Special offer
Tammy Inglis, Real estate agent for Michigan (Liberty Way Realty )

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
809,829
Bob Force (REALTOR®)
Weichert Realtors - Aspen Hill - Mount Airy, MD
The FORCE in Maryland Real Estate

May I suggest you get a mentor/partner, one how is willing to take you on and not just for a share in your commissions.  Get one who is willing to work with you pretending to be a buyer, then a seller.  Sit with them at open houses, be willing to do their paperwork for a few transactions.

Just a suggestion.

 

Sep 05, 2015 09:29 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

those who have another job must have a partner to tie in with for follow up and running around during working hours of the job...

Sep 05, 2015 06:54 PM
Rainmaker
2,363,549
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I was a dual career agent for many years - I was a full time attorney with the federal government and a productive agent  too - generally the 3rd most productive agent in my office so I know it can be done. I focused on buyers because their schedules tended to mirror mine  rather than sellers who expect you to be full time. I did not tell people I had another job - who wants a part time realtor! 

I would start slow - you have one job already so you are adding to that first job- consider this to be training - you don't want to get in over your head and let a client down - but it can be done if you want it to work and you are willing to work hard and balance your life.  Make sure your broker is supportive and you have back up and a mentor who is sympathetic. 

Sep 05, 2015 09:52 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I have never had another job while selling real estate however I have partnered with a fellow agent/full time teacher that had me do her work while she was teaching and we usually split the listing and buyer clients. It worked out well.

Sep 05, 2015 01:03 PM
Ambassador
1,453,069
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

There are many part-time Realtors who do a better job than many full-time Realtors so don't let the Debbie Downers get to you.   Is it easy?  No.  Simple? Yes.   This isn't rocket science and today's technology takes away most of what took our time years ago.   Understand that you have to start the way you want to finish and get your systems in place.   Congratulations on earning your license and good luck to you!

Sep 06, 2015 12:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,726,096
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Our other job is marriage!

Sep 05, 2015 11:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

I also teach full time. The only way I can be even moderately successful is because Wayne is a full time Realtor. I supplement what he does, rather than the other way around.

Sep 05, 2015 10:11 PM
Rainmaker
292,685
Jack Lewitz
Exit Strategy Realty - Evanston, IL

There are a lot of doom sayers here telling you things that you should find out for yourself. Something attracted you to get your real estate license and congrats on that now finding time to work and who to work with is your next challenge. You can work part time if you want just be upfront about it . I think real estate can be a great career after you retire from teaching and have a pension . Good luck 

Sep 05, 2015 09:38 PM
Rainmaker
4,883,260
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

It is hard to do real estate part time.  Get with your broker and establish a plan to transition to a full time agent.  

Sep 05, 2015 09:36 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Tammy. It is very difficult to do both and do them well. I'm sure there are many situation that agents have another job to make sure they can make ends meet.

Sep 05, 2015 07:52 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

A lot of former and current teahers here in the rain, talk to Jean Zuhl, I think she is still teaching

Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl 

Sep 05, 2015 04:58 PM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

*license

Sep 05, 2015 04:14 PM
Rainmaker
938,637
Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette/West Lafayette, Indiana - West Lafayette, IN

Tammy, if you are not in coaching or extra curricular activities after school or on weekends it may be possible to slowly work things in if you have a great broker or great agent you can mentor under.  If you are a front line classroom teacher you know it is not an 8 to 3 job as there are extra hours of preparation and grading almost every night and on weekends.

There may be flexibility if you landed on a large team as a buyers agent with the understanding that you could help on certain late afternoons,  evenings, or weekends.  The great thing is you would have more flexibility to sell real estate later after learning the ropes with Fall break, Christmas break, Spring Break, and the ten weeks of Summer when school is not in session.

In my prime I would do  a six week stretch in the spring of working the tanning beds at our campus business from 10pm till 4:30 AM week nights.  By the time I got home I ended up with an hour of sleep  and was off to teach high school then to golf practice or meets after school and if lucky got an hours's cat nap before working the tanning beds again that night at 10PM.

Start out slow and learn the ropes. 

Sep 05, 2015 03:09 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

All the best to you Tammy. I could never do this as a part time job. Maybe when you become successful you will decide to switch over to full time? If you need anything, let me know.

Sep 05, 2015 12:55 PM
Rainmaker
784,786
The Woodland Team of Texas
The Woodland Companies - Austin, TX
Land Specialists

I know many who do this.

Jan 01, 2019 03:02 AM
Rainer
7,267
Tammy Inglis
Liberty Way Realty - Lake Orion, MI
Real estate agent for Michigan

Thank you all for the advice. I am a special education teacher at the high school level. Two of my kids are out of college and my youngest is a college freshman playing soccer. My goal is to work hard and eventually leave my teaching profession. I work for a great broker who actually pursued me knowing I would be part time for awhile. I am working with a buyer right now (my son lol) and I am listing a house next week. You were all a wealth of information !

Sep 06, 2015 09:16 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,442
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I've had many successful part time agents. Some of them ended up with their own real estate companies in later years. 

You have to be a smart manager of your time and your resources.

Sep 06, 2015 02:44 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I found it impossible.  

I consider myself a multi-tasker who at one time had 3 careers/businesses, however....

When I got into real estate I only had one other career going, but was not able to keep up the charade of being one person leading two lives.  Even though I  kept it separate because the consumer does not want to know that you are a part timer, I was not successful and soon had to make a choice.

Getting a partner is easier said than done.  "Full time" agents do not want to cover for a "part time" partner.

I think that as a part timer, you  simply cannot properly serve a client unless you spend school time trying to hold it together.  Real Estate is a full time job, and then some...

Eve

 

Sep 06, 2015 01:20 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Full time high school teacher.

If my suspicion is correct, every evening you have 3 hours of high school stuff you must complete. Then to make any money you will need to be engaged in 'extra-cirricular' work such as coaching, tutoring, debate team, school play, or even detention police (if they still do that).

Share with other AR readers the consistent time blocks available to which you can commit to your real estate career? You have real estate training you need to complete and buyers and seller don't like when their agent goes dark.

There are solutions, but offering them without knowing the resources available will only create confusion of misdirection.

Sep 05, 2015 10:37 PM
Rainmaker
883,732
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

I have to be honest with you and tell you I don't think you can do a full time job and be a part time real estate agent and make a successful career out of it. Being a teacher is an important full time job. Being a productive Realtor is a full time job times 2 with LOTS of hours.  Retired Teachers make great Real Estate Agents... Retired Military make great agents... but juggling 2 full time jobs and making a go out of it .... doesn't bode well for success in either.  No go ahead and prove me wrong... but you will need a mentor, a partner, a good broker who will help show you the way...  Good luck to you!

Sep 05, 2015 04:41 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

There are a lot of agents that started out part time.  I think it is a good idea for about the first year, until you get you feet on the ground and get acquainted to all the fees involved.

Sep 05, 2015 02:18 PM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I know there probably is a known percentage of agents who have full time jobs but I don't know it. Welcome to the world of Real Estate!

Sep 05, 2015 01:55 PM
Rainer
231,224
Mike Rock
Complete Design - Granite Bay, CA
Granite Bay Luxury New Construction...For Less

thats a long answer to a short question. the answers you see below are a start, but being a teacher, its nothing you dont already know.it hasnt been a month. it is hard to do anything part time. like being "married" part time... it can be done, it can be very frustrating. what you "might" consider is becoming a top agents apprectice on weekends to hold opens??

Sep 05, 2015 01:37 PM
Rainer
17,542
Jacob Coleman
RealEstateCareerHQ.com - Portland, OR
Content creator of a real estate career blog

Hi Tammy, yes, according to the 2018 NAR member profile, 18% of real estate agents are working part-time. 

I’ve known many agents who have another job – for example, firefighter, IT consultant, investment analyst, beauty consultant and a teacher like yourself. Some have these dual occupations for pretty much their entire career life, and they were totally fine with it. 

 

If dual occupations is the route you decide to take, then you should consider collaborating with other agent colleagues. 

Yet, typically speaking, most working-class clients would arrange property tours after office hours. But there are always exceptions in this business. You don’t want to lose out on a business opportunity because you cannot service the clients during the weekdays. Co-working with another agent on deals could be a good solution.

Try to come up with an arrangement such that when you are unavailable, they could help in servicing the clients.

For example, you could be responsible for open houses on the weekends or property tours in weeknights. Once you gather the leads, the cooperative agent could handle the follow-up and closing sales.

Although you would receive a smaller share of the commission, earning a small portion of something is better than 100% of nothing.

Here's a post that talks specificially about the ins and out for teachers in becoming a real estate agent. 

Hope you'll find it helpful.

Jan 05, 2020 05:11 PM
Rainer
8,405
Marvel "Kay" Peterson
PDG/Sun Chasers Home Watch & Guest Services - Palm Desert, CA
Real Estate Agent/Home Stager & Home Watch Company

Hi Tammy,

Great question, I am in transition right now  as well from a 26 year full time career.  I found just the right mentor and broker and put it right on the line that  part time was all I was able to do.  That's been about 6 months ago and I've had my license for about 8 years. I've decided it's too much and I'm giving my my boss the news that I'm full time with RE and part time with my company until he can replace me. I'm seeing the real estate career really does need my attention more often than I anticipated.

I am learning every day so I'm glad that I started out slow, we need this time to learn the business.  So...bottom line do what you can for as long as you can  and give yourself the time.... then make that dream come true.  Good Luck to you

Sep 12, 2015 08:08 AM
Rainmaker
1,084,061
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

Tammy...

 

It is hard to mix the 2 jobs. YOu need to make a choice on which you want to do.  Teaching is hard enough...Real estate is even harder..

Sep 10, 2015 05:49 AM
Rainmaker
1,503,028
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I've known several realtors who had primary jobs (RE being their second job) back in the crazier markets.  It was tolerable, but slow to get replys from them.  Especially the nurses on 12 hour shifts with no phone access.  The teachers we worked with checked in on breaks.

Me, I have no other full-time job.  For fun I teach handgun shooting basics on the side once every couple months (mostly just a good excuse to hit the range).

Sep 07, 2015 01:54 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

 Suggest you research for special loan programs for teachers.

Show them on the weekend.

Sep 07, 2015 02:02 AM
Rainmaker
466,908
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Good morning Tammy Inglis,

Welcome to Real Estate, having two full time jobs is not easy. I like doing upholstery in between slow periods. I could not possibly do both full time. Maybe being part of a team will help you

Sep 07, 2015 01:03 AM
Rainer
140,560
Richard L. McKinney P.A.
Atlantic Shores Realty Expertise - Port St Lucie, FL
For Results that MOVE you on the Treasure Coast!

It's tough getting started in real estate and even harder staying in the business through the ups and downs. My advise, make sure fully understand the real estate business.

Here are a few thing you should expect to see, deal with and / or do in your new career: prospecting, showing property, writing contracts, problem solving, financing, contingencies, pre-approvals, title insurance, liens, leads, lawyers, customers, clients, crooks, investors, rejection, reassuring, consoling, closings, self motivation, inspections, buyers, sellers, unqualified experts, friends, family, money, computers, smart phone, web sites, lead generation, seo, escrow, blogging, fees, splits, brokers, Realtors, liars, agents, sales people, negotiation, sand bagging, block busting, transaction coordinators, appointments, mls, zillow, banks, mortgage companies, lenders, loans, private money, divorce, separation, foreclosure, pre foreclosure, baby sitting, time is of the essence, flippers, closing gift, probate, complaining, whining, winning, crying, investors, happiness, joy, positive thinking, organization, listing presentation, cash, virtual tours, bipolar-ism, listings, sign calls, ad calls, deadlines, proofs, excuses, judgements, credit reports, gopher turtles, appliances, air conditioners, roofs, insurance, closing costs, furniture, fans, personal property, deal killers, deal makers and many many other things...... oh, and also make sure you can live without a pay check for at least a year  before giving up your current job completely.

This business is not easy. It is very hard work with no guarantees. That said, it is also very rewarding. Not just financially but also in the fact that you help people. I wish you the best of luck!

Sep 06, 2015 10:45 PM
Rainmaker
900,278
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

I have seen teachers that tried doing real estate part-time and found it frustrating; it seemed to work only with family.  You can't respond promptly, if you're in the classroom. As others have suggested, you need a good parner to back you up.

Sep 06, 2015 07:46 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Welcome to the world of Real Estate and ActiveRain Tammy Inglis .

Many agents do have real estate as a part time career, however, I believe, you got to be ALL IN to WIN!

 

Sep 06, 2015 03:05 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I'm from the school of thought that it's virtually impossible these days to be a part-time Realtor, especially if you have another job.

Sep 06, 2015 02:48 AM
Rainmaker
32,051
Amelia Robinette
NoVa House and Home - Frankly Realty - Falls Church, VA
Education, Innovation, Service

I think some careers are conducive to being a PT agent, but not sure that teacher is one of them. I'm married to a teacher who has to schedule bathroom breaks and cannot take calls or answer emails or texts during the day. We can barely make dinner plans, I can't imagine trying to negotiate a deal.

Other jobs have a bit more flexibility w/breaks and being able to check your RE email, etc.

That said, you can be successful doing both and I think you have unique experience as a teacher to support that success. Today's RE biz is about education. Clients have access to tons of information, but don't have enough experience to navigate the entire process on their own. They need a teacher to help them and guide them, a lot like what you do every day w/your students.

Definitely get a partner/mentor, it'll serve you well your entire career.

Best of luck!

Sep 06, 2015 01:49 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Tammy Inglis Congratulations on passing the exam and getting your real estate license. Team up with another agent who is willing to mentor you and help you get established.

Sep 05, 2015 11:52 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,973
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Tammy, a great start to your career in real estate would be to hire on with an established agent you can learn from and be their showing agent, then graduate to buyer agent and so on. You'll learn the business and serve people at a proper level, having guidance and help from your team in the process.

Having your toes in two pools, (teaching * real estate) makes it hard to dive in and swim. Real Estate stopped being a part time job (if it ever was) in the 1990's as these days, our clients are very demanding and somewhat savvy with information readily available on the Internet. They deserve our full time focus & experience...and most demand it. 

Teachers make good Realtors, so I think you'll do well once you commit, but eventually you'll need to choose a career path, in order to be excellent. I wish you good luck in your journey and please know I'm happy to be a resource to you. We are here to help each other in The Rain.

Sep 05, 2015 11:40 PM
Rainer
61,641
Renee Paray
Coldwell Banker Realty - Blue Bell, PA
REALTOR

I think it would be extremely difficult to split your time between careers. I think you will have for form a partnership with another agent who is full time to provide coverage for the times you are not available. 

Sep 05, 2015 11:22 PM