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Part-Time vs. Rookie Agent - Which one would you rather hire?

"Would You Rather?" Question #2

Since this is a real estate industry blogging network - I would first like to ask you to put the shoe on the other foot and put your years of experience to work by allowing a newbie to benefit from the knowledge that you, perhaps, take for granted.

Last night, while I was desperately trying to convince a group of hyper 9 years old divas to go to sleep, this question popped into my head.

As a home buyer or home seller - which type of agent would better serve your needs?

Would you rather work with a Part-Time agent or a Rookie agent?

As a Rookie myself, I can see the benefits of both - but then again, I can also see alot of potential in a Rookie. For instance, since I've only had my license for a couple of months, I have had the "luxury" of sitting in on quite a few continuing education classes - including Orientation, Code of Ethics, Fair Housing, etc. etc. etc. However, I lack the day-to-day experience needed to serve my clients fully.

How does a Rookie compare to a Part-timer? The real estate industry hasn't been very kind to agents in the last year, so there's probably a measurable number of experienced part-time agents who use to be full time. I'm not thinking about these people. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that because of their experience - they'll always have the knowledge and benefit of their experience - regardless of the number of hours they work.

I'm thinking more about the people who have had little or no experience, work a full-time job doing something else and have their real estate license on the side. I know that they, too, have the same continuing education requirements, but how do they utilize that education? How do they serve their clients?

Now - I leave you to the commenting on this thought provoking "Would You Rather?"

I can't wait to read what everyone has to say. Thank you in advance!

Posted by Calie Waterhouse - Chandler AZ Homes on 06/22/2008 04:05 PM

Comments (17)

real estate, agents, part time, rookie

Post is included in group: Arizona Homes
Post is included in group: AZ Real Estate Blogging Network
Post is included in group: Coaching and Mentoring
Post is included in group: Real Estate Rookie
Post is included in group: Realtors®

17 Comments on Part-Time vs. Rookie Agent - Which one would you rather hire?

JUN

2008

Calie

Great question....from a lender perspective, as well as a consumer, I would rather a rookie, who has the spirit, drive, and desire to succeed by completely committing to this industry. As a consumer, I would not and could not tolerate a 'jack of all trades' who thinks they can successfully work part time in real estate because of the big bucks involved.

I could go on and on, but those are the first 2 items that come to mind.

Plus....I would rather mentor a rookie with an open mind, than a part timer who thinks they know it all.

If I were the homebuyer I would prefer the rookie.

Why?
Reason 1: I know going into the deal that they do not have all the answers.

Reason 2: As a homebuyer I would also ask them who they would depend on for answers if they did not know the answer themselves.

Reason 3: The rookie does not have a ton of clients to tend which means I get more attention, more oftern.

Reason 4: Everyone has to start somewhere and I am always willing to give a person a chance.

Reason 5: I would think that they have just finished their classes and that they had not forgotten their lessons so quickly.

Just my two cents worth!

Calie: Great Question. If I were shopping for a Realtor, I would want one who was going to be available to assist me. If I had a part time agent who could only show homes in the late evening and weekends and I needed to look during the day.... I would most likely settle for the Rookie over the part timer. Now.. Don't sell your self out to be a Rookie..... Just go out and List and Sell. If you don't have an answer.. Get it.. Don't just say "I Don't Know" or give out bad information... Hang in there.. You will do well.

Calie.....There is No such thing as a part-time agent. That is what I have been taught from day one. And I believe it to be true. The agents that try to work part-time are not available when their clients want them to be and they do not keep up on the market conditions like they should. Real estate is a full-time job, believe me. Especially in this market you need to put in twice as many hours to make half as much money. I say Do Not Hire a Part-Time Agent!!!!

Roxanne Schilling, Realtor at Lake Tulloch in Copperopolis, CA

JUN

2008

Calie, give me the rookie. I can teach, coach, and mentor into a grewat salesperson. Part-time has divided loyalties and focus.

I'd take a rookie anytime. I'd state the reasons (and have) before but Vangaurd said it so well above, no need to repeat.

I'd take the one who was motivated and dedicated to the job and whose availability was compatible with mine. That could be either one.

JUN

2008

I agree, the rookie would be my choice. The rookie most likely has an experienced agent that is their go-to person if they are in doubt at all, so even though the rookie's experience may not be extensive, the "seasoned" agent assisting that rookie most likely does have solid experience. I also agree with the earlier comment, that if you don't know say that and follow that by, but I will find someone that can answer the question. People respect honesty, no matter what your experience is!

Great post, I often wonder that myself. I just obtained my license and start my 4 week new agent training classes next week. One of the reason's why I joined L&F was because of their new agent training program that I'm able to take in the evenings after work and a great mentoring program. I truly wish I could quit this full time job and focus on Real Estate full-time to hone my skills. However, financially I can't afford to. I'm blessed to have the free time outside of work and flexibility at work that allows me to educate myself about the business. I never got into this business hoping to earn big bucks. However, one day I hope to be able to make enough to support myself off of Real Estate alone. Wish me luck!

I'm not a Rookie, but I would love to be part-time.

My goal is to make a six-figure income working 20-25 hours per week. The really great thing about the real estate business is that scenario is completely feasible. Would that make me less competent? No, I would probably have to be more competent to accomplish that.

Then again, maybe the part-time moniker doesn't really fit very well. How about full-time working 20 hours per week. I like the sound of that!

JUL

2008

Never would I hire a part timer! From personal experience they are the most dangerous. They think they know the new laws and the market but generally don't have a clue. Especially here in Arizona where we write our own contracts and take on so much liability it is important to have a competent agent representing you. Keep in mind as a new agent that it is impossible to know all the answers all the time. My favorite phrase is....my job is not to have all the answers but to know where to find them. Use your resources including your broker, seasoned agents, lenders and title company they are all invaluable to you!

AUG

2008

It depends on the agent. Some part-timers are very efficient and very much worth hiring. They bring in deals without sapping energy. Rookies though bring a great quality- they often have the desire to go the extra mile and the enthusiasm to rejuvenate the troops. So... I guess it depends on what a broker is looking for.

AUG

2008

Would you rather work with a Part-Time agent or a Rookie agent?

Rookie, definitely. Ok, here goes, my Two Cents: when I first got my license about 7 yrs ago, I had it for only 2 weeks before I had been laid off of from my full time job. I had spoken with my broker at the time that I wanted to work part-time for a couple of months until I got all the training that I needed. There problems that were arising right off the bat. I was getting busy with clients left and right (they were distracting me from my full time job). I was taking calls and doing search when I could and without getting in trouble. Mind you, in Austin TX about 7 yrs ago, we were going thru what everyone is going thru right now. It was a foreclosed market: a totally buyer's Market. As fate handed me my cards, I was laid off from my full-time job and had no choice but to go forward and do real estate. I was driven, and knowing how I was. I had the desire to succeed and not fail. I chose my "niche" (College students, Internet clients, (big one - Spanish market) and going to all the networking group and getting involved with volunteering)). I did not do the class, or Mentors/coaching ( I thought they were a just a waste of time and money - still do - I have gone to many of them and have not learned one thing that I had already or learned on my past full-time job). I was so busy with work and volunteering that I was selling like crazy when everyone else was suffering because of the market (foreclosed market). I was selling between 4 to 6 homes every month for the first year except for the summer (8 to 10) - first year out (mind you - foreclosed market and buyer's market). I had done so well that I had Won Rookie of the Year for the Local Board of Realtors by selling $3.5 million homes (36 homes) in the first year out, plus I was volunteering like crazy (volunteering on 4 groups). So my recommendation is find your niche, go after it and do it well. You never know what might come out of it. Keep a positive attitude

How does a Rookie compare to a Part-timer?"I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that because of their experience - they'll always have the knowledge and benefit of their experience - regardless of the number of hours they work." - Not, true. Full-timers and especially agents that have been in the market for a very long time are so set in their ways that they do not like to hear or do new ideas (change). They can cause a lot of the problems, too ( I know this for a fact - experienced it a lot). Now in regards to part-timers, they have their place, but they are the ones that cause many problems with transactions because they do not sell or practice real estate full-time (they are not up to par like full-timers). Rookies are Hard working, determined, driven and want to make a name for themselves ( I know that I did).

Good Luck and I hope you succed on your new path. I know you can suceed, take it from one past Rookie to another.

AUG

2008

Thanks to all the rookie fans! I am a rookie myself, less than a month in the office but I am learning fast!

AUG

2008

Calie, How did you choose your broker? Just curious. That can make a major difference when you are new.

AUG

2008

I am a dual career agent. My day job as a school teacher affords me a lot of free time. I am dedicated to my real estate career and would never take on a listing that I couldn't handle. I have just finished my 1st year in New York's down market and have completed more transactions than some single career agents. An agent should be judged by their drive and ability to get the job done. Most real estate agents have come into the profession as a second career and have the ability and backround to get the job done from day one. (part time vs. rookie) The one with the drive an resources to make it work should be your first choice.

I agree with the comments that dedication and motivation are key regardless as to whether the agent is a rookie or works on a part-time basis. As a rookie realtor, I am also encouraged by the comments made by Vanguard Realty South, LLC, where they list the 5 reasons a home buyer might choose a rookie. I sometimes forget that it is okay to say "I don't know, but I will find out for you". I think that people appreciate that. Thanks for the question and the insight.

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