Since a lot of work is at night and on weekends because most buyers work 9-5, I was thinking of keeping my full time Job until business picks up.

My Question is that Im trying to find a broker that has good training and has a lot of professionals to learn off of......Is it possible to achieve this working at night and on weekends?????

Possibly but I don't work nights and only work every other weekend (not the whole weekend either, usually every other Saturday between 8:30-1pm).

During weekdays, I work from 7:30am to 3:00pm. One or two nights a week I will work until 6 or 7pm.

I guess you could work nights and weekends. It comes down to whether or not you a sphere of influence. If not, you will probably need those daytime hours to prospect.

Dee wrote this very effective blog on her site. Dee\'s Blog In order to be successful, see what we have to do. If you want to remain PT, then of course you can survive but do expect a PT income too.

So as long as you understand you reap what you sow analogy, it's really difficult to remain financially successful it not alot is vested into it. But yes, you can do it. Read this. Is Part-time real estate for me?

I am part time, just started 6 months ago. I am on 12hr shifts w/my full time job but do not work everyday & I have every other weekend off. I do find it hard to do. I had my first listing in November and found it hard to get everything done as I would if I was full time. I can imagine when I have several listings at once! I have 2 more yrs to go on my current job to get vested & leave, I can't wait. The only good thing about having another job is the steady income & you can also use it for advertising to get your name out there. I don't let anyone know that I have another job. If you can save enough to take care of your expenses for a year & dedicate to this full time, I suggest it's a better route.

I just thought I add this:

I've been on both sides. None of the "sides" had the best of me. And quite honestly, I knew I was better than that. Turning full-time was the best thing I had done. But I thoroughly understand why some would prefer to take the PT route first. I did! And I'd do it all over again.

(I may be lucky though!) I had friends and family that supported me ie buying and selling through me - I think alot because of my "personality" and my diligence in whole-heartedly helping someone even when I didnt know the answer. I think attitude will set the difference!

Thanks for the responses.....how did you find time to be in the office learning from other pros working part time. What hours was your full time job? What time does the office usually close??? Im wondering what times I should change my hours at my full time job so I can get proper training but have time to go out and show people properties.

(These answers pertain to me only):

I started this business with no intentions of doing too much about it. That being said, we wanted to purchase for ourselves. We were the first (among our friends) to purchase our house, so that was our bonus.

I didnt hang out much at the office. I think I followed my broker to several showings and that was it. I was pretty self-sufficient. Again, my business model was different. The broker structured his office so well that I didnt need to step into his office - great for me. I did have a few "friends" at the office - none of which I learnt too much from. I learnt from doing deals. If there was something I needed to ask, my broker is always available - on the MSN chat messenger (seriously). He didnt have kids, he was on the computer MOST of the time. It just worked out for me that way!

I was in a difficult situation at the corporate job. I was pretty much needed 7:30am - 5:00pm. Actually more than that! On weeknights and weekends too. Boss is not too flexible - not that he's intoreable, we were just so good at what we did and his compensation and bonuses reflects that. This is not the best advice .... but I dont go for closings. I dont go for inspections. I run errands at lunch time. (I remembered the days) and that's why I said no one was getting the best of me!

It's not rocket science to show a house. There's a little work in learning to present a listing so that you seem professional. Check out the training provided. Who knows, it might be at 5pm?

If the broker doesnt provide the training, see if an agent can. Or find a mentor (with personalized training).

I too am just getting started in this business as I have just passed my test and am currently interviewing agency's as I type. I also am approaching this business Part Time because I have a Full Time job right now and I dont have any intentions on quiting it anytime soon. Fortunatley I am in a VERY flexable job and poistion where I could take a couple hours a day during the daytime if need be to devote to Real Estate especially to the training at whereever I sign up at! My weekends would be open as well.

Anyways, I think it really comes down to what your expectations are when you are coming in as part time. Realistically, what are the days and time you will have to devote to your business?From what I gathered from people who were or who still are part time with "real" life experiences is that it is obviously harder to get your business up and going and it is very important to pick a broker who you not only "mesh" well with, but one who accepts your role as a part time agent, one who will get you training and one who understand where you are at and where you want to go! I think that really is the key. As far as experiences as a part time agent, I dont have any yet! But I will soon. You just have to evaluate your own unique situation and know what you want and what you can "put" into this job....

v702: I wish you all the success... You have the personality to stay in this business.

My personal experience of staying in this business wasn't quite business-related. It was when I aligned my priorities (there's only so many hours in the day, so I had to rate my to-do list). My family is top priority and get that on your schedule too. Getting the license is the first step. Trying to reach the 1st year mark is your next hurdle....

All the best.

I think the main point im thinking of is the fact you don't sell your first house for 6 months. If its a $200,000 home at 6% commission, thats 3% buyer and 3% seller, then your share is $6,000(3% of 200,000). If you are 50/50 with the broker then you receive $3,000! With the money I have saved up it would still be hard working half a year and making only $3,000.

Aftermath... Please realize that the majority of a real estate agent's work is NOT showing houses to buyers. There are so many other things we do that really do need our full attention. You have already hit on one of the most important - getting trained and competent. And once you have some bizness going, you do need to be available during business hours to take care of the daily problems and details that come up unexpectedly... and need attention NOW, not tonight (after title companies, lenders and appraisers have gone home).

If you have flexibility in your job hours, I would recommend working in the mornings and being available for real estate as much of the afternoon as possible. If possible, reduce your hours to the absolute minimum you can and really focus on your real estate business.

I wouldn't expect that too many brokers or mentors will want to take their evenings or weekends to work with you - remember, they have businesses and families too.

Being successful in real estate is a tough mission for the newbie, especially in this market. If you want to make it to your second year, you really need to give it your all this year.

You can do it! Rah Rah Rah!

^^^^^

Thanks for the info....Im thinking of reducing my hours at work and working 5am to 11am.

Now working on real estate from 11am to 7pm would be considered working full time. Do you believe these hours would be appropriate?

I think it's tough to be successful part time. Business won't pick up until you put the resources into it. I started part-time but I had an extremely flexible job and spent all of my free time studying real estate and planning.

Yes, Aftermath, assuming you can keep up that pace, those hours will work. But I'm tired just thinking about it! I admire your willingness to work that hard though - it shows that you are enthusiastic about your new career and are willing to give it everything you can.

I know an agent that works a full time job and real estate part time. She was agent of the month for December...so you can do whatever you want too do as long as you are determined. She works 50+ hours at her full time job. You have to be a hard worker and dedicated, but it can be done.
Angie