Can I Be A Part-Time Property Agent In Singapore?

In my conversation with many who are considering a career change to be a real estate agent, one of the common questions is: Can I start as a part-time property agent?

Well, yes of cos you can!

Because as real estate agents, we get to set our own working hours. It is perfectly possible to work only three days per week. Or we can work only in the mornings or evenings.

This could be ideal for you if you have other commitments. Some part-time agents have a daytime job, or they might need to be home at certain hours looking after their children.

For others, they might be unsure of committing to a full-time career as a property agent because there is no basic pay. To start as a part-timer real estate agent might be a more secure option for them.

While there are benefits to being a part-time property agent, it could also come with its challenges.

Let's discuss the benefits and challenges part-time agents face in this article.

Should you start your real estate career on a part-time basis? Or should you enter the industry as a full-time agent?

Benefits Of A Part-Time Property Agent

Pursuing a part-time property agent career in Singapore instead of a full-time career could be beneficial for some people.

Below are just some of the great reasons to work as a part-time property agent.

(1) Maintain another part-time job with a stable income

Property agents are 100% commission-based. We are not being paid a basic salary.

Some agents can go months without securing a deal, and that means zero income for that period of time.

There will also be a lead time to receive our commission after closing a deal.

Typically it takes around 3 to 4 months for a resale transaction (HDB and private properties) and 6 to 9 months for new launches.

It takes a shorter lead time for rental transactions, typically a week or so once you close a deal.

Being a part-time agent allows you to have another job that provides a steady income stream. This is very important as it gives you time to establish yourself in your real estate career.

Having another job while doing part-time real estate work provides a steady income stream.

(2) Time to juggle other commitments

Working as a part-time property agent allows you to juggle other commitments such as family and other personal interests.

This is a great option if you are a parent with young kids. You can make a good income while still being frequently available for your kids.

I remember spending lots of time with my children when they were younger. I am able to send and fetch them from school, prepare their meals, teach them how to do their schoolwork and just spend time with them.

All this while still making a good income from my real estate work!

Alternatively, you could have other commitments such as studying or sports. Being a part-time real estate agent gives you the flexibility of working around your schedule.

Being a part-time agent allows you to juggle different commitments which you might have.

(3) Work out if being a property agent is right for you

If you are not sure whether a career as a property agent is right for you, working part-time could allow you to test the water rather than plunging into it full-time.

You can see how it goes for a few months while maintaining your full-time job. If you decide that a property agent career is not for you, you can still go back to your day job.

Alternatively, if you find a real estate agent career is what you want, then you can decide to go full-time.

Challenges Of A Part-Time Property Agent

There are certain challenges a part-time property agent faces in Singapore.

(1) Going part-time requires the same upfront costs

Whether you decide to go part-time or full-time, you will still need to attend the RES course and pass the RES exam.

Thereafter you need to register with a real estate agency to start your real estate work. Other costs include portals like PropertyGuru which you still need to sign up to advertise your listing.

When deciding whether to become a full-time or part-time property agent, you need to be sure that the initial investment is worthwhile.

You will incur the same upfront cost whether you are a full time or part time real estate agent.

(2) You will need to work out a way to compete with full-time agents

You will be competing against full-time property agents to win over buyers and sellers.

Full-time real estate agents have more flexibility when it comes to meeting clients' demands, such as being able to do meet clients or do viewings on a weekday afternoon.

We also have more time to attend training to upgrade ourselves, do marketing research to understand the market conditions etc.

(3) You might not be able to focus on your real estate agent career

Full-time agents new to the field may be able to build a reputation more quickly due to the sheer amount of hours and energy they are putting into this new career.

This is something part-time agents might not be able to achieve.

As a real estate agent, conducting viewings is only part of our job.

Prospecting, making presentations to potential clients, negotiation, closings and doing follow-up work. All these require our time and effort.

The biggest fear of a part-time agent is that he might not be able to focus and end up not doing well in this career.

The biggest fear of a part-time real estate agent is that he might not be able to focus.

Conclusion

A real estate agent career is a meaningful and lucrative career that comes with many benefits.

For those who want to do a mid-career change, you might be thinking if you should jump into this industry full time, or start off being a part-timer.

I hope this article has given you some insights to think about,

Looking for a real estate mentor to kickstart your property career?

Drop me a Whatsapp or schedule an appointment using the link below.

See you soon!

Make An Appointment Here

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Related Readings

1) Journey Of My Real Estate Agent Career

2) Which Real Estate Agency Should I Join?

3) Why A Mid-Career Switch To Real Estate Is A Good Move?

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About The Author

Vivian has been a real estate agent since 2002.

Over two decades, she has handled a wide range of transactions across HDB and private properties, building deep expertise in the policies and regulations around residential sales and purchases.

She is no stranger to complexity. From contra deals and decoupling to divorce settlements, probate and administration cases, and part-share purchases, she has guided clients through some of the most intricate situations a property transaction can involve.

But Vivian is more than her track record.

She is a proud mum to two young men who share a deep love for football, playing at school and national level. Real estate gave her the flexibility to be present as they grew up, and she rarely missed a game. That balance between a fulfilling career and an involved family life is something she lives and believes in deeply.

And it is precisely because of that journey that she now wants to give back.

Vivian is passionate about mentoring fellow agents, especially women who are building their careers while holding everything else together. Because only someone who has walked that journey truly understands what it takes.

It is my vision to see women achieving their dreams, and live with purpose and passion through a successful real estate career.

Today, Vivian is an active salesperson and team leader who brings the same commitment to her clients and her teammates.

Reach out to her for your property needs, or if you are ready to start your real estate journey.