I came across this article by a part time real estate agent on why you should hire her. I found it interesting to say the least.
I am pasting the article verbatim, my not so humble opinions are below each point and italicized.
Here is the article
Although almost every article and blog on how to find a realtor suggest that buyers/sellers should not work with part-time Realtors, remember that the service you provide is just as valuable. This position may be controversial, but there are many reasons why they should choose you.
1) You have gone through the same licensing requirement that full-time realtors have . Many part-timers continue to take more classes than what is minimally required earning designations and continuously expanding their knowledge in order to be competitive.
First I want to say a license does not equate to market competence. It means you are now legally allowed to work for a broker and learn the business. In order to be competitive you need to be immersed in the industry.
2) You are able to provide the same service whether it is at 4:00p.m., or at 10:00a.m. The majority of your clients work also and many have the same schedule and aren’t available until after 4:00p.m. anyway. If you are able to manage your time effectively when you take lunch and breaks on your day job you are able to make the necessary calls to the loan officers, attorneys and appraisers, etc.
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to show a property and you cannot get a hold of the agent.
3) I’m sure you’ve heard many full-time realtors say that this is their bread and butter. This may not be your bread and butter, but that may be a benefit to your clients. This not your sole income, you are less likely to influence your clients decisions in the purchase or sell of a property. The sell is always nice, but if it doesn’t happen it’s not going to make or break you.
OK, who do you want handling real estate, someone that doesn’t care if it closes? If a transaction is going to make or break an agent then they are not a full time seasoned agent.
4) You are just as motivated to provide a service of excellence so that you can get repeat business and have a referral base. Let’s face it many of you aren’t in the business to continue to have to work two jobs. The goal is to give up the 9 to 5. Many full-time realtors started where you are today.
Kind of contradicts the point above
5) Finally, you have paid your dues. If this Business is a hobby for you then it’s an expensive hobby. Not only are you paying the same monetary dues and fees as full-time agents, but many of you are working 12-14 hour days and weekends.
So tell them why they should choose you?
Similar to my first response, the dues and fees allow you to have an active license not to be confused with a person running a business.
I just completed an eleven tab spread sheet for my business plan next year. It has a marketing budget that will be more than the total revenue generated by a part time agent.
You decide
