20 Real Estate Business Ideas You Can Start In 2024
From becoming a landlord to becoming a realtor, we put together 28 potential real estate and property business ideas you can start in 2022.
In this list you'll find tons of different types of real estate businesses, some you might never have thought of.
1. Start a real estate investment club ($7.2M/year)
Real estate investment clubs are a non-profit organization where investors join together to buy real estate properties and make joint investments. Real Investment clubs are created by individuals to bring investors, real estate industry experts, and real estate professionals together to network, learn, and do business. Many clubs focus on real estate crowdfunding, bringing people together for the sole purpose of pooling their money to buy a property.
There is no set number of people required to start a real estate investment club, groups can range from private partnerships to nationally accredited real estate investment associations called REIAs. These groups could include commercial or rental properties, crowdfunded real estate or single-family homes.
Real Estate Investment clubs can work on 2 models: free to join for all or charge an annual fee which would be less than few hundred dollars. Every Real Estate Investment clubs should offer knowledge about different investment practices, how to advertise a service or a business, networking with fellow professionals in the real estate industry etc.
To start a real estate club, you should consider the below points:
- Conduct market research and reach out to people who already have expertise in this field
- Attend meetings and find out how other clubs operate.
- Get familiarized with real estate laws and current market conditions.
- Once you decide your mission, start recruiting people and promoting your club
Investing in real estate can be a big step, hence it is always beneficial to form a partnership and find the best deal. Ideally, a club may charge between $50 to $150 per year. "
How much you can make: $10,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
2. Become a real estate agent ($5.4M/year)
Real estate agents are professionals who assist clients in marketing and selling their properties. They also assist the buyers in purchasing properties. Their services include meeting clients, advising them about market conditions, providing guidance through the process of buying or selling properties.
The real estate industry has grown rapidly in the past few years and is likely to grow in the coming years as well. To become a real estate agent, you will need the below skills to perform the task efficiently:
- Administrative work: scheduling appointments, managing the property listing, creating legal documents and contracts
- Research: perform market analysis, search for properties
- Marketing: manage social media presence, run advertising campaigns
An average salary of a real estate agent is $50,000 in the US. Every state’s real estate licensing requirements are different. Based on the state's requirement, a real estate agent will need to pass the real estate license examination.
A real estate career can be financially rewarding. However, the work requires good management skills, organization skills, customer service, handling complex paperwork and socially promoting yourself.
The pros of becoming a real estate agent include earning extra commission from clients and also setting your own working hours.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
3. Start an airbnb management company ($420K/year)
An Airbnb management company manages every aspect on behalf of an owner and manages a complete day-to-day running of a rental property.
The services offered by the AirBnB management company includes: marketing a property, optimize financing, meet and greet guests, repairs, maintenance and cleaning.
An Airbnb management company fee structure is generally based on commission, flat rate and guaranteed income.
AirBnB management companies can easily increase the Rental Income by a minimum 30% to 50% without compromising on the guest experiences.
To become an Airbnb property manager, one should be able to find homeowners who will be interested in the services offered by you. Airbnb property managers can make an average annual salary of $55,000 or $27 per hour."
How much you can make: $35,000 — $270,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
4. Start a landscaping business ($13.2M/year)
A landscaping business is engaged in maintaining the lawns and gardens, trimming the trees and shrubs, and providing landscape maintenance and beautification services. Landscaping costs vary depending on the size and location.
An increased public interest in well-maintained outdoor spaces has increased the demand and value of landscaping businesses in the US.
For small jobs such as taking care of the lawn and trees, the cost can vary from $50 to $100 per hour. The average wage of a landscape designer is $70,000 to $90,000, and a landscape architect makes around $50,000 to $100,000 per year.
For basic maintenance and mowing services, a single person who runs a landscaping business can get started with as little as $5,000 or less. However, a proper landscaping business will require a large investment. The average start-up cost is between $15,000 to $20,000.
There are 2 types of landscaping business :
- Residential Landscaping Services
- Commercial Landscaping Services
Based on the niche, the types of services also vary. Once the type of service is decided, the list of tools and equipment can be purchased. The best way to succeed in a landscaping business is to provide quality service and deliver long-lasting beautiful landscapes, this will not only retain existing clients but also promote and attract new customers.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $375,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
1. Start a home staging service
With the rise of online home selling, the need for home staging services has been increasing rapidly.
A home staging business can be an affordable and scalable venture, providing ample opportunity for growth and profitability.
Those who have a keen eye for design and enjoy collaborating with clients can find a rewarding career in home staging.
A professional home stager assesses both the interior and exterior spaces of a property and offers expert guidance on how to enhance its overall aesthetic appeal.
From selecting furniture and décor to arranging lighting and artwork, every detail is carefully considered to create an inviting and attractive atmosphere that appeals to potential buyers.
2. Start a property flipping business
Are you thinking about getting into the property flipping business?
Flipping houses (or homes) involves buyers purchasing distressed properties, fixing them up, and then reselling them for a good profit. The trick is to find a house that you can buy below market value and then turn around, sell it, and make money on it.
3. Start a real estate podcast
A real estate podcast is an audio show that covers topics related to buying, selling, and investing in properties. It provides a convenient and easily accessible way to stay informed and make informed decisions in the dynamic world of real estate.
Starting a real estate podcast is another popular business idea in the real estate industry.
As a real estate podcast host, you'll be responsible for planning, recording, and editing episodes. Episodes may cover a range of subjects, including market trends, financing options, home improvement tips, and interviews with industry professionals.
You'll also need to promote your podcast and build an audience. If you're successful, you could generate income through sponsorships and advertising.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Max Options Trading, a completely digital education platform founded by Max Heaney, has reached $24,000/month in revenue with over 400 active monthly members, and utilizes a combination of social media, Facebook ads, weekly newsletters, SEO updates, and partnerships to consistently attract and retain subscribers while maintaining transparency and authenticity in the stock trading industry.
4. Start a moving company
Moving companies help people move their belongings from one location to another. The services can involve packing and shipping household items to physically moving them from one place to another. The moving can include anything from local moves to long-distance relocations.
Moving companies typically charge by the hour or job, so you’ll need to price your services accordingly. You’ll also need to invest in moving equipment, such as trucks and dollies.
How much you can make: $60,000 — $2,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
A 23-year-old founder started a moving company that now averages $115,000 a month in revenue and has record monthly sales of $158,000 by prioritizing customer service and using simple, common sense practices like friendly movers and a transparent pricing structure.
5. Start a cleaning service
A housecleaning side business is a beautiful idea for people with free time on weekends or even weekdays. The side hustle idea requires little capital to start. During the launch, you can choose to offer the service to your neighbors and scale as you gain experience. The average salary for a house cleaner is $17.32 per hour.
By starting a house cleaning business, you are tapping into an enormous market with plenty of clientele. There could always be demand for your cleaning service, which keeps you in business as you help homeowners keep their homes spotless.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week
MaidThis®, launched by Neel Parekh in Los Angeles with just one cleaner in 2013, has achieved over $10 million in total revenue by focusing on cleaning Airbnbs and vacation rentals, thanks to its successful remote business model and new-age marketing tactics, and has now launched MaidThis Franchise to expand the business further.
6. Become a landlord
Investing in rental properties and becoming a landlord is a lucrative way to earn money in the real estate industry.
By purchasing properties and leasing them out to tenants, you can generate a steady stream of income through monthly rent payments.
In recent years, renting has become increasingly popular, making it an opportune time to dive into this market.
Aside from providing a source of cash flow, being a landlord also offers the potential for long-term investment gains and the freedom to be your own boss in managing your properties.
7. Start a real estate blog
Blogging about real estate is a great way to share your knowledge and connect with potential clients. As a real estate blogger, you'll be responsible for creating content that covers topics like buying and selling property, home improvement, and landlord-tenant law.
You'll need to be a good writer and have a strong understanding of the industry to be successful. But, if you're passionate about real estate and have something to share, starting a blog could be the perfect business idea for you.
To make a living from their blog, bloggers usually have to monetize their site through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. Every time one clicks on an advertisement, they make a small amount, usually somewhere between $0.50 and $5.00 depending on the advertisement.
The current trend of people wanting to learn more about real estate and investing is making the real estate blog business more popular than ever. People are always looking for new and interesting ways to learn about the industry, and a blog is a great way to reach a wide audience.. Plus, it's a relatively low-cost business to start up, making it a great option for those on a budget.
You can use your blog to generate income through advertising and affiliate marketing. Or, you could use it to build a client base and eventually start your own real estate consulting business.
How much you can make: $8,500 — $15,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
The Modest Wallet is a personal finance website founded by Ricardo Pina that generates an average of $8,500 a month in revenue by using an affiliate commission revenue model, with a strong emphasis on SEO to drive website traffic.
8. Create an online course
An online course business involves creating and selling digital classes teaching specialized skills or knowledge to subscribed students.
As an entrepreneurial course creator, you identify educational gaps around topics you have expertise in and develop engaging video lessons and supplementary materials.
With flexibility around self-paced or cohort-based structures, building a student base provides passive income potential.
For founders who enjoy information-sharing, launching an online course platform presents a lucrative way to monetize your instructional talents with small startup costs by serving eager lifelong learners seeking convenient access to emerging subjects.
How much you can make: $275 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
9. Start a real estate appraisal service
Starting a real estate appraisal service is a great way to get involved in the industry without having to buy or sell property. As a real estate appraiser, you'll be responsible for estimating the value of properties. This can involve anything from single-family homes to commercial buildings.
To be successful, you'll need to have a strong understanding of the real estate market and the factors that affect property values. You'll also need to be licensed in your state. But, if you're up for the challenge, starting a real estate appraisal business can be a great way to make money in the industry.
Licensed appraisers can make between $40,000 and 100K. They can work for an appraisal management company (AMC), lending institution or government agency. Salary starts at about 40k with top end reaching up to 120 K depending on experience.
Starting a real estate appraisal business offers a niche opportunity that can be very profitable. Appraisers can often work from home, making it a great option for those who want the flexibility of being their own boss.
With the increase in transactions, there is a need for appraisers to accurately value properties. If you have the skills and experience, starting your own appraisal business can be a great way to make money in the real estate industry.
It 's important to note that, while there is a demand for appraisers, the industry is highly regulated. You'll need to be licensed and have the proper credentials to operate your business.
10. Become a real estate photographer
A real estate Photographer is responsible for taking photos of properties. These photos are used by buyers, sellers, and real estate agents to market and sell properties.
As a real estate photographer, you'll need to have an eye for detail and be able to take quality photos. You'll also need to be familiar with the latest editing software so that you can make your photos look their best.
The average salary for a real estate photographer is $53,633. Salaries can vary based on experience and location to as much at 60K with the high end earners making over 150k per year!
This real estate business trend is a great way to make money if you're creative and have a good eye for composition. With the different abilities, there is a need for quality photos of properties. If you have the skills and experience, starting your own photography business can be a great way to make money in the real estate industry.
You can use your photography skills to generate income through advertising and affiliate marketing. Or, you could use them to build a client base and eventually start your own real estate photography business.
How much you can make: $7,000 — $220,000/month
How long does it take to build: 68 days (?)
London-based entrepreneur goes from jobless to making £100,000 a year by starting two successful businesses: photography/videography company L.F Media and flooring selling/fitting company L.F Flooring, despite losing everything due to the pandemic.
11. Become a real estate bird dog
A real estate bird dog is someone who finds properties for investors. This can be a great business for those who have a strong understanding of the real estate market and know where to find good deals.
As a real estate bird dog, you'll be responsible for finding properties that meet the criteria of your clients. You'll need to be familiar with the area in which you're working and have a good network of contacts. You could start your business by working with a real estate agent or investor. Or, you could market your services online and work with clients directly.
The bird dog referral fee depends on the type of contract you have. For flat rates, they typically cost between $100 and 500 dollars per closed deal while percentage-based contracts can range from 2% up to 10%.
The current trend of people wanting to invest in real estate is making the real estate bird dog business more popular than ever. Bird dogs often work on a freelance basis, making it a great option for those who want the freedom to set their own hours.
This business requires very little start-up capital and can be a great way to make money in the real estate industry. To be successful, you'll need to be familiar with your local real estate market and have a good understanding of how to find undervalued properties.
12. Become a property manager
A property manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a property. This can include tasks such as marketing and leasing units, collecting rent, and maintaining the property.
To succeed in this business, you’ll need to have strong people skills and be comfortable working with various clients. You’ll also need to be organized and detail-oriented. If you have these skills, starting your own property management business can be a great way to make money in the real estate industry.
The average property manager's salary in the United States is $54,183/year. The low-end range falls between 36k at 12% below to 79K+, which represents 24%.
With the recent craze of people wanting to invest in real estate, property management has never been more popular than now. Property managers often have the opportunity to work from home, making it an excellent option for those who want the flexibility of being their own boss.
The property management business is a great way to make money if you’re familiar with the real estate market and have strong people skills. You can make a lot of money by managing properties for investors.
How much you can make: $120,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,900 (?)
How long does it take to build: 225 days (?)
Casa Mia Coliving, a sustainable and modern co-living and property management company in Singapore offering affordable accommodation, has an annualized revenue of $2.5M with 150 bedrooms across popular neighborhoods, attracting young professionals and boasting a 10x LTV/CAC ratio, all while focusing on unit economics and profitable growth.
17. Become a freelance app developer ($1.09M/year)
A freelance app developer is a programmer who creates apps for mobiles for both Android and iOS devices. Freelance app development business targets in creating a variety of apps that give a user-friendly experience.
Freelance app developers are majorly hired by firms which are small-scale in budget. A freelancer can offer a better professional product when compared to an app builder at a lesser cost of a professional development firm.
The demand of a quality app developer is increasing rapidly. Once you get a solid amount of projects in your resume, you will have ample opportunities to work as an app developer. A mobile app developer can earn up to $100,000 annually. On an average, a freelancer can charge from $60 - $90 an hour based on the requirement of the app.
To become a freelance app developer, you will first need to touch up on your skills. There are several courses available online. Once you obtain the certification, choose your niche and focus on your skillset.
Then the best way to showcase your work is to build a portfolio website where you will display your skills, projects and testimonials. Another way to promote yourself is create your own brand and start a blog. This will in turn build a network and you will be able to connect with people and attract more clients.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
13. Start a real estate marketing agency
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 (?)
Coffee and Contracts is a digital marketing subscription service for real estate professionals that has helped over 7,000 members in just two years, with an average monthly revenue of around $165,000, and has grown at a rate of about 5% each month through organic traffic from Instagram and word of mouth.
14. Start a construction company
Running a construction company can be very rewarding and require hard work, attention to detail, and a hustle mentality.
Construction companies are responsible for building/designing a variety of apartments, buildings, properties, housing, infrastructure, facilities & developments, motorways, roads, paths, pavement, and more.
How much you can make: $40,001 — $10,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Mountain Fire Woodworks founder Cameron Vilcsak shares how he used YouTube to promote his log cabins, chainsaw carvings, and passion for woodworking, culminating in one of his videos that has gone viral with over 25 million views and counting.
15. Become a real estate broker
Thinking about jumping into the real estate market without the burden of buying properties yourself? Consider becoming a real estate broker. As a broker, you’ll connect buyers and sellers, facilitating property transactions and earning commissions from successful deals.
This business involves understanding market trends, building a network of clients, and negotiating sales that satisfy both parties. While it demands a commitment to studying local real estate regulations and continuous networking, the flexibility and income potential make it worthwhile.
Investing in the right certifications and gaining market expertise can position you as a trusted advisor in the property market. For those who enjoy relationship-building and have a knack for sales, this career path offers both challenges and rewards that can foster a fulfilling professional journey. With the real estate market ever-evolving, staying ahead of industry trends will ensure long-term success and continuous growth.
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 (?)
Adventures in Mobile Homes founder, Rachel Hernandez, shares her experience of mobile home investing which has led to around $500 cash flow per month for every deal she does and has allowed her to achieve $10,000 per month from the business.
16. Become a real estate investor
Real estate investment isn’t just for moguls with deep pockets. This business idea is about acquiring, managing, and selling properties to generate profit.
Start by researching market trends and property values in your chosen area. You’ll need capital to make your first purchase, often through savings or financing options. Once you’ve acquired a property, the real work begins: renovation, tenant management, and consistent market analysis to maximize your investment.
The appeal lies in the potential for significant returns—with the right properties, you can earn passive income through renting or sizeable gains through property sales. However, be prepared for the challenges of property upkeep, tenant issues, and market fluctuations.
If you have a knack for numbers and a good eye for property potential, real estate investment can slowly build substantial wealth. It’s a tangible, rewarding way to see your money grow over time.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Entrepreneur Brandon Turner explains how he started a real estate investment company, Open Door Capital, which now manages over 5,000 rental units, bringing in $30,000,000 per year in revenue while only working a few hours a week, and aims to cross $1,000,000,000 in real estate by the end of the year.
17. Become an Airbnb host
If you are interested in becoming an Airbnb host, the first step is to create a listing for your property or a portion of it on the Airbnb platform.
This will allow travelers from all over the world to rent your space and enjoy a personalized and unique accommodation experience.
By creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing excellent service to your guests, you can enhance your profile and attract even more visitors to your property.
With the potential to earn a steady stream of passive income, becoming an Airbnb host can be an excellent way to monetize your property.
How much you can make: $35,000 — $270,000/month
How long does it take to build: 215 days (?)
HostButlers is Ireland's first professional property concierge service for short-term rentals on Airbnb, boasting over 200,000 hosted guests and profitability from month 5.
18. 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.
19. Start a home repair business
The home repair business idea involves providing services to fix various issues in people’s homes. The issues can include fixing plumbing problems, repairing electrical issues, painting, and general maintenance tasks.
To start this business, you will need a few things. First, you will need some knowledge and skills in home repair. You can obtain knowledge and skills through education, experience, or both. You will also need the necessary tools and equipment to complete the tasks you are offering. You will also need a reliable vehicle to travel to and from job sites.
To operate this business, you must market your services to potential customers. Marketing can be done through word of mouth, advertising in local publications, or creating a website. When you receive a service request, you will need to visit the customer’s home to assess the issue and provide an estimate for the repair. Once the repair is complete, you will need to collect payment from the customer. It is important to be timely, professional, and thorough in your work to ensure customer satisfaction and to build a positive reputation for your business.
Overall, the home repair business idea is a great way to utilize your skills and provide valuable services to your community. If you have a passion for fixing things and are willing to put in the time and effort, this could be a rewarding and profitable business.
How long does it take to build: 1 days (?)
20. Become a real estate developer
A real estate developer is responsible for overseeing all the people involved in building or renovating homes, offices, retail centers, or industrial sites. Real estate developers are the people who turn empty land or neglected buildings into new properties.
To become a real estate developer, you need some initial capital and also be able to convince other people that your project is worth investing in. What kind of development you want to undertake should be clear to you, and you should be able to persuade others and make them see this venture will be financially successful.
How much you can make: $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 500 days (?)
Entrepreneur Brandon Turner explains how he started a real estate investment company, Open Door Capital, which now manages over 5,000 rental units, bringing in $30,000,000 per year in revenue while only working a few hours a week, and aims to cross $1,000,000,000 in real estate by the end of the year.
How to start a real estate business?
Real estate businesses can take many different forms. Some people become real estate agents, working for a broker and helping clients buy or sell properties. Others choose to start their own brokerage, which involves more responsibilities but also allows for more control over the business.
There are a few key things that anyone interested in starting a real estate business should keep in mind.
First, it is important to have a good understanding of the industry and the local market. This knowledge will help you identify opportunities and make better decisions for your business.
Second, it is important to build a strong network of contacts. These contacts can be helpful in many different ways, from providing leads on potential properties to offering advice and support.
Finally, it is important to be prepared for the financial investment that starting a real estate business requires.
While there is no shortage of opportunities in the industry, success ultimately depends on making smart decisions and being prepared for the long-term commitment that starting a business entails.
What are types of real estate businesses?
There are many different types of businesses that fall under the umbrella of "real estate."
These businesses can be divided into two broad categories: those that deal with the sale or lease of property, and those that provide services related to real estate.
Businesses that deal with the sale or lease of property include agents and brokerages, developers, and landlords.
Businesses that provide services related to real estate include title companies, home inspectors, and appraisers.
While there is some overlap between these two categories, each type of business provides a unique service to its clients.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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