For real estate agents, the struggle to balance fluctuating commissions with steady income goals can feel like a never-ending challenge. Long hours, unpredictable client demands, and market uncertainty add to the pressure. You might find yourself wondering how to stabilize your income without burning out—or sacrificing the passion you have for your career.
That’s where the right real estate agent side hustle can make all the difference.
Whether you’re looking to boost your earnings or add stability to your financial foundation, this blog will guide you through practical options tailored to real estate agents.
Here’s your handy dandy index:
Table of Contents
What is a Real Estate Side Hustle?
Definition of Side Hustles
A side hustle is an extra job or business venture that adds to one’s income outside of a main career. In real estate, side hustles range from notary services, which require minimal time and investment, to property management, where managing rental properties can generate a steady income.
These ventures ignite an entrepreneurial desire. In doing so, they empower people to jump into exciting new careers, even without a four-year degree or decades of work experience.
Why Choose Real Estate?
Real estate has tremendous flexibility and the ability to generate passive income. For instance, owning and managing properties on the side can generate management fees, while still allowing you to have limited contact with tenants.
The market’s increasing demand makes these undertakings’ prospects even more attractive, with real estate licenses available for under $1,000. Referral fees, which average 20-25% of a traditional agent’s commission, and content creation through YouTube can help diversify income streams and stabilize finances.
A real estate side hustle allows for work at any time, appealing to those who value autonomy.
Can You Work as a Part-Time Agent?
Besides, part-time work is very possible in the real estate sector. Many agents work part time. It offers the flexibility to work evenings and weekends or to spend part time working three to four days a week in real estate.
This flexibility lets agents work full-time jobs during the week, but still have the time to serve clients and show properties on the weekends. Time commitment varies. High-demand markets or successful high-value transactions can yield earnings from $25,000 to $50,000, while less active markets might result in $5,000 to $10,000.
Balancing a Full-Time Job
- Coordinate activities. Establish a shared calendar to plan real estate activities around your full-time work schedule.
- Batch similar tasks to maximize time efficiency.
- Set alerts for important deadlines and meetings.
Making clear priorities is key to staying productive. Especially as an agent on your own, establishing work-life boundaries is essential.
Pros and Cons of Part-Time Work
The part-time work flexibility provides access to supplemental income, with median annual wages at $54,766. Yet part-timers struggle with issues such as income predictability and a lack of good clients.
Specializing in a niche could help you make even more money.
How to Start a Real Estate Side Hustle
1. Meet Basic Requirements
To get started, you’ll need to fulfill some basic requirements. A real estate license is very important. For one, each state requires its own state specific requirements and rules.
Familiarizing yourself with these local laws, such as Fair Housing and Truth in Advertising, helps keep you in compliance and protects your business.
2. Complete Pre-Licensing Courses
Real estate pre-licensing courses are an important part of preparing for your state’s licensing exam. These engaging courses, offered completely online, dig deep into the most important topics and concepts and lay a solid groundwork.
The more you prepare, the more likely you are to pass the exam and get your side hustle started as soon as possible.
3. Join a Real Estate Brokerage
Aligning with a brokerage provides you with mentorship, training, resources, and networking opportunities. Find a brokerage that will support your mission and help you learn the ropes.
Connecting with other real estate professionals through your brokerage can help you make valuable connections and referrals.
4. Pass Licensing Exam
The right study strategies can go a long way toward helping you crush the licensing exam. Take a deep dive into state-specific laws and practices to further expand your knowledge.
Take advantage of practice exams and study groups to ensure you understand the material.
5. Submit License Application
Be sure to double check your license application for accuracy. Collect necessary documents such as ID and proof of course completion.
Processing times are subject to change, but applications done correctly are usually approved much quicker.
6. Undergo Background Check
Criminal background checks are already a routine component of the licensing process. Open, candid disclosures about past transgressions can head off these hurdles at the pass, clearing the way for a straightforward route to licensure.
7. Join Realtor Associations
Becoming a member of your local and national realtor associations offers a wealth of benefits, from networking opportunities to a treasure trove of available resources.
These associations help you stay current with the industry and provide a wealth of educational resources.
8. Complete Post-Licensing Education
Post-licensing education requirements differ from state to state but are important for staying up-to-date. Virtual workshops and online courses ensure agents are always up-to-date with the new changes and latest best practices.
9. Plan Your Career Path
Create short-term and long-term goals to steer your real estate side hustle. Potential avenues might be getting into property management, diving headfirst into real estate investment, or going full-time with your agency.
In the market where things are ever-changing, being able to adapt is everything.
10. Start Working in the Field
You can start small by providing nonlicensed services such as answering calls, scheduling showings, or even real estate tax appeals.
Having a mentor in the form of an experienced real estate agent can help you learn the ropes.
11. Continue Education and Growth
Taking a class is one thing, but continuous education is the key. Participate in industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to keep your finger on the pulse of the market and emerging opportunities.
This continual education deepens your expertise, making you more valuable and marketable.
Top Real Estate Side Hustles
There’s no shortage of side hustles for real estate agents to peruse. Each side hustle offers different perks that help you earn extra income and build valuable skills. Making these hustles fit with what you enjoy and what you’re good at will help you find both happiness and fortune.
Recruiting Agents
This side hustle only works with brokerages that offer profit sharing or revenue share to agents who attract other agents to join their brokerages. Additionally, earning potential for agent attraction varies greatly between brokerages. Earning potential at eXp Realty is arguably the very best. Learn more about that here or here.
Referral Agent Opportunities
There’s no need to sell anything yourself, because referral agents make money by matching clients with the right real estate experts. Developing a firm referral base can offer a consistent stream of revenue as well as cultivate relationships with clients that last for years.
Fostering relationships with buyers, sellers, and fellow agents is key to long-term prosperity.
Flipping Houses for Profit
In short, successful house flipping means you buy low, do the work, then sell high. The potential returns are high, but there are real financial dangers.
Careful market research and diligence on the property are crucial to mitigate risks and maximize returns.
Managing Rental Properties
Managing rental properties involves several responsibilities:
- Collecting rent
- Handling maintenance
- Addressing tenant concerns
Their income potential can be substantial, but developing positive tenant relations and maintaining your properties are vital to a real estate side hustle’s profitability.
Operating Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals are a popular real estate side hustle. Success depends heavily on doing the right kind of marketing and making sure your guests have a great experience.
Key tasks include:
- Setting competitive pricing
- Managing bookings
- Providing excellent customer service
Understanding Rental Arbitrage
Rental arbitrage means you’re leasing these properties from landlords and renting them out on Airbnb at a higher rate. Income potential could be great, but legal contracts and thorough market analysis are essential to success.
Bird Dogging in Real Estate
Bird dogging is the practice of locating profitable real estate opportunities for investors. Making money through commissions takes good research skills and knowledge of the industry.
Wholesaling Properties
Wholesaling involves getting properties under contract and selling those contracts to other buyers for a profit. Legal and ethical considerations need to be learned, and negotiation skills are key to successfully closing deals.
Offering notary services, real estate coaching, and blogging about real estate are other ideas. There are several different digital products agents can create to generate additional streams of income.
They can benefit from property tax appeal, VA/Virtual Assistant, and writing/content writing services.
Creative Real Estate Ventures
Creative approaches to real estate provide new opportunities to bring in revenue. Many times, real estate investors are searching for off-market offers that aren’t publicly made known, which presents a fantastic opportunity for agents in the know.
House flipping is ideal for those with portable careers, and real estate wholesaling provides inexpensive solutions to start making money through contract assignment.
Drone photography, especially for high-end homes, adds a professional touch and makes real estate listings pop. Tools like CRM systems and social media schedulers help streamline workflows, boosting success.
Referrals have the potential to be a goldmine, as agents can receive 25-35% of commissions for little to no work.
Investing in REITs
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are companies that own, operate, or finance income-producing properties. They provide passive income streams via dividend payments.
Researching different REITs is key to finding the most stable and profitable options.
Exploring House Hacking
House hacking is when you buy a home and rent out a portion of it to cover your mortgage. Strategies range from room sharing to renting out sections of their home.
Learning about the rental laws in your area is paramount to being a successful and law-abiding landlord.
Investing in Raw Land
Investing in raw land can provide long-term returns, but location and zoning regulations play a major role. Consider these before purchasing:
- Accessibility and infrastructure
- Future development plans
- Environmental conditions
Supporting Roles in Real Estate
Finding balance in a real estate career involves looking to supporting roles that will provide added value and bring in additional income. By diversifying their skills and services, real estate agents can find themselves opening doors that lead to greater opportunities.
Real estate is all about collaboration, and these supporting roles can make your business even more valuable to your clients.
Property Management Roles
Property managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of long-term rental properties, from tenant screening and rent collection to maintenance coordination and property inspections. This vital role provides a steady stream of income potential and the opportunity to foster long-term connections with tenants.
Clear communication helps keep tenants happy and properties profitable. Keeping communication clear is essential to keeping tenants happy and properties in great condition.
Bookkeeping for Agents
Bookkeeping essentially acts as the foundation, organizing day-to-day financial transactions and tracking all income and expenses. Hiring a bookkeeper ensures accurate records, crucial for tax purposes and financial planning.
This allows agents to spend time on more important activities while giving them confidence in their financials.
Photography for Listings
Quality photography is one of the most important aspects of real estate marketing. When marketed with good photos, buyers will be more interested because they can see the property at its best.
Advice for the best possible listing photos includes ample natural light, clear staging and emphasis on the most appealing features. Photography services can be a high-margin, profitable add-on.
Writing for Real Estate Blogs
Thoughtful written content establishes credibility and attracts potential clients by providing valuable insights into the market and their area of expertise. Social media – Blogs can go a long way when published on social media platforms such as Medium or LinkedIn, penetrating an even larger audience and demonstrating expertise.
Social Media Marketing Strategies
- Use targeted ads to reach potential buyers
- Share engaging content regularly
- Utilize Instagram Stories for behind-the-scenes glimpses
Being genuinely active online is an effective way to build relationships with future clients. Tools such as Buffer or Hootsuite allow you to schedule and manage posts all in one place.
Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistants help with back office tasks, leaving agents more time to sell. Managing calendars, organizing files, managing correspondence and so on can be time-consuming.
Offering VA services can provide a steady income stream.
Notary Services in Transactions
Given their function in transactions, Notaries are important partners in verifying documentation. Getting certified as a notary is a great option, too, providing a flexible side hustle with lucrative income opportunities.
Notarization, for example, can be done remotely from home on platforms like Notarize.com.
Benefits of a Real Estate Side Hustle
Flexible Work Environment
A real estate side hustle provides agents with the ability to work more flexibly, allowing them to determine when and where they get their work done. You can do it from home, a café, or even on the go while traveling, which makes it perfect for maintaining a work-life balance.
To maintain flexibility, consider:
- Setting clear boundaries between hustle and personal time
- Utilizing digital tools for remote work
- Prioritizing tasks to manage time efficiently
Being Your Own Boss
The freedom that comes through real estate side hustles can’t be beaten. You have the power to make decisions and set goals independent of the will of others, ensuring you maintain a strong sense of autonomy.
That last part—self-discipline—is key. You’ll need to balance your time and focus to keep your side hustle successful while working full-time.
Unlimited Earning Potential
The advantage of real estate side hustles are the multiple income streams. There are a number of ways you can make money. Referral fees, passive income from digital products, and leveraging your real estate license all make for enormous earning potential.
The best part is, your income is only limited by how much you’re willing to work and be dedicated. Factors influencing earning potential include:
- Networking and client relationships
- Market trends and demand
- Personal skills and knowledge
Challenges of a Real Estate Side Hustle
Striking this balance with your real estate side hustle and other responsibilities can be challenging, demanding resilience and flexibility. The volatile side of this work can be intimidating, as income is largely reliant on commissions that can vary dramatically. The average annual salary for real estate agents in the US is about $69,610.
Part-time agents tend to experience a drastic difference from their expected income. Smart financial planning will be key in weathering these ups and downs. Consider the following strategies:
- Build a savings buffer for lean months
- Diversify income streams
- Regularly review and adjust your budget
These added costs can affect the bottom line. Meeting client expectations in a competitive market is another hurdle. Agents are technically on-call all day long, mixing client questions with paperwork and lead follow-up.
So clear communication and transparency are key. To stand out, agents can:
- Offer personalized services
- Leverage digital tools for efficiency
- Maintain a strong online presence
Financial Aspects of Part-Time Agency Work
Costs Involved in Becoming an Agent
When starting out as a part-time real estate agent, there are many initial expenses. These expenses can add up to $3,000-$5,000. Here are some typical expenses you might face:
- Pre-licensing courses and exam fees
- Licensing application and renewal fees
- Association memberships and MLS access
- Marketing materials and technology tools
Continuing costs are also associated with maintaining a real estate license. These often include cost of return, continuing education, and brokerage fees, as well as marketing expenses.
As public agency planners and practitioners, it’s important to understand these financial commitments. It’s not just showing houses and selling houses, it’s running a small business.
Timeframe to Obtain a License
It currently takes the average applicant four to six months to receive a real estate license. Factors that can influence this timeline include:
- State-specific education requirements
- Exam scheduling availability
- Personal study pace
- Work and family commitments
Keeping our eyes on the prize throughout this process will be essential. Managing other commitments alongside schoolwork requires tremendous focus.
Earnings Potential for Part-Time Agents
Income potential for part-time agents is quite different. Based on an average annual gross income of $54,766, possibilities are greater.
In high-demand markets, earnings are often between $25,000 and $50,000 or higher. Selling just one more home would net you an additional $7,050, assuming a 3% commission. If you only sell five homes a year, you’re probably bringing home only about $15,000—after taxes and expenses.
Factors affecting earnings include:
- Market demand and location
- Experience and networking skills
- Commission split with brokers (commonly 60/40 or 70/30)
Success stories are all around us! Many part-time agents have made the leap to full-time in as little as six to seven months, motivated by the increase in sales and income.
Tips for Successful Side Hustling in Real Estate
So, entering the side-hustle world is part strategy and part doing. Here’s a handy list of tips to get started: set clear goals, learn market trends, build a solid online presence, and offer valuable services like notary or digital products.
Networking is essential, because gaining your own clients and referrals is an important side job hustle.
Network Like It’s Your Day Job
Attend industry events, join local real estate groups, and connect with your peers online.
Never Stop Learning
There is no finish line in real estate. Keeping up with industry changes is as simple as hopping on a course, or brushing up on new market analysis.
A thorough CMA is crucial, and you can learn this in your licensing courses. When you have a unique value proposition, you can stand out, maybe with exclusive marketing collateral.
Affiliate programs, like Roofstock’s, are a great way to make passive supplemental income, and taking investment risks—like investing in index funds—can help diversify your portfolio.
That’s a Wrap
Diving into a real estate side hustle is more than just a way to boost your income—it’s an opportunity to gain invaluable skills, explore a dynamic industry, and open doors to new possibilities. While the path may come with its challenges, the potential for financial and personal growth makes it worth the effort. Whether you’re flipping houses, managing rentals, or building a referral network, there’s a niche waiting for your unique talents. So why wait? Take the leap and start building a flexible, rewarding future in real estate today!
Key Takeaways
- A real estate side hustle offers agents flexibility and multiple income streams, providing an entrepreneurial avenue to diversify their earnings and broaden their professional skills.
- Getting into the real estate business as a side hustle has tremendous advantages. You’ll gain passive income while plugging into the booming demand for real estate services, making it a fantastic side hustle for financial health.
- Part-time real estate work is feasible and can enhance an agent’s experience and networking opportunities, provided there is effective time management and clear boundaries to maintain work-life balance.
- Getting into real estate as a side hustle isn’t as simple as just diving in. This involves obtaining a real estate license, registering with a brokerage, and going through the required education and background checks.
- Real estate agent side hustles are a great and fun way to increase your income. You can find the right path for you whether that is as a referral agent, house flipper, rental property manager or vacation rental entrepreneur.
- You’ll love the independence and flexible work environment, plus you can take advantage of unlimited earning potential. Do expect fluctuation in your income — it requires mental fortitude, flexibility, and solid financial management.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a real estate side hustle?
What exactly is a real estate side hustle? It’s something you can do on the side, perfectly complementing your main vocation. Whether it’s through being an agent, investing, or another real estate-related profession.
Can you be a part-time real estate agent?
The answer is yes, you can. As a side note, the majority of real estate agents work part-time. Real estate investing offers the flexibility and power to supplement your income while keeping your day job.
How do I start a real estate side hustle?
Start with getting your real estate license. Study the local market, network with seasoned agents and brokers, and look for online classes. Establish reasonable priorities with your time.
What are some top real estate side hustles?
Take up wholesaling, work as a leasing agent, invest in rental properties, etc. Each has its own distinct benefits and requires varying degrees of time and investment.
Are there creative real estate ventures?
Sure – there’s flipping houses, short-term rental hosting, and even real estate photography on top of that. These ventures are limited only by one’s creativity and can be extremely profitable.
What are the benefits of a real estate side hustle?
It provides income diversification, schedule flexibility, and professional networking. You develop deeper industry insights and knowledge and help create a strong financial future for yourself in the process.
What challenges might I face in a real estate side hustle?
Time management and dealing with the volatile real estate market are popular challenges. The challenge of balancing a primary line of work with real estate duties can be daunting.
