Can You Be a Part-Time Real Estate Agent in 2026?

Yes, you can be a part-time real estate agent in 2026. Every state in the U.S. permits agents to hold an active license without working full time (ARELLO, 2026). But “permitted” and “practical” are two different things. The licensing requirements are the same whether you work 10 hours a week or 50. Your clients expect the same responsiveness. Your brokerage expects the same professionalism. This article breaks down exactly what part-time real estate demands, who it works for, who it does not work for, and the specific steps to get licensed and operational in 2026 without quitting your day job.

Key takeaways

• Every state allows part-time real estate work, but licensing, continuing education, and client service standards are identical to full-time requirements.
• Agents working fewer than 20 hours per week commonly earn under $25,000 per year, though a small percentage report six-figure incomes by running tight systems and focusing on referrals.
• The biggest risk for part-time agents is limited availability during business hours, when showings, inspections, and negotiations typically happen.
• Choosing a brokerage that explicitly supports part-time agents, especially 100% commission models with flat desk fees, removes production-minimum pressure.
• Following the NAR settlement rule changes that took effect on August 17, 2024, buyer-broker compensation is now negotiated through written agreements, making fee transparency a required skill for every agent.
• Investing in a strong website and marketing system early lets you generate leads and maintain a professional brand presence even when your hours are limited.

Is being a part-time real estate agent worth it in 2026?

It can be, but only if you treat it like a business with fewer hours rather than a hobby with a license. Part-time real estate appeals to people looking for schedule flexibility or a gradual on-ramp into the industry. The model works when you set clear boundaries, limit your active client count, and build systems that keep your pipeline moving even when you are at your other job.

According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2024 Member Profile, roughly 17% of REALTORS® reported working fewer than 20 hours per week. That number tells you two things: part-time is a real segment of the industry, and the vast majority of agents still work closer to full time because that is where the income scales.

Limited availability is the single biggest obstacle

Showings, inspections, appraisals, and negotiations typically happen during standard business hours. If you are working another job from 9 to 5, you are unavailable during the exact windows your clients need you most. That is not a minor inconvenience. It is the structural challenge that defines part-time real estate.

Agents who make this work set explicit expectations with every client before signing a representation agreement. They communicate their available hours upfront. They cap their active client count at a number they can actually serve well, usually two to three at a time. And they build relationships with other agents who can cover showings or attend inspections when scheduling conflicts arise.

“Being a real estate agent is the jack of all hats that you’re wearing at all times.”

— Holly Meyer Lucas, Real Estate Agent

That quote captures the reality. Even with limited hours, you are still responsible for marketing, prospecting, negotiating, coordinating with lenders and title companies, and managing client emotions through one of the largest financial decisions of their lives. The hat count does not shrink just because your hours do.

Most agents treat part-time as a bridge, not a destination

Part-time real estate works best as a transition phase. It gives you time to learn the business, build confidence, close your first few deals, and decide whether you want to go all in. Over time, most agents find that meaningful income growth requires closer to 30 or more hours per week.

Think of it this way: part-time is your proving ground. Use it to validate that you enjoy the work, that you can generate clients, and that the economics make sense for your market. Then make a deliberate decision about whether to scale up or stay where you are.

Part-time real estate agent income depends directly on hours worked

A survey of Colibri Real Estate alumni, an online real estate education provider, found that agents working fewer than 20 hours per week often earned under $25,000 annually (Colibri Real Estate). About one in eight of those agents reported incomes as high as $149,000 despite their limited hours. Agents working 20 to 39 hours per week earned around $25,000 to $50,000, though more than one-third made six-figure incomes.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for real estate brokers and sales agents was $55,850 as of its most recent data release (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2026). That figure includes both full-time and part-time agents, which means the median for part-time-only agents is almost certainly lower.

Weekly hours worked	Typical annual income range	Notes
Fewer than 20 hours	Under $25,000	About 1 in 8 agents in this bracket reported up to $149,000
20 to 39 hours	$25,000 to $50,000	More than one-third reported six-figure incomes
40+ hours (full time)	$55,850 median (all agents)	BLS median includes both full-time and part-time agents

The takeaway: income in real estate is not hourly. It is transactional. You get paid when deals close. Fewer hours means fewer deals, which means lower total income unless you are extremely disciplined about where you spend your time.

Steps for becoming a part-time real estate agent

Getting licensed as a part-time agent follows the same process as getting licensed full time. There is no separate “part-time license.” The difference is how you structure your schedule around each step. Here is the process, with specific details that matter for agents balancing another job.

Step 1: Confirm your time and budget

Before you spend a dollar on coursework, get honest about two numbers: how many hours per week you can consistently commit, and how much startup capital you have available.

Being an agent includes time-intensive work such as client follow-ups, showings, and contract negotiation. If you cannot reliably block 10 to 20 hours per week for real estate activities, the math will not work.

On the budget side, plan for these common real estate agent costs:

• Pre-licensing courses: $200 to $1,000 depending on your state and provider
• Exam and application fees: $50 to $300
• Multiple Listing Service (MLS) access: $25 to $100 per month
• Brokerage fees: varies by model (desk fees, split percentages, or both)
• Marketing spend: $100 to $500 per month to start

Step 2: Check your state’s licensing requirements

Every state sets its own rules for pre-licensing education, exam format, background checks, and fingerprinting. Required education hours range from 40 hours in states like Michigan to 180 hours in states like Texas. That means the time commitment before you even sit for the exam varies significantly based on where you live.

Look up your state’s specific requirements through ARELLO’s regulatory directory and organize them into a simple checklist you can work through step by step.

Step 3: Complete classes on a flexible schedule

Finding an online, self-paced real estate class in your state is the most practical option for anyone balancing another job. Self-paced courses let you study consistently around work and personal commitments instead of relying on fixed, in-person class times that are easy to miss.

Block specific study windows on your calendar, even if they are only 30 to 60 minutes per day. Consistency beats cramming, especially when you are fitting coursework into an already full schedule.

Step 4: Schedule and take the licensing exam quickly

Once you finish the required coursework, schedule your licensing exam as soon as possible. Your retention of the material is highest right after completing your courses, and that advantage fades fast.

National pass rates for first-time exam takers typically fall between 50% and 60%. Some schools charge a fee to retake the test, so passing on your first attempt saves both money and time. Use practice exams to identify weak areas before test day.

Step 5: Choose a brokerage that supports part-time agents

Not every brokerage welcomes part-time agents. When interviewing brokerages, ask these questions directly:

• Do you accept part-time agents?
• Are there minimum production requirements or mandatory floor time?
• What training and mentorship is available for new agents?
• What is the commission split structure, and does it change based on volume?

Brokerages that operate on a 100% commission model, where agents pay a flat monthly desk fee rather than splitting commissions, are often more accommodating because there is no production minimum tied to the split structure. This model lets you keep more of each commission check while paying a predictable monthly cost.

“Work for a team to start with, and then sit open houses. That’s the best way to find buyers.”

— Josh Flagg, Real Estate Agent

Starting on a team gives you built-in deal flow, mentorship, and coverage when your schedule has gaps. Many part-time agents find their first year far more productive when they are plugged into a team rather than operating solo.

Step 6: Complete your state’s continuing education requirements

Most states require agents to complete a set number of approved continuing education (CE) hours to keep their license active. This applies to part-time agents equally. As of 2026, renewal cycles typically range from one to four years depending on your state. Mandatory topics generally include ethics, fair housing, agency relationships, and legal updates, alongside elective coursework.

Missing a CE deadline means your license lapses, and you cannot legally practice until it is reinstated. Set calendar reminders well ahead of your renewal date and treat CE as a non-negotiable operating cost of your business.

How part-time agents generate leads and manage time in 2026

The number one question part-time agents ask after getting licensed is: “Where do my clients come from?” When you have fewer hours, you cannot afford to waste any of them on activities that do not directly produce deals or build your pipeline. Here is where to focus.

Build your sphere of influence first

Your sphere of influence (SOI) is the group of people who already know, like, and trust you: friends, family, former colleagues, neighbors, and community contacts. For part-time agents, SOI is the highest-return lead generation channel because it requires no ad spend and produces warm referrals.

Make a list of every person in your network. Let them know you are licensed. Ask them to keep you in mind when they hear about someone buying or selling. Then stay in touch consistently, not just when you need something. A monthly check-in call, a quarterly market update email, or a handwritten note after a life event keeps you top of mind.

Hold open houses for other agents

Open houses are one of the few lead generation activities that fit neatly into a weekend schedule. Offer to sit open houses for agents on your team or in your brokerage who have listings but do not want to staff every open house themselves.

Every person who walks through that door is a potential buyer lead. Collect contact information, follow up within 24 hours, and add them to your database. This is how many part-time agents build their first client base without spending a dollar on advertising.

Time-block your real estate hours

Treat your real estate hours the same way you treat your primary job: scheduled, protected, and non-negotiable. Block specific windows for prospecting, client calls, showings, and administrative work. A sample weekly schedule for a part-time agent working 15 hours per week might look like this:

• Monday and Wednesday evenings (6 PM to 8 PM): Prospecting calls and follow-ups
• Tuesday evening (6 PM to 8 PM): Administrative work, contract reviews, and MLS research
• Saturday (9 AM to 2 PM): Showings, open houses, and client meetings
• Sunday (10 AM to 1 PM): Marketing, social media, and pipeline review

The specific hours matter less than the consistency. When you block time and protect it, you build momentum. When you “fit real estate in when you can,” you stall.

Use a CRM to stay organized

When you are juggling two jobs, details slip through the cracks fast. A CRM built for real estate, like Presence CRM, helps you track every lead from first contact to closing. It sends relationship-nurturing touchpoints on your behalf so no client feels forgotten, even during weeks when your primary job demands more of your attention. You review and approve every message before it goes out, so your personal touch stays intact at any volume.

Learning resources for part-time agents

Because you will close fewer deals per year than a full-time agent, each transaction carries more weight. You need to be sharp on negotiation, marketing, and client communication from the start. Allocate at least two to three hours per month to deliberate learning outside of your CE requirements. Here are the highest-value resources.

Podcasts

Podcasts let you learn during time you are already spending on something else: commuting, exercising, or doing household tasks. Three worth subscribing to:

The Luxury Presence Podcast
Presented by the Luxury Presence team and often hosted by CEO Malte Kramer, this podcast features conversations with high-performing agents, brokers, and industry leaders. Episodes focus on modern marketing, brand building, client experience, and long-term business growth.

The Tom Ferry Podcast Experience
Hosted by real estate coach Tom Ferry, this podcast covers mindset, sales strategy, and lead generation. It blends short tactical episodes with longer interviews and coaching insights that help agents improve consistency at any stage of their career.

Real Estate Rockstars
Hosted by Aaron Amuchastegui, this podcast centers on real-world strategies from agents who are actively producing. Topics include prospecting, marketing, negotiation, and scaling a real estate business, with an emphasis on practical takeaways rather than theory.

Books

Three books that directly address the skills part-time agents need most:

• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, former FBI lead international kidnapping negotiator. Use the tactical listening and anchoring techniques in this book to close more deals per transaction when you have fewer active clients. (Amazon)
• Mindset, Model, and Marketing by real estate coach Tom Ferry. Apply the lead generation and marketing systems in this book to build a consistent pipeline that works even when your hours are limited. (Amazon)
• The Language of Trust by Michael Maslansky, communications strategist. Use the communication frameworks in this book to build credibility quickly with clients who may question whether an agent with limited hours can fully serve them. (Amazon)

What commission structure can a part-time agent expect?

Part-time agents are paid using the same commission-split model as full-time agents. Each closing is divided between the agent and the brokerage based on an agreed percentage. Working fewer hours does not change how commissions are calculated, but it typically results in fewer transactions and lower total annual income.

New or lower-production agents, which often includes those working part time, commonly start with less favorable splits. As production increases, many brokerages offer improved terms. The table below shows common split structures in 2026:

Brokerage model	Typical split	Part-time fit
Traditional brokerage	50/50 to 70/30 (agent/brokerage)	May require minimum production or floor time
100% commission brokerage	100/0 with flat monthly desk fee ($50 to $500/month)	Often the best fit for part-time agents with no volume minimums
Team-based model	Varies (team lead takes a percentage of agent’s share)	Good for new agents who need mentorship and deal flow

Support, incentives, and included services vary by brokerage. These terms are not determined solely by whether you work part time or full time. Ask about what is included before you sign.

Post-NAR settlement buyer-side compensation

Following the National Association of REALTORS® settlement and the MLS rule changes that took effect on August 17, 2024 (National Association of REALTORS®, 2024), buyer-broker compensation is now negotiated more transparently. It is documented through written buyer agreements rather than MLS-posted offers.

Buyer’s agents must clearly outline their fees and identify who pays them. Buyers often negotiate compensation directly. Payment typically comes through seller concessions, closing funds, or, in some cases, loan-eligible costs.

In response, some agents and brokerages are testing alternatives like flat fees, hourly pricing, or limited-service models alongside traditional percentage-based commissions. As a part-time agent in 2026, you need to be fluent in explaining your fee structure and the value you bring, because buyers will ask.

Part-time real estate agents and Luxury Presence

When real estate is not your only job, every hour counts. The hours you spend manually updating your website, writing blog posts, managing social media, or chasing down SEO rankings are hours you are not spending with clients or closing deals.

Luxury Presence helps part-time agents maintain a professional brand presence and generate qualified leads without requiring 10 or more hours per week on marketing tasks. With Presence Marketing, your website, content, SEO, social media, and paid advertising run in the background at a professional level. Nothing publishes without your approval, so your brand stays consistent and personal.

Paired with Presence CRM, you get a relationship management system that nurtures leads and maintains client relationships with personalized touchpoints, tracking every contact from first inquiry to closing day.

“Website turned out beautiful. I haven’t had a lot of time to utilize the training materials yet, but feel hopeful customer service will be as helpful as the onboarding team.”

— Bethany Botzenhart, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

That is the reality for many part-time agents: time is the constraint, not ambition. A real estate website and marketing system that works while you are at your other job is not a luxury. It is how you stay competitive against agents who have twice your available hours.