The real estate industry is full of opportunities for financial success and career growth. Florida’s booming market, in particular, offers a dynamic market for agents to grow and thrive. However, not everyone is willing to go full-time right away. Some agents choose to test the field before committing to a full career transition, while others value the flexibility that part-time work offers.
Fortunately, whether working part-time by choice or circumstance, agents can still reach impressive milestones. In fact, succeeding as a part-time realtor is often more attainable than many expect. Many report that the key to earning a substantial income lies in drive, dedication, and effective time management.
So today, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about building a rewarding part-time career in real estate. We’ll also explore how top-earning agents manage their schedules and expand their businesses. Most importantly, you’ll find out if this path aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
Can You Be a Part-Time Real Estate Agent and Still Succeed?
Yes! You can definitely build a real estate career while working on a part-time basis only. Pursuing real estate part-time is particularly common among new agents, as they want to ensure steady income during transitional periods. So long as you’re professional and dedicated, the industry is equally appealing to both part-time and full-time agents.
Furthermore, Florida’s real estate market is diverse, and its flexibility permits various work arrangements. From luxury properties near golf courses in Clearwater, FL to family neighborhoods, opportunities abound everywhere. Part-time agents just need to be strategic in their planning and make the most of their limited hours.
This post will give you the roadmap that successful part-time agents have been using to thrive. Along with this, you’ll learn about proven time management techniques that increase productivity and client satisfaction. These strategies will help you balance priorities while maintaining service quality and work-life balance.
Is Being a Part-Time Real Estate Agent Worth It?
Yes, being a part-time real estate agent can be worth it. Many agents find this is the perfect balance between income stability and entrepreneurial growth. The earning potential has also exceeded expectations for those who approach the industry strategically. However, there are some things to take note of before you get started.
To begin with, you need to consider your current situation and long-term goals before making a definitive decision. Part-time agents who thrive in this field are usually people with strong organizational skills and clear boundaries. They also understand that fewer hours demand a higher standard of quality, commitment, and client interaction.
Truthfully, achieving a substantial income can be accomplished without committing to full-time hours. In fact, many part-time agents earn more per hour than some full-time agents. How? Because they focus solely on high-value activities and quality leads while also adopting efficient processes.
Additionally, the time it takes to build relationships with clients is a key indicator of how rewarding the position can be. Although building relationships takes time regardless of your schedule, part-time agents may have to work harder to stay visible in the community. This means maximizing every networking opportunity and staying in touch with their sphere of influence.
Ultimately, whether a part-time career is profitable or not depends on your circumstances and level of commitment. Agents who take their part-time real estate career seriously often enjoy the rewards and eventually transition to full-time work.
How Much Do Part-Time Real Estate Agents Make?
Part-time real estate agents make between $25,000 and $100,000 a year in Florida. However, the exact income depends on factors like market conditions, commission splits, and hours worked per week. Many successful part-time agents find that working 15-25 hours per week enables them to balance their other commitments effectively.
The average real estate commission in Florida is 5-6% per transaction. This means that part-time agents who close 6-12 deals a year can make significant profit from commission. Comparatively, this is more than many full-time jobs pay per hour worked. However, your commission split with your brokerage will impact your final take-home. New agents often start with 50/50 splits, while experienced agents negotiate better terms.
Location also has a substantial impact on income across Florida’s diverse market. Those working in higher-end areas tend to see higher profit and larger commissions. However, established neighborhoods also provide steady income opportunities for dedicated part-time realtors.
How to Become a Part-Time Real Estate Agent?
Starting a part-time career in real estate requires planning and commitment. Here are some proven strategies that can help you build your business while honoring other responsibilities.
Complete your real estate education.
You must complete state-approved pre-licensing education through real estate schools before you can become a licensed realtor. Florida requires 63 hours of coursework in real estate laws, principles, and practices. These hours are attainable since most schools have flexible scheduling options for working professionals.
So, choose programs that fit your schedule and learning style. Online courses are the most flexible option for budding agents with multiple commitments throughout the week. Evening and weekend classes also work for those with full-time jobs.
Choosing the right school is just as important as choosing the right program. Research potential options to compare the curriculum and support services. You may also need to budget between $200 to $600 to get quality pre-licensing education from reputable schools. Some schools even offer scholarships and flexible payment plans to make education more affordable.
Furthermore, take advantage of supplementary materials like practice tests and study guides to augment your education. These materials will help reinforce key concepts and better prepare you for real-life scenarios.
Pass the state licensing exam.
Once you complete your education, you’ll need to pass the Florida real estate licensing exam. This test covers everything you must have learned in school, as well as additional state-specific regulations.
The first step to preparing adequately for the exam is to create a study schedule that covers all exam topics systematically and thoroughly. Then, gather your study materials and practice tests—this allows you to identify potential weak areas before examination day. Many real estate schools even offer additional review sessions for their graduates.
The exam usually costs between $36 to $75, depending on the location. A key tip from well-performing agents is to study until you consistently score above 80% on all sections of practice tests. Approaching the exam with confidence significantly increases the likelihood of passing on the first attempt.
Find a supportive brokerage.
Choose a brokerage that supports part-time agents throughout their careers. Working with the right brokerages will help increase long-term productivity and profitability it’s important to seek brokerages that offer flexible schedules, comprehensive training, and reasonable commission splits.
To get started, research different brokerage models to find what’s best for you. Interview multiple brokerages to compare their plans for support and resource allocation for part-time agents. Feel free to also ask brokerages about their commission structure and how it affects part-time agents.
Next, evaluate the training and mentorship programs each brokerage offers to new agents. Strong training programs get you up to speed faster and help you avoid costly mistakes. You should also consider the brokerage’s reputation in your area and their marketing support.
Also, considering the office culture is crucial for success. Some brokerages create high-pressure environments that, while they are motivating, aren’t conducive to part-time agents.
Develop your time management strategy.
Create a schedule that commits specific hours to your real estate career every week. Most part-time agents work 15-25 hours a week while still having other commitments. Tag those real estate hours on your calendar and treat them like any other professional commitment.
Identify your most productive hours and use them for high-value activities only. Early mornings or evenings often work best for some agents looking to balance other responsibilities. Consistency is key as it builds trust with clients and quickly establishes professional credibility in your market.
Moreover, prioritize activities that generate leads and close transactions over spending too much time on administrative tasks. Prospecting, client meetings, and property showings deserve your best efforts and most productive hours. Tasks such as paperwork and research, however, can be completed during less optimal hours when energy is lower and your schedule allows it.
Finally, set clear boundaries with clients regarding your realistic response times, work hours, and general availability. Professional part-time agents communicate their schedule upfront to set the tone for client expectations. Even better, you can leverage technology to maximize your efficiency during your limited hours each week.
Building a successful part-time real estate career requires dedication, strategic planning, and consistent efforts.
Florida’s real estate market rewards agents who deliver great service no matter what their schedule looks like. Whether you have family commitments or are transitioning from another career, success is definitely achievable. The key is to optimize your available hours by managing time wisely and staying focused. Most importantly, view your part-time status as a stepping stone, not a limitation.
Don’t navigate Florida’s real estate market without the support and expertise you need to succeed. Partner with Charles Rutenberg Realty today and see how our systems, local knowledge, and agent support can help you build your part-time business. We have the tools, training, and resources to turn your limited hours into consistent income opportunities. Contact us now and let’s get your part-time real estate career started.