Real estate agent part time?

Question

As I am growing interest in pursuing a real estate agent career. I was wondering what were your thoughts on starting part time and slowly transferring into full time? Has anyone gone through that path?

Joseph Parker · Answer

@David Simard I’m currently doing this exact thing. I’m fortunate enough to have a fairly flexible full-time job as the Controller of a mid-size beverage distribution company. I’m on the computer in my office all day long, able to take off lunch hours as needed, so it just made sense. I do not intend to leave that main job, however.

I got my real estate license last September and joined our local ReMax brokerage. Obviously, being on the listing side of the transaction is easier as a part time agent versus showing buyers multiple houses, but it seems as if most of the buyers I work with have similar 9-5 jobs like I do, so prefer to see homes on their lunch hour or after work/weekends. I can do paperwork at my main job any time and market myself/look for leads on my computer at my main job as well. It’s worked well for me so far as I’m approaching $2m in sales for this calendar year-to-date. Some luck is always involved, but if you’re willing to work hard and put forth the effort, things occasionally seem to fall into place.

Christopher Randall · Answer

Personally I didn't want to attempt it. I decided to save up enough money to get me through at least four months after getting my license. This way I can really focus on developing my systems. It is an overwhelming amount of information to process when you first get started, so I didn't want to split up my focus that much. Hope this helps!

David Simard · Answer

@Anne T Tanner thank you for your feedback! So it’s possible but It will be much more challenging then it already is. Is it possible to start as an assistant to a successful agent to gain experience first?

Joseph Parker · Answer

@David Simard as of now, I do not intend on going full-time. I'd have to feel very confident that I could do a certain amount of volume annually before ever considering making the switch to full time. My background is in finance and accounting, so I have a fairly structured, organized, budgeting mind. For now, I like knowing what I'm getting paid weekly at my full-time job, along with the medical benefits, 401k and profit sharing that it provides.

David Simard · Answer

@Joseph Parker thats very motivating! Thank you for the information. Are you planning on going full time ?

David Simard · Answer

@Andrew Cornstubble yea that makes sense... I was wondering because My wife is currently doing her nurse practitioner masters and this means we live on my salary which is why I can’t quit my job. I know for sure once she graduates and gets a job I will have the luxury to pursue real estate full time and I was wondering if I should get my license now and gain experience until she graduates or wait till she graduates and then get on it full time straight off

Andrew Cornstubble · Answer

@David Simard  The first BP podcast suggested anyone doing deals get liscensed.  I'm not sure how one would keep a full time job and be able to pursue a part time career outside of personal investing use but I'm also considering it.

Anne T Tanner · Answer

its exciting to contemplate a career in real estate and it is possible to start part time while working full time.  I have helped agents do it, but it is not easy.  Your broker may not offer much help or training after hours.  Buyers may want to look while you are at work, and answering leads can be a challenge.  If you cant get training on your time frame consider hiring a coach who can help you build this. Obviously it is time consuming, but doable.

Anne T Tanner · Answer

Of course you can start as an assistant, if you are with an experienced agent you can learn how to use the MLS, other tools and marketing etc.  I'd rather see you go as a buyers agent though because that experience will teach you more about doing the actual real estate job.  Not sure if an agent would hire an assistant that has a full time job

David Simard · Answer

@Christopher Randall thanks for your input! I see where you are coming from and I might be setting myself up for failure if I don’t put all my time into it at the beginning. I was thinking of getting my license and starting off working as an assistant to a successful agent to gain knowledge and experience and then I could feel more confident and go off on my own?

Real estate agent part time?

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