What Part-Time Real Estate Agents Actually Do

A part-time real estate agent holds the same license as a full-time agent but works fewer hours, often while keeping another job. You show properties, help buyers and sellers negotiate, and handle paperwork—but you control your own schedule. Most part-time agents work evenings and weekends when clients are available, and they may handle fewer transactions per year than full-time colleagues.

The work itself does not change based on hours: you still need a broker to sponsor your license, you still split commissions with your brokerage, and you still answer to the same state regulations. The difference is that you are not expected to be available during business hours, and you do not have to meet the same transaction volume targets that many full-time brokerages demand.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass your state's real estate licensing exam after completing a pre-license course, which typically takes 40 to 120 hours depending on your state.
  • A broker must sponsor your license before you can legally show properties or list homes; part-time brokerages often have lower desk fees and fewer hour requirements than full-time shops.
  • Your income comes entirely from commission splits, which usually range from 50 to 80 percent of what your brokerage collects, minus broker fees and transaction costs.
  • You will need errors-and-omissions insurance, a dedicated phone line, and a way to manage client documents; many brokerages provide these or bundle them into monthly fees.
  • Part-time agents often take 6 to 12 months to close their first sale, so you should have savings to cover living expenses while you build a client base.

Get Your Real Estate License

Every state requires a real estate license before you can legally show a property or list a home. The first step is to complete a pre-license course offered by your state's real estate commission or an approved school. These courses cover contract law, disclosure requirements, fair housing rules, and local regulations. Course length varies: some states require 40 hours, others 120 hours or more. You can take these online or in person, and they typically cost $200 to $500.

After finishing the course, you register for your state's licensing exam. The exam tests your knowledge of real estate law, ethics, and practice. Most states allow you to take it within 30 to 90 days of completing your course. You will pay an exam fee (usually $50 to $150) and schedule a test date through your state's licensing board. Passing rates vary, but first-time pass rates are typically 50 to 70 percent, so many people study for two to four weeks before sitting.

Once you pass, you receive a temporary license while your background check clears. This usually takes one to three weeks. You cannot legally work as an agent until a broker sponsors your license, which happens next.

Find a Broker to Sponsor Your License

A broker is a licensed real estate company that holds your license and takes a cut of your commissions. You cannot work independently; state law requires every agent to work under a broker's supervision. For part-time agents, you want a broker that does not demand high transaction minimums or full-time office hours.

Part-time brokerages fall into a few categories. Traditional brokerages (like local independent shops) may accept part-time agents but often expect you to work certain hours or hit sales targets. Discount brokerages (like eXp Realty, Keller Williams, or Redfin) typically have lower desk fees and more flexible schedules, making them popular with part-timers. Some brokerages are entirely virtual, meaning you work from home and attend training online.

When you interview a broker, ask about desk fees (monthly charges for office space and support), commission splits (what percentage you keep), training and lead generation, and whether they require a minimum number of transactions per year. Part-time brokerages often charge $100 to $500 per month in desk fees, while full-time brokerages may charge more or waive fees if you hit sales targets. Once you choose a broker and sign an agreement, they sponsor your license with the state, and you are officially licensed to work.

Set Up Your Business Infrastructure

You will need a few tools to operate legally and professionally. Errors-and-omissions insurance (also called E&O insurance) protects you if a client sues over a mistake you made during a transaction. Most brokerages require this before you can list a property. E&O insurance for real estate agents costs $300 to $1,000 per year depending on your state and coverage limits.

You also need a dedicated phone number and email address for client communication. Many agents use their personal phone but set up a separate email account to keep work and personal life organized. You will need a way to store and share documents securely—a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox works, though some brokerages provide their own document management system.

Finally, you should have a basic website or online presence. This does not need to be elaborate: many brokerages provide a template page on their website where clients can find you. Some agents create a straightforward personal website ($100 to $300 per year) or use social media to share listings and build credibility. None of this is legally required, but it helps clients find you and builds trust.

Understand How You Will Earn Money

Real estate agents earn money only when a transaction closes. You do not receive a salary or hourly wage. Instead, when a home sells, the seller's agent and buyer's agent each receive a commission from the sale price—typically 2.5 to 3 percent each. Your broker takes a cut of your commission (often 50 to 80 percent, depending on your agreement), and you keep the rest.

Here is a concrete example: a home sells for $300,000. The total commission is 6 percent ($18,000). The buyer's agent and seller's agent each receive $9,000. If you are the seller's agent and your broker takes 60 percent, you keep $3,600. If the transaction takes four months from listing to closing, your effective hourly rate depends on how many hours you actually worked.

Part-time agents typically close fewer transactions than full-time agents, so your annual income is lower. A part-time agent might close 6 to 12 transactions per year, earning $20,000 to $50,000 before taxes and business expenses. Full-time agents often close 20 to 40 transactions annually. Your income also depends on your local market: homes sell for more in some areas, and commission rates vary by region.

Build Your Client Base While Working Part-Time

Your first clients usually come from your personal network: friends, family, former coworkers, and neighbors. Many part-time agents spend their first six months telling everyone they know that they are now licensed and asking for referrals. This is not pushy—it is how the business works. People buy and sell homes regularly, and they often choose an agent they know.

Beyond your network, you can generate leads by attending open houses, joining local real estate groups, or sponsoring community events. Some agents knock on doors in neighborhoods where homes are for sale or recently sold. Others use social media to share listings and build a following. These methods take time and do not always pay off quickly, which is why many part-time agents do not close their first sale until 6 to 12 months in.

You should also ask your broker about lead generation programs. Some brokerages provide leads (potential buyers or sellers) in exchange for a higher commission split or a monthly fee. These leads are usually less may have access to than referrals, but they can help you build experience and close transactions faster.

Manage the Time Commitment Realistically

Part-time real estate is not a side hustle that takes five hours per week. Most part-time agents work 20 to 30 hours per week, especially in the first year. You will spend time showing properties (often in evenings and weekends), writing contracts, coordinating inspections, managing paperwork, and staying in touch with past clients for referrals. If you have a full-time job, you are looking at a second job's worth of hours.

The work is also unpredictable. A client might call at 6 p.m. wanting to see a property, or you might spend a weekend at open houses. You cannot always control when transactions close or when inspections happen. If you have young children or inflexible work hours at your main job, part-time real estate can be stressful.

Many part-time agents eventually transition to full-time as their client base grows and transactions become more frequent. Others stay part-time indefinitely because they prefer the flexibility or because their main job pays better. Be honest about how much time you can actually commit before you get licensed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Real estate licensing requires only a high school diploma or GED, completion of a pre-license course, and a passing score on your state's exam. Many agents have college degrees, but it is not a requirement.

Can I work part-time for multiple brokerages?

No. Your license is sponsored by one broker at a time. If you want to switch brokers, you must transfer your license, which usually takes a few days. You cannot hold a license under two brokerages simultaneously.

What happens if I do not close any sales in my first year?

You keep your license as long as you renew it (usually every two years) and pay any required fees. However, if you are not generating income, you will need savings to cover your desk fees, insurance, and living expenses. Many part-time agents do not close their first sale until 6 to 12 months in.

Do I need to take continuing education classes?

Yes. Most states require real estate agents to complete continuing education courses every two years to renew their license. These courses typically cover updates to real estate law and ethics. Your broker can usually help you find approved courses, which cost $100 to $300 per renewal cycle.

Can I work part-time real estate while on unemployment or disability benefits?

This depends on your specific benefits program and state rules. Some programs allow earned income up to a certain amount; others do not. Contact your benefits administrator before you get licensed to understand how real estate income will affect your benefits.