Here’s a question for all working parents: Are you struggling to juggle work and family responsibilities? Do you often feel stretched thin, being pulled in different directions? Does a child’s illness, school breaks, or work-related travel throw your routine into chaos? Perhaps it’s time to think outside the box and explore alternative career paths.
“The choice between family and career, being a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, doesn’t have to be so black-and-white. It’s about creating a life that’s unique to you and your family.” – Kristin Cavallari
One career option to consider is real estate. Being a real estate agent and a mom means you’ll have a more flexible schedule, so you won’t panic when the unexpected happens. You can plan your showings around your teenager’s soccer games and take time off guilt-free to be a guest reader in your first grader’s classroom.
Is real estate a good career for a mom (or dad)? Let’s consider the pros and cons of this career option to see if it’s a good fit for your family. (Please note, entry-level real estate agents in Washington are called brokers.)
Key Takeaways
- Real estate offers a flexible schedule, making it easier for parents to balance work and family responsibilities, such as attending school events or managing unexpected emergencies.
- Real estate can be financially rewarding, even as a part-time job. Agents in Washington can earn a competitive income through commissions, with average earnings ranging from $89,000 to over $200,000, depending on experience and niche.
- Becoming a real estate broker in Washington requires minimal upfront investment, with licensing education available for under $800 and the process taking just 2–3 months to complete.
- Moms bring valuable skills like time management, communication, adaptability, and empathy to a real estate career, making the transition seamless and empowering them to thrive in the industry.
The Appeal of Real Estate for Moms
Here’s what we know about the demographic characteristics of REALTORS®, or members of the National Association of REALTORS®.
- 65% of all REALTORS® are female
- 43% of all new REALTORS® (in the industry for less than two years) are 39 years old or younger
- Only half of new REALTORS® have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- 45% of new REALTORS® also have another job while working in real estate
Why does being a real estate agent and a mom work so well for many? Here’s why real estate appeals to so many moms.
Life is unpredictable—especially for parents. Your work might be interrupted by stomach bugs, school closures, or playground mishaps. Having the flexibility of a real estate broker’s schedule allows you to handle these minor emergencies more easily than someone with a typical 9-to-5 job.
Real estate can be highly lucrative—even when working part-time.
Most real estate brokers in Washington don’t earn a regular salary. Instead, they typically earn commissions based on the property’s sale price. However, some work in property management, allowing them to earn both a salary and commissions. In fact, there are various career options for Washington residents with a real estate license.
A real estate broker’s income in Washington varies considerably based on years in the industry, niche, and skill level. Here’s the latest data on how much you can make in WA
The Close: $100,118
Indeed: $89,557
Glassdoor: $202,000
Impressed by these potential earnings? It’s also worth noting that according to the aforementioned NAR member report, REALTORS® work an average of 35 hours per week.
Real estate offers a low barrier to entry.
Unlike many lucrative careers requiring costly training programs or college degrees, you can become a real estate broker in Washington in two to three months. Plus, high-quality real estate education and training courses are available for under $800.
Real estate is a great side gig or part-time job.
Are you a single mom looking for an additional income stream to meet Washington’s cost of living? Real estate is an excellent option. Residential real estate brokers often work evenings and weekends, allowing you to maintain your regular job while earning extra income.
Are you a stay-at-home mom wanting to work a few hours a week to bring in additional income? Consider starting a real estate career instead of settling for a part-time job with limited growth potential. You can get licensed, build your network, and gain industry experience. Then, when your children are more independent, you’ll be ready to transition into a full-time real estate career.
Transferable Skills Moms Bring to Real Estate
As a mom, you already possess key qualifications to transition seamlessly into a real estate career. Here are some valuable skills moms bring to the table.
Exceptional time management
Juggling school pickups, extracurricular activities, and family commitments requires excellent time management. In real estate, this skill helps agents prioritize tasks, schedule showings, meet deadlines, and handle paperwork efficiently while ensuring client satisfaction.
Strong communication skills
From negotiating with toddlers to managing family schedules, moms are expert communicators. These skills are invaluable in real estate for negotiating deals, keeping clients informed, and building relationships with industry professionals.
Empathy and understanding
As a mom, you’re adept at listening, empathizing, and understanding your child’s needs. These qualities translate well into real estate, helping you connect with clients, understand their goals, and guide them through life-changing decisions.
Organization and attention to detail
Planning family vacations, managing meal prep, and tracking appointments demand attention to detail. In real estate, these organizational skills are crucial for managing multiple listings, coordinating inspections, and ensuring contracts are accurate.
Adaptability and problem-solving
Parenting teaches you to adapt to unexpected situations and think on your feet. This ability is a major asset in real estate when navigating challenges like last-minute buyer changes or competitive market conditions.
Do you have the skills required to be a real estate broker? Then, all you need is knowledge, which you can learn in real estate school.
Is Real Estate the Right Fit for You?
Real estate might be the perfect choice if you’re seeking a career that offers flexibility, financial potential, and the chance to utilize the skills you’ve developed as a parent. However, it’s essential to consider the job’s demands, such as inconsistent income and the need for self-motivation, alongside its benefits.
With the right mindset and approach, real estate can be a fulfilling way to balance work and family while building a successful career and business.
Balancing Motherhood and Real Estate
Real estate agent Sasha Valdes was recently honored as a finalist for the RISMedia Rookie of the Year award. Her journey into real estate began during a challenging time in her life. Living in Colorado as a new mom with two young children, Valdes faced significant financial and emotional challenges. “Postpartum had hit me like a train wreck,” she recalled. “I was just grasping onto any little bit of light that I could find.”
That light appeared during a visit to South Florida, where a friend’s enthusiasm for his real estate career sparked her interest. Motivated by the possibilities, Valdes and her family made the bold decision to leave Colorado, relocate to Florida, and embark on a new chapter in real estate.
Although the transition came with challenges, Valdes quickly realized the career was a natural fit for her skills and drive. Through determination and effort, she built a thriving business. Now a successful agent at Keller Williams Realty, Valdes hopes to inspire other moms to embrace change and pursue their dreams. “I want to be a shining star for other moms who are looking at a career change,” she said.
Valdes offers this advice to moms considering a leap into real estate: “You can do it if you believe you can. If you’re looking for a career in real estate and believe in yourself, you are one hundred percent capable of doing it—and doing it with grace.”
Steps to Get Started in Real Estate in Washington
You must obtain a real estate broker license to practice real estate in Washington. Before pursuing your license, you must be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Here are the requirements to become a real estate broker in Washington.
Step 1: Complete pre-licensing education
Begin by completing 90 hours of pre-licensing education, divided into two courses: a 60-hour Washington fundamentals course and a 30-hour Washington practices course. These can be completed in a classroom, online, or via livestream at your convenience.
Step 2: Pass the Washington real estate exam
Next, pass the state and national portions of the exam, which test your knowledge from the pre-licensing courses. To boost your confidence, Rockwell Institute provides an exam prep course with a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee, which is included in all pre-licensing packages.
Step 3: Complete a background check
After passing the exam, submit your fingerprints for a background check through an IdentoGo center.
Step 4: Apply for your license
Finally, submit your application and fees to the Washington State Department of Licensing to officially obtain your real estate license.
Follow the lead of many successful Washington real estate leaders by becoming a real estate broker while raising your kids. Rockwell Institute can help you with your career goals. We offer all the coursework you’ll need to get licensed, and you can take your courses in-person, via livestream, or at your own pace online.
