When you’re thinking about hiring a real estate agent, you don’t just go ahead and hire the first one you run into. There are many things to know when selecting and many questions to ask before hiring, so going over our guide will clear things out.
Even if there are many voices out there talk about the differences between part-time and full-time real estate agents, at the end of the day, it’s not that important as you can find part-time agents that do a fantastic job, despite their short programs. And some full-time agents don’t impress, despite their full-time programs.
As long as your part-time agent is committed to the tasks and delivers, what difference does it make if it’s a part-time agent or not?
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Are there many part-timers in the industry?
Regardless of what many think, there are plenty of part-time real estate agents. The National Association of Realtors highlights that a regular real estate agent has around 11 transactions a year (the number is from 2015), which could lead to enough commission in a luxury market. However, the professional would need a second source of income.
The majority of members working 40 hours per week reported a median gross income of $39,200.
Therefore, you could be working with a part-timer and don’t even know it. It’s common for many agents working part-time not to mention it to their clients. And when an agent’s schedule matches the client’s, the client may never know.
There’s an excellent reason for which part-timers may not talk about it from the first meeting. It doesn’t look like you’re committed enough when you’re working 40 hours a week. Additionally, the other job may seem like a distraction as well. Go here to see how you can become a better part-time real estate agent.
One thing customers don’t see is that part-time means working for fewer clients. Therefore, a small number of clients benefit the same quality of service from a real estate agent.
The part-time agents are an excellent match for pensioners that like remain active in the business, but also for the stay-at-home parents who get to spend time with their kids while working with the clients in the mornings.
Why should you hire a part-time real estate agent?
There are plenty of reasons for which you should consider hiring a part-time real estate agent:
They’re ambitious
The chances of part-time agents being determined are quite high, especially if they’re new to the business. When an agent is working part-time, he/she understands pretty fast that they’re not going to spend the whole day working for the job.
Anyone who is new to the business and is a part-timer is going to be determined to succeed, which means he/she is going to work hard for making it to the top.
They’re available
Even if a part-time real estate agent works around the clock for the other job, the schedule will still allow him to handle showings and appointments. However, it’s going to take a good match between his schedule and the client’s schedule.
When you’re looking to buy a home, the showings are fundamental. And if you can only go to showings at the weekend, it may work fine for the part-time agent too.
They’re only as good as anyone can be
A right agent is an excellent agent, no matter how many hours he works a week. Just like with any other profession, there are good agents and bad agents, no matter the number of hours they work. At the end of the day, it’s about knowledge of the market, tips, and dedication for his or her client.
Not all agents have the same goals. It’s very likely that a part-time agent working with less clients simultaneously will still provide an impressive level of service.
What other aspects to consider when choosing?
Should you decide to work with a part-time agent, it’s also a good idea to ask them if they’re consulting colleagues or advisors any now and then. You want to make sure that they have some guidance. It’s not that a part-time will not have the experience (plenty of them work for years part-time!), but it’s always a good thing to get a second opinion from someone in the business.
It’s one thing to trust your agent, and it’s another thing to take a leap of faith blindly. After all, you’re buying a house and not ice cream. It’s good to take chances, but you shouldn’t feel like you’re jumping into the unknown.
Don’t forget that teamwork also means that there’s always someone ready to help you. There’s still strength in numbers, and a part-time agent getting help from his colleagues may be useful for you.
When you’re signing with a real estate team, you’re not only going to talk to your agent. There’s an army of other agents, specialists of marketing, and assistants that have to manage the scheduling and paperwork. Your agent working part-time is going to get support from the team members.
