you have strong support and an assistant of some sort ... you may be able to balance another career plus a real estate one.  I know I couldn't do it ... not even with all the assistance I get.  It remains the decision of the individual ... and their client ...

Gene