Absolutely. Georgia law places no minimum on the number of hours or transactions a real estate agent must complete, making part-time work not just possible, but practical. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, start slow before going full-time, or simply earn referral commissions on your network, Georgia gives you the flexibility to define your own pace.
But make no mistake: being “part-time” doesn’t mean being less qualified. You’ll need the same education, pass the same state exam, and meet the same compliance requirements as full-time agents. There’s no separate license class for part-timers, only full accountability and full opportunity.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Part-Time Agent in Georgia
Step 1: Complete Pre-License Education
Start by enrolling in a 75-hour Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC)-approved course. These classes are available both online and in-person, ideal for professionals balancing work, family, or other obligations.
Step 2: Pass the Georgia Licensing Exam
After completing your coursework, you’ll need to pass the state licensing exam. It covers national and state-specific real estate laws, contracts, agency, and math. For part-time learners, many schools offer weekend prep or flexible study timelines. If you’re switching careers, fast-track packages can shorten your timeline to just a few weeks.
Step 3: Get Fingerprinted and Pass a Background Check
Georgia requires fingerprinting and a background check through an approved vendor. Regardless of whether you plan to sell one house a year or fifty, this step is mandatory. There are no shortcuts here.
Step 4: Choose a Brokerage That Supports Part-Time Agents
This is where many new part-timers hit roadblocks. Not every brokerage welcomes agents who only plan to work nights, weekends, or a few deals a year. Some require MLS membership, office time, or quotas. That’s why vetting your broker is just as critical as passing the exam. Look for a sponsor that understands the unique rhythms and goals of part-time agents, and won’t penalize you for working on your terms.
What Part-Time Agents Actually Do (And Don’t Do)
Not every part-time agent handles the full scope of a transaction. Depending on your goals, time, and energy, there are three main paths available:
Active Sales
This is the most hands-on route. These agents show properties, mostly on weekends, write offers, negotiate deals, and handle contract deadlines.
Many juggle this alongside another job by structuring their calendar around client needs. Success here demands organization, weekend availability, and the willingness to respond quickly even after hours. With the right systems, it works.
Referral-Only
Prefer a lighter lift? Referral agents connect buyers or sellers to active agents and collect a percentage, typically 20% to 35%, of the resulting commission.
You don’t need to join the MLS or handle contracts. This model is ideal for agents with limited time, out-of-state networks, or those looking to keep their license active with minimal involvement.
Helpful Resource -> How To Become A “Referral-Only” Agent
Investor Agents
Own rental properties or flip homes? Holding a license lets you earn the full commission on your own deals, saving thousands per transaction.
Income Reality Check: How Much Can You Make?
- What’s the Least You Can Earn: This is a commission-only business. If you don’t close deals, you don’t get paid. But even one deal can be financially meaningful. A $300,000 transaction with a standard 3% buyer’s agent commission can net you roughly $9,000.
- What Most Part-Timers Earn: Nationally, part-time agents average $30,000 per year working less than 20 hours a week. Referral agents, those who hand leads to others, often earn $1,000 to $4,000 per transaction without attending a single showing.
- Is It Worth It If I’m Only Available on Weekends? It can be, if you’re realistic about your time and strategic about your setup.
What Are the Legal Requirements?
Being part-time doesn’t mean being exempt from regulation. Here’s what still applies in Georgia:
- Same Licensing Standards: You’ll take the same pre-license course, pass the same exam, and apply for the same license as a full-time agent. There’s no separate path or “limited scope” version.
- Renewal and Continuing Education: You must complete continuing education (36 hours every 4 years) and renew your license on time, regardless of how active you are. That includes referral agents and investor agents.
- Broker Supervision Still Applies: Even if you only close one deal a year, your broker remains legally responsible for your transactions.
Questions People Ask (and the Answers)
- What’s the fastest way to become licensed? If you can dedicate yourself full-time, you could complete the licensing process in as little as 3–6 weeks. On a part-time schedule, expect 2–3 months.
- What age is the youngest agent in Georgia? You can get licensed at 18. Many young professionals, even high school graduates, begin their real estate career before 20.
- Can I switch from referral to full-time later? Yes. With Realty Hub, there’s no penalty or license transfer process. You can step into or out of full production at any time, and still keep your license active under the same brokerage.
Should You Try It?
If you’re looking for flexibility, low overhead, and a real path to grow, yes, part-time real estate in Georgia is worth exploring. But be realistic: this isn’t passive income unless you intentionally build referral systems. Success depends on what you put into it.
What makes all the difference is choosing the right brokerage.
How to Get Started as a Part-Time Agent
- Browse flexible, online licensing schools to complete your 75-hour course
- Interview virtual brokerages like Realty Hub that support nontraditional schedules
- Decide whether you want to focus on active sales, referrals, or personal investments
- Set your goals, and start your real estate business on your terms
What’s the Best Brokerage for Part-Time Agents in Georgia?
Why Traditional Brokerages Often Fail Part-Timers
Many legacy brokerages are structured for full-time volume. They rely on splits to cover office overhead, requiring agents to attend in-person meetings, meet production quotas, or subscribe to their tech stack. For part-time agents, this often leads to high monthly costs with little return, especially if you’re only closing a few deals a year.
What Makes Realty Hub Ideal for Part-Time Agents
At Realty Hub, we’ve flipped that model. Here’s how we make it possible:
- Flat-fee model: $100/year + $100 per transaction. Keep 100% of your commission, always.
- No quotas, no pressure: Whether you close 1 deal or 10, you’re never penalized for working part-time.
- MLS/NAR optional: Slash costs by skipping what you don’t need. Perfect for referral-only or investor agents.
Whether you’re pursuing referral income, working nights and weekends, or using your license for your own investments, Realty Hub was built for agents like you. We offer:
- No desk fees. No quotas. No hidden costs.
- Optional MLS and REALTOR® association membership.
- Virtual tools, fast broker support, even on weekends.
Start your part-time real estate journey the smart way 👉Join Realty Hub