I am very interested in becoming a part-time real estate agent. I currently work a full-time dayturn job as a customer service agent and am gone from 7am to 6pm weekdays. Evenings and weekends are free. I am wondering if starting out part time is worth it? I have a good DSL line at home plus access during my lunch hour for everyday for real estate communications. I am a very motivated, aggressive person and feel I would do well with real estate, but would definitely like some sound advice. If the business really takes off, I would consider it full time but at this time feel it too risky to give up my current position.

I work full time dayturn and would be available lunch hour and after 6pm weekdays, plus weekends. I would like to get some sound advice on starting out part-time. I am a very motivated, aggressive person and feel with my skills and customer service experience, that I can make this work. I'm not willing to give up my current position at this point in time.

With such a high demand on your during the week time, it sounds like it will be difficult for you - while you are taking buyers out on weekends, who's going to make the appointments for you during the week, who will speak with the loan officers, home inspectors, etc - most of them operate in M-F 9-5 offices.

There is much more to real estate than finding property online and taking out buyers.

If you had more time during the week it would be easier. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it will be darn difficult.

I am interested in starting out part-time evenings and weekends - can this be done? I work full-time days and would be available after 6pm weekdays and weekends any hours. I'm very motivated and agressive and feel I could make this work. I'm not able nor willing to leave my current fulltime position because of the huge risk factor. We purchased our first home in march and I don't want to risk jeopardizing what we've worked so hard for. Any advice??

One of the biggest problems I see with trying to start part time is the issue of full time costs (dues, insurance, etc. are not prorated base on your time spent at the business). Even for someone starting full time these can be quite costly until you establish a flow of income from the R.E. business; those costs need to be covered from other resources until you hit break even (and break even willrobably be further out on the time line if you are part time).

Hi Amy - Welcome! I just got my N.C. license and am also wanting to start out part time. Don't let all the naysayers discourage you, though - there are quite a few that think you can't do this business sucessfully if you're not full time. I think its a matter of how much effort you put into it and how well you take care of your clients. I have a very good full time job and my boss knows I am trying to break into a r/e career - we got all that straight BEFORE she hired me. So, good luck to you - your idea of success may be quite different from someone else's - so do your own thing and don't worry about what others think!

sure it can be done. I started out part time. Yes, it can be done. But good luck. Its a pain in the [censored] doing all of what you have to do, following up, due diligence, etc. It will be easier to work with sellers in my opinion. Good luck

Sure you can start out part-time. Most people want to view properties on the evenings and weekends anyways. Especially if you are working as a buyer's agent. Just realize there is cost to maintain a license (MLS access, local realtor assoc., E&O insurance, Supra Key, etc., etc.) Then you usually have to split your commission with whomever holds your license. It can be a lot of work for the money you earn.

Please don't do real estate part time. You will find yourself stressed out or going broke. The requirments on your time are just to great with your day job. Real estate is not a occupation that should be performed part time. Save 6 months of income and some money for initial marketing then launch into the field full time. If you do it any other way you will end up at best with unsatisfied customers and a number of agents in your market area dispising you for your lack of follow through. Not to mention that right now agents are having to work twice the hours for the same income.

It's a myth that most of your job is done nights and weekends. I rarely work nights and weekends - but I work my backside off during the day. Most of your job does NOT involve taking buyers around - that's only a small part of what you do. There's a reason real estate agents have such huge earning potential and it's not because we only "have" to work nights and weekends. We work A LOT!

No! Selling Real Estate is NOT a Part-Time Job!

If you are highly motivated and aggresive, quit your day job and go get them, you'll make it at a full time agent.
I have never seen a part-timer making it decently...

Despite what your being told, whether it can be done depends on you. As long as you can handle the needs of your clients and make their transaction happen, you can work part time.

I also started out (back in the dark ages - before we had the internet) as a part time person. I managed to have my second most profitable year while working "part-time" back in 1990. However, I was the manager at my day job, so when I need to take some time in the day to meet inspectors, etc. I was able to do that.

The only one who can answer this question is really you.

R

Your first hurdle is getting good training. Once you know how to do a transaction, you can work part time as long as you meet your client's needs and expectations. Some agents work 70 hours per week and have little to show for it. Some agents work 20 hours per week and are very successful. Like others have said, it is up to you. Your drive, intelligence, ability to build quick relationships, etc.

Keep in mind that 'full time' does not mean being at a RE Office 40 hours a week. It means always being available tho. I pull 24 hours of 'up-time' but I am selling RE at the gas station, at the supermarket, at the hair salon, at the PTA. I never EVER miss a chance to talk RE. I spend my 'off' time on weekends, going to moving sales - always good for a listing!

But Really, rebel is right. YOU and how you do business is what counts. Very few people could make it just nights and weekends. Good Luck to you.

Amy,

With a plan and perseverance, sure you can. We have a lady in my area that is part-time and does well, her focus is new homes and apartments. She diligently posts numerous ads to craigslist and kijiji and works those leads exclusively. There is more to her system but thats it in a nutshell and it works for her and her broker.