These days, it seems like everybody has a side hustle. One of the biggest side hustles? Real estate.
From low start-up costs and flexible scheduling to the potential for lucrative income, there are many reasons to explore a career as a Texas real estate agent. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons why this might be your next great adventure.
The Top 7 Perks of Becoming a Texas Real Estate Agent
If you think you might have the skills to succeed in the real estate industry, now is the perfect time to get your license and land your first job. Here are some of the perks you’ll enjoy.
1. Low Start-Up Costs
Starting a real estate career in Texas doesn’t require a hefty investment. This makes it a great side hustle or career change. You don’t need a college degree to get started. Instead, you’ll just need to meet minimum general requirements and take the 180-hour Texas real estate prep course.
The courses are affordable compared to many other professional qualifications. And since you can complete the entire course online, it's easy to study at night, on weekends, or in between other jobs.
2. Setting Your Own Schedule
As a real estate agent, you're your own boss. You get to choose when you work, and many parts of an agent's job — like research and marketing — can be done at any time of the day or night. In interviews we conducted with Texas agents, 77% of respondents said their real estate career lets them control their hours.
Are you a musician who works mostly at night? Great! You'll be able to build your real estate business during the day. Does your job as an accountant become especially demanding during tax season? That's okay, you can put your real estate gig on pause until you have more time. This flexibility is a key driver of agent satisfaction and success.
3. Supplementing Your Income
In May 2023, the median wage for real estate agents nationwide was $54,300, and brokers made an average of $63,060. When the Texas real estate market is hot, many agents undoubtedly take home even larger sums. How much you make depends, in large part, on how much work and time you put in.
Doing real estate just as a side hustle? There's still a good income to be made in Texas. And if it's not your only stream of income, the pressure to constantly sell is low, further improving job satisfaction.
4. Flexible Hybrid Work
Most real estate agents in Texas don't have to work from an office. You'll do most of your behind-the-scenes work from home and then meet with clients in person (or not!). It's an incredibly flexible hybrid job — in fact, 100% of Texas agents we interviewed said their career offers them good flexibility.
What's more, 83% of respondents said they became agents after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (after March 2020) — a time when working from home was a must. That proves you really can be flexible with where you work in this role.
5. Exciting Networking Opportunities
Enjoy meeting new people? Then you'll love being an agent. You'll meet clients, assessors, contractors, and more. This job also comes with a ton of socializing opportunities. Whether you're hosting open houses, attending industry mixers, or participating in community events, you're always in the mix, making connections that expand your professional network and fuel personal growth.
When selling real estate as a side hustle, you could even start with contacts you have from your main job, which already puts you ahead of many other agents. Your current relationships can be a springboard for your real estate career, providing initial leads and opportunities.
6. Constantly Learning and Growing
Being an agent is one of the least boring side hustles out there. There are always new things to learn. On any given day you may have to research Dallas real estate trends, how to secure a mortgage, or how natural disasters affect Texas real estate. There is never a dull moment.
You also don’t have to know everything from the start. In fact, part of the fun is picking up new skills and knowledge as you go. Each client you meet and each deal you work on teaches you something new, keeping the job interesting and fresh. If you enjoy being mentally stimulated, this side hustle is perfect for you.
7. Personal Satisfaction
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a real estate agent in Texas is the opportunity to make a significant difference in people's lives. Real estate agents are key players in helping clients find their dream homes or efficiently sell their properties.
You’ll take the time to understand your client’s needs and guide them through one of their most important financial decisions. There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy on their faces when they achieve their real estate goals.
Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent Hard?
Becoming an agent in Texas isn't hard — it just takes some time and work. For starters, you'll need to take a 180-hour course approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Fortunately, there are many resources to help you breeze through the course and exam.
Once you pass your final exam and complete a background check, you can start living the dream of being a part-time real estate agent and all the flexibility that comes with it.
Take a Chance on Your Future in Texas
Charmed by all the perks of becoming a real estate agent in Texas? Good. Now is the time to start working toward it. Our fully online Texas real estate course is ideal for people with another job. Get your license at your own pace without having to go into a classroom. We're all about flexibility.
Updated 9/9/24