Is Real Estate a Good Industry for Single Moms?

Finding a career that offers flexibility, financial growth, and fulfillment can be overwhelming, especially as a single mom. But here’s the good news: becoming a real estate agent as a single mom is a good career option that ticks all these boxes. Ohio’s thriving real estate market makes it the perfect place to start.

Real estate gives you the opportunity to work on your terms while building a meaningful connection with your community. Learn the pros and cons of this career and the average salary for real estate agents in Ohio.

Key Takeaways

• Flexible Scheduling That Fits Family Life: Real estate lets you control your calendar, making it easier to balance school drop-offs, appointments, and quality time with your kids — all while growing your career.
• Strong Earning Potential Without a Degree: With Ohio’s thriving housing market and commission-based income, single moms can earn a meaningful living — even from just a few home sales — without needing a college degree.
• Transferable Skills from Motherhood to Real Estate: Skills like time management, communication, empathy, and problem-solving — which moms use daily — are precisely what it takes to succeed in real estate.
• A Career That Builds Community and Confidence: Helping others buy or sell homes creates lasting relationships and roots in your community, giving single moms both personal fulfillment and professional pride.

Benefits of Real Estate for Single Moms

Are you researching good career options for single moms? Here are some benefits of becoming a licensed real estate agent in Ohio.

Flexibility to fit your busy life

Real estate offers flexible scheduling, enabling you to manage showings, meetings, and tasks around your family’s needs. You’ll be available for school drop-offs, appointments, or kids’ activities; real estate gives you control over your calendar.

Working in teams is also common in real estate, allowing you to turn to colleagues for support when your availability is restricted. With smart time management, running your own real estate business as a single mom is not only possible but also can be highly rewarding.

Unlimited earning potential

Ohio’s real estate market is booming, and becoming a licensed agent unlocks supplemental earnings or even a lucrative, full-time income. The profession is commission-based, and the harder you work, the more you can earn.

For example, the average home value in Ohio is $234,906 (based on Zillow estimates). A 3% commission on just one sale could bring in $7,047 (which you share with your brokerage.) Imagine how that scales as you grow your business!

Opportunities beyond residential sales

One little-known advantage of the industry is the opportunity to explore varied career paths. With a real estate license, you can work in residential sales, property management, commercial real estate, or with investors. Having options lets you create a career tailored to both your personal interests and your family’s financial needs.

Community connections

Real estate is more than a business; it’s about building meaningful relationships within your community. By helping families find their dream homes or assisting clients in selling their properties, you’re playing a role in shaping your neighborhood.

This career also gives you access to networking events and organizations, creating connections with other professionals while establishing yourself as a trusted name in your area.

Challenges Single Moms May Face in Real Estate

Like any career, real estate introduces its own set of obstacles. Here are three potential challenges single moms might face and how to overcome them:

• Irregular Income: Real estate income isn’t a set salary, but good time management and consistent effort can lead to steady deals over time.
• Evening & Weekend Work: You may need to accommodate clients during non-traditional hours. Building a support system can make this manageable.
• Self-Employment Logistics: Real estate professionals are independent contractors, meaning you’ll handle quarterly taxes, health insurance, and retirement planning. Most brokerages guide their agents in managing these responsibilities.

The key? Determination, preparation, and hard work. These challenges are manageable, and the rewards far outweigh the hurdles.

Steps to Become a Single Mom Real Estate Agent in Ohio

Getting licensed is simpler than you might think. Here’s your path to getting started.

Step 1: Meet Ohio’s real estate licensing prerequisites

You need to meet the following requirements to start your real estate licensing process in Ohio:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrate honesty and integrity with a clean legal record.

Step 2: Complete pre-licensing courses

You do not need a college degree to be a real estate agent. However, you do need to complete a 120-hour course. Hondros College offers flexible learning options, including live-streamed or at-your-own-pace online classes to fit your schedule. If you would rather learn in a traditional classroom, Hondros can also help you with that.

Step 3: Pass a background check

Applicants must provide their fingerprints as part of an official background check before submitting their application for licensure. This process ensures that all candidates meet the necessary security and eligibility requirements before being considered for approval.

Step 4: Submit your application

Submit your real estate salesperson application through the Ohio Division of Real Estate to begin your career in the industry. Our team at Hondros is here to guide you through each step of the process, from meeting the licensing requirements to preparing for the exam. With our expert support and resources, you’ll have everything you need to start your journey as a real estate professional.

Step 5: Pass the licensing exam

Schedule your licensing exam through PSI Exams. Passing the licensing exam is one of the most important steps in becoming a real estate agent, and Hondros College is here to help you succeed with their Exam Prep Bootcamp. This all-inclusive package is packed with top exam prep resources to ensure you feel prepared and confident for test day.

Step 6: Find a brokerage

Activating your real estate license requires partnering with a licensed brokerage, and Hondros College makes this step easier with monthly Career Expo events. Available in both in-person and virtual formats, these events are designed to connect you with hiring brokers and give you a head start in the industry.

With the right mindset and support from Hondros, you can get licensed in as little as 2 to 3 months.

Real Skills Moms Already Have for Real Estate Success

The skills many develop as moms translate perfectly into real estate. Here are a few core skills to help you as a real estate agent.

• Time Management: Coordinating schedules, balancing responsibilities, and meeting deadlines are skills you may have mastered by overseeing a household.
• Empathy & Communication: Understanding and genuinely addressing others’ needs is a core skill in real estate.
• Problem-Solving: If you’ve handled sibling disagreements or managed a sick day with back-to-back errands, you’ll thrive in navigating complex transactions.
• Networking: Leveraging your connections from school, sports, and the community makes it easier to build a client list.

Your life experience often makes real estate a good career option for single moms, and Hondros College will ensure you have the confidence and expertise to excel.

Discover the Hondros Difference

Real estate is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to create financial freedom and a flexible lifestyle for you and your family. At Hondros College, we’ve helped thousands of aspiring agents achieve their dreams with expert instruction, flexible course schedules, and unparalleled industry connections.

At Hondros College, we empower single moms like you to take their first steps into real estate by offering expertly designed pre-licensing courses with flexible schedules. Enroll in Hondros College pre-licensing courses today and start paving the way for a brighter future.