Are you ready for a career change? Maybe you’re looking for a position that offers flexibility, unlimited income potential, and the power to be your own boss. If that sounds appealing, a career in California real estate may be the right fit for you!
After a slow post-pandemic period, the California real estate industry is growing again, creating opportunities for new agents. And earning your real estate license in CA may be easier than you think.
Let’s take a closer look at the top five reasons why real estate is the best midlife career change for Californians.
1. Real Estate Puts YOU in Control
As a real estate agent, you are not an employee; you are an independent contractor. This means you have a lot more agency over your career.
For example, you don’t have to keep traditional office hours. You get to choose how much you work and when. This is ideal for parents and grandparents who want to be available for the kids, for adventurers who want to take time off to travel regularly, and for the semi-retired who still want to work but don’t want to do it on someone else’s schedule.
Agents also have a lot of control over where they work. For example, you can work from your broker’s office or work from home. And, since your CA real estate license allows you to practice in any market throughout the state, you could choose to specialize in the vineyards of Napa, the condos of San Diego, or anywhere in between.
2. California Real Estate Offers Unlimited Earning Potential
Real estate agents are traditionally paid on commission, meaning that they earn a percentage of the property’s sales price. The higher your sales volume, the higher your income. So there’s no limit to how much you can earn.
Indeed.com estimates that the average California agent makes $109,000 per year (as of September 2024). In high-value markets like Santa Ana, the rates are even better at around $130,000 per year.
3. You Can Leverage Your Existing Skillsets
You may already have many of the skills you need to excel in real estate. Are you empathic, reliable, and trustworthy? Do you have experience in time management, communication, and negotiations (yes, negotiating with your partner and kids absolutely counts!)?
Your previous career experience, or experience managing your household, has probably taught you many of these skills. And they will directly translate into a new real estate career.
4. Real Estate Careers Are Growing in California
CA’s Employment Development Department expects real estate careers in California to grow by 7.5% from 2020 through 2030.
The projected increase is fueled by buyer and seller demand. While many Californians moved out of state from 2020-2023, the population is once again increasing and is expected to continue. So, in addition to helping buyers relocate within the state, agents get to help newcomers find their CA dream homes.
And remember, even in years when more people are moving out than coming in, those sellers still need a seller's agent to help them get the best price for their home. With a real estate license, you don't have to worry about timing the market, because your skills will be in high demand in both buyers' and sellers' markets.
5. You Can Get Your License in Just a Few Months
As someone looking for a midlife career change, you might not be thrilled by the idea of going back to college to get a degree specific to your new field. And with real estate, you don’t have to! In fact, real estate is one of the few professional career tracks that doesn’t require a college degree.
The only education requirement is that you complete three specific California real estate courses. Best of all, you can complete your coursework online, around your schedule, from the comfort of your home.
The rest of the process for getting your California real estate license is pretty straightforward. You just need to:
Pass a background check
Finish the multiple-choice licensing exam with a score of 70% or better
Choose a sponsoring broker to oversee your work
Pay the licensure fee
If you can commit to spending time on your studies, you could complete the whole licensure process in as little as 14.5 weeks. And, once you have your license, you’re able to start representing homebuyers and sellers and earning those commission checks!
Make the Move to California Real Estate with Aceable
Aceable offers California real estate courses designed specifically for midlife career changes. Enroll in your CA real estate courses today, and you could be on your way to a fulfilling new career in months rather than years!
Updated 10/9/24