Part Time Realtors

[Wayne Griggs]

I would like to open up a disscussion on your opinions of part time Realtors.1. Do you believe that part timers hurt or help the business. 2.Do you like or dislike working with part time Realtors..if so why or why not. 3. Do you believe that a better portion of law suits filed against Realtors comes against those that work part time or full time.4. Do you think it is a disservice to buyers and seller if they are using a part time Realtor.

Please let me know what you think I would love to hear your opinions and comments

[IGotRealEstate]

I would have to say that part times hurt the business. There inability to not be there for there buyer or seller and hold there hand is the biggest mistake I think. If a buyer or seller call or email you should respond within a timely fashion. Not a day later, 5 hours later or even 2 hours later. The reason most of them are part time in my belief is that most of them have no idea of what customer serivce is or know what the word means. There only after the money not their clients best interest, and clienst can see it. It follows through any any business especailly sales or providing a service. By not respond in a timely matter and not giving them the attention they need, guarantees the part timer one thing NO referrals. Would anyone refer someone that doesn't return calls, emails etc. I guess theres no way I could make it in the business, If I did that. I'm 28 and dealing with clients that are 40,50,60 years old and trying to gain there buiness is not always easy, then if your were to add in not returning calls or emails, I mine as well go back to bed.... I would have to say that a portion of lawsuits come from partimers. It would be like having a part time Doctor.

[Rich@vtws]

In my opinion, they run the risk of perpetuating the sterotype of the old retired librarian who sells real estate now. Not the image as an industry I think should be supported. I often wondered why with all the local,state and federal realtor organizations that exist, they have not yet developed a successful, ongoing PR campaign to convey the Highly technical and Proffessional skills it takes in today's market to combat the discount brokering trend and capture more of the fsbo market.

I think perhaps a new national organization might be called for in the future to promote only the most technically skilled, smarter working Agencies and Agents as the majority still fail to embrace the future and continue to reinforce the stereotypes..

In my opinion, there's no getting around the fact that the public in general perceive realtors to be all the same and not doing anything truly of value for the consumer. We've done research and focus groups to back this up while developing marketing campaigns. While the majority of people wouldn't consider selling their own home and responded that they would list their home for sale with a Realtor/Company, what we found that was somewhat surprising, is that the overwhelming majority of even those people responded by saying they could do it as good themselves if they had the time.

Back to the topic now
I'm not aware of any of my clients that allow part timers but I've heard a few horror stories.

[BurnabyJoe]

I would consider myself as a part time Realtor and I feel insulted by your comment. I am the primary caregiver to my two kids and my wife works full time for very good money. Until I am consistently making more money than her this is how it will remain. When I am working directly for a seller my family understands that the customer comes first.
On occassion I have delt with a few of the 'Top' Realtors in my area. Some examples: One I called on his listing only to have his assistant call me back 3 days later!!! Two of the Top Realtors in my office needed my assistance on how to get an Open House shown online with our Board. A few I know do not have websites even when I offer a Free website to them. Some will list no matter what price they list for only to beat the Seller down later.
I have met many really good people in the business but don't put down us part timers cause you do not think we service our clients as well.

[Micheal Pannell Realtor]

i was a part timer for 2 years, Then i figured out i wasnt going to make the money i could usless i went full bore. Last year i made over 300,000 in my first full year of full time. That is in a market where i sell homes between 90,000 and 160,000

[RonnieG]

I am a part time Realtor, but only because I am also a part time webmaster, part time PPC consultant, part time new agent trainer, part time team manager, part time bookkeeper, and part time ski bum!

[coastal]

Why would a customer want someone who only worked for them part time when they could have full time at the same price?

[webmaster]

I don't think that being a part time realtor necessarily means you provide part time service to your clients, it might just mean you can only take on a limited amount of clients.

[Saodavi]

I would disagree. I think being part time seriously limits what you can do for growing/maintaining your business and taking care of your clients.

As a part-timer myself, there are often times during he work day when I am unable to respond promptly to phone calls or internet leads. I also can't work sign-calls if people call and/or want to see the property between 8 and 5.

While it's certainly feasible to operate with some degree of success, I disagree that you can provide "quality service" when you're unavailable between 8 and 5 M-F (or any other 40 hours during the week).

[Sam Dodd]

I think it is fine to be a part time agent. You just need to build a full time system so your clients are serviced full time and you the agent only work part time.