Hating on part-time agents?

Question

I'm a part-time agent, as I primarily got my license to aid in my REI stuff (i.e. MLS access, the ability to see properties/make offers on my own, making/saving on commissions for my flips, etc.)--plus I also work a steady day gig. However (although I haven't experienced it directly), I've heard/seen some so-called full-time agents throw lots of shade towards part-timers, insinuating in articles, etc. that they're "not as serious," not as professional, etc.

Has anyone noticed this? And what are your thoughts? Personally, I think everyone should pursue RE however it works best for them--but that's just me, lol.

Has anyone noticed this? And what are your thoughts?  Personally, I think everyone should pursue RE however it works best for them--but that's just me, lol.

Danny Simard · Answer

I haven't noticed this (I'm also very new), however, I thought of a spin you could put on that type of claim. It's safe to assume most "full time" agents don't have income from another job, meaning they *need* to represent buyers and sellers and close deals to pay their bills and feed their families. You (like me) don't *need* real estate income to survive; you're choosing to do it because you have an interest and you're looking to better yourself long-term.

If a potential client came to you and questioned your ability to represent them because you're supposedly not as serious as a full-timer, you convey to them that you don't need their business to put food on the table; you get a paycheck from your job regardless. You're offering services because you ARE a professional and you want to provide a great service.

Further, frequently I hear about peoples' bad experiences with agents, claiming they felt like their agent pressured or advised them to do something which they felt wasn't in their best interests, but would get the agent's commission paid quicker. Again, you can explain to them that you have no incentive to do that, because you don't *need* to get their commission to survive.

That ended up being a bit more wordy than I originally intended, but I think the idea is there. What do you think?

Wayne Woodson · Answer

I have experienced this first hand and yes most Brokers and Agents are bias against part time agents anyone who tells you different is a lair. From a business standpoint I think it is very stupid and foolish because most agents start off part time.

So imagine being unemployed and living on unemployment then forking over $1,800 to $2,000 to get your license THEN having to pay out $200 a month for desk fee's MLS access and more. And people wonder why most Real Estate Agents either quit or go Broke.

I have also heard horror stories from other part time agents at these large first being given the run around. Other agents abusing them and even other agents cutting them out of deals and/or taking their clients. My advise is to go with a local mom and pop broker and stay away from the large firms as a part timer. Yea they may not have the education or marketing mussel as the big guys but that what the library and internet is for. Also you may find the commission split to be higher as well ; )

Vonetta Booker · Answer

So true, @James Wise .  I know a couple of unprofessional, crappy realtors--who just happen to be full-time.  The main thing is whether you're doing right by the clients you work with.

James Wise · Answer

If you professional and knowledgeable it should not matter if you have another job or not.

I've never asked or been asked by another Realtor if I have another job or not.

People are biased against people who don't know how to do their job and many times the assumption is that if a Realtor is not good at their job they must be "part time" which may or may not actually be the case.

Vonetta Booker · Answer

@Tyrus Shivers I totally agree, Tyrus--well said. It's not what you do, but how you do it!

Tyrus Shivers · Answer

@Vonetta Booker

It is really about you and the services you offer. Full time or part-time there are good and bad agents as well as investors. I have had my fill of terrible "full-time" agents who knew less that "part-time" agents. Seem some people do the same thing which is have one or two bad experiences and then lump everyone into the same category. The same way most retail agents do not want to deal with investors in the first place. They get one or two tire kickers and then all of a sudden all investors are bad.

My advice is care less about what people have to say and work hard to achieve your goals. Your professionalism and the ability to get things done is what people should be talking about, not how often you are in the office. I work several different avenues of business so I can be considered part-time in many different ways. What I am is a full-time entrepreneur.

My clients could not tell you if I was full or part time because I give them a level of care that meets their needs and that is what they are looking for.

Vonetta Booker · Answer

Thanks for everyone's input.  @Danny Simard, I like the way you put that. :-)

Mark Brian · Answer

While I believe it is hard to build yourself up by knocking others down, I do understand why some people take a dim view of part time agents. Not saying it is true for all part timers.

I would just let your level of professionalism show people that while you may be part time, you are 110% professional.

Steve B. · Answer

Absolutely,  I even know many non-agents, high end investors, as well as less sophisticated types that would never hire a part time RE agent.  I would include myself as one of these.

Hating on part-time agents?

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