For those of us with years of experience working in real estate, the idea that the majority of REALTORS® are women is not exactly news.  In fact, a recent study showed that female REALTORS® make up around 64 percent of the total in residential real estate. 

If I had been asked to speculate about that number prior to reading about it, my guess would have been much higher and I think many who are on-the-job in this industry every day would agree.  It certainly did not begin as a female-dominated industry, however.  As with most other industries, the early days of real estate were characterized as male-dominated, with men holding most of the leadership positions.

Of course, this is partially due to the fact that real estate began in 1794 and was established as a legitimate business in the 1840s.  It was unheard of in those days for women to do much of anything at all in the workforce besides filling office or clerical roles, but they were already becoming agents and brokers as early as the 1880s. 

Now, it is encouraging to see that all of the associations, the National Association of REALTORS®, North Carolina REALTORS® and Cape Fear REALTORS®, will have female presidents leading the membership in 2022.  Also, the number of females who are real estate brokers has increased by around six percent over the past five years. 

More change is needed, however, as women still comprise a minority of executive-level positions in both real estate associations and large brokerages.  Aside from the notion that it just makes sense to have more female representation at the highest level in an industry where most of the players are female, it’s worth pointing out that diversity simply makes everyone stronger (just imagine a coral reef or rainforest). 

Fortunately, the trends show that more and more women are being promoted to leadership roles.  In addition, a recent study found that around 32 percent of women REALTORS® have aspirations to one day become an executive driving the industry forward.  

Another positive note is that a pathway now exists to help our rising stars achieve those lofty goals.  The Women’s Council of REALTORS® offers female REALTORS® the opportunity to participate in their Leadership Institute, which has a successful history stretching back 80 years and a proven system aimed at developing future leaders. 

Locally, we offer members the chance to be a part of our Leadership Academy, which identifies, inspires, and mentors emerging leaders for the Cape Fear REALTORS®.  There are also leadership academies for those who aspire to lead at the state and national levels. 

Considering there is a dearth of research out there supporting the idea that females lead the way in terms of communication skills, and that a career in real estate requires this, along with a talent for organization and project management, the time for our female brokers to embark on a leadership track in real estate could be now.  For more information about charting a career path, finding a mentor or educational opportunities, please visit CapeFear.REALTOR or call 910-762-7400.