Can Realtors Be Successful Part-Time Insurance Agents?

While we operate in the current "gig economy" In recent times I was asked if full time realtors could make for great part time insurance agents. As an agency owner and a business coach who consults with Realtors the answer is yes, agents can be succesful and generate great income on a part time basis. I've seen firsthand how blending these two worlds can create significant opportunities. Let’s unpack the reality of taking on both roles.

Here’s Where It Works Really Well:

• Your real estate clients naturally need insurance—you're simply helping them meet an existing need. Once your clients trust you for one thing, they trust you for everything.
• Insurance provides steady income, especially valuable during real estate's slow periods.
• You're shifting from one-time transactions to creating lasting relationships through ongoing solutions.
• Real estate deals are rewarding, but insurance offers recurring annual revenue.
• You're already skilled in building relationships; insurance is just another way to leverage those skills.
• Downtime in real estate becomes productive when you have insurance tasks to manage.
• Deepening your relationship with existing clients can lead to more opportunities and increased revenue.

But Here Are Some Honest Challenges:

• Managing two licenses means double the continuing education requirements and administrative work.
• Your attention will sometimes feel divided, making it challenging to focus clearly on each role.
• Some clients might question if your motivations are purely commission-based.
• Clearly communicating your dual role can be tricky—are you primarily their realtor, their insurance advisor, or both?
• Both industries have urgent demands, sometimes simultaneously, which can create stress.
• Insurance products require dedicated study and understanding—they’re not a quick learn.
• Building a successful insurance book of business takes time, patience, and sustained effort.

Here's How You Can Navigate These Challenges Effectively:

From my experience coaching professionals through this dual path, here are a few key strategies:

• Focus on insurance products that naturally complement your real estate services.
• Create clear systems and structures to efficiently manage both responsibilities without overwhelming yourself.
• Collaborate with experienced insurance professionals while you gain experience.
• Always maintain transparency with clients—integrity is essential and valued highly.
• Invest in automation and streamlined processes to significantly ease your workload.

You can stick to the traditional, single-service model, or you can embrace a modern approach that integrates multiple streams of income, each enhancing the other.

A thoughtful, integrated strategy ultimately means more clients, more stability, and long-term success.

That's how you play this game smartly.