One of the things that has so many real estate agents and brokers stressed out about the commission lawsuits and settlements is their dependence on buyer transactions for the bulk of their income. Of course, we all agree that homebuyers need and deserve expert advice and support, especially during today's high-cost, low-inventory market.
However, putting all of your eggs in one basket is, as we're seeing now, generally a bad idea. This is especially true when there's so much earning potential inherent in a real estate license.
The expertise and professional network you've developed over your years in real estate can be put to work in a variety of ways. Thinking beyond the transaction to additional businesses and ancillary revenue streams can open up a whole new world of financial security and stability, even when the market isn't working in your favor.
Great real estate agents have so many skills they can put to work: market knowledge, people skills, marketing expertise, and a stacked CRM of clients, colleagues, and community leaders. Look around for gaps in inventory and service offerings and see where you can fill in some of those shortages.
Remember, every market is different. In some states, you may be unable to take advantage of all of these opportunities as a licensed agent. Check with your broker or local association to ensure that you're on the right side of compliance for your location before you embark on a new business idea.
Here are 25 ways to make money with real estate
Real Estate Investing: Use your expertise to identify lucrative investment opportunities in properties such as rental properties, fix-and-flip projects, or commercial real estate. build your portfolio over time with a blend of short-term and long-term investment properties.
Property Management: Offer property management services to landlords, handling tasks such as tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and lease agreements.
Vacation Rental Management: Similar to property management, you can specialize in managing vacation properties and second homes for absentee owners in popular tourist destinations.
Short-Term Rentals: Manage short-term rental properties like Airbnb or VRBO units, handling marketing collateral, bookings, guest communications, and property maintenance.
Real Estate Development: Venture into property development projects, identifying opportunities by working with existing developers or building new residential or commercial properties from the ground up.
Real Estate Syndication: Pool funds from multiple investors to purchase larger real estate assets and share in the profits.
Real Estate Wholesaling: Facilitate transactions between sellers and investors as an intermediary, earning a commission without personally owning the properties.
Real Estate Crowdfunding: Utilize online platforms to invest in real estate projects alongside other investors, diversifying your investment portfolio without the risk or hassles of onsite ownership.
Real Estate Consultancy: Provide consulting services to individuals or businesses seeking guidance on real estate investments, market trends, or property management. This is an especially good option for highly connected individuals with a large professional network.
Real Estate Education: Develop and sell courses, webinars, or workshops to educate aspiring real estate investors or agents on industry best practices. Develop training curricula for your state association and get certified to teach certification and designation classes in person and online.
Real Estate Auctions: Host or participate in real estate auctions where you'll earn commissions on successful sales or assist clients in purchasing properties at auctions.
Real Estate Blogging/Vlogging: Monetize a blog or YouTube channel by sharing valuable insights, tips, and advice on real estate transactions, professional services, or investing. Earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
Real Estate Photography/Videography: Offer professional photography and videography services to real estate agents, property developers, or homeowners looking to showcase their properties.
Home Staging: Stage properties for sale to enhance their appeal and increase their market value, offering staging services to clients.
Real Estate Software/App Development: Create software or mobile applications tailored to the needs of real estate professionals, such as CRM systems, property management tools, or investment analysis platforms.
Real Estate Networking Events: Organize networking events or conferences for real estate professionals to connect, learn, and collaborate. You'll generate revenue through ticket sales or sponsorships.
Real Estate Franchising: Franchise your own real estate brokerage or property management firm, expanding your business into new markets.
Real Estate Flipping Seminars: Host seminars or workshops on real estate flipping strategies, sharing insights and tactics for renovating and selling properties for profit and connecting local investors with contractors and lenders in your market.
Real Estate Investment Clubs: Establish or join investment clubs where members pool resources and expertise to collectively invest in real estate opportunities.
Niche Real Estate: Become a consultant specializing in a specific real estate niche. For example, you could develop high-level expertise in eco-friendly or sustainable real estate projects, catering to environmentally-conscious builders, investors, and buyers.
Real Estate Tax Consulting: Provide tax consulting services tailored to real estate investors and fellow real estate professionals, helping them optimize their tax strategies and maximize deductions.
Real Estate Insurance Brokerage: Offer insurance brokerage services to real estate clients, helping them secure coverage for their properties against risks such as damage or liability.
Real Estate Legal Services: Partner with or hire legal professionals to offer legal services related to complex real estate transactions, contracts, and disputes.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Invest in REITs or establish your own REITs, allowing investors to access diversified real estate portfolios and generate passive income.
Real Estate Financial Planning: Provide financial planning services tailored to real estate investors and fellow real estate professionals, helping them set goals, allocate resources, and plan for long-term wealth accumulation through real estate investments.
Whether you're looking for a side gig to supplement your income or you want to transition to a passive investing income stream as your primary source of revenue, you already have the tools you need to begin expanding the service you provide, so you can become happier and more financially secure.