Full Time Professionals vs. Part Time Hobbyist or Limited Service Agents

I read a blog that stated it is about professionalism and not whether you are full-time, part-time or a discount broker.  I feel the need to speak my mind.

Let's talk about professionalism for a moment.  Professionalism is the product of hard work, training and dedication.

If it is about professionalism, tell me how many part time agents you know who spent the time and money to get the training and have earned their GRI, CRS, CRB, brokers license or any of the designations that require real education? Not one I can think of. 

Let me make one thing perfectly clear.  The term discount broker is a terribly misused term.  There is no such thing.  All commissions are negotiable, there is not standard fee.  What they are normally referring to is a "Limited Service Broker".  I think limited service brokers created the term discount as a marketing tool.  It sounds better to say "Pays Less" than "Less Fulfilling". If you are proving limited services, you are not my idea of a professional. 

For most part time agents this is a hobby.  Is it really fair to a client to have an agent who does not spend the time and money required to become good at what they do or to be available during the hours everyone else is trying to do business?

Most of the problem transactions I have had were the result of inexperienced, part-time or less than full service agents on the other side.  Those of us who treat this as a profession spend a lot of time and money training and generally provide a much higher level of service.  I agree there may be exceptions, but that is what they are; exceptions, definitely not the rule.

A parting thought: Last week I flew to Las Vegas and attended the CRS Sell-a-bration.  There were over 1200 of the top agents in the country.  Why were they there?  We took classes to improve what we do.  I met many agents from around the country.  I would be surprised if many or even any part time or limited service agents would spend the time and money to be there for the professional development training.