Part Time Agents
We live in an area that is a tropical environment. As a result, there are many agents that “dabble” in selling real estate. At the height of our market we had just under 8000 agents with our Greater Fort Myers Board of Realtors. We currently have about 5000 which is 3000 too many STILL.
The average agent in our MLS sells just 2 houses a year! Many of the agents have “other” careers. They are part time and work elsewhere full time. If your agent returns your calls in the evening you may be working with a part time Realtor. It is not a crime to be part time but, do you want someone that “dabbles” in real estate or an agent that has made this their full time career?
It is true the top 20% of the agents sell 80% of the properties. I average between 40-50 properties a year personally and have other agents that work for me that also sell a good number of homes.
I cannot begin to tell you the stories I have heard from buyers and sellers regarding their agents. Agents that had to call off showing appointments because they were called into their other careers, and agents that listed someone’s house but, did nothing to market and sell it.
So, my advice to those of you that want to buy or sell–ask your prospective agent how long they have been in the business and whether they are full time or not. It could save you some frustration in the future.
Judy Ramage, Broker Associate Re/Max Realty Team 239 242-2005, judy@capecoralwaterfront.net
