Why real estate is a great career for a busy mom.

July 15, 2026 - Ashley Leader - Realtor, licensed in Indiana

When I started in real estate, my youngest was in preschool and I had just spent 15 years as a stay-at-home mom. In between, I'd taken on various jobs that let me work around my husband's schedule. He's our family's breadwinner, so real estate has always been about providing extra income — and that's exactly what makes it such a great career choice for me.

Real estate works for me because it offers flexible hours, commission-based pay, a low barrier to entry, and a workload I can control. As a Realtor, you're technically an independent contractor even though you're "employed" by a brokerage — and commission splits vary a lot depending on which one you choose. That's why it's so important to find a brokerage that respects your personal goals. If family comes first for you, find one built around that value. If income is your priority, pay close attention to the fee structure. If time management matters most, look for a brokerage that offers a transaction coordinator. For me, having resources that lightened my load as a busy mom was essential — yes, I give up a larger percentage of my commission for it, but that tradeoff is worth it.

Real estate has given me the time to be at my kids' field trips, school activities, and classroom events, and to be available whenever they need me during the day. It's provided just enough to cover their extracurriculars, which has been more than enough for our family.

What you make of this business is entirely up to you. Some seasons you'll have the capacity to push your business forward; other seasons your family will need more of you. If you're a competitive person, learning to set that instinct aside when your family needs you can be a real challenge — especially if your brokerage fosters a high-competition environment that makes "family first" harder to hold onto.

It's also a career with a genuinely low barrier to entry. You typically have a year to complete your licensing coursework, either online or in person. I did mine online, working a little each night after putting my kids to bed. It costs about $1,000 upfront, but one closed transaction covers that back — though there are ongoing monthly and annual costs to plan for. I consider myself a part-time Realtor now, but I worked hard to grow my business during my first three years.

A few lessons I learned the hard way:

My family always comes first. If a client has to wait on my response, that's me teaching them the value of my time — I don't need to answer immediately, and I definitely don't need to be available at all hours. You teach your clients how you run your business.

Take a day. It's okay to fully step away sometimes. It isn't healthy for kids to watch a parent be tethered to work — my kids are always watching. They're learning how I spend my time, how I treat people, and how to work efficiently and well with others. When I'm on vacation, I have to trust my team to care for my clients — that was hard for me to let go of, but I'm learning. And my clients have survived just fine.

I do have a degree, but using it would mean working 9-to-6 every day — which would put a lot of stress on my family. That's just not what fits our priorities right now.

More Transparency is Coming to Indiana Real Estate... And That's a Good Thing!

July 1, 2026 - Jill Kaps VanBruaeae - Managing Broker Indiana - Realtor, licensed in Indiana and Michigan

If you've worked with us before, you know we believe communication is one of the most important parts of buying or selling a home. We think clients should always know what's happening every step of the way; we never want there to be any surprises.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana is taking another step toward greater transparency in real estate. A new state law now requires REALTORS® to disclose, in writing, when a brokerage receives a referral fee from another brokerage company. If you've ever wondered what happens when an agent refers a client to another REALTOR® in a different market, this new law just means you'll know exactly what's happening behind the scenes.

So...what does that mean for you?

Honestly, not much - except you'll receive a little more information.

If we refer you to another brokerage because we believe they'll do an excellent job taking care of you, you'll receive a simple disclosure explaining that referral. Likewise, if another brokerage refers a client to us, that client will receive the same disclosure. It's all about making sure consumers know exactly how the transaction works.

It's important to know that this does not apply when clients are working with another agent here at Inspired Homes. Since we're all part of the same brokerage, no referral disclosure is required in those situations.

You may also notice a few additional lines in some of the forms you sign. The Indiana Association of REALTORS® has updated several listing agreements and buyer representation agreements to include this new disclosure language. While it adds a little more paperwork, it also provides greater clarity for everyone involved.

As Managing Broker of Inspired Homes Indiana, I welcome changes that help educate consumers and create greater transparency. Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make, and you deserve to understand every part of the process.

At Inspired Homes, we've always believed in being upfront, honest, and putting our clients' interests first. This new law simply reinforces those values. So if you ever have questions about the paperwork you sign—or anything else during your real estate journey—please ask!

Thank you for trusting Inspired Homes in helping you make your real estate dreams come true.

Welcome to Inspired Insights - Why a Realtor Matters

June 26, 2026 - Diane Bennett - Owner - Managing Broker - Realtor, licensed in Indiana and Michigan