Best Side Hustles for Real Estate

Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional or someone looking to break into the industry, there are diverse ways to capitalize on the growing market. Here are some of the best side hustles for real estate in Canada, including descriptions, income potential, and resources to get started.

Real Estate Photography

High-quality photographs are crucial for marketing properties. Offering professional photography services to real estate agents and property owners can be a lucrative side hustle.

Income Potential:

$100–$500 per property, depending on the property size and services offered.

How to Get Started:

• Invest in a good camera and photography equipment.
• Learn real estate photography techniques through online courses like Udemy or Skillshare.
• Market your services on platforms like Houzz or Thumbtack.

Property Management

Assist property owners by managing their rental properties, handling tenant communication, maintenance requests, and rent collection.

Income Potential:

$25–$50 per hour or 10% of the monthly rental income.

How to Get Started:

• Obtain relevant certifications such as the Property Management License from your province’s regulatory body.
• Use platforms like Buildium to streamline management tasks.
• Advertise your services on local classifieds like Kijiji.

Real Estate Virtual Assistant

Provide administrative support to real estate agents, such as scheduling appointments, managing listings, and handling client communication.

Income Potential:

$15–$35 per hour.

How to Get Started:

• Learn relevant skills like CRM software usage and real estate terminology.
• Offer your services on freelancing websites like Upwork or Fiverr.

Home Staging Consultant

Help homeowners and real estate agents stage homes to make them more appealing to potential buyers.

Income Potential:

$500–$2,000 per project.

How to Get Started:

• Take a home staging course from platforms like Canadian Certified Staging Professionals.
• Build a portfolio of before-and-after photos.
• Network with local real estate agents and market your services on social media.

Real Estate Wholesaling

Act as a middleman by finding properties below market value, getting them under contract, and selling the contract to an investor for a profit.

Income Potential:

$5,000–$20,000 per deal.

How to Get Started:

• Learn the basics of real estate wholesaling through courses like Wholesaling Inc..
• Research local real estate laws.
• Use tools like PropStream to find deals and potential buyers.

Airbnb Hosting

Rent out properties or spare rooms on Airbnb to earn passive income.

Income Potential:

$1,000–$5,000+ per month, depending on location and property type.

How to Get Started:

• Create an account on Airbnb and list your property.
• Learn how to optimize your listing and provide excellent guest experiences.
• Use tools like AirDNA to analyze rental potential.

Real Estate Blogging or Content Creation

Create content about real estate trends, investment tips, and market insights to earn through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

Income Potential:

$500–$5,000+ per month, depending on traffic and monetization methods.

How to Get Started:

• Start a blog using platforms like WordPress.
• Monetize through Google AdSense and affiliate programs like Realtor.com’s Partner Network.
• Promote your content through social media and email marketing.

Real Estate Coaching or Consulting

Share your expertise in real estate by offering coaching or consulting services to aspiring investors or agents.

Income Potential:

$100–$300 per hour.

How to Get Started:

• Build credibility by showcasing your real estate success stories.
• Offer free webinars or workshops to attract clients.
• Use platforms like Coach.me to market your services.

Real Estate Investing

Buy properties to rent out or flip for a profit. This requires more capital but can yield substantial returns.

Income Potential:

$10,000–$100,000+ annually, depending on the investment strategy.

How to Get Started:

• Educate yourself through courses like REIN Canada.
• Research markets using tools like MLS Listings.
• Connect with local real estate investment groups.

Drone Videography

Description: Capture aerial footage of properties to enhance real estate listings.

Income Potential:

$200–$1,000 per project.

How to Get Started:

• Invest in a drone and get certified through Transport Canada.
• Learn video editing and marketing techniques.
• Market your services on platforms like Bark.

Final Thoughts

Real estate side hustles in Canada offer diverse opportunities with varying levels of investment and income potential. Whether you're leveraging your skills or venturing into a new niche, the key to success is consistent effort and staying informed about market trends. Start small, scale your efforts, and turn your side hustle into a sustainable income stream!