Since 2005 when there was a great boom in real estate, many people decided they wanted to go get a license and join the get rich quick crowd. I have been doing this now for a little over 7 years and over the past 2 years I have categorized agents into 2 categories. Licensees, and REALTORS.
To me, licensees are agents that have passed the passed their state exam and have received a real estate license. These agents are willing to take floor duty when they feel they have to. They don't do open houses, farming, direct mailings or anything else to try and build their business. Licensees expect that people will just walk into the office with their check in hand ready to buy a property. The people will be so ready to write that offer that they won't even want to see the property. Because they have not taken any additional training, or had regular meetings with a mentor, they are out of sorts when someone actually does want to write an offer, so they run to the BIC to have them help when writing contracts. Normally, licensees are not completely up to date on the most recent changes in real estate laws either. So when you request something from them, they give you a hard time because they don't know any better.
Now, for the second category of agents. The second are REALTORS. REALTORS are in the office everyday, not only on the days they have floor duty. They are looking for times to do open houses, ways to farm & prospect. They are constantly reading real estate articles online & in print. REALTORS are trying to always find things that 
will help increase their business and even more importantly their service! Realtors are not a part-time agent. They don't mind working holidays and weekends. They will do whatever it takes to assist their client in having their transaction process as smoothly and as quickly as possible. REALTORS GO THE EXTRA MILE!
So, in closing, here is something to ask yourself, what type of agent are you?
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Kathy- It seems in our market category 2 is few and far between.
Lisa- I understand completely! I have been burning the midnight oil aslo a lot lately.
Cameron- I think that is why so many agents have been handing in their licenses for new jobs lately.
Great post. I think you have figured it out.
The market today has been weeding out the licensees. Great isn't it.
Linda Lipscomb, Homes of Sale in Lexington, TN. www.lindalipscomb.com
I've been licensed for about 7 years, but only practicing full time for 2 years, so I don't know any other market than the one we are in. I think this market presents many opportunties for those who seek them.
Linda- The weeding has been in full force here in Myrtle Beach.
Ben- One of the first things we tell new agents is that they need to realize immediately that in order to be successful, you have no life for the first few years. And need to take whatever you do make in the first year and invest it into your business.
Lori- I agree there are plenty of opportunities for those looking for them!
Jeremy, I agree with you totally. We seem to forget that this is a business and should be run like a business. Agents who think business is going to come to them are going to be in for a big surprise.
Good Post!
Hi Jeremy, I don't know about your state but in NH and MA the definition of a Realtor vs a Licensee is as follows:
Licensee (I'm paraphrasing)- Is someone who gets their license and can practice Real Estate, but has chosen to not Join NAR, they therefore are not under the Code of Ethics.
Realtor (paraphrasing)- Is someone who gets their license to practise and joins NAR, thus placing themselves subject to the Code of Ethics and their local board of Realtors.
What you are describing above applies to any Realtor, the difference between the two is the First one is incompetent and looks at Real Estate as easy income (they have still joined NAR and are Realtors), and the second one is someone who is competent, a professional and takes their job seriously.
Michael- Totally true...this is a business, and it is a FULL TIME business!
Christopher- My point is that some people will just get a license and not do anything else. To be a true REALTOR takes time, effort, and money!
Everyone has to eat humble pie and todays my day Jeremy, sorry. I guess it was to early in the morning for me and my brain was still asleep. Your points are absolutely true.
Jeremy: I'm proud to be a REALTOR. I am tired of the attitude of licensees. Lately, they've been crying poor all over the office and complaining about the market. But if I get too busy to help a potential tenant, and try to pass it off, they get OFFENDED. I'm sorry, in my business I treat everyone the same...that's why I will be in this business through every wave of licensees.
Christopher- its all good, I have days like that all the time! Hence my post, I am a terrible blogger!
Chris Ann- Some people don;t want their days interrupted by you giving them business.