[Big Ed]

Part timers almost always work for firms with no desk fees. They get a check when they sell something, and other than that the office doesn't give them any support is the typical scenario. As a full time broker, I can tell you that it is usually not a good transaction when working with a part-timer -- they don't get enough practice to know what they are doing.

As far as big versus small firms, the only advantage I see to big companies is aggregate advertising for brand recognition, and referral opportunities from other affiliated offices. For example, Century 21 and Coldwell Banker (both Cendant companies) get the lion's share of the corporate relocation contracts here in the Northeast.