Part-timers can provide full-service, too

Re: 'Part-timers a 'blight on the industry' (Jan. 16)

Dear Editor:

In reading this article written by a broker in Charlotte, N.C., I was compelled to respond. Her opinions are quite vividly spoken and a little one-sided.

I have been a licensed agent since 1983 and have been a Realtor, both full-time and part-time. Now I'm sure we can all admit there are professional, knowledgeable and qualified agents and then the opposite -- we have all had to work with both kinds.

I am a banker as well as being a Realtor. My asset-based background actually makes me more qualified than many who lack this. In the current environment, many full-time agents have had to take on another job -- not necessarily because they wanted to or didn't have their heart and soul in being a Realtor, but because there is not enough business to feed one's family.

Being a part-timer does not mean that you are not available to answer questions, tend to paperwork and do whatever is necessary to be on top of your clients and transactions. There are so fewer clients that it is possible to do something else part-time and be efficient if you were a good, qualified agent to begin with. Of course, if your focus is short sales and foreclosures, then that is another story.

There are so many full-timers who jumped on the ship when it was sailing high -- those who could study, do well on exams, and fill in blanks on contracts but possessed no sales, negotiating or problem-solving skills. (In those days) houses sold themselves and we had only to set the appointment and unlock a door. As much as the market is down now, I have a certain respect for the fact that those senseless, crazy times in the market are no longer the case.

It gives us seasoned veterans the opportunity to shine once again.

Benita Larmer
Realtor
RE/MAX
Horsham, Pa.

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