How to Become a Part-Time Real Estate Agent (and Boost Your Income)

Are you looking for a flexible career that aligns with your busy schedule? Whether you’re looking for a side gig to earn extra income or want to test the waters for a potential new career, working as a part-time real estate agent could be the perfect opportunity for you.

The best part? It’s an accessible industry to break into with a relatively low-cost and quick licensing process.

This guide will walk you through what it’s like to work part-time in real estate, the steps to get started, pay considerations, and key pros and cons of the role.

Key Takeaways 

• Flexible Career Path: As a part-time real estate agent, you can maintain another job or manage personal responsibilities while earning extra income.
• Affordable Entry Route: The licensing process is budget-friendly and can typically be completed in a few months.
• Success Strategies: Focusing on networking, social media, and efficient time management can help grow your client base.
• Potential Challenges: Balancing real estate responsibilities with other commitments and finding a supportive brokerage are essential for success.

Why Choose Real Estate as a Part-Time Career?

Unlike many traditional jobs, a career in real estate offers the flexibility to set your own schedule. You can take on clients at your own pace and gradually invest more time and resources as your business grows.

Why is part-time real estate a good option?

1. Scheduling Freedom: Show homes, meet clients, and complete paperwork during evenings or weekends to fit around another full-time job or personal responsibilities.
2. Potential Earnings: “Part-time realtor salary” searches often yield encouraging results, with agents earning competitive commissions on each sale or lease. In a 2024 survey of Colibri Real Estate alumni, part-time agents report earning an average salary of $30,000. What would you do with an additional $2,500 each month? Related Article: How Much Can You Make as a Part-Time Real Estate Agent 
3. Low Initial Costs: Real estate licensing programs are more affordable than many other professional certifications (and college degrees), making real estate accessible for those exploring a second career.

Although working fewer hours may slow your growth compared to full-time agents, you can still succeed by using technology, outsourcing administrative tasks, and dedicating focused time to building client relationships.

5 Steps to Become a Part-Time Real Estate Agent 

To become a real estate agent, you need a state-specific license, as each state has its own requirements. All states require a pre-licensing course, though the course length varies. For example, California requires 135 hours, while New York requires 75. Some states, like Florida, also require a post-licensing course after your first license renewal. You’ll also need to pass a licensing exam and complete a background check. Knowing your state’s specific steps is key to starting and growing your real estate career.

Step 1: Understand the responsibilities of a real estate agent. 

Before going through the real estate licensing process in your state, it’s essential that you understand the duties and responsibilities of the role. A real estate agent is a licensed professional who assists clients with buying, selling, or leasing properties. However, what does this mean for someone who only wants to work part-time? 

Here are three main tasks your clients will require you to perform as a part-time real estate agent.  

• Client Interactions: Communicating with buyers and sellers to understand their needs, negotiating contracts, and walking them through legal processes
• Property Showings: Scheduling and conducting tours, often during evenings or weekends, when clients are available
• Paperwork Management: Drafting contracts and organizing legal documents while staying on top of deadlines

Of course, in addition to these client tasks, you need to spend time building your brand, getting leads, and growing your business. While a real estate agent can undoubtedly work part-time, those who work more can reap rewards! 

Step 2: Meet licensing requirements. 

Do you have the capacity to work part-time as a real estate agent? If so, we have some great news! You can become a real estate agent in every state in a matter of months, and the licensing process is very affordable compared with other career training programs and college degrees.  

To become a real estate agent, you must undergo a state-specific licensing process. Although the steps and their order vary from state to state, here’s the general process: 

1. Research State-Specific Rules: Find out what’s required where you live.
2. Complete Pre-Licensing Education: Learn the fundamentals and legal aspects of real estate transactions through state-approved programs.
3. Pass the Pre-Licensing Exam: Meet the minimum criteria to move to the next step.
4. Take Your State’s Official License Exam: Successfully passing qualifies you for licensure.

Learn more about the steps to becoming a real estate agent and your state’s requirements to get started.  

Step 3: Choose the right brokerage. 

Real estate agents must work under the supervision of a broker, so you must find a brokerage in your area to partner with before you can show homes or oversee transactions. It would be best if you found a brokerage that supports part-time agents. You must let your brokerage know if you are only available at particular times throughout the day. 

• Part-Time Support Commitment: Confirm that they accommodate agents wishing to work part time.
• Commission Splits: Ask how earnings are divided between you and the brokerage.
• Desk Fees: Understand the associated costs for office space.
• Professional Resources: Explore training programs, mentoring, or tech tools provided.

Start with local brokerages with solid reputations, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about their expectations.

Related Article: Questions to Ask When Choosing a Real Estate Brokerage to Work For 

Step 4: Build a client base. 

Even as a part-time agent, you need a strategy to build and maintain a consistent pipeline of leads. Here’s how you can get started:

• Attend networking events to meet potential clients face-to-face.
• Build a strong social media presence showcasing listings, market updates, and valuable tips.
• Start an email campaign or blog to establish yourself as a trusted local resource.
• Participate in community events to connect with locals.
• Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform to manage prospects and track follow-ups.

Here are some additional prospecting tips to generate more real estate leads.   

Step 5: Balance your real estate career with other commitments. 

Are you concerned about balancing other responsibilities with your real estate career? Here are some tips. 

• Use Technology: Proptech tools will help you get the most out of your shortened hours working as a part-time real estate agent. Sign up for training for your brokerage’s CRM platform and utilize all the tech tools your brokerage provides. 

• Create a Schedule. Designate specific hours for real estate tasks, such as client meetings or property showings, and stick to that schedule. Prioritize important activities to stay organized. 

• Communicate your Availability to your Brokerage and Clients: Set expectations with clients about your part-time hours, and be upfront about when you’re reachable to avoid overcommitting. 

• Outsource or Delegate Tasks: When your schedule is tight, consider outsourcing administrative tasks or partnering with other agents to cover showings or paperwork. You could also hire a freelancer to help market your business. 

• Consider Joining a Real Estate Team: Can you only dedicate weekends to your real estate career? Consider joining a real estate team. Team members may be eager to offload weekend showings to you.

• Consider Working in a Niche that Fits Your Schedule: Commercial real estate and retiree work can often be performed during a typical work day, while residential real estate often requires free evenings or weekends. Grow a presence in a niche that works best for your schedule. 

Related Article: Should I Work Solo or With a Real Estate Team? 

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

Are you considering a part-time career in real estate? Here are the pros and cons of working part-time in the industry. 

Benefits of working part-time in real estate 

• You can work a flexible schedule as a real estate agent. 

• Even as a side gig, real estate can be lucrative. 

• Working part-time enables you to test the waters to see if you want to do this full-time. 

• You can become licensed as a real estate agent within a few months. 

Drawbacks of working in real estate part-time 

• Finding a brokerage that supports a part-time agent might be difficult. 

• Client meetings may run over the scheduled time, making it difficult if you have other responsibilities. 

• Some real estate transactions require quick responses and turn-around times. 

• Having limited availability will slow down your ability to grow a client base. 

Is a part-time career in real estate right for you? You can start within minutes by enrolling in pre-licensing courses with Colibri Real Estate School. Colibri courses are at your own pace, online classes that work great for students requiring a flexible schedule. Our courses are expertly designed to help you pass your real estate exam and excel in your career. We also offer financing for your courses and a Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee!