How to Get Rich as a Real Estate Agent? (34 Proven Ways in 2024)

Updated: July 9th, 2024

Are you a real estate agent who is looking to get rich? If so, you're in luck! There are many ways to become wealthy as a real estate agent.

This blog post will discuss the best ways to make money as a real estate agent. So, whether you are just starting out in your career or have been working as a real estate agent for many years, read on for some valuable tips on getting rich!

1. Start a real estate coaching business

Thinking about making a meaningful impact in the real estate industry? A real estate coaching business might be the right move. This business involves guiding aspiring and current real estate professionals to achieve their career goals.

As a real estate coach, you’ll provide personalized mentorship, strategic planning, and skill development to help others thrive in buying, selling, or investing in properties. To get started, you’ll need a deep understanding of the real estate market, excellent communication skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate your clients.

The demand for expert advice in real estate is growing, driven by new market trends and evolving regulations. By offering tailored coaching sessions, workshops, and online courses, you can build a robust client base eager to excel in their real estate careers. If you’re passionate about real estate and helping others succeed, this could be a fulfilling and profitable venture.

2. Start a digital real estate ($46K/month)

Thinking about owning a piece of the ever-growing online world? Consider digital real estate. In simple terms, digital real estate involves buying, developing, and selling digital assets like websites, domain names, and virtual properties within online games.

Starting with domain names, you can purchase them inexpensively and sell them for a significant profit as their value appreciates. Websites with strong content can generate steady income through ads, affiliate marketing, and online stores. Leveraging platforms like Flippa, you can trade these virtual assets much like physical real estate.

If you're savvy with SEO and content creation, digital real estate offers a lucrative avenue with lower entry barriers compared to traditional real estate. It also provides flexibility, allowing you to manage your properties from anywhere. It requires an initial investment in time and effort to understand market trends and optimize your assets, but the rewards can be substantial for those willing to dive in.

How much you can make: $42,000 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $9,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

3. Start a teaching & consulting business ($81.7K/month)

Do you want to share your expertise and help others achieve their goals? Consider starting a teaching and consulting business.

In simple terms, you’ll offer your knowledge and advice to help individuals or businesses overcome challenges and reach their potential. Whether it's teaching a new skill, offering career advice, or providing business strategy consultations, the opportunities are vast and varied.

The real appeal lies in the ability to make a tangible impact on others’ lives while utilizing your skills and knowledge. Plus, this business model offers flexibility, allowing you to set your own schedule and choose the clients you work with.

If you have a skill set or knowledge base that’s in demand, this could be a rewarding way to turn your expertise into a successful business.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $293,220/month

How much does it cost to start: $575 (?)

How long does it take to build: 18 days (?)

4. Start a real estate information business ($104K/month)

Looking to carve out a niche in the lucrative real estate market without buying property? Start a real estate information business. This venture revolves around gathering, analyzing, and providing critical real estate data to homebuyers, investors, and realtors.

Your primary tools will be digital databases and market analysis software. By curating relevant data—like property values, market trends, and local amenities—you’ll empower clients to make informed decisions. You can offer subscription services, detailed reports, and even personalized consultations.

With the constantly evolving real estate market, there’s always a demand for timely and accurate information. Establishing yourself as a reliable source opens the door to continual revenue streams and strong client relationships. This business doesn’t just serve a vital need; it also positions you at the intersection of technology and real estate—a growing hub of opportunity.

How much you can make: $80,000 — $128,000/month

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 5. Start a learning management app business

6. Start a ghostwriting business ($688K/month)

Got a way with words but prefer to stay behind the scenes? Ghostwriting might just be the perfect business idea for you. Ghostwriting involves writing content—books, articles, speeches—that is officially credited to someone else.

You get to wield your writing skills and transform clients’ ideas into polished, engaging text. The spectrum ranges from helping busy execs craft impactful speeches to penning memoirs for public figures. It’s a business that can start small, taking on freelance projects on platforms like Upwork, and scale up to a full-fledged agency.

The appeal here is twofold: flexibility and demand. You manage your workload and choice of projects, making it ideal if you want control over your schedule. Plus, there’s always a market for high-quality content. If you’re disciplined, have a knack for capturing different voices, and love the art of storytelling, ghostwriting can be a rewarding and lucrative business.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

7. Start a real estate video service ($766K/month)

Video content helps drive more eyes to real estate listings. According to statistics, real estate listings with video receive 403% more inquiries compared to those without listings.

Realtors and real estate brokers have shifted to the use of video not only to generate social proof but also to build trust with potential buyers and sellers.

Therefore, there is a high demand for video creators focusing on the real estate industry. Real estate agents use video to show off their properties, reach customers digitally, and start conversations directly with them. Therefore, starting a real estate video service can be a rewarding and profitable venture.

How much you can make: $32,000 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $9,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

8. Start a proofreading service ($18.3K/month)

Finding typos and grammatical errors is a painstaking task, but it's essential for polished content. Welcome to the world of proofreading services, where your meticulous eye for detail can turn into a profitable venture.

In simple terms, a proofreading service involves reviewing documents to identify and correct errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. As a proofreader, your role is to ensure that the final written content is coherent, error-free, and professional.

If you have a knack for spotting mistakes and a passion for words, this business idea offers significant potential. Start by seeking clients on freelance platforms, or directly reaching out to companies, authors, and academics. Once you've built a solid reputation, you can even hire additional proofreaders to expand your service offerings.

The need for high-quality written content is ever-increasing in our digital age. Opening a proofreading service can satisfy this demand while offering you a flexible, steady income stream.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

9. Start an online influencer business ($46.3K/month)

An online influencer business is a company or service that gets products or services sold through popular online users. It can be a very lucrative form of marketing.

As technology has advanced, more and more influencer businesses are starting to rise. These are people or companies who become famous for being influential on various topics.

More and more companies are investing in online influencer marketing because this channel is successful for new product exposure or for sharing news about a brand through voice-overs on popular online videos. You can work with these online influencers in different ways including the use of affiliate marketing or product embeds with sponsorship.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $83,333/month

How long does it take to build: 145 days (?)

10. Start an online course creation business

Starting an online course could be perfect if you want a passive income. Whatever your background, you could start teaching online and earn a passive income.

All you need to start an online course is patience, imagination, and an enabling eLearning platform where you can connect with the relevant audience.

Online courses may take time and require a lot of effort to start selling. However, once your audience finds the content resourceful, they start sharing and recommending it through their network. Remember, creating an online course could take longer than expected, so remain focused and give your best.

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

11. Become a virtual assistant ($233K/month)

Virtual assistants support businesses, teams, or individuals by performing administrative tasks remotely. As businesses these days tend to outsource their tasks, the demand for virtual assistants is growing rapidly.

Becoming a virtual assistant is flexible, as you can choose a work schedule and location at your convenience. Many virtual assistants have a dedicated home office where they work in a quiet and distraction-free environment.

To become a virtual assistant, identify a niche you like and undertake any training. Then, figure out how much to charge your customers and create an online presence where you can apply for jobs. As a virtual assistant, you can define your work schedule depending on your availability.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

12. Start a real estate marketing agency ($87.7K/month)

If you're a marketing whiz, starting your own real estate marketing agency could be the perfect business idea for you. As a real estate marketing agency, you'll be responsible for creating and executing marketing campaigns for clients in the real estate industry. This could include tasks like developing marketing materials, managing social media accounts, and conducting market research.

To be successful in this business, you'll need to have strong marketing and people skills. You'll also need to be comfortable working with a variety of clients. If you have these skills, starting your own real estate marketing agency can be a great way to make money in the real estate industry.

The salaries for those in the Real Estate Marketing industry are varied. The average earnings hover around ₹21lakhs, but can reach up to 50 lakh rupees depending on your qualifications and experience level.

The current trend of people searching for properties online is making the real estate marketing agency more popular than ever. In order to market a property effectively online, real estate agents need to work with a marketing agency that knows how to do just that. This trend is only expected to continue, so now is a great time to get involved in the real estate marketing business!

This is a great business idea for those with strong marketing skills. You can work with a variety of clients, which can be great for networking and building your business.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

13. Start a real estate rental business

Thinking of generating passive income through property? Enter the real estate rental business. In this venture, you invest in properties to rent out to tenants, which can provide you with a steady flow of income over time.

The process involves finding suitable properties, buying them, and then managing rental agreements, maintenance, and tenant relationships. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme – you'll need to conduct thorough market research, ensure legal compliance, and maintain properties to keep tenants satisfied.

This business has potential for long-term financial stability and asset growth. With the right strategy, you can build a diverse portfolio of rental properties, providing a dependable income stream and even the possibility of significant capital gains if property values rise.

If this aligns with your financial goals and you're ready to commit to the necessary groundwork, the real estate rental business can be a rewarding investment.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)

14. Become a ghost blogger ($12.2K/month)

A ghost blogger is simply a writer who specializes in producing blogs for other people.

As a ghost blogger, you can earn between $300 and $1,500 per week, depending on word count and topic.

Ideally, the ideas and knowledge contained in the article originate from the publicly named author.

Therefore, as a ghostwriter, your role is to put the ideas into words.

How much you can make: $450 — $24,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $150 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

15. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)

For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.

In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.

If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.

How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

16. Start a commercial real estate guide business

A real estate guide is the liaison between commercial property buyers and sellers. The commercial real estate guides are responsible for finding the potential property, listing a property, negotiating prices, and much more roles within the real estate industry.

Starting a commercial real estate guide business requires good industry knowledge. Know who are the potential buyers and find ideal commercial properties for sale or lease within your area.

As a commercial real estate guide, you may earn commission from the property sellers or charge the buyers a convenience fee for helping them find the ideal property faster and efficiently.

Rapid urbanization across the globe is one of the factors driving the demand for commercial spaces in major cities and towns. Therefore, investors are searching for local commercial real estate guides to assist them in finding ideal locations for their businesses.

How much you can make: $25,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

17. Become a social media marketer ($44.5K/month)

Social media marketing is gaining website visitors or customers by promoting your company on social media. To succeed in social media marketing, you must regularly post tasty, entertaining, and engaging share material on your social media channels.

Everybody knows that social media is a tool that has become extremely important to businesses of all sizes. It allows them to connect with people worldwide and provides a platform for customer service. Social networks are changing the way we do marketing. They offer an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and organizations to reach millions instantly.

Nowadays, it is easy to earn money through social media marketing. You just need to invest some time and effort to make a profit. Social media has been an essential part of many businesses marketing campaigns, and it is expected to be a significant part of any company’s future.

How much you can make: $100 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 57 days (?)

18. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)

Etsy is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell all kinds of handmade goods, vintage items, and art supplies.

It's a great way to make some extra cash, and you can use it as an opportunity to build your brand and find new clients.

To get started on Etsy, you'll need these four things:

  • An Etsy account
  • A PayPal account
  • A product idea (or at least a product category)
  • A visually appealing storefront with photos of your products

How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

19. Start an amazon business ($53K/month)

Looking for a lucrative way to leverage the power of ecommerce? Consider starting an Amazon business. An Amazon business allows you to sell products directly on the world’s largest online marketplace.

You'll need to source or create products to sell, manage inventory, and handle customer service. It's not just a plug-and-play operation—meticulous product research and competitive pricing strategies are essential to stand out.

Amazon offers programs like FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), which handles storage, shipping, and even customer returns, allowing you to scale with less hassle. The upfront work involves choosing products that meet market demand, optimizing listings with compelling content, and preparing for logistics.

Intrigued by the potential? An Amazon business offers a substantial opportunity to generate income with access to a global customer base. If properly managed, it’s a business model that could transform your financial future.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

20. Start a tutorial blogging business ($30K/month)

Are you adept at explaining concepts and eager to share your knowledge? A tutorial blogging business might just be your perfect fit. This venture involves creating a blog that offers step-by-step guides and tutorials on various subjects, from tech hacks to DIY crafts.

The appeal lies in the flexibility and minimal startup costs; you only need a domain, hosting, and your expertise. By consistently producing high-quality content, you'll attract an audience looking to learn new skills, which can be monetized through ads, sponsored posts, or even premium content.

The real reward comes from seeing your impact as readers acquire new skills thanks to your guidance. If you have a teaching knack and a passion for writing, starting a tutorial blog could be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor with the potential for long-term passive income.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 4 days (?)

21. Start a digital ebook business

Think you can make money writing without dealing with the hassle of a publisher? A digital ebook business might be the answer.

In essence, you write and sell ebooks online, converting your knowledge, stories, or expertise into downloadable content. With minimal startup costs—mostly editing, design, and marketing—you can reach a global audience from the comfort of your home.

Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Gumroad make distribution fairly straightforward. However, the real work lies in consistently creating high-quality content that resonates with readers and effective marketing to stand out in a crowded market.

Imagine the appeal of earning passive income while sharing your insights or creativity with the world. If you have a knack for writing and a topic you’re passionate about, this could be a fulfilling and lucrative venture.

22. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)

Etsy is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell all kinds of handmade goods, vintage items, and art supplies.

It's a great way to make some extra cash, and you can use it as an opportunity to build your brand and find new clients.

To get started on Etsy, you'll need these four things:

  • An Etsy account
  • A PayPal account
  • A product idea (or at least a product category)
  • A visually appealing storefront with photos of your products

How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

23. Start a real estate inspections business

A thorough home inspection is a critical step in purchasing a home. A proper home inspection could uncover potentially life-threatening problems like faulty wiring, mold, poor plumbing, and other issues that can cause significant loss.

Thus, homebuyers hire certified architects to help them determine if the structure complies with the building code requirements. The Home inspectors inspect to ensure the property meets the zoning bylaws, residents' health and safety, and building standards. Start a property inspection business that is state-certified and follows industry practices to ensure the quality of your work.

24. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that people can listen to online.

It’s a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing.

To start a podcast business on a budget, you'll need a few key steps.

First, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and that has an audience.

Next, get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones.

Then, find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes.

Finally, promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

25. Become a real estate website creator

Real Estate Website Creator Business is a resource for passive income. Real estate websites have become a must-have for real estate agents. Using a website builder like Squarespace, Wix or WordPress can help you stand apart from your competition. For most people, a real estate website creator is among the most effective businesses to start online.

Website Builders Market was valued at $1.46B in 2019 and is projected to reach $2.62B by 2027. Over the past five years, a very popular business that people have started is building real estate WordPress websites. This is a great business to start if you have some money saved up and you're looking for more freedom to work whenever you want.

How much you can make: $50,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

26. Start an ebay business

eBay business is one of the most fun, and profitable side hustles you should try. You can earn between up to thousands of dollars per month selling on eBay. eBay business is a great side hustle idea because the platform has millions of loyal users. Besides, the platform is best for selling collectibles and different niche market items. But you can also sell old furniture or clothes that are collecting dust at home.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 4 hours/week

27. Start an educational blog ($63K/month)

An educational blog business involves creating a website where you share informative content on a specific subject to educate your audience.

To start on a budget, choose a niche you're knowledgeable and passionate about.

Create quality content using free platforms like WordPress or YouTube.

Promote your blog on social media and through SEO techniques, and consider monetizing it with methods like affiliate marketing and selling digital products once you have a steady flow of visitors.

Consistency and providing genuine value are crucial for success.

How much you can make: $50 — $830,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $170 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 28. Start a join a paid focus group
  • 29. Start a real estate lawyers finder app business

30. Start a bartending service

Bartending service involves providing drinks and mixers to customers at events, bars, restaurants, and other venues. To start a bartending service, you must obtain a liquor license and hire trained bartenders.

It is essential to have a strong understanding of different types of alcohol, mixers, and popular drink recipes. Successfully operating a bartending service requires excellent customer service skills and the ability to handle high-stress environments.

Employment for bartenders is expected to grow by 9% from 2019 to 2029. To stand out in the competitive bartending industry, continuously educate yourself on new drink trends and techniques.

A bartending service can be a lucrative and rewarding business idea for those passionate about mixology and customer service. You can operate a successful bartending service by providing high-quality service and continuously learning and adapting.

31. Start a real estate wholesaling business

Real estate wholesaling can be an accessible entry point into the property market without significant upfront capital. In simple terms, this business model involves identifying undervalued properties, securing the rights to purchase them through contracts, and then assigning these contracts to interested buyers at a higher price.

For those intrigued by the real estate world but lacking substantial investment funds, wholesaling presents a viable pathway. It requires strong negotiation skills, keen market insight, and an ability to build networks with motivated sellers and potential buyers.

The beauty of real estate wholesaling lies in its simplicity and low-risk nature—you're not purchasing the property outright, just facilitating the transaction. This business can be lucrative and provide a solid foundation for further real estate endeavors. If you're willing to put in the effort to learn the ropes, real estate wholesaling could be your gateway to financial independence.

32. Start a translator app business

Language barriers can be a significant obstacle in our globalized world. A translator app aims to bridge that gap, allowing users to communicate seamlessly across different languages.

Creating a translator app involves developing software that can accurately translate text, voice, or even images. You'll need a robust algorithm and possibly machine learning to improve translation accuracy over time. Think of it as blending technology with linguistics to solve real-world communication problems.

This business idea taps into a growing market, given the increasing interaction between diverse linguistic groups. By offering features like real-time translation and offline capabilities, you can make an indispensable tool for travelers, professionals, and language learners.

Starting this business not only has the potential for substantial financial rewards but also addresses a critical need, making the world a bit more connected.

How much you can make: $90,000/month

How long does it take to build: 5 days (?)

33. Become an online english tutor

Have a knack for teaching and fluent in English? Becoming an online English tutor might be your next venture. As an online English tutor, you’ll provide personalized language lessons to students worldwide, directly from your home.

By using platforms like Zoom or specialized educational apps, you can create tailored lesson plans based on each student's needs and progress. This offers the flexibility to manage your own schedule and choose your clientele, whether they are business professionals, students, or casual learners.

This business allows you to leverage your language skills in a meaningful way while enjoying the freedom to work from virtually anywhere. It requires dedication in creating engaging lessons and a genuine interest in helping others achieve their language goals, but the reward of seeing your students succeed makes it worthwhile. Consider starting with platforms like iTalki or Preply to build your initial clientele.

How much you can make: $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 602 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 34. Start a real estate crowdfunding business

Frequently asked questions

Can you get rich as a real estate agent?

If you're a real estate agent, you're probably not in it for the money. But that doesn't mean you can't get rich. The easiest way to build real wealth as a real estate agent is to start your own business. Maybe one of the ones we listed in the business ideas list a bit above.

How to get rich as a real estate agent?

First, invest in yourself. Get an education and specialize in a field that pays well.

Second, think outside the box. There are many opportunities for a real estate agent to make money.

Third, be creative and entrepreneurial. Start your own business or find ways to monetize your skills and knowledge.

By following these tips, you can become a wealthy real estate agent and enjoy the good life!

Conclusion

A real estate agent can get rich by becoming a real estate agent entrepreneur.

There are many opportunities for real estate agents to start their businesses and become wealthy.

Real estate agents can create their products or services or provide consulting services to other professionals in their field.

Real estate agents who are successful in business have several things in common, including a willingness to take risks, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a dedication to excellence.

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.