Real Estate Salesperson vs Property & Casualty Insurance

P&C insurance on a home sale adds approximately $500-$1,500 in first-year commission plus $100-$300 annually in renewals. If you close 20 homes per year, that's $10,000-$30,000 extra in year one, growing each year as renewals compound. After 5 years, you could have 100+ policies generating $10,000-$30,000 annually in passive renewal income. The P&C license essentially creates a residual income stream on top of your real estate commissions.

Yes, it's legal in all states, but you must hold separate licenses from different regulatory bodies (real estate commission and insurance department). Some states have specific disclosure requirements when offering both services. You should clearly explain that you're offering insurance as a licensed agent, separate from your real estate transaction, and that clients are free to obtain insurance elsewhere. Proper documentation protects both you and your clients.

Real estate is generally harder due to longer pre-licensing requirements (60-180 hours vs 20-52 hours) and broader content including contracts, property law, agency relationships, and financing. P&C insurance focuses specifically on insurance concepts, policy types, and underwriting basics. Real estate pass rates are typically 50-60% first-time; P&C varies by state from 50-70%. If you can pass real estate, P&C will feel more manageable.

You have options: 1) Work for a brokerage that supports both (some real estate brokerages have insurance partnerships), 2) Be independent in both (hang your real estate license with a broker, contract with insurance carriers independently), or 3) Partner with an insurance agent for referrals rather than getting licensed yourself. Having both licenses gives you maximum flexibility and commission retention, but partnering can work if you prefer focusing only on real estate.