If there’s one thing our current generation is known for, it’s our love of the hustle. It seems that everyone has a side gig, including famous celebrities who clearly do not need a second income.
This trend has extended into the real estate industry, which has seen a flood of part-time agents over the years. Some obtained their license while working in other fields. Others are current agents who decided to take on a second job, which happens often during slower markets.
The question is whether or not it’s ever a good idea to work with a Realtor® who only works in the industry part-time. Let’s dive into the topic in more detail.
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Part-Time Hours Versus Total, Immersive Expertise
Real estate can be a complex industry, and full-time agents who make their living solely through helping clients have the advantage of a pulse on the market. Knowing what’s working today to get the best value requires more than pulling the latest stats from the local real estate board.
Being in the thick of things on a daily basis develops a level of experience and intuition that just isn’t obtainable with limited exposure. There are very few fields where anyone would consider working with a part-time “professional.”
To put it more frankly, would you want a heart surgeon to squeeze in your procedure during their lunch break or between gigs? Your home is one of the most valuable financial assets you will ever own. Why would you trust a real estate agent who manages your transaction only when they have a moment to spare?
Do you plan to sell your house and want to make sure you maximize your results? The insights below can help:
- Is Staging Still Valuable When Selling a House Today?
- Why Landscaping Matters When Selling Your Home
- What Are the Best Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value?
Your Overall Experience May Be Underwhelming
“They were never available.”
“I signed a contract, then they ghosted me.”
“I left a message and didn’t hear back for three days. When they finally called, they were in the car and put me on speakerphone.”
These are a few of the most common complaints clients have about real estate agents, and they primarily boil down to a lack of availability and sub-par service. To be fair, it doesn’t just happen with those working part-time. The choice of a full-service real estate agent is one to make with the utmost care and due diligence.
During your time of transition, you need someone you can trust to be there with the answers you need, when you need them. Juggling too many tasks just leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Some clients might be tempted to use a part-time agent if their commission is lower. Before you decide, be sure to read What Happens If You Choose the Cheapest Realtor® to Sell Your Home?
You’ll Be Left to Your Own Devices
Moving can be a lot of work, and the process often takes more time than people anticipate. More than ever, you need to be able to rely on your real estate agent to be there for you.
The sale of your existing home depends on various factors that must all align with the current market. For example, design trends come and go, and what used to add value may no longer make a difference or could even hurt your results.
Even if you plan to hire contractors to do the bulk of the work on your behalf, you still have to research and vet each candidate before signing an agreement. You may also be put on a waiting list, especially during busier times. Depending on your circumstances, you may be counting on a fast sale and simply cannot afford to wait months for renovations to be complete.
Buying a new property means visiting open houses, booking showing appointments, dealing with home inspectors, negotiating offers, waiving conditions, working with mortgage brokers, and closing the transaction.
A full-service real estate team usually comes armed with an entire network of other professionals to step in and make everything happen quickly, with very little stress or aggravation on your part, all while achieving outstanding results.
A part-time agent almost certainly does not have these contacts. You’ll be left to handle almost everything while managing your own busy schedule.
Negotiating Is About More Than the Numbers
If you’re buying a house, you want the lowest possible price; if you’re selling, you want the highest. Achieving the best outcome requires skilled negotiation no matter what side of the table you are on.
However, a positive experience is about much more than just the numbers.
A typical real estate contract contains multiple clauses that impact not just the price, but any conditions on the offer, the closing date, inclusions, exclusions, and what, if any, repairs will and will not be completed.
There are countless details a part-time agent may never have dealt with, such as a seller agreeing to remove an unfunctional, heavy refrigerator from the basement – and then not following through. Or they fail to leave the BBQ and patio furniture that were part of the deal. These details can mean the difference between a seamless move and one filled with stress and last-minute complications.
Is a home purchase in the cards for your future? The posts below can help you make informed decisions:
- Don’t Be Fooled By AI When Buying Your Next House!
- Checklist for Buying a Home
- What Is the Importance of a Final Walk-Through?
Questions to Ask Any Agent, Especially if They’re Part-Time
If you ever decide to work with a part-time agent, be sure that you (and they) are doing it for the right reasons. For example, perhaps your Realtor® is a true professional with all of the skills to get the results you want, but they are semi-retired.
In most cases, though, agents work part-time because the industry has gotten more challenging and they are struggling to either sell homes or help buyers negotiate a fair deal. When hiring any real estate agent, be sure to ask the right questions.
Pay particular attention to how many transactions they have closed.
- How many listings have they represented that actually sold?
- How many buyer clients successfully purchased the right home?
If the number is alarmingly low, it could mean that the agent does not have a pulse on the current market, a fact that will not work in your favour.
In an unpredictable landscape, you need every possible advantage when buying or selling a home. There is no substitute for experience, dedication, and a long, proven track record in all situations.
Do you want the best possible results and minimal stress when buying or selling your home? Our top Guelph real estate agents are here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to info@gowylde.ca or call 519-826-7109 for more information.
