Are you interested in working in real estate but unsure if you want to commit to being a full-time real estate broker? Fortunately, working part-time in real estate is not only possible but also very common. This article outlines the pros and cons of doing real estate part-time and some strategies to help you become a successful part-time real estate broker.
Can you be a part-time real estate agent? The answer is, “yes!” Here are the pros and cons of using real estate as a side gig or part-time job.
Key Takeaways
- Working Part Time in Real Estate is a Common Practice: Working part-time in real estate is common and feasible. It offers the flexibility to earn income while maintaining other commitments. This arrangement suits students, retirees, parents, and those testing the waters in real estate.
- Part-Time Real Estate Can be Lucrative: Part-time brokers can earn a significant income, especially in hot spots like Seattle.
- There are Drawbacks to Part-Time Work in Real Estate: Part-time real estate work can limit client servicing and earning potential. Balancing personal and professional life can be challenging, and finding a supportive brokerage for part-time agents may require effort.
- Learn How to Thrive as a Part-Time Real Estate Broker: To thrive as a part-time broker, prioritize networking, leverage technology for efficiency, set realistic expectations, and build a supportive network. These strategies can help manage the demands of part-time real estate work effectively.
4 Steps to Getting Your Real Estate License
Whether you want to do real estate full-time or part-time, you must get your real estate license. In Washington, there are four steps to getting your broker’s license. The full process typically takes two to four months and costs between $900 and $1,100 in total.
For a detailed walkthrough of each step, visit our Washington real estate broker licensing guide.
Step 1 — Complete the Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 90 hours of real estate education in Washington from an accredited school. Rockwell Institute offers self-paced online, livestream, and in-person options — making it easy to fit coursework around an existing job or other commitments.
Step 2 — Pass the Real Estate Exam
After completing pre-licensing education, pass both the state and national real estate exams. The exam is administered by PSI and consists of a 100-question national section and a 30-question Washington state section.
Exam fee: $210 (or $75 for the state section only if retaking)
Step 3 — Complete the Background Check
Submit your fingerprints for a background check through the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Fingerprinting fee: approximately $45
Step 4 — Submit Your License Application
Submit your application to the Washington State Department of Licensing through their online system.
License application fee: $223
Once you receive your license, you will need to affiliate with a licensed managing broker before it activates — and decide how you want to structure your real estate work.
Understanding Part-Time Real Estate
A part-time real estate broker is a licensed real estate professional who does not treat real estate as their primary, full-time job.
Some part-time brokers build their real estate business while working another job, so they may spend fewer than 40 hours per week on real estate activities like prospecting, showing homes, writing offers, and supporting clients. Others may choose to work 40 hours a week or less in real estate as their only employment, depending on their goals and schedule.
Because a broker’s income is typically commission-based the number of hours worked each week doesn’t directly determine income. It’s possible for a part-time broker to earn strong commissions by focusing on the right activities and serving clients efficiently. At the same time, working long hours doesn’t automatically guarantee high income.
In day-to-day responsibilities, part-time and full-time brokers often do many of the same tasks. The key difference is simply how much time they dedicate to their real estate business and how they structure their availability.
Advantages of Doing Real Estate Part-Time
Doing real estate part-time can be a practical way to build income without immediately committing to a full-time career change. In a recent survey of Rockwell Institute alumni, 73% of those working 20–39 hours per week reported earning $50,000–$149,000, which shows that meaningful earnings are possible even on a reduced schedule.
The biggest advantage is flexibility. Real estate work can often be arranged around other priorities, allowing you to keep your current job and still serve clients. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to balance real estate with family responsibilities or a set lifestyle routine. Many people choose part-time real estate because it works well for:
- students who want supplemental income
- retirees who want flexibility and a second career
- parents and caregivers who need control over their schedule
Part-time work can also reduce the risk of “going all in” too soon. You can continue earning steady income elsewhere while you learn the business, test whether you enjoy the day-to-day work, and see if the industry fits your strengths. Since licensing costs are relatively low—about $800 to $1,200 for Washingtonians—it can be an affordable way to explore the field.
How Much Do Part-Time Real Estate Agents Make in Washington?
Earnings in real estate vary widely depending on hours worked, market activity, and client volume — but the data from Rockwell’s own alumni suggests part-time work can be genuinely lucrative.
In a survey of Rockwell Institute alumni, 73% of brokers working 20–39 hours per week reported earning $50,000–$149,000 annually. That range reflects agents who are active but not working traditional full-time hours, and it demonstrates that strong commissions are achievable on a reduced schedule when you focus on the right activities.
For a full breakdown of how earnings vary by hours worked, market, and experience level, see our part-time real estate salary guide.
Challenges of Doing Real Estate Part-Time
The main challenge of doing real estate part time is that fewer hours usually means fewer opportunities. If you have limited availability, you may have less time to prospect, follow up, show homes, and manage transactions, which can reduce how many clients you can realistically take on at one time.
Client schedules can also conflict with yours. Buyers and sellers often need support outside standard work hours, and showings commonly happen in the evenings and on weekends. That can make it hard to protect personal time unless you set clear boundaries and communicate them early. Strategies that can help include:
- blocking certain evenings or time blocks each week
- taking on a smaller number of active clients at a time
- partnering with a teammate or using support systems so clients are covered when you’re unavailable
Your goals matter, too. If your objective is to become the top-producing broker in your area, part-time may not provide enough time and volume to compete with full-time agents. But if your priority is flexibility, work-life balance, and steady supplemental income, part-time real estate can be a strong fit.
Finally, you may need to be more selective about the brokerage you join. Some firms prefer full-time agents, but many managing brokers understand that real estate attracts people specifically because of flexible work arrangements and will focus more on results and professionalism than on hours alone.
How to Choose a Brokerage as a Part-Time Real Estate Agent
Finding the right brokerage matters for any new broker, but it is a particularly important decision for part-time agents. Some firms are built around full-time, high-volume producers and may not provide the flexibility or support structure that part-time agents need to succeed.
When evaluating brokerages as a part-time agent, focus on these factors:
- Attitude toward part-time agents. Ask directly whether the brokerage works with part-time brokers and what expectations they have around availability and transaction volume. Many managing brokers are comfortable with part-time arrangements — real estate has always attracted people precisely because of its scheduling flexibility — but it is worth confirming upfront rather than finding out after you join.
- Training and mentorship programs. As a new broker, the quality of training you receive in your first months directly affects how quickly you can start producing. Look for a brokerage that offers structured onboarding, access to experienced mentors, and support for agents who are still learning the business alongside other commitments.
- Commission split and fee structure. Part-time agents typically complete fewer transactions per year than full-time agents, which means desk fees and monthly overhead can eat into income more significantly. Understand the full fee structure — splits, transaction fees, desk fees, and any technology or marketing costs — before committing.
- Coverage and team support. Clients sometimes need support at times that conflict with your availability. Ask whether the brokerage has a team model, buddy system, or support staff that can cover for you when you are unavailable, so your clients are never left without a point of contact.
Rockwell Institute’s career expos connect new brokers directly with managing brokers who are actively hiring in Washington — a practical starting point for finding a brokerage that fits a part-time schedule.
As your business grows, you may also consider the path to a managing broker license, which opens the door to leading a team, supervising other agents, and significantly increasing your earning ceiling.
Strategies for Success in Part-Time Real Estate
While working as a part-time real estate broker can be difficult at times, there are strategies you can use to overcome these challenges.
Make networking a habit
Part of a real estate broker’s job is to network to acquire new clients. However, this doesn’t have to be “work.” Instead, you could incorporate fun networking events into your social calendar. Or you could be more proactive when you meet new people to mention that you work in real estate. Carry a stack of business cards with you, and when people ask you what you do, let them know you are available to meet their real estate needs.
Save time with technology
If you want to work fewer hours, consider incorporating more time-saving technology, automation tools, and AI into your business. For instance, using a CRM (or client relationship management) tool can help you keep track of your contacts and automate repetitive tasks. Some CRMs even do email marketing, social media scheduling, and web hosting. The more comprehensive the tool, the less time (and potentially money) you have to spend managing the various aspects of your real estate business.
Learn the latest prop tech capabilities by becoming a Real Estate AI Specialist. AI tools will help you work less and earn more.
Set realistic expectations
Building your real estate business from scratch can take time, especially for those new to real estate. So, you’ll want to set realistic goals and expectations for what you can achieve.
Surround yourself with support
Finally, surround yourself with people who encourage you to keep going, even when times get tough. These could be friends, family, or even your brokerage colleagues. And remember: You don’t have to go it alone. Whether you decide to do real estate part-time or full-time, Rockwell Institute has the education and support you need to become a successful licensed real estate broker. Get started today!
FAQs
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Washington?
Most candidates complete the full licensing process in two to four months. The 90-hour pre-licensing course can be completed in as little as a few weeks with a self-paced online or intensive livestream format. Exam scheduling, fingerprint processing, and application review add additional time.
Can you keep your current job while getting your real estate license?
Yes. Rockwell Institute offers self-paced online courses and evening livestream options specifically designed for students who are working full-time or managing other commitments. Many part-time brokers complete their pre-licensing education entirely outside of standard business hours.
Will brokerages accept part-time real estate agents?
Many brokerages work with part-time agents and understand that flexible scheduling is one of the reasons people choose real estate. That said, some high-volume firms prefer full-time producers. Ask directly about their expectations during your interviews, and prioritize brokerages that offer strong training and mentorship for newer agents regardless of schedule. Rockwell’s career expos are a good place to connect with managing brokers who are actively open to part-time arrangements.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Washington?
Total licensing costs typically fall between $900 and $1,100, including the pre-licensing course, PSI exam fee ($210), fingerprinting (~$45), and the DOL application fee ($223). Rockwell Institute offers financing options to help spread the course cost over time.
Can a part-time real estate agent eventually go full-time?
Yes, and many do. Part-time real estate is a common entry point for agents who want to test the industry, build a client base, and transition to full-time work once their commission income can replace their primary salary. The flexibility of the profession makes this transition gradual and manageable.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on a survey of Rockwell Institute alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Rockwell strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.
