you really can't. I think of part time as someone who works full time for something else and does real estate "on the side".

Here’s a suggestion: Sit down with a piece of paper and a pencil, or at your computer keyboard. Write this question at the top of the page: “Why I Want to Work Part-Time.”

If you can, write the answer in one, or at most two, sentences. “Make more money.” Perfectly good. “Get out of the house.” Also good, especially for active retirees. If you can’t answer this in a few words, you need to think about it some more. This is your motivation—the place to start.

Next, start listing everything you can do. What experience do you have? At anything.

Flipping burgers?
Writing poetry?
Digging holes?
Pounding nails?
Selling things?
Managing multimillion dollar projects?
It doesn’t matter what you put down because you never know what will turn up that fits you.

Then, when you have exhausted all your experience, start thinking about what you’d like to do. Go ahead—be ambitious! Notice I said “…what you’d like to do…” Not what you’d like to be (which could be “rich and famous”), but what you can see yourself doing. Now write down these things. Could be that there are things on this list that you have no experience with; maybe never even thought of before. Great! This is especially true if you have worked for years at one job and just want to try something new—something that looks interesting.

If your willing to make phone calls and talk to people, anyone with a pulse could make this work.

Amy,

It will be difficult if you don't have contacts already lined up. Friends, family, referrals etc.. But it can be done. I work from home and am an independent broker. Your customers and client will expect more of you since you are part time, (I know), so do your home work. Anticipate the questions before you meet and make yourself very familiar with the area you will be covering.

My favorite answer is always - It depends. Agents usually make their own decision on the hours they work but you seem to be working a lot of hours on your regular job. Showing homes to clients during the evening or weekends is only part of what an agent does. When do you plan on previewing the inventory, being there for the inspection or closing? There's ongoing training that is usually given by the board, agent office or other sources during the day. Most of the larger companies want full time agents dedicated to the production of business for the company. I would highly suggest that you team up with another agent so that someone will be available to do some of the legwork when you can't. You could also look into working with a "Virtual Assistant" to help with your marketing and phone calls or email that should be answered ASAP. There is a lot of technology out there to help you but it comes with a price. I wish you luck with your new career.

Have a Happy!

very difficult, even having a partner whos paying the bills, depends on how much you want it...

In my opinion, this isn't an issue about "full time" or "part time". The question is one of availability. In spite of what many agents believe, most clients aren't working with them because they think they're the greatest or because they're a member of "The President's Club". I've bought 8 houses in the last 8 years, and have always used the first agent who returned my phone call! Most people on the buying side are VERY impatient, and will not wait long to get a return phone call. For me personally, if I get a voicemail, I'm moving on to the next live body!


John from Boston