How Can a Real Estate Agent Earn Benefits? (2024)

Real estate is one of the most flexible industries. You get to set your schedule, work independently, and choose what projects to work on. It's a more freeing career path than many traditional 9-to-5 jobs. But that also means that, as an entrepreneur, you may not get conventional health benefits.

It's a big deal. A moderate-severity emergency room visit could cost you anywherefrom $600 to $3,100 or more without insurance. That's money you could be investing in your real estate business.

Fortunately, you can get health coverage as an agent or broker. You just have to do a bit of research. Here's how real estate professionals can earn benefits.

REALTORS® Insurance Place

If you're a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, you can buy a healthcare plan through their marketplace. You'll see options for health, dental, vision, life insurance, telehealth, and pet insurance. Choose one that's right for your lifestyle and needs.

Chances are, you'll save money compared to buying a private plan on your own. Follow the NAR guide to enroll in a plan. You may even be able to sign up your family for health benefits, too.

Through Your Brokerage

Although most real estate agents are independent contractors, some are employed by large brokerage firms, like Redfin. Those W-2 employees are eligible for employer-sponsored health benefits. They pay a small fee (or nothing at all).

This is the most affordable way to get coverage. If you don't want to look for plans on your own (and don't mind losing the freedom of being an independent contractor), consider joining a brokerage.

Just keep in mind that not all firms offer free health coverage. For example, at RE/MAX you can pick a plan through the RE/MAX marketplace, much like through the NAR. It's often pricier than an employer-sponsored plan.

Through the Healthcare Marketplace

Another alternative is to purchase a healthcare plan at a discount through the federal or state government. If you meet certain income guidelines, you can get coverage for a few hundred dollars a month or less.

For 2023, that means you can access affordable plans if you make less than $58,320 as an individual adult or less than $120,000 as a family of four. Even if your income goes beyond that, you may still qualify for a premium tax credit to lower your monthly premiums.

It's worth looking into this option, especially if you're new to real estate and aren't raking in the cash just yet. It's also worth it for parents working in real estate who want to cover their loved ones.

Through a Family Member

Does your spouse (or domestic partner, in some states) get health benefits through their employer? If so, then you might be able to join their policy.

How much this will cost greatly depends on your spouse's employer and insurer: some charge small fees for adding family members, while others charge upwards of $600 for basic plans.

Check with your significant other's insurer. It might be worth avoiding the hassle of looking for a plan by yourself.

Through an Additional Job

You may be locked out of all the options mentioned so far. It's a tough place to be in. If you can't qualify for marketplace plans, can't join a partner's policy, and can't afford private health insurance, then you may need to land a job that offers benefits.

That doesn't mean you have to quit real estate. One of the best things about this line of work is the flexibility. You could find full employment (and sign a W-2, to be eligible for employer-sponsored benefits) and still be a part-time real estate agent. It's a smart way to boost your earnings!

Add Health Benefits to the Long List of Real Estate Perks

These five options let you access healthcare while still pursuing a rewarding career path. You'll save money and have more resources to invest in your real estate business. It all starts with first getting your real estate license. We offer 100% accredited courses online you can take whenever and wherever you want. They'll put you on the fast track to closing your first deal.

Want to get your Real Estate License? Begin your Pre-Licensing Course today!

Get Started Now!

Updated 11/30/23

How Can a Real Estate Agent Earn Benefits? (2024)

FAQs

How Can a Real Estate Agent Earn Benefits? ›

One of the most common options is joining a spouse's health insurance plan offered through their company. State and local associations. Some agents turn to other associations, such as alumni associations, local associations of Realtors, and more. Work another job.

Do real estate agents get 401k? ›

A Solo 401(k) is the best way for real estate agents and mortgage brokers to save money for retirement. As a self-employed business owner, you can contribute as both the employer and the employee to a tax-advantaged savings plan.

Is it worth being a real estate agent in NJ? ›

There are great perks to becoming a real estate agent in today's market. Most people start this career because they aren't happy with their current career or they want unlimited freedom and becoming a real estate agent in New Jersey brings them.

What are the downside of being a real estate agent? ›

Cons of Being a Real Estate Agent
  • Starting as a Real Estate Agent.
  • Inconsistent Income.
  • Not Being Able to Set a Realistic Work-Life Balance.
  • Fierce Competition in the Real Estate Business.
  • Unrealistic Client Expectations.
Aug 28, 2023

How much do realtors make in New Jersey? ›

On average, real estate agents make $84,459 per year according to salaries reported by Indeed users.

What is the 5 year rule for 401k estate? ›

5-year rule: If a beneficiary is subject to the 5-year rule, They must empty account by the end of the 5th year following the year of the account holders' death.

Why is real estate better than 401k? ›

Real estate investing offers distinct tax advantages.

This benefit alone can save you a significant amount of money in taxes. Your taxable income is further reduced by being able to deduct things like mortgage expenses as well as property taxes and maintenance costs.

Is it stressful to be a real estate agent? ›

The reality of the job is often much more stressful than many anticipate. The emotional toll of selling homes can take a significant toll on realtors, leading to stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.

What are the odds of making it as a realtor? ›

Your Privacy is important to us. This article is part of a larger series on How to Become a Real Estate Agent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the real estate failure rate is between 43% and 54%. However, common statistics state that 87% of real estate agents fail within five years.

Is real estate worth it anymore? ›

Whether you're ready to buy a home or dip your toes in real estate investing, the sector is seen as a solid investment because of steady appreciation and the ability to generate passive income through rentals. Unlike more volatile markets, real estate often offers more stability and predictability over time.

What do most realtors struggle with? ›

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  • Not having enough listings.
  • Lead cost is high as compared to the conversion ratio.
  • Not having an established sales process.
  • Not knowing where the deal is in the sales process.
  • Failing to leverage technology.
  • Failing to leverage on referrals.
  • Abiding with real estate agent laws.

What is the hardest part of being a real estate agent? ›

Dealing with difficult clients. All realtors have had to deal with difficult clients at least once in their real estate career. Clients are always coming up with the most ridiculous demands and realtors have to deal with them no matter how crazy they may sound.

Is real estate agent a safe job? ›

Being a real estate agent is a risky job, as these professionals often meet in empty houses with prospective clients whom they have never met before. They regularly drive strangers in their cars and hold open houses that attract people off the street.

How much does a beginner real estate agent make in NJ? ›

$60,900 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $101,500 is the 75th percentile.

What type of realtors make the most money? ›

High Paying Real Estate Agent Jobs
  • Real Estate Appraiser. ...
  • Real Estate Consultant. ...
  • Residential Real Estate Agent. ...
  • Real Estate Analyst. ...
  • Housing Specialist. ...
  • Real Estate Processor. ...
  • Real Estate Assistant. Salary range: $38,000-$54,500 per year. ...
  • Timeshare Sales Agent. Salary range: $34,000-$34,000 per year.

Where do realtors get paid the most? ›

The Average Real Estate Broker Salary in Each State (2024)
  • GlassDoor reports that the average annual salary of real estate broker-owners in the United States is $220,507. ...
  • According to GlassDoor, the top five states with the highest real estate broker salaries are New York, California, Nevada, Iowa, and Arizona.
Feb 8, 2024

Is real estate a good investment for 401k? ›

The primary benefit of buying investment property via a 401k is that you're able to do so by taking a loan that is both tax-free and penalty-free. There are other tax benefits worth consideration. For instance, when purchasing a property with a 401k, any income generated from that property will not be taxed.

Does 401k come out of commissions? ›

When special payrolls for bonuses, commissions or off-cycle pay occur, 401(k) benefits should be applied, just as they would for any regular payroll cycles. To confirm whether the pay you are offering your employees is considered compensation for 401(k) purposes, we recommend consulting with your tax advisor.

Can I move my 401k into real estate? ›

It's possible to use a 401(k) for a real estate purchase, but not directly. You'll first need to roll over your existing 401(k)'s funds into a new Self-Directed IRA.

Can you withdraw from 401k to invest in real estate? ›

While the IRS does not permit you to use your 401k to invest in real estate directly, there are other ways you can legally access these funds to invest. So while it is possible to cash out your 401k, you must consider if the rental property is worth the work involved.

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