Latest / The Comeback Career Podcast with Fexingo: Returning After a Gap, Stay-at-Home Re-Entry / How to Return as a Real Estate Agent After a Career Gap
Transcript
- Lucas: So we get a lot of questions from parents looking to return to work, and one path that keeps coming up is real estate. It's flexible, it's commission-based, and you can start part-time. But what does the actual re-entry look like? Luna: Right, I've heard that nearly 40% of new agents are career changers, and a big chunk of them are parents coming back from a gap. What's the first step? Lucas: First step is getting licensed. Every state requires pre-licensing coursework—usually 60 to 90 hours. You can do it online, at your own pace. Then you take the state exam. Most people finish in three to six months, even while managing kids at home. Luna: That's quicker than I expected. But you don't just get a license and start selling houses, right? There's an apprenticeship phase? Lucas: Exactly. In most states, you have to work under a managing broker for your first two years. You're essentially an independent contractor, but you need a sponsor. And that's where re-entering parents have an advantage—they're used to learning on the job and taking direction. Luna: So how do you find a broker who's willing to take on someone with a gap? Do they care about the resume gap? Lucas: Some do, but a lot of brokers are more interested in your personality and hustle. They want someone who's good with people, organized, and self-motivated. Sound familiar? That's basically parenting. Luna: Ha, true. So you're saying the skills you build during a gap—negotiating with toddlers, scheduling playdates, managing chaos—actually translate? Lucas: Absolutely. Let's break it down. Negotiation: you're helping families through the biggest financial decision of their lives. If you've ever negotiated bedtime or a curfew, you've got a baseline. Time management: you're juggling multiple clients, showings, paperwork. Parents are masters of juggling. Luna: I can see that. But what about the financial uncertainty? It's all commission. That scares a lot of people. Lucas: It's a valid concern. The first year can be lean. Many agents say you need six months of savings to get started. But the upside is flexibility—you can start part-time while keeping another gig, or while your partner is the primary earner. And once you build a client base, income can grow fast. Luna: So the key is to manage expectations. Don't quit your day job right away, but you can get licensed and start slowly. Lucas: Exactly. And many parents find that the gap actually helps their credibility. They're relatable to other families. They understand the stress of moving with kids. It's a natural connection. Luna: Before we go further—and I know this is a bit off the main track—I just want to say, if you're listening and thinking about a pivot like real estate, the work we do here is possible because of listeners like you. Keeping the show ad-free means a lot to us. Lucas: Yeah, it's a small way to give back. If this show has helped you think through a career move, you can support us at buymeacoffee.com/fexingo. It really helps keep the episodes coming. Now, back to real estate. Luna: So once you're licensed and have a broker, how do you actually start building a client base? Especially if you've been out of the workforce? Lucas: Start with your personal network. Friends, family, neighbors, your kids' school community. Send a simple email or post on social media. You don't need to be pushy—just let people know you're licensed and happy to help. Many people prefer working with someone they already trust. Luna: And what about the resume gap? When you're applying to brokerages, should you address it directly? Lucas: Yes, frame it as a positive. You chose to step back for your family, and now you're ready to re-engage. Highlight any volunteer work or community involvement during the gap. If you managed a home renovation or helped a friend buy a house, that counts as experience. Luna: Good point. And it's not just about the license—there's continuing education, marketing yourself, learning the local market. It's a real profession. Lucas: Absolutely. The top agents treat it like a business. They set office hours, hire assistants when they grow, and invest in lead generation. But you can start small. Many parents begin by working 10 to 15 hours a week and scale up as their kids get older. Luna: I read that the median income for real estate agents is around $50,000, but the top earners make way more. What's realistic for a returning parent in the first year? Lucas: Realistic first-year income is often $20,000 to $40,000, depending on your market and how much time you put in. But by year three, if you build a solid referral network, you can hit $60,000 or more. And the flexibility is hard to beat for parents. Luna: So it's not a get rich quick path, but it's a viable long-term career. And you can start during the gap, while you're still home with kids. Lucas: Exactly. One mom we spoke to got her license during her second maternity leave. She did the coursework during nap times. By the time her youngest was in preschool, she was ready to hit the ground running. Luna: That's inspiring. So for anyone considering this: check your state's real estate commission website for requirements, find a broker who's parent-friendly, and start networking before you even pass the exam. Lucas: And don't underestimate the power of your existing network. People want to work with someone they know and trust. That's your superpower as a returning parent. Luna: I never thought of real estate as a re-entry path, but it makes a lot of sense. It's entrepreneurial, flexible, and you can leverage life experience. Lucas: It's a classic comeback career. So if you're sitting on the fence, maybe sign up for a pre-licensing course. It's low risk—a few hundred dollars and a few months of study. What do you think, Luna? Would you ever consider it? Luna: After this conversation? I might. At least I'd look into it. It sounds like a solid option for parents who want to control their own schedule and income. Lucas: Well, that's the takeaway. Real estate is a legitimate, accessible path for parents returning after a gap. Do your research, lean into your network, and remember: the skills you built at home are your biggest asset. Luna: Thanks for listening, everyone. We'll be back next week with another comeback story. Lucas: Until then, keep moving forward.