For 31 days in March, Women’s History Month will commemorate women’s influence on society, history, technology, the arts, and culture. From its 1911 inception, it has grown into a global event, witnessing social and equality changes (and dare we mention fashion trends from flapper dresses and poodle skirts to business suits). 

 

Let’s be honest; women Realtors juggle family and work. They’re wives and mothers, grandmothers, industry veterans, or building a career solo. They own homes, put their heart and soul into every client, volunteer in their communities, and set the stage for the next generation. They show properties (even in the snow), negotiate contracts, and advise sellers and investors. 

 

So, in honor of Women’s History Month, we’re taking a peek into females in the real estate industry, their advancement of homeownership, and asking what is on the minds of property sellers today. 

 

But, first, some real estate industry statistics:

• 88.5% of interior designers and decorators are women
• 30% of architects are female
• 11% of construction industry professionals are women
• 10.76 million U.S. homes are owned and occupied by single women
• Before 1900, rarely were women able to hold property in their name

 

Fun Fact: 

Corrine Simpson, a real estate broker from Seattle, Washington, was the first female to join the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in 1910. Today, we stand on her shoulders to prove what is possible. 

 

In The Driver’s Seat

On a national scale, 66% of real estate brokers and agents are female. But what motivates women to enter such a competitive industry?

 

Dena Van Blaricom, Real Estate Advisor with Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty Reno, explained it’s “the ability to drive my own business and live a well-balanced life; enjoy my family and achieve my dreams.” She continues: “Today, my family is three generations strong in real estate. The relationships I have gained along the way are priceless.”

With their nurturing tendencies and hands-on client service, women are often a natural fit for a career in real estate. 

 

Escrow Manager Tunde Jarcik stated,  “As women working in the real estate industry, our roles have evolved tremendously. We can be pioneers for our clients and staff while still finding a great balance, giving our all to work life and families.”

 

 

Rising Above

It sounds humorous today, but before 1974, women often were not permitted to obtain a home mortgage without a male cosigner, leaving professional single females, unmarried women, and widows dependent upon a man when purchasing a home. Times have changed. Today, the National Association of Realtors states, “Single women outpace single men in home ownership.”  Additionally, with various lending products available, more women are not just purchasing their own homes but building wealth through investment properties. 

 

 

Sacrifice. Commitment. Achieve

Day after day, our Reno, Truckee, and regional Lake Tahoe Realtors “show up,” often balancing family, community, and career. Self-employed, their schedules require extreme flexibility to achieve client goals. They know the ins and outs of neighborhoods and stay on top of market trends, including the best time to purchase and sell. When asked why sellers should list their property right now, Patricia Williams, Real Estate Advisor with Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty’s Tahoe City office, shared her advice:

 

“Preparing a home for sale takes time. A good agent will counsel a seller on what needs to be done and provide resources for the process. At Lake Tahoe, spring is a great time to list your home for sale. Inventory is currently low, and demand is high.”

 

 

Teams For The Future

“It takes a village” also applies to the real estate industry. Realtors depend on support leadership teams, marketing gurus, and staff in a complex, fast-paced sector.   

 

“Women in real estate embody the essence of strength, resilience, and diversity. At Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty, our agents and staff are a testament to the incredible balance of juggling family and career while excelling in a competitive industry. Working alongside these powerful women is inspiring and a privilege, as they continually break barriers and redefine success on their terms.” 

 Jenny Johnson, President and Managing Broker | Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty

 

Glass Ceilings

Looking to the future, social changes such as working remotely and technological advances continue to shift the real estate industry. And while there are still challenges to conquer, tech advisor AdorSEO explained that a “Variety of roles within the sector provides opportunities for ladies . . . to participate across several disciplines including banking, construction, accounting, engineering, architecture, operations, technology, law, brokerage, etc. Each real estate career comes with different skills, including relationship building, science, and creativity.”

 

We anticipate a continued rise of females in the real estate industry, including homeownership. A desire for a flexible schedule (especially when raising a family) and the freedom to be as successful as you desire make a career in real estate an attractive opportunity for women globally.

 

 

Conclusion

With a debt of gratitude to real estate pioneers like Corrine Simpson and Bridget “Biddy” Mason, we say “Thank You.”  Today at Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty, our hand-selected women and men real estate advisors represent every client with luxury-minded service, care, and advocacy. Globally, women look toward a future where we continue to shape society and celebrate history—one lady at a time. 

 

Written by: Sandi Solomonson