Can You Be a Part-Time Realtor Doing Real Estate as a Side Job?
Many enter the real estate profession as a part-time job, but is it possible to make a successful career out of it?
Learn from our industry experts as they discuss the pros and cons of being a part-time realtor, how to become one, and how much money one can make when doing it as a side job.
Is Being a Part-Time Real Estate Agent Worth It?
Being a Real Estate Agent May Be a Good Side Hustle
Is being a real estate agent a good side hustle? Yes, you can be a part-time real estate agent with a full-time job, although it’s not easy.
There are a number of advantages that can make this career a good start-off point for a full-time engagement in the future.
It is possible to successfully work in real estate part time as an agent, depending on your definition of success.
Success will be different for everyone based on their goals, wants, needs. Each person must define success for themselves.
For example, if you have young children in school and your time is limited to when they are actually in the classroom, you can use those hours to prospect for business and show properties.
If you cannot hold open houses on Sundays because you are parenting your children, you can get a colleague to hold the open house for you.
And you can get a colleague, or maybe the listing agent to show property to your buyers if it is outside of your kid’s classroom schedule. The key is making a schedule and sticking to it.
And the bonus to having kids in school is that you have a great database of potential clients at your fingertips!
You can sit in the bleachers networking with all of the other parents while your kid is playing sports. You can volunteer at the school and meet all of the other parents that way, too.
Working as a part-time real estate agent can be a rewarding and flexible career option for those looking to balance work with other commitments. To be successful in this role, time management is key.
Setting a clear schedule for when you will be available to work on real estate matters, such as evenings and weekends, can help you allocate your time effectively.
Additionally, staying organized and prioritizing tasks can ensure that you make the most of the time you have available.
Networking is another crucial aspect of part-time real estate work. Building relationships with clients, other agents, and industry professionals can help you generate leads and opportunities, even with limited hours.
Leveraging online platforms and social media can also be beneficial for reaching a wider audience and staying connected in the real estate community.
Furthermore, staying informed about market trends and developments is essential for success in real estate.
Keeping up to date with industry news, attending relevant workshops or seminars, and continuously educating yourself about the local market can give you a competitive edge, even when working part time.
By staying dedicated, organized, and well-informed, it is possible to thrive as a part-time real estate agent.
I have worked in real estate part-time since 2017. Most years I exceed the income of my full-time job and some years even 3x it.
The tax advantages are great and it only takes a handful of closed transactions a year to clear 6 figures.
If you think about it, real estate is everywhere, from the roads we drive on, places we live, and even the places we vacation. There is no one in the world not impacted by real estate in some way.
Yes, it’s possible to work as a real estate agent part time. Many agents start out in real estate part time and gradually transition into full-time roles.
Success depends on effective time management, commitment to learning, and building strong connections within the industry.
While part-time agents may face challenges, with dedication and strategic planning, they can still achieve success and provide quality service to clients.
I believe you can be successful as an agent part time, full time, but not spare time.
Success in working as an agent part time is most likely when the agent has a part-time job that allows for flexibility in their schedule.
The more available that job makes them to answer calls, show houses, etc. on short notice, the better.
Another key ingredient is a good work ethic. Working two jobs is very hard to sustain and requires a hustle mindset that is ok with having very little personal time or space.
In my experience, agents who will work hard and have flexible schedules can do well as part-time agents.
I work in nursing as well as an AHA instructor ad lib; however, I have to schedule specific days to complete nursing tasks/CEUs.
One has to think about time management and what things in which discipline needs to be completed NOW.
It can be very busy and challenging at times. However, it is up to the individual to set and meet goals.
Yes, you can be a real estate agent on the side, but it is NOT easy. It requires you to work your 9-5 on TOP of doing the back office work that a full-time agent also must do.
Sphere is the most important group to target, and it needs to be done regularly for success ongoing in the real estate field.
Time management/time blocking is the key.
If a part-time agent uses their time effectively and follows their goals, they can do very well on limited hours. They may need to leverage some things out but it can be done.
Being a realtor as a side job is good as long as you are purposeful when working your real estate.
I’m full time but barely in the office. I have and manage my own rental properties, plus manage to do one flip property per year.
You can be successful in real estate working whatever hours you want, part time or full time, just knowing that the money you make may be reflected directly with the hours you put in.
If you are diligent in networking and keeping up with the available developments and investment opportunities in your city, you can make being a real estate agent work part time.
You can be a successful part-time real estate agent. You have to work at your craft if you want success.
It can be if you have your own book of business. Otherwise, to be successful in real estate, you need to do it full time.
Why Being a Part-Time Realtor May Not Be Worth It
There are both pros and cons of being a real estate agent part time. Below, our experts explain why such a career may be harder than or not as lucrative as it seems.
Part-time agents do not have the network to best benefit their client. They are not able to keep current with best practices or the current ever-changing market.
To know the inventory requires attending broker tours which alone can take 8 hours per week.
Weekly open houses are necessary to keep current with what buyers are looking for in the agent’s specific market which, when done properly, is another 8 hours per week.
Following up is another 8 hours per week. Just one listing will add at least 4 hours each day, 7 days a week to do it right.
Just this alone is 52 hours each week.
Don’t forget there is still accounting and continuing education requirements, checking emails, farming your sphere and marketing.
You can easily see that to be successful in real estate requires much more than full-time effort.
Real estate is a career, not a job. It’s very difficult to attempt to run a successful real estate career while having obligations to another job with your time and thoughts.
Real estate really requires an “all-In” mentality.
Some work part time to transition into real estate due to the uncertainty of paycheck regularity, which is very understandable, but it’s a double-edged sword as you can make more money by spending more time on your business without outside distractions.
If an agent has another job that allows them to converse with the public in a fashion that allows them to “talk real estate”, that’s advantageous and can lead to good client potential.
But, at some point, a pivot would need to be done to go full time. Personally, I’ve never met a top agent or extremely successful agent that was also working for someone else.
While some people can be successful working part time, it can be a very hard balancing act. As a busy realtor, you are already juggling many clients and hats.
It can be hard for clients if they can’t get a hold of you at certain times of the day. It can also be tricky when negotiating on deals to be unavailable due to another job.
Being a successful real estate agent is more than just running around with clients, too. You are running a business. You need to be working on your business, not just in it, and that takes dedicated time.
If you do need to take on a part-time job in the beginning of your real estate career, I would say it needs to be a flexible job that allows you to service your real estate clients.
Your goal needs to be to become a full-time agent as soon as possible.
Personally if you are not working full time as an agent, I think it would be incredibly challenging to stay on top of the market.
Amongst other things, to be a successful real estate agent, you have to be tapped into the marketplace which is forever shifting.
If you are not working full time, it’s incredibly challenging to be aware of all the nuances in your market and therefore you aren’t offering your customers the best customer service.
To be successful in this industry, you have to be available at all times.
I started doing this while I was in college and expected to be part time, but it was impossible.
My phone was constantly ringing and oftentimes, you need to be placed within 15 minutes or you’ll lose a deal. I’m sure some can do it part time, but it won’t lead to serious success.
You can work as a part-time agent if you are a part of a team, but not as a solo agent. In a busy market, you often do not have control over when homes are available to be seen.
If you work a 9-5 and can only do showings nights and weekends, you are not able to best serve your clients.
If you are a part of a team, then you can share the responsibility with another agent if a new property comes up and can only be seen during your work hours.
Many buyers or sellers want the agent available at all times. You cannot be, if working another job.
Also they want the agent to be knowledgeable. So if your time is not spent educating yourself on the market, inspections, repairs, etc. because you have another job, then you are not being a fiduciary to your client.
You can probably make a few sales a year to boost your income as a part-time agent, but there is so much to do as a realtor besides selling homes that it would be really difficult.
Selling houses is maybe 35% of the activities in real estate.
There are too many people that will lose when an agent is part time. The agent is never fully trained and any clients they are able to help aren’t fully supported.
The agent’s family is having to share them with two worlds. It is a rare person that can make it as a part-time agent and turn it into a full-time career.
Depends on your definition of successful. If you only want to sell 2-3 homes a year part time, then working in real estate can be a good side job.
Don’t expect to be a top producer and in the top 10% of your field if you’re part time.
I personally don’t think so, but I’m sure there are some agents that do — provided the brokerage or the team under which they work is aware (and in support) of that schedule.
For me, it’s a full-time, around-the-clock job, and we don’t hire part-time agents.
If being a real estate agent is your side gig to earn a few bucks, ok. If it is going to be the primary way you earn a living, it needs to be a full-time job.
It takes too much of your energy and it’s time-consuming. You’ll not have sufficient hours in a day to keep up.
Depends on your goals/needs. How would you feel about using a part-timer on the biggest purchase of your life?
It is possible but I find that people who work part time are never as successful with it. Also, most buyers and sellers don’t want to work with an agent who is not full time.
If my agent wasn’t available because he/she was working another job, I would be very upset. My hours are 8am-8pm, 7 days a week. You simply have to be available 7 days a week.
How to Become a Successful Part-Time Real Estate Agent?
How can you be a part-time realtor and be successful at it? These agents share their best practices that have made them a success in the business.
To become a successful real estate agent part time, you have to keep in mind the following:
1. Time management: Create a detailed schedule that balances your real estate activities with your other commitments. Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals.
2. Education and training: Stay informed about market trends and real estate laws. Enhance your knowledge and real estate agent skills through workshops and courses that are relevant to your field.
3. Networking: Build and maintain a strong network within the real estate community. Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with other professionals to stay updated and receive guidance.
4. Marketing strategy: Develop a focused marketing plan. Utilize online platforms, social media for real estate agents, and traditional methods to promote your services and listings effectively.
5. Client relationships: Build positive relationships with your clients by providing top-notch customer service. Effective communication and reliability are crucial in gaining trust and securing referrals.
6. Leverage technology: Embrace technology tools to streamline processes. Utilize realtor CRM (customer relationship management) software and digital marketing platforms to enhance efficiency.
7. Partner with full-time agents: Collaborate with full-time agents or choose the right brokerage for you to share workload and gain valuable insights.
8. Build a strong online presence: Establish a professional online presence through a personal real estate IDX website or social media profiles. Get potential clients by showcasing your expertise and property listings.
9. Financial planning: Understand the financial implications of part-time real estate work. Plan for potential income fluctuations and manage your finances wisely.
10. Stay compliant: Ensure you stay updated on licensing requirements and comply with real estate regulations to maintain a good standing in the industry.
Remember, success as a part-time agent requires dedication and effective use of your available time and resources.
Continuously adapt and refine your strategies based on your experiences and market dynamics.
In my experience, success in the real estate industry hinges on several key factors.
Firstly, acknowledging the daunting failure rate of 87% within five years is crucial. It serves as a stark reminder to assess whether this career path aligns with my true passion and dedication.
Understanding the challenges ahead and being prepared to tackle them head-on can set the foundation for a successful journey in real estate.
Secondly, seeking support and guidance is paramount. I firmly believe in the power of collaboration and learning from those who have already navigated the complexities of the industry.
Joining a real estate team or enrolling in a coaching program can provide invaluable insights, resources, and mentorship.
Having a supportive network not only fosters personal growth but also enhances the likelihood of achieving long-term success.
Lastly, effective time management and strategic planning are indispensable. It’s not enough to simply learn the ropes; implementation is key.
By creating a structured daily routine and consistently executing actionable tasks, I can maximize productivity and progress towards my goals.
Whether it’s focusing on cultivating my sphere of influence or diversifying lead sources with open houses, a disciplined approach can significantly accelerate my journey towards a thriving career in real estate.
Becoming a successful part-time real estate agent requires dedication, time management, and a strategic approach.
To excel in this field while balancing other commitments, consider the following tips.
First, set clear goals and create a schedule that allows you to dedicate specific hours to your real estate work each week.
Networking is crucial, so attend industry events, join local real estate groups, and leverage social media to connect with potential clients and industry professionals.
Additionally, prioritize ongoing education to stay informed about market trends and regulations.
Utilize technology and automation tools to streamline processes and maximize efficiency.
Lastly, provide exceptional customer service to build a strong reputation and generate referrals.
By implementing these strategies, you can thrive as a part-time real estate agent.
Have a focus on what part of real estate you want to be involved in, focus only on that part.
For example, if you just want to work with sellers, that is all you do. If you want to work with buyers, that is all you focus on.
Working part time in real estate is possible, but be aware that some parts of real estate are going to require you to be available to clients at all times.
If working part time is the priority, I would suggest focusing on a part of real estate that gives you that option, which is not always easy.
To be a successful part-time real estate agent, you must create a schedule and stick to it.
You must be focused and determined. You must not allow anyone or anything to interrupt or change your schedule.
This advice for how to become a successful part-time realtor is true for those working full time as well. If you do this, you’ll find that not only do you accomplish more, you also have more free time.
To be successful as a part-time real estate agent, learn quickly of how hard the grind will be.
You can’t give up. Put processes in place and commit to learning your craft. Learn and absorb as much as you can.
Start your CRM early. Organize everyone in your life and document everything. Be sure to be yourself and be genuine. Real estate is about relationships, not houses.
When working as a real estate agent part time, make sure to have goals. Create a business plan to know what has to be done to achieve those real estate agent goals.
Leverage out what you can to free up time to do what you are best at. Use the systems/technology efficiently and many things can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time.
Best option, in my opinion, would be to find deals you can assign to another agent.
That is best for the seller in terms of your availability, as well as getting you paid (albeit less) without having to do follow-up work to get the property prepped and sold.
Network often with other agents, get out and review developments around town, and sign up for social media and investor groups to keep up with what investment opportunities are available around town.
Set goals. When you are doing real estate, there’s a lot of in-between time that you could be doing other things. Use your time well. Purposeful actions!
You can do it! Please remember the goals you set for yourself and try to reach them without stressing yourself out. Goals can be revisited and revised to meet your unmet needs.
Your other full-time or part-time gig should put you in front of potential prospects who can then become real estate clients.
How Much Do Part-Time Real Estate Agents Make?
You can make money selling real estate part time, but how much?
We asked our experts about the average part time real estate agent salary (or, more exactly, revenue since real estate agents aren’t considered employees but business owners).
Read on to learn how much a part-time realtor can make.
In real estate, your income can be unlimited. How much part-time real estate agents can make depends on the market value of homes in their neighborhoods, cities, towns.
If a part-time realtor has a certain dollar amount they are striving for, they need to know they have enough time to dedicate to the number of transactions it will take to make that much money.
If they don’t, they need to work in a higher dollar neighborhood. Again, this is the same for those working full time as well.
However, I think it is true for most that our business comes from the people we know and those who refer business to us.
It is much easier to “farm” our own neighborhoods than to venture into a new, unknown neighborhood and build that business, but definitely possible.
Part-time real estate agents can earn varying amounts depending on factors such as location, market conditions, experience, and the amount of time and effort they dedicate to their real estate business.
On average, part-time realtors can make anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Some part-time agents may only handle a few transactions a year, while others may take on more clients and deals, leading to higher earnings.
It’s important to note that real estate is a commission-based industry, so income can fluctuate greatly from year to year.
Additionally, part-time real estate agents may face challenges in competing with full-time agents who can devote more time to networking, marketing, and client services.
Despite these challenges, many part-time realtors find success by focusing on a niche market, building strong relationships with clients, and utilizing their unique skills and experiences to stand out in the real estate industry.
It’s challenging to provide an exact figure, as real estate income fluctuates and depends on the agent’s efforts and the local market dynamics.
Part-time agents typically earn a commission percentage on each transaction, and the actual amount can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per sale.
Success in real estate often correlates with the effort and time an agent invests, regardless of whether they work part time or full time.
Building a strong network, providing excellent service, and staying informed about market trends can contribute to higher earnings.
Personally, I think a part-time realtor can make what they want depending on the work they put into reaching their goals.
It is important to remember YOU decide and ask for coaching, mentorship, and work with your team leader. A combined approach is needed to ensure accountability.
Part-timers who really hustle could make north of $100,000 in a year. This would be an outlier, though.
On average, most agents either fail or make very little money. To be exceptional, you’d have to work exceptionally hard and smart.
I would not know how much you can make because it depends on your experience, your focus, and how many clients you have at one time, as well as what part of real estate you are focusing on.
The average pay per ZipRecruiter for a part-time real estate agent in the United states is $85,000.
It really depends on how much time you can dedicate to your real estate business. The median salary of most full-time agents across the country is around $50,000.
So, if you can only dedicate a small amount of hours to your real estate work, you are looking at less than that.
A part-time realtor should only look to pass on the relationship to a full-time agent.
This is the only way to truly serve a client fairly and professionally, without risking their liability and possibly their nest egg. A referring agent will typically receive a finder’s fee of 25%.
It really depends on the market, location, and how good they are.
I’ve seen people make a very comfortable living by working part time, some even into the six-figures, but it’s a very rare case.
If they really go at it with all of their might and have a good sphere of Influence, a part-time agent can clear $20k-$50k a year, no problem.
But, that tends to be only about 10% of part-time agents.
What you put into it is what you get out of it. If you work effectively, some part-time agents can make in the six figures. The average agent that works part time probably will make $25k-50k.
It depends, but even if you make over $100,000/year, that will be hard to repeat. Usually $20k-70k is probably a reasonable range.
Most part-time realtors fail. I would guess anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 a year.
It depends how much work you do. An agent can make upwards of $1,000,000.
Depends on how much you work, what market you work in, and the economy.
I assume one could sell 1-2 homes per month part time. But full-time agents can sell 100X more.
$30k-60k annually should be possible with regular work.
They can make some sales, but in the long term, it’s not going to work.
$50,000-$100,000 per year.
Up to $100,000 a year.
$25k a year.
Up to $30,000.
Can You Be a Part-Time Commercial Real Estate Agent?
Can You Do Commercial Real Estate Part-Time?
Can real estate be a part-time job for those who want to get into it as a commercial realtor?
Lynn Richter, an experienced commercial real estate broker explains why it could be even more challenging when choosing to dabble in commercial real estate.
In commercial [real estate] especially, you deal with the business-to-business mindset.
Typically you work a Monday to Friday, 9 to 5-ish schedule. But when you are working, it is 10000% all in. It has been compared to “mental combat”.
Even if you work a part-time job on the weekends and evenings, you have to have some time off. It’s called self-care. If you do not take care of yourself, there will be no self to take care of clients.
I do not know any CRE brokers who are working at this part time. Unless they have already had a very long tenure career as a CRE broker and they are being very selective with their clients as they “walk toward requirement”.
How Much Can a Part-Time Commercial Real Estate Agent Make?
In commercial [real estate], it is very hard to gauge what someone will make just from full-time work, let alone part time. There are so many variables.
Often by the time the costs, time, resources, not to mention the brain drain, of a CRE transaction are all added up, the broker might break even. BREAK EVEN, and if there is profit, it is not millions of dollars.
Most of the large CRE firms have onboarding programs, but they are not part time. Most CRE firms I know would expect full-time dedication.
That is why it is important that anyone thinking of entering the CRE brokerage industry have between 12 to 18 months of reserve funds to cover both living and business expenses.
And most commercial real estate brokerages, even after decades in the industry, will look at their reserve resources and they do try to keep them at that 18 months to 2-year reserve mark.
When things get below 12 months, they get nervous because very often it takes a year +/- to get a CRE deal done and paid.
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