Being A Part-Time Agent Should Not Mean You Give Part-Time Service

We recently had to deal with a part-time listing agent. Of course, she was a relative of the seller, but how annoying it was that she didn't get back to us until the end of her workday on her full-time job, and sometimes not until the following evening!

Amanda, it starts in school, where they say --- real estate is so flexible.    It can be quite frustrating when the clients on the other side call you and ask for assistance due to THEIR agent being unavailable.   

Amanda -  that is not acceptable for the client. If not available that agent should team up. 

You are so right about that, it is sad to see when someone isn't being represented properly.

Amanda,

It happens in many ways in all walks of life.  When we had our commercial real estate practice, there were no part time agents in our field.   If there had been some, they did not last long in the business.  A

Hi Amanda... that's the inherent conundrum here... one is typically part time because they don't have more time. And then it shows in service levels/quality. And then there is the issue of thinking like a part-timer because one is...

Amanda S. Davidson  Real Estate is  a full time job . Five years ago I took a part time job around the Christmas Holidays  - Never again - it did not work -  Love your video

Amanda- What you said is so very true- an agent can be part-time but they need to be able to provide full-time service and I know several who are able to do that because they are part of a team, whether it's their spouse or another agent in their office. Unfortunately, I've met some full-time agents who provided part-time service. You're so right...our clients deserve much better than that. 

Amanda, I agree with you 100 per cent, I have been a full time agent for over 24 plus years and I have no tolerance for part timers... and I do not mean those who have a second job, I mean the ones that do not give 100%, Endre

Good morning Amanda.  I'm dealing with an agent on a transaction now that is very similar to what you describe.  It is very frustrating and I'm thinking of calling the broker.

I have no idea how a part-time agent could deliver full service.  Real estate moves quickly and you need to be able to respond quickly in order to deliver full service.  If you only work part-time, the perfect home for your client could come on the market and go under contract before you even noticed since you were so busy with your full-time job.

I have heard those excuses too from part time agents. I agree that the client deserves full time service and not hit and miss.

Home buyers and home sellers need to be very careful when selecting an agent.

Good point! If the agent has a full-time job and can't provide service that is needed, they need to team up with someone who can step in during those non-available times. 

Good morning Amanda S. Davidson ,

I'm so glad that Gabe Sanders reblogged your post! Your assessment is right on. I've never understood someone taking on real estate as a second job..its a full time job and is not fair to clients unless you can be accessible during your primary job.

"Clients deserve full-time service – no exceptions."

I agree and unfortunately, I feel most part-time agents can't handle it. This IS NOT A PART TIME JOB, it's a full-time business.

Ah, you may be preaching to choir on this one, Amanda. This is definitely one of my pet peeves. I've seen some good part-timers, but my general experience is just like yours. Everything is more difficult. 

I've only known one part time agent who was worth their salt...his day job allows him to step away when needed and he is Johnny-on-the-spot. However, he's the VERY RARE exception and I can honestly say, there is no way that I could do it - this isn't just a full-time job - it's a double-full-time job!!

Great video, Amanda and I completely agree with you. Our clients are purchasing or selling their most expensive asset and how on EARTH should we expect to give them a 'part-time' effort? It's just not fair to them...or the part-time agent's peers either. Been there, done that too! 

Hope you have a fantastic week ahead!

Amanda S. Davidson - I had one experience like this and it was very disturbing. The listing agent was new to the business he was just working part time because he didn't want to leave his company. In MLS he disclosed he was related to the Sellers. Of course, this was the house my buyers decided to buy. It was a painful experience all the way through closing. Worst of all, my client was an Attorney and kept insisting, I go with the flow on his time and she'd let me know, if she didn't want to go further. 

I really appreciate your writing this blog post. You're right, there are good reasons why an Agent should be part-time but they should never provide part time services. It literally is a pain for a full-time agent to work around their schedule with not back-up. Also, you're right, there are layers of challenges that can't be foreseen. 

I shivered when I read, "No client should have to contact the agent representing the other party in a transaction for guidance." That is exactly what happens to many agents on the other side of the transaction. This does not align with Professional Standards either. 

This one should be featured. It's a great topic of discussion and you covered the topic like the Professional you really are!

Hi Amanda S. Davidson, there are many FT agents who give part-time service, also, many PT agents who do a great job. My buyers decided to put an offer on a home that's Active in MLS, I called the agent, voicemail box full, texted, no reply. Emailed, no answer. He is the Broker/Owner. We're now on day three...