Getting a temp job can be a powerful steppingstone to a permanent role in real estate—but it’s a path many professionals overlook. Instead, temp work often gets a bad reputation, and people miss out on real opportunities while holding out for the perfect full-time job.
This article breaks down why temporary roles can actually lead to better, long-term careers in real estate—complete with real-life success stories to show how it works. We also offer actionable strategies you can use to help you turn a temp job into a permanent position successfully.
Why Temp Work Is an Ideal Path to Permanent Employment
It’s understandable to think that the best way to jumpstart any career is to find a good, permanent job. But starting with contract-to-hire in real estate also has its advantages—sometimes even surpassing those of a permanent role.
Here’s why temp jobs can be a smart way to build a long-term career in real estate:
You Start and Grow Fast
In today’s tough job market, speed is everything. Whether you’re just starting out or between jobs, landing a role quickly is key—especially since long gaps on your resume can slow down your long-term career growth.
Temporary roles often have faster hiring timelines compared to permanent positions. AI recruiting firm Carv estimates that the average time-to-fill of permanent positions is 45 days.¹ For temporary roles, it’s only around 14 days.
You Build a Stronger Skill Set
Permanent jobs are more stable, but this means they also tend to be rigid, lacking in variety. With temporary roles, you can get assigned to all kinds of places, especially in real estate. One day you might handle HVAC issues at one property, and the next you’re assisting with plumbing or leasing tasks at another.
This kind of variety in work opens you up to learning many skills and collecting experiences that you can put on your resume. You sharpen your problem-solving skills and become more adaptable in fast-paced environments. In just a few months of temporary hiring, you can make your resume much more attractive for future permanent roles.
You Get to “Try Before You Buy”
Have you ever experienced committing to a full-time real estate role and then immediately regretting it? If so, temporary jobs might be the solution you need to avoid the same situation.
Many employers like temporary hiring because it allows them to evaluate a worker before hiring them full-time—and this advantage goes both ways. As a contract worker—whether in leasing, maintenance, or admin—you have the flexibility to decide if the company or role is a good long-term fit before committing. This gives you the privilege to choose which permanent role in real estate you want the most.
Real Cases of Successful Temp-to-Perm Careers
Still have doubts about pursuing short-term real estate contracts first before going permanent? Then this might help: real-life success stories of professionals who turned temp roles into fulfilling, lasting careers.
A good example is the story of Carla Toebe, owner of CT Realty LLC.² She got her start in real estate through a temp agency, earning $9/hour and handling showings and leases. Her strong performance led to a referral for a full-time position, eventually taking on financial accounting, property inspections, and training site managers. Over time, she became a property manager and eventually opened her own brokerage. Want to see more ways professionals grow in real estate? Here’s how leasing agents climb the ladder to property management.
Toebe’s story clearly shows that temp jobs don’t just lead to permanent roles—they offer the opportunity to have rewarding, long-lasting careers.
How to Convert a Temp Role into a Permanent Career Successfully
If you’re ready to take on a temp role—or if you’re already in one—here are six smart ways to successfully shift to a permanent position in real estate:
1. Start Strong by Performing Like a Permanent Hire
First impressions are hard to change, so make yours count even if you’re working with short-term real estate contracts. Approach each day as if you’re already a full-time member of the team. This way, you’ll perform with loyalty and determination to do great. Here are some examples:
- Show up on time every day.
- Dress well for the job you want.
- Pay attention to how things are done and learn quickly.
- Be consistent with the quality of your work.
2. Know How You’ll Be Evaluated—and Deliver Results
It’s hard to perform well if you don’t know what that means to your employer. Ask your staffing firm or supervisor how your performance will be evaluated so you can focus on what matters most. Some examples include punctuality, quality of work, speed of work, and tenant satisfaction.
If there are no clear metrics, you can just simply ask what they want to see in your work. Do they want you to finish tasks quickly and without mistakes? Or do they care more about keeping tenants happy and served well? These guides will be helpful so you can direct your efforts to what your employer will actually appreciate.
3. Ask for Feedback
It’s good to assess yourself based on official metrics. But what matters more is how your employers see you. Asking for feedback directly shows them that you’re really aiming to do a good job as a temp hire. This proactive approach is often more effective than waiting for a formal review.
After receiving feedback, it’s important that you apply it immediately, so your employers know you’re listening well. Doing a good job is one thing, growing and learning despite mistakes is another.
4. Go Beyond What’s Expected
If you notice an opportunity to help—even outside your usual tasks—take it. Many employees do the minimum requirements, which is fine. But if you want to stand out, go the extra mile. It shows that you care about the company for the long term even if you’re on a short-term real estate contract.
Here are a few ideas on how you can do more than just what’s required:
- Help real estate agents prepare for leasing events.
- Suggest a faster way to organize maintenance requests or schedule tours.
- Help out a new temp hire.
- Offer to take notes for everyone during a team meeting.
- Volunteer to handle extra follow-ups with tenants.
- Point out small issues, like broken signs or negative tenant comments.
5. Connect with the Team
Being good at your job isn’t always enough. You also have to be someone others want to work with. Employers today look for people who not only perform well but also fit into the company culture. Also, if you connect well with your colleagues, they may one day vouch for you when you’re being considered for a permanent role.
Here are some ways you can network effectively as a temp hire:
- Listen actively and contribute if you can to team meetings
- Find ways to appreciate your coworkers
- Be friendly and professional, even during breaks or casual conversations
- Connect with them on LinkedIn at the right time
6. Initiate a Conversation About Permanent Opportunities
Sometimes, the best way to get a permanent offer is to simply ask. Your employer might not be aware that you’re interested in working for them beyond your contract. If you don’t receive an offer around the end of your agreement, it may be time to start the conversation yourself. This shows that you’re really determined and interested in working with them full-time.
Start the conversation at the right time, maybe during a break or a one-on-one feedback meeting with your employer or direct supervisor. In addition to expressing your interest, ask what specific steps you can take to earn a full-time offer.
Ready to boost your real estate career through a temp job? The Liberty Group can help!
If you’re looking for a contract job that actually grows your career, you need a staffing firm that knows the industry. The Liberty Group is a nationwide leader in multifamily property management staffing—and we have top-tier temp-to-hire roles waiting for you.
Explore open roles and contact us today to discover how you can take the next step toward a permanent career in property management.
References:
- Macoveiciuc, Andreea. “Must-Know Staffing Industry Benchmarks for 2024.” Carv, 2024, https://www.carv.com/blog/staffing-industry-benchmarks.
- Your Guide to a Career in Property Management. Buildium, https://www.buildium.com/resource/property-management-career-guide/. Accessed 10 July 2025.