Essential guide to becoming a part-time real estate agent

A career in real estate offers many opportunities. You can be your own boss and find financial success. However, most people need to ease into the industry by starting as a part-time real estate agent. You can begin your journey with real estate as a side hustle before committing.

What makes part-time real estate so attractive is that it’s flexible, quick to start, and can bring in extra cash. The low barrier to entry, which is 3-6 months of training, and high-earning potential have made this a popular choice for those seeking to switch careers.

However, diving into real estate does take time and effort. It’s a self-starter endeavor. If you are wondering if you can be a part-time real estate agent, we’ve gathered information and insights to help you along the way.

Can you be a part-time real estate agent?

Yes, absolutely. Real estate as a part-time job is viable. A recent survey found that 22% of professionals classified themselves as part-time. The official label of part-time, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is working fewer than 35 hours weekly. According to the National Association of Real Estate Agents (NAR), most agents worked about 35 hours each week, which matches the BLS statistic.

What if you don’t have 35 hours each week? Can you still be a successful part-time real estate agent? A survey of agents revealed that even thoseworking less than 20 hours a week could earn $21,000. Those putting in 21 to 39 hours could make $63,000 annually.

The real estate industry has experienced ebbs and flows in demand. BLS projects that 46,000 openings are available each year, which will be the case through 2033.

Thus, there is opportunity and demand without making a full-time commitment.

How much does it cost to become a real estate agent?

The cost to become a real estate agent varies depending on several factors, including state requirements, education choices, and licensing fees. Here are some typical costs involved in becoming a real estate agent.

• Pre-licensing education: Most states require a pre-licensing course. The typical cost is $150 to $1,000. They can be online or in-person, with the former often being less.
• Licensing exam: There is a fee to take the real estate licensing exam, typically ranging from $60 to $615 per attempt, varying by state. Each state has its own pre-licensing and exam fees. You can find state-by-state numbers for these expenses here. Some examples include:
  • California: $400 for pre-licensing and $400 for a license
  • North Carolina: $475 for pre-licensing and $96 for a license
  • Texas: $475 for pre-licensing and $185 for a license
• Background check and application fees: States often require a background check and application fees to process your real estate license application. These fees can range from $100 to $125.
• Post-licensing education: Some states require additional post-licensing education courses after obtaining your license, which can cost up to several hundred dollars.
• ‍State license fee: Once you pass the exam and meet all requirements, you'll need to pay a state license fee, ranging from $100 to $300 or more.
• Association and MLS fees: As a real estate agent, you may choose to join local real estate associations or Multiple Listing Services (MLS), which involve membership fees that vary by location and organization. If you’d like to join the NAR, the current membership fee is $156, with a special assessment of $45.
• Continuing education: Many states require real estate agents to complete continuing education courses to renew their licenses periodically. These courses typically have associated costs. The NAR has a list of the requirements by state.

Although it depends on where you plan to get your license, becoming a real estate agent can cost anywhere from $3,000 - $5,000+. How long does it take to become a part-time real estate agent?Becoming a part-time real estate agent can take a few weeks to several months. The time frame depends on how quickly you complete your education, pass the exam, and fulfill other state or brokerage requirements. It's essential to research and understand the specific conditions in your state to plan accordingly for your real estate career.

How much do part-time real estate agents make?

The salary of a part-time real estate agent can vary widely based on several factors, including the market, the number of hours worked, the agent's skill level, and the commission structure of their brokerage. Here’s a breakdown of what influences a part-time real estate agent's earnings, along with some real-world examples:

• Market conditions: Real estate markets vary significantly by location. In high-demand areas, property prices and commissions can be higher compared to developing regions, resulting in greater earnings potential.
• Number of transactions: The number of properties an agent can sell or lease directly impacts their income, and part-time agents typically handle fewer transactions than full-time agents.
• Commission rates: Commissions are usually a percentage of the property’s sale price. The average real estate commission in the U.S. is currently about 5.32%, split between the listing agent (2.74%) and the buyer's agent (2.58%). The agent’s brokerage also takes a percentage cut before the agent receives their share.
• Experience and skill level: More experienced and skilled agents are likely to close more deals and may negotiate higher commission splits with their brokerages.
• Time invested: A part-time real estate agent might work evenings and weekends or dedicate a few days a week to real estate, impacting the number of clients they can serve and properties they can show.

Estimated earnings

According to ZipRecruiter, the average income of a part-time real estate agent is $85,793. The high and low ends have a substantial range: $28,500 to $149,500. It depends on your market, ability to gain clients, and commission.

Is it possible to be a part-time real estate agent while working a full-time job?

Yes, if you have excellent time management skills and can maintain a flexible yet organized schedule, becoming a part-timereal estate agent is possible. This often involves dedicating specific hours each week to real estate activities, such as evenings and weekends.

Some real estate-related responsibilities even work in your favor. For example, the most popular open house times are evenings and weekends because most people looking to buy or rent a new home likely also work a 9-to-5 schedule.

Pros and cons of becoming a part-time real estate agent.

Before deciding if being a part-time agent is right for you, consider the pros and cons.

Pros

Career transition

Working part-time in real estate provides a pathway to transition into a full-time career. It’s a great way to test the waters before making a full-time commitment.

Flexibility

You can choose when to work, making it easier to balance other jobs or personal commitments.

Being a part-time real estate agent also allows you to pursue real estate without sacrificing your primary career or responsibilities. For example, depending on your arrangement with your broker, sometimes you can create your own schedule. You can decide which days and times work for you and which don’t.

Supplemental income

As a part-time real estate agent, you can generate extra income without the demands of taking on another full-time job. Plus, there’s potential for significant earnings from commissions on sales and rentals. Depending on your market, the income may be steady throughout the year.

Skill development

Working part-time in real estate enables you to improve your sales, negotiation, marketing, and customer service skills while gradually gaining real estate experience.

Networking opportunities

If entrepreneurship is what makes real estate appealing, you can expand your sphere of influence via networking. You’ll constantly be meeting new people and growing your network.

You can do this through associations in the industry or by joining groups related to entrepreneurship or local business growth. Another way to create your network is to do so online using social media.

By being active and joining groups on LinkedIn, for example, you can use these platforms to network digitally.

‍As part of your networking strategy, social media helps you connect with other agents and professionals in related fields, such as mortgage brokers and home inspectors. It’s also a great channel for lead generation to find new clients.

Cons

Limited availability and balancing responsibilities

Like most jobs, you’ll get out of this one what you put into it. The more time you spend forging connections and making sales, the more money you’ll make. Balancing real estate with another job can limit your availability to clients. It could potentially cause you to miss out on opportunities because of scheduling conflicts.

A packed schedule means you must also balance your responsibilities. You still have another job, along with family and friends. It can seem overwhelming. Finding ways to improve your time management will be helpful.

Income variability

Income is commission-based and can be inconsistent, especially in the beginning. It’s not uncommon for it to take time to close deals and receive commissions. Without the guarantee of consistent income, it can be challenging to cover the costs for licensing, continuing education, marketing, and association fees.

Because of this, many real estate agents fail within the first year. Industry associations have varying statistics on this. It could be as great as 90%. You may think those are concerning odds, but you have control over your success in many ways.

Limited brokerages

Unfortunately, not all brokerages are willing to hire part-time real estate agents. Training is time-intensive and often entails a substantial investment of resources. Completing this training can be particularly challenging for part-time agents with limited availability. It can lead to slower progress, which may not align with the brokerage's operational needs and business goals.

Market knowledge

Part-time agents may find it difficult to stay up-to-date on market trends and changes. Full-time agents may have an edge in market knowledge and experience since their schedules are likely more flexible.

Client expectations

Clients might expect immediate responses and availability, which can be hard to manage part-time. It may hinder your ability to build a strong client base due to limited time.

Competition

According to recent data, there are approximately 1.6 million agents in the U.S. As a part-time agent, you’ll be competing in a very crowded market against full-time agents who can dedicate more time and resources.

There’s more competition, as well. The rise of online platforms like Zillow and Redfin is also a threat. They can cut agents out of the transaction. The NAR commission lawsuit benefits these organizations, as well. They’re relying on technology, automation, acquisition, and artificial intelligence (AI) to gain market share.

It's making an already competitive landscape even more so. Your advantage is that you’re a local professional with insights they may lack. You’re a real person who can educate and support your clients.

Work-life balance tips for part-time real estate agents

Your career is only one part of your life. Work-life balance helps you not burn out and stay motivated. These tips can support finding it.

• Plan your real estate work around your full-time job, carving out specific time to devote to it. Creating weekly tasks keeps you focused.
• Set communication boundaries with clients around your availability. Inform them of the best ways to contact you and advise when they can expect responses and in-person meetings.
• Consolidate in-person interactions by scheduling showings, listing appointments, and consultations on a single day each week. This allows you to focus the rest of the week on following up with leads and other tasks.
• Set realistic goals for your first year that align with average compensation expectations. Otherwise, you put unrealistic expectations on yourself.
• Explore ways to generate leads that are easy and streamlined, like using social media or creating a website with optimized content.
• Prioritize communication with your broker and clients that’s transparent about your availability. The expectation that you’re available 24-7 isn’t practical for any job.
• Take time for life. If you don’t take care of yourself and stay connected to family and friends, you’ll soon burn out.

Networking tips for part-time agentsNetworking is invaluable for real estate. Building a network takes time. These tips can help you define a strategy.

• Find ways to get involved with the community that could lead to meeting new clients and other professionals. Examples include participation in local events and volunteering.
• Build your digital network by engaging with social media and joining groups dedicated to the industry.
• Consider who you already know and their proximity to real estate. Creating partnerships with mortgage brokers, contractors, and inspectors can lead to referrals for both sides.
• Join local professional organizations and be active.
• Create your professional brand that notes areas you may decide to specialize in (e.g., buyer’s agent, rentals, luxury property) and leverage that to connect with others.

Future trends for part-time real estate agents

The future for part-time real estate agents will have much to do with technology, remote work, and the gig economy.

Technology can be your ally as you build your career, making many tasks easier and streamlined. Examples include secure platforms for tenant screening, marketing automation tools, and software for managing your schedule and tasks.

Since remote work spiked during the pandemic, it’s become the norm for many jobs. It can be an asset as you transition since you don’t have to account for office commute time, allowing a more flexible schedule for agents.

Another trend is the gig economy. It allows many people to work in non-full-time roles that offer flexibility with lots of earning potential. It’s the modern twist on part-time work that doesn’t have the rigidity required in many jobs.

The housing market, in general, will always impact real estate employment. Interest rate cuts haven’t had a substantial impact on mortgages. There’s still demand, but many don’t have the financial foundation to purchase a home. Construction of new homes will also be a factor. One consideration as a part-time real estate agent is focusing on the rental market, which also has high demand.

How to become a part-time real estate agent

Below are the basic steps for how to become a part-time real estate agent.

1. Ensure you meet the basic requirements

To become a real estate agent, you must be at least 18 years old. Some states also require you to have a GED or a high school diploma.

2. Enroll and complete pre-licensing courses

Regardless of your state, you need to take pre-licensing classes, which can take 40 to 180 hours to complete. Courses cover real estate principles, practices, contracts, finance, and legal aspects and can be offered online or in person. According to Investopedia, some of the most popular online courses for 2025 include:

• The CE Shop
• Colibri Real Estate
• Aceable
• Kaplan
• RealEstateU

3. Find a real estate brokerage

To legally practice real estate, you must work under a licensed real estate broker. A real estate brokerage is a state-sanctioned organization that employs and oversees real estate agents to ensure all dealings follow applicable laws.

Research and choose a brokerage that aligns with your career goals, offers training and support, and fits your personality and work style. This can be advantageous because you’ll already have an industry connection once you’re a licensed agent and can likely start working right away.

4. Pass the licensing exam

The next step on your journey is to register and pass the state exam to receive your license. The exam tests your knowledge of real estate laws, practices, and principles. Many real estate schools will provide study materials and practice exams to help prepare you for the test. Since each state conducts its exams differently and through different providers, research your specific state board for more detailed registration instructions. Most states will allow you to retake the exam 2-3 times if you don’t pass on your first try before requiring additional class hours.

5. Submit a license application

After passing the exam, submit your license application to the state real estate commission in addition to the required documents, such as proof of education, exam results, and a background check.

6. Undergo a background check

Many states require a criminal background check as part of the licensing process to ensure applicants meet ethical standards.

7. Join a real estate agent Association and MLS

Consider joining a local real estate agent association to gain access to their MLS, which lists available properties and facilitates transactions.

8. Complete post-licensing education (if required)

Some states mandate post-licensing education courses that must be completed within a specific time frame after obtaining your license. These courses typically cover additional legal and practical aspects of real estate.

9. Plan ahead

If you plan to practice real estate part-time instead of full-time, you’ll want to create a schedule that doesn’t hinder your other commitments. Here are some helpful strategies to help you succeed. Communicate with your employer, as well If you have a full-time job, ask your employer if this is something you’re allowed to do in addition to your current position. It’s important to ensure that it won’t interfere with your full-time obligations and doesn’t break workplace laws.

10. Start working

Once your license is issued and you have an affiliation with a brokerage, you can begin working as a real estate agent. Build your client base, market properties, and negotiate transactions while adhering to ethical and legal standards set by your state and the NAR.

11. Continue your education

Maintain your license by completing continuing education courses as required by your state. This ensures you stay informed about industry changes, legal updates, and best practices in real estate.

Part-time real estate agents and RentSpree

Your time as a part-time real estate agent is valuable. If you decide you’re ready to embark on this journey, RentSpree is here to help. We offer all the tools you need to kickstart your career.Our platform allows you to streamline the rental application process, manage applications, screen tenants, and collect application fees online. It saves time and simplifies administrative tasks, so you can focus more on building client relationships and growing your business.

Want to learn more about what RentSpree can do for you? Schedule a demo with us today.