Real Estate Agent: The Perfect Career for Moms Returning to Work

Are you a stay-at-home mom who is thinking about going back into the workforce? If so, real estate is one of the best jobs for moms returning to work. Here’s what you need to know about transitioning from mom to real estate agent.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate is a great career choice for stay-at-home moms returning to work because it allows for part-time work, flexible scheduling, and remote opportunities to build your business while balancing family responsibilities.
• Stay-at-home moms excel in time management, multitasking, communication, organization, and relationship-building—all essential skills for success in real estate. These abilities, combined with their strong neighborhood knowledge and networks, make them ideal candidates for this career.
• The licensing process in Ohio is straightforward and can be completed in just a few months. Moms don’t need a college degree to start this new career, and pre-licensing courses are available online for convenience.
• While building a client base and earning commissions may take time, real estate offers significant earning potential. With dedication and experience, moms can create a lucrative career while contributing to their household income.

Challenges Stay-at-Home-Moms Face When Returning to the Workplace

We understand the challenges stay-at-home moms face as they return to work outside the home.

First, the career you left behind may be unrecognizable. As technology improves and time passes, industries evolve, bringing new tools, trends, and expectations. In short, the job you once loved may not exist in the same form anymore.

After being out of the workforce for an extended period, you might feel disconnected from your previous professional network. Rebuilding these connections or creating new ones may feel overwhelming.

As you apply for new roles in related or new industries, you may struggle to get interviews, as you may have a skill deficit from being absent from a traditional workplace for many years. In addition, your applications will have employment gaps. Unfortunately, some employers may have misconceptions about the abilities or commitment of candidates with gaps in their resumes. Addressing and overcoming these biases during the hiring process can be an added challenge.

Unfortunately, some stay-at-home parents may also struggle with confidence issues. While you may have cherished the time you spent at home with your kids, stepping back into the workforce can feel intimidating. You might worry that your skills are outdated or that potential employers won’t value the experience you’ve gained during your time at home.

Finally, besides being concerned about finding the right career and position, you may feel anxious about how you’ll be able to juggle your household and parenting responsibilities with your new job.

Even as we acknowledge these challenges stay-at-home moms sometimes face when returning to work, we would also like to offer encouragement. There’s a career out there perfect for someone with excellent organizational skills, work ethic, and neighborhood knowledge. The real estate industry offers many jobs for moms returning to work.

Why Moms Consider Real Estate When Returning to Work

Real estate should be the first choice of careers for stay-at-home moms returning to work. Here’s why you should consider entering the industry.

You’ll have a flexible schedule and be able to work part-time as a real estate agent.

Jumping immediately into full-time employment may be challenging for many stay-at-home moms. But, with real estate, you can work on your licensing requirements, make connections, and build your business as time allows.

Once you are an established agent, you’ll be able to schedule client meetings and showings around your family’s schedule. And as your children’s dependence on you lessens, you can focus more on your real estate business. Until then, you can do real estate part-time.

You can do much of the work growing your business from home.

Many stay-at-home moms who transition back to the workforce look for a remote position that allows them to be present for their children when necessary. Although real estate requires you to get out in the community, you can complete many work-related tasks from anywhere – including a home office.

You can become a licensed real estate agent in Ohio in two or three months.

You can earn an Ohio real estate license in just a few months. Here are the steps to becoming an agent.

• Complete Ohio Real Estate Classes: Enroll in a 120-hour pre-licensing course, which includes Real Estate Principles and Practices, Ohio Real Estate Law, Real Estate Appraisal, and Real Estate Finance. You can take your classes online to expedite the licensing process. A college degree is not required to become a real estate agent.
• Find a Sponsoring Broker: Secure a sponsoring broker to work under before applying for the licensing exam. Attend Career Nights or network with local brokerages to find opportunities.
• Apply for the Ohio Real Estate Exam: Submit your application through the Ohio Division of Real Estate eLicense Center. Include required documents such as your course completion certificate, proof of legal presence, broker hire form, and fingerprinting information for background checks.
• Pass the Licensing Exam: Schedule your exam with PSI after receiving approval. The exam costs $63 and includes state and national sections, which you must pass with a minimum score of 70%.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the steps required to get your license. Your real estate school will help you with the licensing process.

Real estate can be lucrative.

The average salary of real estate agents in Ohio is $100,439 (Source: ZipRecruiter, January 2025). While this compensation might excite you, please note the following about how real estate agents are paid.

Real estate agents are, in essence, small business owners.

Most real estate agents work entirely on commission, often based on the percentage of the property value.

It may take time to earn any commissions as a real estate agent, so you may need to depend on your spouse’s income to support your real estate agent starting salary. However, your income should improve with experience.

While it might take a few years to earn a six-figure income in real estate, it’s critical that you get started soon. The Ohio housing market is HOT, and it’s a great time to be a real estate agent.

Stay-at-home moms can capitalize on their in-depth knowledge of their neighborhoods – and the people in them.

Stay-at-home moms are often experts in their communities. You know the best neighborhoods for kids, the reputations of all the area schools, and where to go for the best cup of coffee. You’ll be able to answer your clients’ questions about the benefits of raising a family in your community.

While supervising your kids at the neighborhood park and attending story time, you have probably formed many relationships with others in your community – who will eventually require the service of a real estate agent. Without even knowing it, you’ve been growing your network. Your first real estate client will probably be one you met as a stay-at-home mom.

Skills Moms Bring to a Real Estate Career

The ability to network is just one of the skills you’ve developed as a stay-at-home mom. Here are some other transferrable skills to help you thrive in your new career.

1. Time management

Balancing school drop-offs, extracurricular activities, household responsibilities, and personal time has made you a master of time management. Real estate agents juggle client meetings, property showings, and paperwork—skills you’ve already been refining daily.

2. Multitasking

From handling a toddler’s tantrum while preparing dinner to coordinating a family schedule, you’re no stranger to multitasking. This ability is invaluable when managing multiple clients, properties, and transactions simultaneously.

3. Problem solving

Parenting is full of unexpected challenges, from fixing a broken toy to negotiating bedtime. These experiences have prepared you to think on your feet and find creative solutions, which is essential when dealing with clients or resolving issues in property transactions.

4. Communication skills

Whether talking to teachers, organizing playdates, or explaining rules to your kids, you’ve honed your ability to communicate effectively. Clear, confident communication is crucial in real estate, whether you’re marketing a property or negotiating a deal.

5. Organizational skills

From keeping track of homework assignments to planning family vacations, staying organized is second nature to you. Staying on top of deadlines, contracts, and client needs is just as important in real estate.

6. Empathy and relationship-building

As a mom, you understand people’s emotions and know how to connect with others on a personal level. Building trust and understanding clients’ needs is at the heart of being a successful real estate agent.

7. Adaptability

No two days as a mom are alike, and you’ve learned to adapt to whatever comes your way. Real estate is similarly dynamic, requiring flexibility to navigate market shifts and client demands.

8. Networking

You’ve naturally built strong relationships within your community through school events, community activities, and social gatherings. This network can serve as a valuable resource when starting your real estate career, providing potential clients and referrals as you grow your business.

Ready to Take the Leap?

Transitioning from stay-at-home mom to real estate agent may feel like a big step, but it offers incredible opportunities for growth, flexibility, and financial success. You’re already well-equipped to build a thriving real estate business with your unique skill set, natural networking abilities, and dedication.

If you’re ready to start this exciting journey, enroll in a pre-licensing course with Hondros College today and take the first step toward becoming a real estate agent in Ohio. Your dream career is closer than you think!