I just read an article on the past time of part time real estate. It was a well written article but got me really thinking. I see the point the writer was making, I just disagree with it in some cases. To suggest that an agent can not be as professional, or as successful, just because they are part time or because they are so-called full time but have another job, is just not fair across the board. I've been licensed for years and have come across many full time 'used car salesman' type agents not looking out for the best interests of their clients but rather for the best interests of thier paycheck. I have also come across many part time agents and full time agents that just so happen to have additional jobs that have been dedicated to the profession as well as their clients. You tell me, which one reflects higher on our profession?
Just because one agent is a higher producer/earner, in my opinion, does not make them any better or worse of an agent, either. Nor, in my opinion does it make them, necessarily, more sucessful. Do their clients come back to them when it is time to move? Do they have repeat customers? That is the ultimate of a telltale sign that they have done a great job, and that the customer truly felt serviced properly. I would not think any less of an agent that worked with one customer at a time for their entire careers, if they were professional, serviced their customers properly and truly looked out for their customers best interests. There is enough to go around. Why try to cut out the little guy?
I am one of those agents that came into the profession very part time. I've built up my time, more and more each day, week, month and year. I was continually watching the other agents. I followed some to their Open Houses. I previewed homes when I could not be there on tour day. I learned as much as I could even when I was not clocked in. I used my license for referrals only for the first two years. My "other job" was raising two beautiful babies. As they were older and did not need me as much, I went to work for a large company where I worked a few half days per week. I intially worked only as a listing agent and referred out my buyers as I felt that that was in their best interest. I preferred listing, at the time, as I was able to work on more of an appointment basis, rather than being at the whim of the buyers that were already in the driveway of the property they wanted to see. As my kids got into school, I was able to start working with buyers as well. But, I still technically only worked only part time. I volunteered at the school to keep a check on the kids but I did something else, too. I picked up a lot of clients when I was volunteering. I picked up more while I waited on my son at karate. I picked up a couple more while watching my daughter practice ballet. Then, before I knew it referrals from past clients started coming in. That tells me that I am evidently doing a good job, being professional, and am dedicated to this profession. My kids are thriving, honor roll students that are well adjusted with lots of interests, friends, and extra curricular activities. I do not get to see and do everything with them, but most. They will never feel they were second to my job nor will my clients ever feel they were second to my "other job."
So, if you are thinking of getting into real estate but feel that you only have enough time to go part time, please still consider it. It can be a GREAT profession. And, just like there is every kind of customer, there is room (and need ) for every kind of agent. With technology the way it is today, you can do a lot of stuff away from the office. It is not necessary to work 9-5, monday through friday, as long as you are willing to work in what is traditioanally considered "afterhours."
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