“Success in the Real Estate industry requires a full-time commitment!”
— Wayne Throop, The Reality of Real Estate

Why Part-Time Doesn’t Cut It

After more than twenty years in this business, I can tell you one thing with absolute certainty: real estate is not a part-time career.

Can you ease into it while you’re transitioning from another career? Yes. For a few months, you might balance a full-time job with your first steps in real estate. But if you want to build a truly successful business, at some point you have to make the leap.

You can’t build trust, market presence, and momentum if you’re only “half-in.” Real estate demands full commitment. Clients want an agent who is available, responsive, and deeply invested in their success. They don’t want someone squeezing them in between other priorities.

The only real exception? Retirement. After you’ve spent years mastering the business, developing relationships, and building credibility, you can scale back and work only with your favorite clients. At that stage, you’ve earned the luxury of part-time hours — but not before.

Why Full-Time Commitment Matters

The truth is, real estate looks easy to outsiders. People see signs go up, houses sell, and commission cheques roll in. What they don’t see are the long evenings, weekends sacrificed, and relentless lead generation required to keep deals flowing.

This is why going “part-time” rarely works.

  • Clients expect availability. If you’re not there when they need you, they’ll call someone else.
  • Momentum matters. Real estate is built on consistent effort — marketing, networking, prospecting, follow-up. Pausing or dabbling stalls your growth.
  • It’s a business, not a hobby. The minute you’re licensed, you’re the CEO of your own company. And businesses don’t thrive on half measures.

Do You Have What It Takes?

Not everyone is cut out for this career — and that’s okay. Over the years, I’ve watched hundreds of agents come and go, and I’ve identified some qualities that make the difference between those who succeed and those who wash out.

Here’s a quick self-check. Rate yourself on a scale of 1–10 for each:

  • I’m generally positive and optimistic.
  • I enjoy meeting new people.
  • I’m comfortable communicating with others.
  • I manage my time effectively.
  • I’m committed to continuous learning.
  • I’m reasonably tech-savvy.
  • I manage my finances responsibly.
  • I treat others the way I want to be treated.
  • I’m creative and enjoy solving problems.
  • I manage stress and emotions well.

Now total your score:

  • Below 60: Real estate may not be the right career for you. Save yourself the stress and money.
  • 60–80: You’ve got potential, but there’s work to do. Be prepared to stretch, grow, and hustle.
  • 80+: You’re likely a great fit! With the right training, patience, and persistence, success is within reach.

Remember: real estate isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon.

Choosing the Right Brokerage

If you’ve decided to go for it, your next step is choosing a brokerage. This is one of the biggest career decisions you’ll ever make.

Not all brokerages are created equal. Some promise the world — best training, best compensation plans, best culture — but in reality, the experience can vary dramatically.

Here are a few questions to ask when interviewing brokerages:

  1. What type of training and support do you offer?
  2. Who delivers the training, and is it tailored to the local market?
  3. Are your managers also selling real estate (and if so, will they have time for me)?
  4. What are the start-up costs and ongoing fees?
  5. What’s your compensation structure?
  6. Do you provide mentoring or coaching?
  7. What’s your reputation in the community?

My best advice? Trust your gut. When you walk into the office, do people treat you with respect? Do their values align with yours? If it feels right, it probably is.

Team or Solo Agent?

Another decision you’ll face early is whether to work as a solo agent or join a team.

When I started out, most agents worked solo — and I quickly realized how lonely and overwhelming it could be. In my second year, I formed the Wayne Throop Team. That decision changed everything. My assistant handled the admin tasks that bogged me down, and I could focus on what I did best: serving clients and building relationships.

Here are some pros and cons to consider:

  • Joining a Team
    • Lower start-up costs (team leader usually covers marketing).
    • Leads provided to you.
    • Mentorship and collaboration.
    • Lower commission split (you earn less per deal).
  • Going Solo
    • Full control over your business.
    • Keep more of your commission.
    • Build your own brand and identity.
    • Higher expenses and greater risk starting out.

My recommendation? If finances are tight, join a team. You’ll learn faster, make connections, and keep your expenses lower. If you can afford to start solo, try it for a year — gain experience, take training, and then consider whether a team is the right move.

Filtering the Noise

One thing you’ll notice as soon as you enter this industry: everyone has advice. Some of it’s good, some of it’s conflicting, and some of it’s flat-out wrong.

The key? Consider the source. Ask yourself:

  • Is this person respected in the industry?
  • Have they actually achieved success?
  • Does their advice align with my values?
  • Will this strategy help me build lasting relationships?

At the end of the day, real estate is about people. Systems, scripts, and strategies are useful, but your long-term success will always come back to how well you connect, serve, and build trust.

Final Thoughts

Real estate is not — and never will be — a part-time career. If you’re willing to go all in, commit fully, and treat it like the business it is, you can build a career that’s rewarding, profitable, and deeply meaningful.

But dabbling? That’s the fast track to burnout and disappointment.

If you’re serious about this path, give it everything you’ve got. Full-time focus, smart systems, and the right support will set you apart from the majority who quit.

Ready to Take the Leap?

Whether you’re just starting out or trying to take your real estate career to the next level, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 Visit waynethroop.com to learn more about my one-on-one and group coaching programs, based on The Reality of Real Estate, and discover how to build a business — and a life — that lasts.

Sources

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