Balancing real estate with another job sounds great—until reality hits. Juggling client demands, lead generation, and transactions without full-time availability can feel overwhelming. Will clients take you seriously? Can you actually make money? Many agents struggle with time management, inconsistent income, and limited brokerage options, making it tough to gain traction.
But done right, being a part time real estate agent can be a strategic move—offering flexibility, income potential, and a transition into full-time success. The key? Knowing how to maximize your time, structure your business, and compete with full-time agents. Here’s your handy dandy index:
Table of Contents
What Is a Part Time Real Estate Agent?
Definition and Role
A part time real estate agent is someone who works fewer than 35 hours per week in the field, managing their real estate responsibilities alongside other obligations. These agents are hands-on with their clients, meeting them and showing them properties.
They take on all administrative duties, too, which means they’re often working evenings and weekends to meet their clients’ needs. This flexibility is crucial, as it enables them to handle client communications most effectively.
Continuing education on market trends and regulations is crucial, making sure they are passing along the most current advice and staying ahead of the curve.
Common Misconceptions
Myth #3: Part-time agents are not as professional or committed as full-timers. In reality, most part-time agents do just fine, using the flexibility of their schedule to focus on what clients need.
The perception that part-time agents can’t be successful because of their limited hours is false. Plenty of part-time agents have six-figure sales and excellent reputations.
Their market potential, however, is significant. Part-time agents’ typical annual gross income is $54,766. A part-time role that only takes three to six months of training to qualify, it’s an easy field to break into.
It’s ideal for ambitious high-income earners who want to do more in their spare time.
Can You Be a Part Time Real Estate Agent?
Thousands of people successfully develop part-time real estate careers while pursuing other vocations. This flexibility enables them to maintain their established careers while diving into the vibrant field of real estate. So, even if you’re a teacher, nurse, or office worker, you can make part-time real estate work on the side.
Finding the right fit is crucial. The most important thing is judging the flexibility of your current job to make sure it can work with real estate.
Balancing with Other Jobs
To effectively balance your part-time real estate career with other jobs, schedule certain days for real estate duties such as open houses and client meetings to avoid schedule clashes. Keeping real estate tasks and your main source of income and work life separate can help you stay focused.
Additionally, being able to respond to clients and leads promptly is key to success. This responsiveness can significantly impact your ability to close deals and maintain client satisfaction.
Necessary Skills and Qualities
Part-time or not, successful agents have to be excellent communicators, negotiators, and time managers. Flexibility is important to accommodate different client schedules and demands.
Referencing the last two traits, your networking skills are what will help you build valuable relationships with other industry professionals. These relationships can lead to referrals and opportunities that enhance your real estate career.
To minimize time spent, book all showings on one day per week. First, the obvious caveat is that real estate agents are always working under a licensed broker, but agents usually work evenings and weekends anyway.
Earnings vary from $5,000 to $50,000 per year. Furthermore, training and licensing can take weeks to months. This time investment is essential to ensure you are prepared for the demands of the real estate market.
Advantages of Part Time Real Estate Work
1. Flexible Schedule
The flexibility of working part-time in real estate allows for a work-life schedule that best fits family and personal commitments. Whether family commitments, schooling, or other employment, agents have more freedom to choose their hours around other aspects of their lives.
Evenings and weekends—real estate’s peak hours—are perfect for meeting clients and showing properties. This flexibility means that agents can react quickly to client requirements, improving customer service significantly.
Your part-time agent schedules property viewings for Saturday mornings and/or after 5 PM on weekdays. In this manner, they make sure clients can make it when they have the time available.
2. Additional Income Stream
The financial upside of part-time real estate work is huge—if you’re making real estate commissions and referrals, that’s income you wouldn’t have otherwise. Even with a part-time commitment, agents can make tremendous commissions on the sale of property.
Referral fees from simply connecting would-be buyers and sellers can boost that income even more. Diving into related side projects, like getting into property management or starting an independent consultancy, increases earning potential.
3. Career Transition Opportunities
These part-time roles can be a launching pad to full-time collaborative work in the real estate field. A lot of agents do it and make the move from part-time to full-time, using their experience and their network.
Real estate companies place a premium on candidates with this real-world experience. Part-time work on your resume can be a tremendous advantage when applying for competitive full-time roles.
4. Skill Enhancement for Part Time Real Estate Agents
The importance of continuous learning can’t be overstated in real estate. Part-time agents should spend time improving their craft, attending workshops and online courses, and staying in touch with market trends.
Practical experience gained through part-time roles helps sharpen negotiation, marketing, and customer service skills. These skills are crucial for career growth.
5. Networking Benefits
In real estate, building a strong network is everything. Part-time agents need to be involved in their local real estate community and REALTOR® associations.
Developing these relationships will enable them to produce referrals and reveal new business avenues. Solid relationships usually lead to more client referrals and greater achievements and recognition within the industry.
Disadvantages of Part Time Real Estate Work
Limited Time Commitment
Part-time real estate work means limited hours, which cuts down on how many clients you can take on. This can make it really tough to cultivate a good pool of clientele. Clients would often need to touch base with lenders and appraisers as well, which usually requires business hours availability.
Good management and efficient scheduling become very important. Prioritize your time to maximize the hours you can dedicate to showings, often after 5:30 pm, and manage contracts and inspections around your schedule.
Income Uncertainty
Income for part-time agents would be difficult given that these agents earn income through commission-based sales. When you don’t have a guaranteed salary, it’s crucial to budget your money wisely.
New agents often go several months without a paycheck, making financial preparedness all the more critical. Reserve a portion of funds to cover drops in revenue. Further, be mindful of expenses, like costly brokerage fees, which can significantly eat into your profit.
Restricted Brokerage Options
In addition, part-time agents might have a difficult time getting a seat at the table at larger brokerages that would rather hire full-time agents. You might find greater opportunities by looking at smaller or independent brokerages.
This can be a great solution for people who are working a traditional 9-5 and pursuing real estate on the side.
Challenges in Market Knowledge
Part-time hours can make it hard to keep up with local market trends. Put in the time for research and education to stay up-to-date with all aspects of the market.
Managing Client Expectations
Setting expectations with false communication regarding their availability or response time is key. Establish reasonable service level expectations and communicate regularly on progress and timing with clients.
Facing Competition
Given how competitive the real estate market is, it’s ideal for part-time agents to go above and beyond to separate themselves from the pack.
Through honing a personal brand, agents can stand out from the competition and provide real value that draws in clients.
Steps to Become a Part Time Real Estate Agent
Meet Eligibility Requirements
Once you’ve decided that part-time real estate is right for you, the first step to becoming a licensed agent is learning what the eligibility requirements are. To be able to practice, you have to be at least 18 years of age.
You have to be a legal resident of your state and clear a background check. These criteria can vary by state, so be sure to check your individual state’s requirements to confirm that you are in full compliance.
Complete Required Courses
Enrolling in a real estate course is an important first step in acquiring the knowledge necessary to thrive. Approved schools provide prelicensing courses that teach you the basic practices of real estate as well as state and federal laws.
Online courses offer the most flexibility, letting you work on other things you’re committed to while getting ready for the exam.
Pass the Licensing Exam
It is important to pass the state’s real estate licensing exam. Study smart. Develop good study habits, including creating a study schedule, taking practice exams, and identifying important real estate topics and terminology.
Finding a balance between theoretical knowledge and real-life, practical scenarios is key to building confidence.
Submit Application and Background Check
Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to apply for a real estate license. You’ll be required to complete a background check to complete your licensing process.
Keep all paperwork in order, complete, and ready to prevent any hiccups in your process from happening.
Join Professional Associations
Being a member of these associations helps you network and gives you access to valuable resources. Participate in local and national conferences for continuing education and professional development.
These connections can help you slide into your next big opportunity.
Strategies for Success as a Part-Time Agent
Manage Your Time Wisely
Developing a firm calendar is important. Establish guided time blocks for your real estate activities. Then, put these on your calendar so clients know when and where they can find you.
Scheduling apps can maximize your time by scheduling meetings and property showings quickly and easily. Limit in-person interactions even further by holding all showings and consultations on one day each week. In this manner, you limit your obligations while avoiding the sense of drowning.
To have your pipeline always filled with new business, schedule time for lead generation, and follow up with leads.
Set Achievable Goals
It’s important to set specific, achievable, and measurable goals. SMART short- and long-term marketing goals keep you focused and on the right path.
By creating shorter, more achievable, and measurable steps, you can keep the motivation and momentum going. Schedule times to regularly review these goals to adjust marketing strategies and make sure you’re on a path to consistent progress.
This practice is what will continue to get you in tune with both the market and your own personal development.
Use Technology for Efficiency
Technology is at the heart of real estate today. CRM tools manage client information, streamlining interactions and maintaining relationships.
Digital business cards automatically sync with your CRM, eliminating hours of data entry time to your pipeline. Use social media to increase your visibility and generate leads, getting far more with far less effort.
Build a Strong Client Base
Building strong client relationships is key to landing repeat business and referrals. Be intentional about following up and staying in touch with your past clients and leads.
By providing exceptional service, your satisfied clients will sing your praises, boosting your reputation, and helping to expand your network through positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
Becoming a member of a local Realtor association will get you access to the MLS, bolstering your future client base even more.
Income Potential for Part Time Real Estate Agents
Real estate operates on a commission-based income structure, which is the basis of earnings for part time real estate agents. Usually, agents make money off of a percentage of the sale price of each property they sell. That’s because the more properties you’re able to sell, or the more expensive they are, the more money you stand to make.
Intentional sales and strong referrals will help you maximize income. Closing just a handful of high-value deals will have you raking in the success. Plus, referrals from happy customers will continue to boost your reputation and referral opportunities.
Factors Influencing Earnings
There are many different factors that affect how much a part-time agent makes. Location is crucial, too—places where the market is clamoring for homes usually offer the more profitable prospects.
Additionally, your experience and skill level will further influence your earning potential. Experienced agents with polished negotiation skills are more likely to get deals closed quickly and easily.
Focus On Markets With High Demand To Increase Your Earning Potential. By finding out what each of your clients needs and focusing on that high-value task, you’ll ensure you make it rain!
Average Income Expectations
Taking on an average of four or five deals per year for part-time agents would net them an income of $59,200 to $98,700. Transaction volume introduces volatility into income.
Agents who work under 20 hours per week average around $21,000, and those who work 21 to 39 hours an average of $63,500. It’s important to set realistic income goals, based on how much time you plan to invest.
Balancing part-time work with income aspirations involves understanding market conditions and personal dedication.
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That’s a Wrap!
Succeeding as a part time real estate agent is possible—but only with smart time management, strategic networking, and a clear plan. Balancing another job while building a real estate business takes discipline, but the flexibility, extra income, and potential to go full-time make it worth the effort. Stay focused, stay consistent, and make every hour count!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a part time real estate agent?
A part time real estate agent is one who is focused on selling real estate while having another job or profession. Like REALTOR® colleagues across the country, they juggle their time between real estate duties and other responsibilities.
Can you work as a part time real estate agent?
It’s not uncommon for real estate agents to work part-time to either supplement their income or dip their toes in the industry before going full-time.
What are the advantages of being a part time real estate agent?
The two most commonly cited benefits are an illusion. Flexible Schedule Work when you want, with the potential to earn income without working full-time.
Are there disadvantages for part time real estate agents?
Sure, inconsistent income and lack of time or flexibility can make it impossible to succeed. Failing to juggle a side gig can lead to unhappy clients and a stalled real estate career.
What steps are needed to become a part time real estate agent?
First, take some pre-licensing courses. After taking the required courses, you’ll need to take your real estate exam and receive your license. Lastly, find a brokerage to join and get to work.
How can part time real estate agents succeed?
Emphasis on building a network, effective time management, and continuous learning. Leverage digital tools and think creatively when it comes to marketing your opportunities.
What is the income potential for part time real estate agents?
Income is unevenly spread, part time real estate agents can make big commissions. Success is always going to be contingent on market conditions, effort, and expertise.
