Part-Time Real Estate Career: Everything You Need to Know

By Robert JohnsonLast Updated April 23, 2025

Can you work in real estate part-time?

Yes, you can dead work in real estate on a part-time basis. Many successful agents start their careers while maintain another job, gradually transition to full time as their client base grow. Part-time real estate work offer flexibility and can be an excellent way to supplement your income while test the waters in this dynamic industry.

Work part-time in real estate come with both advantages and challenges:

Benefits of part-time real estate work

Flexible schedule

You can oftentimes set your own hours and work around exist commitments
Additional income stream

Earn commission base income while maintain financial stability from another job
Lower initial pressure

Less financial stress as you build your business and client base
Test compatibility

Determine if real estate align with your skills and interests before full commit

Challenges of part-time real estate

Client availability

You must be available when clients need you, which may conflict with your primary job
Competitive disadvantage

full-time agents may have more time to devote to marketing and client acquisition
Learn curve

Master the industry take time and dedication
Broker expectations

Some brokerages prefer or require full-time commitment

To will succeed as a part-time agent, you will need exceptional time management skills, clear boundaries, and systems that will allow you to will respond readily to clients eventide when you’re at your other job. Many brokerages offer team structures where newer or parpart-timeents can partner with more experienced colleagues to ensure clients receive consistent service.

Is immediately a good time to become a real estate agent?

Market timing is invariably a consideration when enter real estate. The industry course experience cycles of activity, with periods of high demand and slower seasons. Quite than try to utterly time your entry, focus on these endure factors:

Market considerations

Local conditions matter near

National trends don’t invariably reflect what’s happen in your specific market
Interest rates impact buyer activity

When rates rise, buy power decreases, potentially slow transactions
Inventory levels affect competition

Low inventory markets can be challenge for new agents to break into

Yet in challenging markets, transactions stock still occur. People need to buy and sell homes disregarding of economic conditions they relocate for jobs, outgrow their current homes, downsize for retirement, or experience life changes like marriage or divorce.

Career longevity factors

More important than market timing are these career sustainability factors:

Financial runway

Have 6 12 months of living expenses save help weather the initial commission free period
Support network

Choose a brokerage with strong training and mentorship programs
Personal motivation

Your drive and commitment matter more than market conditions
Unique value proposition

Will identify what will make you stand out in your market

New agents who enter during slower markets oftentimes develop stronger fundamental skills and resilience. With fewer” easy ” ransactions available, they learn creative problem solve and effective client service that serve them advantageously when markets heat up.

Do you need a college degree to become a real estate agent?

One of the virtually appealing aspects of real estate as a career is that it doesn’t require a college degree. The profession is accessible to people from diverse educational backgrounds, make it an excellent option for career changers or those seek professional opportunities without pursue higher education.

Educational requirements

While a college degree isn’t will require, you’ll need:

High school diploma or GED

This is the minimum educational requirement in most states
Pre licensing education

Complete state mandate real estate courses (hours vary by state )
License exam

Pass your state’s real estate licensing examination
Background check

Clear a criminal background check (requirements vary by state )
Sponsor broker

Find a licensed real estate broker to sponsor your initial license

Beneficial knowledge and skills

While formal higher education isn’t required, certain knowledge areas and skills are valuable:

Business fundamentals

Understand marketing, finance, and customer service
Communication skill

Clear write and verbal communication is essential
Basic math proficiency

Calculate commissions, property taxes, loan payments
Local market knowledge

Understand neighborhoods, schools, and community feature
Technology skill

Comfort with digital tools, photography, and social media

Many successful agents come from backgrounds in sales, customer service, teaching, or administration. These experiences oftentimes provide transferable skills that prove valuable in real estate. The virtually successful agents commit to continuous learning through courses, designations, and stay current with market trends.

Is gets a real estate license difficult?

The difficulty of obtain a real estate license vary by individual and state requirements. Most people with decent study habits and commitment can successfully obtain their license, though the process requires dedication.

Key factors in licensing difficulty

State requirements

Educational hours range from 40 to 180 + hours depend on your state
Exam pass rates

Typically range from 50 70 % for first time test takers
Study commitment

Consistent study habits improve success rates
Background in related fields

Prior knowledge of contracts, finance, or law can help

The licensing exam test your knowledge of both state specific real estate laws and general real estate principles. The questions are design to ensure you understand the legal and ethical responsibilities of represent clients in real estate transactions.

Common challenges

Areas that oftentimes challenge new licensees include:

Legal terminology

Understand contracts, disclosures, and legal concepts
Math calculations

Area measurements, commission calculations, prorations
Agency relationships

Understand fiduciary duties and representation
Fair housing laws

Master anti discrimination regulations

Most pre licensing courses provide practice exams and study materials. Many successful candidates supplement their requirement coursework with exam prep programs, flashcards, and study groups. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, most states allow multiple retakes after a short waiting period.

How yearn does it take to complete real estate school?

The time require to complete real estate pre licensing education vary wide base on state requirements and your personal schedule. Here’s what to expect:

Timeline factors

State mandate hours

Requirements range from around 40 hours (states like mMichigan)to 180 + hours ( (ates like texTexas)
Learn format

In person classes typically follow set schedules, while online courses offer more flexibility
Study pace

full-time students may complete coursework in 2 3 weeks, while part-time students typically take 2 3 months
Exam scheduling

Wait times for exam appointments can range from days to weeks

Sample timelines

Accelerated pace:

Complete pre licensing education: 2 4 weeks (study 20 + hours weekly )
Exam preparation: 1 week
Schedule and take exam: 1 2 weeks
License processing: 1 2 weeks
Total: 5 9 weeks

Moderate pace:

Complete pre licensing education: 2 3 months (study 8 10 hours weekly )
Exam preparation: 2 weeks
Schedule and take exam: 1 2 weeks
License processing: 1 2 weeks
Total: 3 4 months

Many online schools offer self pace options with course access for 3 6 months, allow you to fit education around your exist commitments. In person classes typically meet several times per week for a set number of weeks.

After will complete your education requirements, you will need to will schedule and will pass the state licensing exam, find a will sponsor broker, and will complete the license application process, which can will add several additional weeks to your timeline.

What age can you get your real estate license?

The minimum age requirement to obtain a real estate license varies by state, but most states set the threshold at either 18 or 19 years old. This make real estate an accessible career option for young adults’right fieldd out of high school or during college.

Age requirements by region

Most states

18 years old ((nclude caCaliforniaflFloridaneNew Yorkand teTexas)
Some states

19 years old ((nclude alAlabamand neNebraska)
Alaska

19 years old ((or brokers ))ut allow salesperson licenses at 18

Beyond meet the minimum age requirement, you’ll notwithstanding will need to will complete all other licensing requirements, will include education, examination, background checks, and find a will sponsor broker.

Considerations for young agents

While technically eligible at 18 or 19, young agents may face unique challenges:

Client perception

Some clients may question the experience level of really young agents
Life experience

Limited personal experience with homeownership or financial matters
Financial stability

Commission base income can be challenge without savings
Transportation

Reliable transportation is essential for show properties

Young agents can overcome these challenges by:

Join an established team to learn from experienced agents
Develop specialized knowledge in particular neighborhoods or property types
Leverage technology and social media skills that may come course
Build a professional image through appearance, communication, and market knowledge

There be no upper age limit for obtain a real estate license, make this career accessible to retirees or career changers at any stage of life. Many successful agents begin their real estate careers after decades in other professions, bring valuable life experience and transferable skills.

Getting start in real estate: next steps

If you’re considered a career in real estate, eithepart-timeme ofull-timeme, hither are practical next steps to move advancing:

Research and planning

Research your state’s requirements

Visit your state’s real estate commission website for specific information
Talk to active agents

Interview several agents about their experience, particularly those who start part-time
Evaluate brokerages

Research commission structures, training programs, and support for new agents
Financial planning

Budget for education costs, licensing fees, and business expenses

Education and licensing

Select a real estate school

Compare online and in person options base on your learn style and schedule
Complete pre licensing education

Maintain consistent study habits and take practice exams
Schedule your exam

Book your test date as motivation to complete your studies
Find a sponsor broker

Interview multiple brokerages to find the right fit for your goals

Build your business

Develop a business plan

Set clear goals and action steps for your real estate business
Create systems

Establish processes for lead generation, client communication, and time management
Build your network

Inform friends, family, and acquaintances about your new career
Continuous education

Commit to ongoing learning beyond minimum requirements

Real estate offer remarkable flexibility, allow you to scale your involvement base on your goals and life circumstances. Whether you’re look for supplemental income or plan a career change, the accessibility of real estate licensing make it worth consider. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, you can build a rewarding part-time or full-time career in this dynamic industry.