Part Time Agents - Love 'Em or Hate 'Em

By
Real Estate Agent with First Choice Realty, Inc

If you have been in the business for more than a couple of months, you have had the experience of dealing with a part-time agent.  Some of the PTs have been excellant to deal with!  Others.......sorry, I can't say that here!

Of course, in their defense, I could say the same things about some full-time agents!  But, back to the issue at hand.

One of my listings went under contract with a PT buyer's agent.  I should have realized the senerio, when they wanted to do the inspection at 5pm.  I knew the buyer was a teacher and it was July, so that wasn't the issue.

It finally dawned on me that the agent was PT when I NEVER received return calls or emails until after 4:00 pm, and never after 8:00 pm.  Excuse me......I answer phone calls & emails from 8am till 10pm, if it is important, or a question from anybody involved with a deal.

I know, some of you are saying......I only work from 9-5 or whatever!  If my buyer is sitting watching TV with the spouse at 9pm, and a question pops up, they know they can email or text me, and usually get an answer.  That is one reason why I get referrals.

Back to this PT I have been dealing with......His lender called me last Monday (closing was scheduled for Friday) to inform me there appeared to be an issue, and briefly explained.  The agent called me early Friday morning (yes....the day of closing) to tell me we were going to be able to close!  I received a release that evening!

Somebody asked me once why I don't care for PTs.  First, I feel they should disclose the fact they are a PT, and give us the hours they are available, so we know what to expect (disclosure).  Next, PTs usually have a full-time job, with insurance.  Then, they take business away from us FTs, who are trying to make a living doing real estate.  And last, many of the PTs don't do a good job, giving us FTs a bad name.  

Yes, I agree.....Some PTs are very good.  I started as a PT, but had a fax machine, & a private phone line and responded to all calls quickly.  Now all PTs have that ability.  That is why I feel they should disclose!

Comments (11)

Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

You ask them to disclose they are part time? It will become evident soon enough

Aug 02, 2015 11:35 PM
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

We can look agents up on DPOR to see when they got their license. PT or FT usually isn't the problem, it's lack of CE, and agents not keeping up with all the changes in forms and in the industry. And yes, both PT and FT agents sometimes don't know how to prepare an offer, and don't seem to know which pages are suppose to be initialed and/or signed.

Aug 02, 2015 11:47 PM
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Woody,

We all understand the situation. However, the basis upon which you established your argument, 'they take business away from full timers' simply won't float.

The part timer who is able to take business from a full timer suggests an issue with the full timer.

And,,,,JUST LIKE YOU...I tuly believe it all starts with answer the phone.

What I could not find in your argument was a valid and reasonable solution. What do you think would work?

  1. Agent must disclose status - there will be argument regarding the definition of part time.
  2. Listing agent needs to ask more questions?  So the PT discloses they are busy from 8 - 5 with their dog walking business. What can you do?
  3. Install performance criteria in the contract with real teeth that both you and the pt'er must meet.
Aug 02, 2015 11:54 PM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

We offer an unconditional release from our listing contract if our sellers are, for any reason, unhappy with the job we're doing. If every agent did this, those full timers AND part timers who perform the way you described will be out of a job quickly.

Aug 03, 2015 12:25 AM
Woody Edwards
First Choice Realty, Inc - Chesterfield, VA
A Realtor® Who Answers His Phone!

Ritchie - How true!

 

Jeff - You are right.  The ability to write a contract is a dead give-away!

 

Aug 03, 2015 12:31 AM
Woody Edwards
First Choice Realty, Inc - Chesterfield, VA
A Realtor® Who Answers His Phone!

Annette - Wow....Bustin' my chops....LOL.  I have started doing #2 and asking questions.  You are right about the definition (???????) of PT.  As for #3, I am careful about what I add to a contract, as somebody might accuse me of practicing law!

 

Aug 03, 2015 12:52 AM
Woody Edwards
First Choice Realty, Inc - Chesterfield, VA
A Realtor® Who Answers His Phone!

Wayne & Jean - I offer the same thing.  It gives them some relief, knowing they can get out of the agreement with me.

Aug 03, 2015 12:55 AM
marti garaughty
garaughty.com - Montreal, QC
a highly caffeinated creative type...

garaughty, abstract art, graphic design, WordPress consultant

Aug 03, 2015 01:10 AM
Woody Edwards
First Choice Realty, Inc - Chesterfield, VA
A Realtor® Who Answers His Phone!

Marti - Thank you......Cool artwork!

Aug 03, 2015 01:18 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Woody, I have had many deals with part timers and most are unavailable until after the work day ends, and difficult to get things done in a timely manner. 

Aug 08, 2015 02:40 AM
Woody Edwards
First Choice Realty, Inc - Chesterfield, VA
A Realtor® Who Answers His Phone!

 Joan - You are right.  It makes it very difficult.

Aug 08, 2015 07:34 AM