Balancing work and family is one of the greatest challenges many parents face, especially moms. Throw in unpredictable schedules, sick days to manage, and school events to attend — finding a job that fits can feel overwhelming. But is there a career where flexibility, financial opportunities, and personal growth come together? For many, the answer is yes—with real estate.
Have you ever wondered whether being a real estate agent and a mom is possible? This post will help you discover the opportunities and challenges of entering the real estate industry. You’ll learn why this career might be a good fit and actionable steps to get started for those living in California.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate offers unmatched flexibility for moms. Moms can set their own schedules, work from home, and attend to family needs while still managing clients, making real estate a practical alternative to rigid 9-to-5 jobs.
- The financial potential is strong—even part-time. With commission-based income and average earnings of $79,250 for part-time agents in California, moms can contribute meaningfully to household income without working full-time hours.
- It’s accessible and scalable. The career has a low barrier to entry—requiring between $1,000 to $2,000 in licensing costs—and can grow from a part-time role into a full-time business as children become more independent.
- Parenting skills are a major asset in real estate. Time management, empathy, communication, and adaptability—skills often honed through motherhood—are key traits that help moms succeed in the real estate industry.
Why Real Estate Appeals to Moms
Being a real estate agent offers unique benefits that make it especially attractive to moms. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 65% of REALTORS are women, many of whom are parents, thanks to the job’s flexibility and potential rewards. But what makes real estate a standout career for moms?
Real estate offers flexibility.
Life as a parent comes with constant surprises, including school closures and unexpected illnesses — and juggling work obligations can be a challenge. Real estate offers flexibility unmatched by traditional 9-to-5 roles. With the freedom to set your own hours, you can schedule showings around family commitments, attend your child’s school play, or even work from home as you manage your leads and paperwork.
Real estate offers superb financial potential.
Real estate offers significant potential earnings, even for part-time agents. Instead of a fixed salary, agents earn commissions based on the property sale price. (Did you know the average property in California costs $788,920, according to Zillow?)
The average income for real estate agents in California varies based on experience and niche — and the number of sales you oversee. A recent study conducted by Allied Schools shows that part-time real estate agents working in California earn an average salary of $79,250.
Making this kind of money as a part-time agent allows moms to contribute to household earnings while controlling their workload.
Real estate has a low barrier to entry — compared to other professions that pay the same.
Unlike many high-paying careers requiring expensive degrees and certifications, real estate has a relatively low cost of entry. Most states, including California, require agents to complete pre-licensing coursework and pass an exam. These prerequisites can often be completed within a few months, and in California, costs for coursework and exams typically run around $1,500. For moms looking to transition careers or reenter the workforce, real estate is an accessible and attainable option.
You can spend more time on your real estate business as your children become more independent.
For many moms, real estate starts as a part-time endeavor that fits neatly around a busy family schedule. However, as your children become more independent, you can turn those part-time efforts into a thriving full-time career. Imagine utilizing the hours previously dedicated to school pick-ups and after-school activities to focus on securing more clients, expanding your network, or increasing your marketing efforts. This shift can significantly boost your income while still allowing you to maintain control over your time.
Life Skills Are Critical for Success in Real Estate
You probably already have the necessary qualifications to succeed as a real estate agent! The skills you’ve developed through your life experiences can lay the foundation for a successful real estate career. Whether you’ve gained expertise through parenting, excelling in a previous job, or navigating life’s challenges, these transferable skills equip you to thrive in the field. Here’s how the skills you’ve cultivated can give you an edge in real estate:
- Time Management: Managing hectic schedules and meeting deadlines are skills many busy parents develop. These skills translate well into coordinating showings, open houses, and client meetings.
- Strong Communication Skills: Whether you’re mediating between siblings or explaining a bedtime rule, moms are often seasoned communicators. In real estate, these skills are vital for negotiating deals, understanding client needs, and maintaining relationships with buyers and sellers.
- Empathy and Patience: Parenting fosters understanding and patience. These qualities are invaluable as you guide clients through one of the most emotional decisions of their lives.
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Parenthood teaches you to stay calm in chaotic situations, a skill that’s incredibly useful in real estate, where every transaction presents new challenges.
Balancing Motherhood and Real Estate
While real estate offers significant advantages for moms, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges. Balancing the demands of motherhood with being a successful real estate agent requires discipline and organization. Here are some tips to make it work:
1. Establish boundaries
Set clear boundaries for when you’re available to clients and when you’re prioritizing family time. Using tools like a shared family calendar helps ensure that work and home commitments don’t collide.
2. Have emergency childcare options in place
Real estate often comes with unpredictable schedules and last-minute client requests. A sudden showing or an urgent meeting can arise at any moment, making it essential to have a dependable backup plan for childcare. Whether it’s a trusted family member, a babysitter on call, or a nearby drop-in childcare service, having emergency options ensures that your kids are cared for while you focus on your work. This preparation allows you to manage client needs without the stress of juggling family responsibilities in the moment.
3. Leverage technology
Take advantage of apps and software for scheduling, lead tracking, and social media marketing. Tools like Calendly for appointments or Canva for marketing can save time and simplify your workload. When interviewing brokerages, ask about the firm’s commitment to helping their agents with real estate technology!
4. Build a support network
Don’t be afraid to lean on others. Whether it’s a spouse, a fellow agent, or a parenting group, having a support network can help you manage the challenges of balancing both roles.
Real-Life Inspiration
Take Sasha Valdes, a mom and thriving real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty. After facing postpartum challenges and financial struggles, Sasha found her light in a career that allowed her to balance motherhood and financial success. Today, she credits her empathy, determination, and adaptability as a mom for helping her excel in real estate. Her advice to aspiring moms in the field? “If you’re looking for a career in real estate and believe in yourself, you are one hundred percent capable of doing it.”
Steps to Get Started in Real Estate in California
If you’re ready to explore being a real estate agent and a mom, here’s how to get started in California:
Step 1: Meet the prerequisites
To become a California real estate agent, you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident. No college degree is required, making this career path highly accessible.
Step 2: Complete pre-licensing education
California requires 135 hours of coursework covering real estate principles, practices, and legal aspects. Look for online or in-person classes from accredited providers, such as Allied Real Estate School. Allied offers livestream and online courses so that you can complete your pre-licensing education from the comfort of your own home.
Step 3: Pass the licensing exam
The California real estate exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Study guides, prep courses, and practice exams are great resources to help you succeed.
Step 4: Find a brokerage
You’ll need to align yourself with a real estate broker to activate your license. Think of a brokerage as a mentor that helps you gain experience and build industry connections.
Step 5: Build your network and market yourself
As a stay-at-home mom, you probably already have a vast network of connections to tap into for your real estate career. From fellow parents you’ve met at school drop-offs to friends made through playgroups, sports teams, or community events, these relationships are a fantastic foundation for growing your business. Start by letting people in your circle know about your real estate services. Share updates on social media, offer helpful advice about the housing market or organize casual meetups where you can share more about your work. By turning your everyday connections into professional opportunities, you’ll build trust, create referrals, and expand your reach.
Is Being a Real Estate Agent Right for You?
Real estate isn’t just a career; it’s an opportunity to create a lifestyle that works for you and your family. It’s about flexibility, financial control, and leveraging the valuable skills you already have.
If you find joy in helping others, have strong organizational skills, and cherish the idea of working on your own terms, real estate might be the perfect fit.
Take that first step today and explore a career that could transform your professional and personal life.
Ready to build a career with flexibility and unlimited earning potential? With Allied Schools, you can tailor your real estate education to fit your life through self-paced or livestream learning options. Learn from expert instructors, access industry-leading exam prep, and feel confident with their Pass-or-Don’t-Pay guarantee. Whether you’re starting fresh or advancing your career, Allied Schools is here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t wait—enroll today and start your journey to success!
Disclaimer: The Salary Guide mentioned in this blog is for general informational purposes only, based on an August 2024 survey of Allied Schools alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Allied Schools strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.
