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

I started off part-time. It can be very difficult, but if you are well-organized and efficient it is definitely possible!
I wouldn't advise specifically advertising yourself as part-time to any of your potential clients, because it may discourage them from using you, because they will assume you don't have time to deal with them properly.
There are ways to work around limited times. Set up regular scheduled reporting times where you will communicate with your clients any news for the week, that works for both your schedules. It will save you having to go back and forth about issues during the week, if this is pre-arranged in advance. Some clients find it useful as well to have a regular appointment (even if it is just a phone call!).
Consider joining a team. If you are working with a partner or team, you can sometimes arrange more flexible working schedules.
Keep a detailed calender with you at all times, and make sure to use your time well. It's not about quantity, it's about quality. If you have organized systems and models in place, it is doable!

The times I find are most difficult are when offers are on the table. Getting yourself a virtual fax that is connected to your blackberry or PDA can be useful if you can afford it. That way you don't necessarily have to be at the office to be working, and you can receive offers, waivers, amendments, etc. immediately. If you know you have a packed schedule of offers potentially coming up, schedule yourself less time at your other job! Sometimes there is no way out, because time is very important in contracts!
As someone else suggested, availability is key! If a client contacts you, you should still respond to them asap if you want to be successful. Many times I have taken phones call on break from my other commitment, or during my lunch/dinner time. Be prepared for this! It is a reality if you want happy clients.
The hours that you work at your full-time job would make many things very difficult. If you can switch to a different shift- I would definitely consider it!

Hope this helps and good luck!