Teaching is a noble and rewarding profession, but for many teachers, the primary paycheck often doesn’t stretch far enough. Side gigs have become a popular way for educators to supplement their income. In fact, according to a survey conducted by We Are Teachers, 49% of educators work a side job during the summer.
While most teachers tutor or teach summer school, others find opportunities outside of education, including in real estate. In fact, some teachers work both jobs throughout the year. Juggling teaching responsibilities and a real estate career may seem challenging, but with the right mindset, organizational strategies, and a clear plan, it’s not just possible but highly rewarding.
This guide will show you how teachers can balance both careers effectively, explore why real estate is such a great match, and provide insights into what it takes to get started in real estate in Washington State.
Key Takeaways
- Leverage Transferable Skills: Teachers bring valuable strengths—such as communication, time management, empathy, and community connections—that naturally support success in real estate, making it easier to transition and balance both careers.
- Take Advantage of Flexibility and Seasonal Alignment: Real estate offers scheduling flexibility and peaks in summer—aligning well with a teacher’s calendar, allowing educators to focus more intensely during breaks without overwhelming their school-year workload.
- Stay Organized and Set Boundaries: Using tools like shared calendars, managing a limited client base at first, and maintaining clear professional boundaries help prevent burnout and ensure both roles remain effective and ethical.
- Utilize Support Networks and Teamwork: Partnering with a real estate team can ease time constraints, especially during busy school periods, allowing teachers to stay committed to their classroom while building a successful side business.
The Skills Teachers Bring to Real Estate
Teachers already possess a unique skill set that gives them an edge in the real estate world. These transferable skills make transitioning into this side gig smoother than many expect. Here’s how:
1. Communication and presentation skills
Teachers are masters at breaking down complex information and presenting it in simple, easy-to-understand ways. Whether you’re leading a classroom or discussing home-buying options with clients, the ability to communicate effectively builds trust and rapport.
2. Problem-solving abilities
Educators are natural problem-solvers, whether it’s helping students overcome learning challenges or quickly adapting lesson plans. These same skills are invaluable in real estate, where buyers and sellers often rely on agents to solve problems related to financing, zoning, or home inspections.
3. Time management
Balancing lesson planning, grading, and extracurricular commitments demands exceptional time management skills. These organizational capabilities transition smoothly into scheduling showings, managing paperwork, and coordinating with clients in real estate.
4. Empathy and patience
Many teachers are naturals when it comes to empathy and patience. Helping first-time buyers or sellers who may feel overwhelmed by the process can be greatly eased by an agent with strong interpersonal skills.
5. Networking and community connections
Many teachers already have close connections in their local communities. These networks can jumpstart your real estate career by providing your first leads and referrals. Additionally, being involved in your community can help establish your reputation as a reliable and trustworthy agent.
Why Real Estate Is an Attractive Side Gig for Teachers
Real estate offers several advantages that align perfectly with a teacher’s schedule and skill set. Here’s why it’s one of the best side gig options:
Flexibility
Real estate provides a level of flexibility most side hustles can’t. Teachers can schedule showings, client meetings, and open houses around their teaching schedules, especially during weekends and breaks.
Sharlys Leszczuk, of Pacific City, OR, is a real estate broker and teacher who appreciates the flexible nature of the real estate profession.
“Teaching is my full-time gig. It is not only an extremely rewarding job, but it’s also a great way to meet members of the community outside my immediate circle. I also coach JV volleyball at the school in the fall, which takes up a lot more time during the fall season,” Leszczuk said. “Still, I feel I’m able to balance both careers well. Fortunately, real estate is extremely flexible and easy to pursue at night and on weekends.”
High earning potential
Unlike other side gigs, real estate can be highly lucrative. With just a few hours a week, you can close sales that offer significant commissions, creating a sustainable part-time income in Washington.
Part-time real estate agents earn an average income of $75,000 per year, according to a recent survey of Rockwell Institute alumni. The average income of a Washington teacher is $57,372, so having such a lucrative side gig could be life-changing.
Seasonal opportunities
The summer months align perfectly with the busiest time for real estate transactions. With extra free time during school vacations, teachers can focus fully on showing homes, building their client base, and managing transactions, making the most of this high-demand period.
Personal fulfillment
Much like teaching, real estate involves helping people. Whether guiding a family to their dream home or helping someone sell their property, the work can feel as rewarding as watching your students succeed.
Balancing Teaching and Real Estate
Balancing two demanding roles requires thoughtful planning and discipline. Here are some strategies to ensure that both careers complement each other rather than compete for your time and energy.
1. Prioritize organization
Invest in tools like a shared calendar, task management apps, or project planning software to keep track of your commitments. Set clear boundaries for teaching and real estate tasks to avoid overlap.
2. Market smartly
Capitalize on your network as a teacher. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook allow you to build a presence and market your real estate services without compromising time.
While your role as a teacher provides valuable community ties, it’s essential to approach marketing ethically. Avoid initiating business discussions during class time or using your position to solicit contacts, as this could blur professional boundaries. Focus instead on showcasing your expertise through neutral channels, such as community events or online platforms, where your work speaks for itself. Maintaining professionalism ensures trust and credibility in both roles.
3. Start small
Don’t try to handle too many clients initially. Take on a few clients at a time to ensure you can deliver high-quality service without burning out from working such long hours. As your reputation and experience grow, you can gradually increase your workload. This will also give you time to fine-tune your processes and establish a solid foundation for managing multiple clients.
It’s important to pace yourself and not take on more than you can handle. Starting small allows you to build a strong foundation for long-term success in juggling multiple clients.
4. Use weekends effectively
Weekends are prime time for open houses and client meetings. Use your available weeknights to prepare paperwork, coordinate listings, and schedule weekend meetings.
5. Build partnerships
Collaborate with other real estate professionals to delegate responsibilities like showings or administrative work when your teaching job gets demanding. Some brokerages utilize the team approach, where multiple agents work together to serve clients. This setup allows team members to share tasks such as hosting open houses, attending client meetings, or handling paperwork, so no single agent becomes overwhelmed.
This approach can be especially beneficial for teachers during busy periods like the start of the school year or grading periods. By relying on teammates for support, you can balance your teaching duties and real estate commitments. Teamwork in real estate also provides a built-in support network, offering mentorship, shared resources, and the ability to learn from more experienced agents. This structure ensures you can deliver exceptional service to clients without compromising your primary responsibilities as an educator.
Licensing Requirements in Washington State
If you’re a teacher in Washington exploring the possibility of becoming a real estate agent (called “broker” in Washington), the first step is to understand the requirements for getting a real estate license. Here’s a quick overview:
Step 1: Complete pre-licensing education
Complete 90 hours of pre-licensing coursework through an accredited school, such as Rockwell Institute. The courses cover fundamentals like real estate practices and law, licensing procedures, and contracts.
Step 2: Pass the licensing exam
Pass the Washington State Real Estate Licensing Exam to test your knowledge of state-specific laws and general real estate principles. Rockwell Institute offers industry-leading test prep powered by CompuCram and a live 8-hour study session.
Step 3: Complete a background check
Submit a fingerprint-based background check as part of your application. This is standard practice, similar to the one you had to pass to earn your teaching license.
Step 4: Activate your license
Once you’ve passed the exam and completed all formalities, activate your license and begin your career as a real estate agent.
Not sure how to get started? Enroll in broker’s license classes with Rockwell Institute.
Make the Move Toward Real Estate Today
Real estate provides teachers a unique opportunity to supplement their income without compromising their passion for helping others. While balancing both roles requires effort, the rewards make it well worth it. If you’re ready to take the leap, start by enrolling in pre-licensing courses to become a broker with Rockwell Institute.
Real estate offers endless possibilities, whether you’re looking to earn part-time income in Washington, develop new skills, or create long-term financial stability.
Sign up today and make your first year in real estate a successful one!
