Hi Midori,
What came to my mind as I read this post......quality not quantity.

I guess part time to me is someone who stumbles into a transaction or two per year. Good post. Being efficient does not mean part time.

Nice thought provoking post. If someone works with a partner it does not matter, as long as there is someone to cover for you.

Nice thought provoking post. If someone works with a partner it does not matter, as long as there is someone to cover for you.

Midori - LOVE THIS!! Because of my husband's health I have to work a job outside real estate for the benefits. I have more than enough time for real estate because I've learned how to work smarter and use all the tools available to me. I don't know what people did before the electronic age, but the Internet and websites are the key. I'm actually more productive now that I have to focus!

I don't believe that "full time" real estate agent can be defined.  This isn't a job, it's a busines.  Folks are entitled to devote as much or as little time to their business as they wish.

it is up to the Broker as to whether they wish to hold the licenses of agents who, in addition to engaging in real estate sales, also has a job. 

I hate when people ask if I am part time or full time. I didn't know this was a job that I had to describe that to them. This is my business and as long as I time manage this properly then it doesn't matter how much time I put in it!

Cynthia-it is quality vs quanity.  I know many agents who spends lots of time in real estate without getting the results they need and want..its about taking a look at what you are doing and fine tuning it and making everything you do available...in print and online.  Getting set up might be time consuming but these are the tasks that will help you to have a life outside of real estate.  Systems are needed in all parts of our life..systems is what simplies everything

So Midori...I wonder what I would be then...since I put in probably close to 40 hrs a week just in floor duty time!

Gary-I agree with you!

Gita-good point.  I myself take occasional listings but not ever alone. I am always listed as the second agent. Training, managing and my personal life..I need a real estate partner! 

Linda-thats me...I am so much more efficient and can get so much more done everyday.  To me its amazing!  Hope the hubby is doing ok! :)

Lenn-I do agree...its a business...its a career...and for me one of the many reasons is just that...I can work as much or as little as I want to!

Fortunately for us we do not have too many that just sit and drink coffee!

Jeannette-Interesting that people even ask that!  I know there are many who have additional income coming in...the multiple streams of income..every smart business owner understands this thought.  You make me proud and I am impressed in how much you do get in a days work!

This is very similar to a post I had earlier.  I think the quality of your work and the ability to focus on and nurture your real estate career is more important than how many hours you actually work each week.

I consider a part time one who does like you said...one a year or every two years. I often wonder what the benefits are for one transaction ...only to pay all the membership dues we have to pay.

I have a part time job....for our company. I work full time in real estate :)

Stacey-Ann-I agree with you.  I know many agents who are unhappy with their careers because of the numbers of hours spent doing the business or are they?  If you really take a hard look at your time management you will see that most agents do not officially work as many hours as they think.

I put in about 35 to 40 hours in real estate.  It's the time necessary for what I do.  Sometimes a little less and sometimes a little more. 

Sally-I am not sure either and do they have money trees???????  I can't imagine running a business in such a manner.

I am a full time agent but with the aid of a computer I get things done pretty quick. I guess to some people that I may only work part time.

Vicki-all of our tools available today make things get done much quicker!  I only wish I had some of these tools when I started my career in the 90's.  I had a website but it never generated anything just gave me a little bit of a presence.

"...20 hours a week..."

Heck, I spend that much time on ActiveRain ;-)

Midori - That's a tough one.  I've seen some very successful agents work what I would consider to be less than "full-time" hours.  I think increased technology and office mobility have helped reduce the number of hours that need to be spent in the office or on the business.  It also depends on the expectations that an agent has.  If they want "full-time" income and production volumes it may be difficult to attain without the time commitment unless they have honed their real estate effectiveness and efficiency.  Many agents are satified with lower production levels as a trade off with more family/personal time.

Up till recently- you could practice real estate as a part time profession........Unless you had yor 9.15 (agents licence as well)  you could only hold one job as a realtor..........Obviouslythere were people that worked part time under the table.  But the whole premises was to have Realtors jump into the business and get totally wet, rather then just dipping their toes in the water.

While dipping, or leaving the back door open, it was really hard to be fully committed.  Now thats all changed and almost anyone can get a licence and work as many jobs as they want...

However with Real Estate being such a continuously changing business, market trends, changes, switchbacks etc.......and with all the new legal ramifications to how we do our work.........keeping constantly updated and on the leading edge is a touch thing to do - part time.

Midori. Good question! I think I always used to consider anything less than 24/7 part time!   While acquiring all of my new systems, I'm sure that will help immensely...I know I am trying to work smarter now and not waste time.  This challenge has helped us all acquire systems that will work for us, while we are taking more time to "smell those roses"!

It's the quality time you spend with your client's that mean the most. You're right we have to have systems in place to give the best possible service to our clientele. Some people have done that being par time but most know you should be full time to get the best results.

I think in real estate part time versus full time depends on how much time and effort one puts into their business.  I started thinking I would only work part-time, but be available all the time.  This plan seemed to work.