Finding a career that offers flexibility, financial growth, and fulfillment can feel overwhelming, especially as a single mom. But here’s the good news: becoming a real estate agent is not just possible but also one of the best career options for single moms. California’s booming real estate market makes it a great place to start your path to getting licensed and starting your career.
Real estate offers the ability to build your schedule around your family while tapping into strong earning potential. Keep reading to learn why becoming a single mom real estate agent in California is worth considering, along with the steps to jump-start your new career today.
Key Takeaways
- Flexible Schedule: Set your own hours to balance work and family life.
- Strong Income Potential: No degree is needed; earn based on effort, not clock hours.
- Transferable Skills: Time management, empathy, and multitasking give you a head start.
- Quick Start: You can get licensed in as little as 3 months with online courses.
Why Real Estate is a Good Career for Single Moms
One of the biggest challenges single moms face when choosing a career is finding one that aligns with their demanding schedules and family responsibilities. Real estate stands out as a career that not only offers financial independence but also the flexibility to tailor work around your life, making it an ideal choice for balancing both personal and professional priorities.
1. Flexibility to fit your busy life
Real estate offers the freedom to control your own calendar, making it easier to balance school drop-offs, soccer practices, and family dinners. You can schedule showings, meetings, and tasks around your family’s needs.
Many single moms also find solace in a supportive real estate community. Working with a team or brokerage allows you to lean on colleagues when your availability is restricted. With effective time management, running your real estate business as a single mom is not only possible but can also be incredibly rewarding.
2. Strong earning potential without a degree
If you’re wondering whether real estate is a good job for single moms, consider this: the harder you work, the more you earn. California’s thriving housing market offers ample opportunities for supplemental earnings or even a lucrative full-time income.
For example, the average home value in California is $728,134 (according to Zillow). A 3% commission on one sale could amount to $21,844 (shared with your brokerage). Even a few transactions could make a meaningful impact.
3. Options beyond residential sales
A real estate license doesn’t just limit you to selling homes. You can explore property management and commercial real estate or work directly with investors. By tailoring your career to your interests, you’ll create opportunities that suit both your financial goals and personal life.
4. Build a meaningful community
Being a real estate agent is more than selling property. It’s about helping families move into their dream homes and assisting others in selling theirs. This career focuses on fostering deep connections within your community, giving you personal fulfillment and professional pride.
You’ll also grow your network by attending events and working with other industry professionals. These connections can help you establish yourself as a trusted agent and make the most of this good career option.
Overcoming Challenges for Single Moms in Real Estate
Like any career, real estate has its challenges, but with determination and proper preparation, they’re manageable:
- Irregular Income: Real estate offers a variable income rather than a set paycheck. Consistent effort and good time management will help generate steady deals.
- Evening & Weekend Work: Clients may require your services outside traditional hours. Finding a dependable support system to help manage responsibilities is key.
- Managing Self-Employment Logistics: As an independent contractor, you’ll need to handle taxes, health insurance, and retirement planning. Most brokerages offer helpful resources for managing these aspects.
The rewards far outweigh these hurdles, especially when you focus on the flexibility and earning potential this career provides.
Steps to Become a Real Estate Agent in California
If you’re ready to kickstart your career, here’s your path to getting licensed in California as a single mom real estate agent.
1. Meet eligibility requirements
To become a real estate agent in California, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be honest and trustworthy (with a clean legal background)
No college degree is necessary to become a real estate agent.
2. Complete pre-licensing courses
In California, you can fulfill the 135 hours of required pre-licensing education either online or in person. Online courses are often the best option for single moms looking to balance their busy schedules. Not only are they more flexible, but they also allow you to complete the process faster compared to in-person classes.
Allied Real Estate School offers a variety of online learning packages tailored to your needs. Plus, Allied allows you to swap courses as needed, provides hard-copy textbooks, and includes digital exam flashcards to help you prepare confidently for the state licensing exam.
One of the biggest advantages of these online courses is their self-paced nature, making it possible to study while juggling a full-time job and other responsibilities. While in-person classes are available throughout the state, they may take longer to complete and lack the flexibility often needed to fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. For convenience and efficiency, online options from Allied Real Estate School are an excellent solution.
3. Pass a background check
Submit fingerprints to undergo a background check, ensuring eligibility for your license.
4. Pass the licensing exam
Once your coursework and background check are complete, apply to take the licensing exam through the Department of Real Estate (DRE). This exam will test your knowledge of real estate laws and practices, and passing it is a crucial step toward obtaining your license.
To prepare for the licensing exam, consider taking a pre-licensing course through Allied Real Estate School. Our online courses are designed to help you pass the exam on your first try with comprehensive study materials and practice exams.
5. Partner with a brokerage
To activate your license, you’ll need to partner with a licensed brokerage. Allied Schools helps connect students with brokerages to jump-start their careers and get their first listings.
With Allied Schools’ support and resources, you can become a licensed real estate agent in as little as three months!
Skills You Already Have as a Single Mom that Translate to Real Estate
Many core skills you’ve developed as a mother will help you excel in real estate. For example:
- Time Management: Balancing a family schedule prepares you to manage showings, deadlines, and client meetings.
- Empathy & Communication: You’re skilled at understanding others’ needs and addressing them with care, which is invaluable in real estate.
- Problem-Solving: If you’ve juggled appointments and sibling disagreements, you’re ready to manage complex transactions.
- Networking: Building connections with other parents or community members will make it easier to grow your client list.
These core skills are part of what makes single moms so successful in this field.
Real estate isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to create financial freedom and a flexible lifestyle for you and your family. Allied Schools helps aspiring agents like you take the first step with expertly designed pre-licensing courses and industry relationships to get you ahead.
Why Allied Schools is the right choice:
- Learn on your own time with flexible online courses.
- Top-tier exam prep tools will help you pass your exam the first time you take it.
- Allied offers job placement support to help you find a brokerage.
Your brighter future starts with one decision. Enroll today!
