Becoming a Part-Time Real Estate Agent: Everything You Need to Know

Real estate agents are licensed professionals who help clients with buying, selling, and renting properties, land, or other forms of real estate.

The agent is knowledgeable about local market conditions, negotiation, pricing, and the administrative processes required for buying or selling real estate. Real estate agents become the intermediary between buyers and sellers.

Agents earn a commission on the sale price of the property, which can be lucrative for them when brokering valuable property.

A part-time real estate agent performs these duties while working 35 hours per week or fewer. Whether you’re looking to get your feet wet and grow your network or earn a sustainable additional income with opportunities for growth, look no further than real estate.

Can you do real estate part-time? With our comprehensive guide, you’ll see that it is possible.

More importantly, you’ll learn how to be a successful real estate agent, even as a part-timer.

Prefer watching a video on becoming a part-time real estate agent, we have included our YouTube.

Can You Be a Part-Time Real Estate Agent?

It sounds like an intense, exhausting job. You may be wondering, can you do real estate part-time? The answer is absolutely yes.

According to 719 Lending, there are approximately 3 million active real estate agents in the US. About 22%, or about 1 in 5, operate on a part-time basis.

Most build a real estate career on weekends, after their full-time jobs, school, or other obligations. They handle fewer clients than their full-time counterparts but can do so with more focus.

Here are some other part-time vs. full-time facts.

How Much Do Part-Time Real Estate Agents Make?

According to Colibri Real Estate, a part-time REALTOR who works less than 20 hours per week earns an average of $21,000 per year.

Those working between 21 and 39 hours per week can earn about $63,500 annually. Zip Recruiter states that some can earn as much as $149,500 with an average hourly wage of $41.25.

The income varies significantly based on factors like location, hours worked, deals closed, commissions, market conditions, and individual effort.

What you earn is up to you and your ability to build a strong client base, convert leads, and manage time effectively.

How Much Does It Cost to Be a Real Estate Agent?

Whether you’re becoming a part-time real estate agent or pursuing it full time, the initial costs are the same. Where the cost varies depends on your state, organizations you connect with, and tools you use. Some typical costs include:

• Pre-licensing education
• Licensing exam fees
• Background check fees
• Annual brokerage fees
• Real Estate Board fees
• Membership dues

The initial fees can cost over $1500, with annual fees between $900 and $2000.

Here is a list of license and pre-license education fees by state.

Other Financial Considerations

Real estate agents can overlook other business expenses that add up monthly and yearly. The solo part-time REALTOR must consider travel expenses, subscriptions, software, business cards, flyers, and Direct Mail Marketing.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Part-Time Real Estate Agent

Becoming a real estate agent does not require a college degree, but you must be a licensed agent to list any property within a US territory. Agents should be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

Gather your coins because it’s time to get started. With a little bit of focus, you can become a practicing real estate agent within a few weeks.

Most people who pursue a real estate career do so in the state they live, but you can repeat the process for multiple states. Remember, each state will have its costs and requirements.

Step 1: Join a Real Estate School

Enroll in a course or school in your area or online for pre-licensing education (cost: $200 – $1000). These accredited schools or training programs teach real estate principles, legal aspects, negotiation, common practices, contract essentials, and much more.

You’ll log between 40 and 180 work hours, depending on the state or program you enroll in. Online schools are growing in popularity as they allow you to work and learn at your own pace.

Some popular online schools include Aceable Agent, Colibri Real Estate, Kaplan, and The CEShop.

Step 2: Pass Your School Exam

Complete your coursework, then prepare for the school’s certification exam. This is not the official state license, but completing the course will prepare you for your licensing exam. You’ll be given a certificate of completion.

Step 3: Pass Your State License Exam

Register for and pass your state’s real estate salesperson license exam (Cost: $50 – $300). You must register with your state’s commission to sit the license exam. Some states may require you to present your real estate school’s certificate of completion.

Here is a list of all the regulatory agencies in the US. State license exams are held at different times throughout the year, mainly between April and October.

It’s a multiple-choice exam usually completed in person, but most commissions offer an online option. Retakes of the exam are also allowed if you don’t pass initially. You will be required to pay the examination fee again.

Step 4: Submit Your License Application

With a successful exam completed (pass marks are usually around 75%), you can file your license application with the state real estate commission.

Submit your exam results, certificates, and other documentation required online or in person (Cost: $25- $250+).

Many states mandate a background check to ensure applicants meet ethical standards.
Pay any additional fees required for the background check (Cost: $30 – $150).

How long does it take to get your real estate license?
Once you’ve submitted your documentation and the necessary background checks are completed, you should get your official license within 1-3 weeks. The timeline varies by state, application backlog, completeness of information, and the length of time to complete the background check.

Step 5: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

You can now complete real estate transactions. But hold up. Your next step is to join a brokerage. Real estate agents can operate independently but must do so under a broker.

A broker is a tenured real estate professional with additional certifications that allow them to operate independently.

Furthermore, they are authorized to start their own brokerage, allowing them to hire and work with other real estate agents. Think of it as you being an apprentice working under a trainer or supervisor.

You’ll have many brokers to choose from in your state. Some are smaller, more agile brokerages, while others are huge, nationwide organizations like Century 21, Keller Williams Realty, or ReMax.

Brokers take a percentage of your commission but can provide you with qualified leads in return, getting your career off the ground faster.

Each brokerage provides different perks, commission structures, fees, and training. Costs can range from $200 to $2000 annually.

Look for brokerages that align with your career goals and provide the right balance of support and autonomy.

Choosing the right one takes time, so be patient. Research and interview several before you decide where you’ll hang your license. As you get more experienced, you can even decide to work with multiple brokerages.

Step 6: Join a Multiple Listing Service

Now it’s time to get leads so you can start building relationships, offering your services, and helping clients buy or sell homes. For a monthly or annual fee, you can join a multiple listing service (MLS).

The MLS is a private database where real estate agents can find clients, list properties, and exchange information.

You can also find expired real estate listings here.

An MLS is based on collaboration and trust. Sometimes, you may need to join multiple MLS databases for maximum exposure.

Step 7: Consider Becoming a REALTOR

So what’s the difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR? Both perform the same tasks and go through the same licensing steps, but a REALTOR is part of the National Association of REALTORs (NAR).

Becoming a REALTOR provides more credibility, networking opportunities, and access to real estate data.

REALTORS also work by a code of ethics that increases the trust and confidence of clients. You can become a REALTOR by joining the local REALTOR association and paying the required yearly dues.

Step 7.5: Remaining Independent (or Seeking Employment)

You’ll have another important step in the process – to remain independent or work as an employee with a brokerage or agency/company. Some agencies are looking to hire part-time real estate agents.

If you’re employed by a broker or company, you have a more predictable income as a W-2 employee. They cover administrative costs like Marketing, help with lead generation, and provide access to training and development programs.

At the same time, you need to follow their rules and work within the scheduled timeframe. Income is also dependent on commission splits with the brokerage, lowering your earning potential part-time.

As an independent contractor, while you still work with a broker, you have more earning potential. You also have more autonomy over your time. The drawback is you’re responsible for all Marketing, outreach, business operations, and operating costs. It’s up to you to keep up to date with trends and training. You also bear full legal liability for transactions.

Make the best decision for you based on lifestyle, income goals, and long-term goals for your real estate career.

Step 8: Setting Up Your Part-Time Business

Now you’re ready to go! The other steps sound exhausting, but in some cases, you can have this all set up in 8-12 weeks. Here are some of the things you can do to start your work as a part-time REALTOR:

• Set up a professional email and get a separate business phone number.
• Create new social media accounts or update existing profiles accordingly.
• Determine what days and hours you’ll be working.
• Use the MLS or other lists to generate your first leads.
• Set up a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software.
• Contact your friends, family, acquaintances, and coworkers past and present to let them know about your services.
• Get e-Signature software to streamline your paperwork
• Design and order high-quality business cards
• Design and run your first Direct Mail Marketing campaign by sending out postcards or brochures. Let those in your area or town know you’re open for business.
• Start creating a system so you can be more efficient and effective.

Explore Real Estate Business Cards

Step 9: Prepare for Post-License Certifications

Some states require additional courses after obtaining your license to ensure ongoing education and compliance. Set aside the appropriate date and time to make this happen. Allocate some of your part-time hours to continuously improving your sales and negotiation skills as well as the real estate regulations for your state. Some certifications and education courses are even required to maintain or renew your license.

That’s the nuts and bolts of becoming a part-time REALTOR or real estate agent. Remember, the signup costs and requirements vary by state. If you intend to operate in multiple states, you may benefit from real estate license reciprocity. However, there are cases where you need additional licenses and certification. Do the necessary research to determine where you can operate with your license.

Pros and Cons of Being a Part-Time Real Estate Agent

All careers have pros and cons, whether they are full-time or part-time. Real estate agents are no different. Here are some of the advantages and drawbacks of being a part-time real estate agent:

Pros:

• Part-time real estate agents can set their schedules to balance other jobs or personal commitments.
• You can diversify your income with another job, allowing skill development without financial pressure.
• Low-risk entry into real estate.
• Build a stronger business over time.
• Lower operational costs compared to full-time agents.
• Potential for earning per hour, especially from higher-value sales.
• A clear pathway to transition to a full-time career.

Cons:

• Independent part-time agents handle all operational costs.
• Limited availability for clients, which can delay transactions.
• Most brokerages prefer full time real estate agents.
• More missed opportunities due to slower response times.
• Longer timeframe to build a client base.
• Income can be capped or inconsistent.
• Competition with full time agents.

While the job has pros and cons, your success depends on being organized, building your leads, being responsive, and using available resources effectively.

Growing Your Part-Time Real Estate Agent Business

Real estate is a challenging field, but the rewards are worth it. You help buyers and sellers with their properties, build a strong network, and earn life-changing money.

There is also room for growth, such as moving from a part-time REALTOR to full-time or becoming a broker. Your goal should be not only to be effective but to grow your business.

Growing your real estate career consists of generating consistent, high-quality leads, nurturing your leads, and closing as many deals as possible in a given timeframe.

• Set some goals and objectives for your first 3,6, and 12 months. These should include the number of properties you’d like to sell, possible revenue, number of inbound and outbound leads generated, referrals, and potential clients.
• Time management is essential for a part-time real estate agent. Set specific hours or days for client calls and follow-ups, Marketing, and lead generation. Time is of the essence, so remove any distractions and delegate low-value work to a virtual assistant you can hire for a few dollars per hour (Use Upwork, Fiverr, or People Per Hour).
• Aim for properties within a certain value in your first 3-6 months to grasp the process, understand the challenges, and even make mistakes. Consider partnering with a more experienced agent on your first transaction. With a few wins under your belt, you can then target higher-value properties.
• Consider choosing one of the top real estate niches such as first-time buyers, foreclosures, commercial, or luxury real estate. You can then craft a unique value proposition to guide your Marketing efforts.

Above all, practice patience on your journey. If you already have another job, you can spend more time becoming a more competent and efficient part-time real estate agent. In the long-run, you’ll earn more and can take your practice into any direction you want.

How do you generate leads as a part-time real estate agent?

Knowing how to get listings in real estate is the lifeblood of any agent’s success. Most listings come from leads and referrals. There are multiple avenues to generate leads, including digital, traditional, and ads. Focusing on all at once with limited time can be overwhelming.

Your first lead generation forms should be referrals. Contacting your existing network for possible leads. Next, tap into MLS databases you’re subscribed to for potential clients in your area.

As there are multiple ways to generate leads. You may be thinking of Direct Mail Marketing Postcards vs. Digital Marketing, for instance. The fact remains, you must do both. Focus on 1-2 digital forms and 1-2 traditional forms. For example:

• Digital Lead Generation: Social Media and Paid Ads
• Traditional Lead Generation: Door Knocking/Cold Calling and Direct Mail Campaigns.

Spend 1-2 working days per week on setting up or performing these lead generation actions and track their performance. At the end of each month, look at the data and make adjustments to increase your success rates.

Rotate referrals, digital, and traditional methods each week, making sure you cover all your bases. The rest of your time should be spent on qualifying leads, nurturing relationships, appointment setting, and closing deals.

What are the best marketing strategies for part-time real estate agents?

After many months of lead generation, you’ll become more efficient and even learn to automate some of your lead generation tasks. With more free time, you can learn how to market yourself as a REALTOR; strategies that will lead to more lead generation. Examples include:

• Video Marketing: YouTube for real estate agents works really well to attract buyers and sellers.
• Virtual and 3D Tours: Apps that help create virtual tours of properties are growing in popularity as an effective marketing tool.
• Social Media Marketing: Repurpose videos into Facebook, TikTok, Linkedin and Instagram content.
• Content Marketing: Create an ebook, checklist, or report on real estate to gather emails.
• Email Marketing: Send weekly tips and listings to your growing email list.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Create a website with landing pages and blog content for leads via organic search.
• Local SEO: Create pages with keywords and phrases specific to your area for high-quality leads.
• Pay Per Click (PPC) ads: After creating an optimized website, use targeted PPC ads to reach potential buyers and sellers.

Sounds like a lot? It is! Yet, this is what’s required for the modern real estate agent or brokerage. Quantity and quality matters. To avoid burnout, build a database of content you can repost or repurpose, using more of what works.

Client Relationship Management: Building Lasting Connections

In real estate, clients expect exceptional service. Most are making life-changing decisions to buy or sell property. They want minimal hiccups. Effective Client Relationship Management (CRM) is essential to the success of REALTORS.

During your interactions via phone, text, or in person, you want to provide a welcoming experience. Let your professionalism shine through to stand out in this competitive landscape. Doing what you say you’re going to do – and a bit extra – leaves a lasting impression on clients.

CRM also requires you to keep in touch and nurture client relationships. Make records of milestones and ask about their progress in their buying or selling journey. According to Business Insider, it can take 3, 5, 8, or even 12 contacts before someone initiates a sale.

Along with building lasting relationships, your goal is to generate referrals. Through efficient service and closing deals with minimal issues, you’ll build more trust and confidence with clients. These clients are more willing to connect you with friends, family members, and co-workers with real estate needs.

Networking and Building Relationships

Marketing has a secondary purpose; to become known for what you do. But it can only do so much.

At the same time, you need to keep building human connections and growing relationships, as this is the genesis of trust. And real estate is a game of trust.

Networking and relationship building work with lead generation and marketing to create an ecosystem that brings you what feels like leads on autopilot.

Carve time out to attend networking events. Participate in community events, real estate expos, and local business mixers, to meet potential clients and provide value.

Join a local Chamber of Commerce to meet business leaders and other key persons of influence.

Hold client appreciation events to give back to clients, continue networking with potential leads, and grow your brand.

Sometimes, these events and networking opportunities happen outside of your assigned work schedule. Finding the extra time for networking and community building can pay off significantly in the future.

From Part-Time to Full-Time (Optional)

The many steps of becoming an effective part-time real estate agent can feel overwhelming. However, when done well, what opens is a clear path to transitioning to full-time. Transitioning from a part-time to a full-time real estate agent requires careful planning but, when done well, can be even more fulfilling.

Focus on building a large, consistent client base with a promising pipeline in the coming months. Save a significant amount of income – at least 90 days – to support the fluctuating income common with real estate.

Create a comprehensive plan that will act as your roadmap. It should include financial projections, potential brokerages you will work with, operational costs, and potentially becoming a broker yourself.

Going full-time also means enlisting some help. For instance, hiring an inside sales agent can help with lead generation and qualification while you work on networking, relationship building, and closing deals. Virtual assistants can help with administrative tasks and social media.

Being a part-time real estate agent will prepare you for all the opportunities and challenges of a full-time career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you be a part-time real estate agent in any state?
   Yes, but licensing requirements vary by state, so you must meet the specific criteria of the state you plan to practice in.
2. Do part-time real estate agents get the same training as full-time agents?
   Generally, yes; pre-licensing education and continuing education requirements are the same, regardless of your intended work schedule.
3. How do you handle client expectations as a part-time agent?
   Clear and consistent communication about your availability is crucial; set realistic expectations from the start.
4. Can you work as a part-time real estate agent remotely or in multiple states?
   Remote work can be possible for some aspects of the business, but in-person showings are often required. Working in multiple states remotely is possible but often requires licensing in each state.
5. What are the typical startup costs for a part-time real estate agent?
   Startup costs include licensing fees, association dues, marketing materials, and technology, and vary based on location and business choices. Allocate at least $1500 for startup and $2000 annually for dues, subscriptions, and other essential costs.
6. How much flexibility do brokerages offer to part-time agents?
   Brokerage flexibility varies; some are more accommodating to part-time schedules than others, so it is important to interview multiple brokerages, being clear you are a part-time agent.
7. What are the income expectations for a part-time real estate agent?
   Income is commission-based and highly variable, depending on your market, effort, and number of transactions. This makes part-time work more lucrative for competent agents.
8. What are the legal and ethical considerations for a part-time real estate agent?
   Part-time agents are bound by the same ethical and legal standards as full-time agents, including fair housing laws and fiduciary duties.

Ready to Go Part-Time?

Becoming a part-time real estate agent is an excellent career choice. You have flexibility, income growth, and build strong relationships. Real estate is an evergreen field. As long as there are houses, land, and other types of properties, there will be buyers and sellers.

Becoming a part-time real estate agent requires training and certification. Follow the steps we mentioned to get certified, then acquire a license in your state.

As a licensed part-time REALTOR, you’ll be focusing on lead generation, closing deals, networking, nurturing relationships, and Marketing.

Being a part-timer is challenging as you’ll often feel overwhelmed. Time management and creating boundaries for yourself and others is necessary to perform at your best.

And just because you’re part-time does not mean you aren’t allowed to enlist help from VAs, software, AI, or other tools. Resourcefulness will be your best friend.

If you’ve been on the fence about starting real estate part-time, this is your sign. Carve out the time, gather your resources, and take the first step to an amazing, fulfilling career.