Top Ways to Make Money as a Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents work very hard to make sure clients who buy or sell a home are happy. This work is rewarded in the paycheck a real estate agent receives. Depending on the contract of an agent, there are different ways to earn money as a real estate agent.

Real Estate Broker

A broker can represent customers who buy or sell houses. A broker usually receives 50% of the commission from a house when he/she closes the sale. A broker will also receive 50% of a sale when he/she lists a home for sale. If a broker lists and sells the home, then the broker would receive 100% of the commission.

Real Estate Appraiser

Many agents appraise homes for bank loans, setting the price of a home sale or in legal cases. The job of a real estate appraiser requires less time commitment than actually listing and selling homes. This is a way for many brokers and agents to stay in the field without working full-time. A private appraiser may earn up to $300 per appraisal.

Real Estate Inspector

This is a very important job because homes that are bought and sold must meet very specific guidelines according to state laws. An inspector must be educated about these laws and be able to advise buyers and sellers about a home. Just as an appraiser’s time commitment is less, an inspector may be hired on an as-needed-basis. Consultation fees for an inspection can earn an inspector around $300 per job.

Real Estate Flippers

These people enjoy buying houses at minimal costs. They remodel the home, making necessary legal and cosmetic changes. Then, they sell the home, making money from the profit of the sale. Many times, homes can be purchased for less than $75,000. A real estate flipper will put $25,000 - $50,000 dollars worth of work into a home and then turn around and sell it for $200,000. This is a huge financial commitment that can result in high profits; however, flippers must have access to money in order to make money with this career choice.