Women in Real Estate: How Resilient Women Lead, Shape, and Sustain a Trillion Dollar Industry.

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Nearly twenty-five years ago, the hit UPN series “Girlfriends” introduced us to the fashionable, outspoken, and sometimes hard-to-love Toni Childs, played by the incomparable Jill Marie Jones.

As a driven real estate agent in Los Angeles, Toni made it her mission to sell the most exclusive high-end properties—if only to fund her love for Jimmy Choos and the latest must-have Birkin “Croc Kelly” bag.

And who could forget her iconic tagline? “I’m Toni Childs, and I specialize in results.”  

Despite her very obvious character flaws, Toni represented the changing workforce of the real estate industry.

Since 2000 when Girlfriends premiered, the demographics in the real estate industry have seen an increase in female representation.

According to the National Association of Realtors, “65% of realtors are women, and the median age of all realtors is 55.”

So why has this formerly male-dominated industry suddenly become an inclusive and lucrative career field for so many women?

"Toni Childs", played by the incomparable Jill Marie Jones in the hit series "Girlfriends"

Research credits this shift to four main reasons: flexible scheduling, low barrier to entry, career advancement, and earning potential.

Reclaim your time with a career in real estate.

Flexible Schedule and Location 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work became the norm for many organizations.

However, the real estate industry has long championed an entrepreneurial approach to the traditional 9-to-5 office structure.

Many agents not only work remotely but also set their own hours, and operate as independent contractors.

While this career path may not appeal to everyone, it provides a viable opportunity for women—especially working mothers and caregivers—to maintain meaningful employment while balancing the needs of their families.  

Low Barrier to Entry

Many women are drawn to the real estate industry because becoming a licensed real estate salesperson is a relatively straightforward process.

In New York State, for example, applicants must be at least 18 years old, complete a 77-hour pre-licensing course, pass the state exam, secure sponsorship from a licensed broker, and submit an application with the required fee to the Department of State.

The accessibility of this path makes real estate an appealing option for women looking to launch their own firms or pursue it as a side hustle while working in demanding fields like law, education, or healthcare.  

Career Advancement

Despite the challenges of an ever-changing housing market, women in real estate continue to climb the career ladder by investing in professional growth.

Earning advanced certifications like BNAR Residential Specialist or NAR Pricing Strategy Advisor can enhance expertise and credibility. 

Additionally, building strong professional networks, seeking mentorship from experienced industry leaders, and engaging with women-focused divisions of Realtor associations provide valuable guidance and opportunities.

Expanding a personal brand through social media marketing, blogging, and public speaking also helps establish authority and attract new clients, further propelling their success in the industry.  

High Earning Potential

The high earning potential in real estate makes it an attractive career choice for many women looking to enter the field.

Unlike traditional white-collar professions with fixed salaries, real estate operates on a percentage fee based model, where income is directly tied to performance.

The more clients you help, the greater your earnings.

In an economy where women still face wage disparities compared to their male counterparts, real estate offers a unique advantage: the ability to control and maximize their income with much greater leverage dealing with salary negotiations and employer bias. 

This financial independence makes the industry especially appealing to women seeking higher earning potential and professional autonomy. 

Challenges for Women in the Real Estate Industry:

While the number of female real estate agents has grown significantly over the past two decades, women in the industry continue to face relentless challenges.

The National Association of Realtors reports that although women dominate the residential real estate sector, they represent only 36.7% of the commercial real estate workforce.

This gender disparity limits their access to more lucrative opportunities, such as selling high-value properties like hotels, office buildings, industrial spaces, retail properties, and multifamily developments.  

Beyond these structural barriers, women in real estate also contend with unconscious biases that continue to permeate the industry.

It wasn’t until the passage of the “Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974” that single women in the United States were legally allowed to own property without discrimination based on gender, marital status, or income source.

While this legislation marked a significant step forward, female realtors today still report experiences of being undermined by clients and colleagues.

Many face unwarranted scrutiny over their ability to successfully close deals, while those in leadership roles—such as broker-owners or firm partners—often struggle to be heard or taken seriously by male counterparts and investors. 

More Ways to Support Women in Real Estate

As March and Women’s History Month come to a close, how can we ensure that the Toni Childs of the real estate world continue to thrive?

Supporting women in real estate shouldn’t be limited to just one month—it should be an ongoing commitment.

Here are some meaningful ways to uplift and empower women in the industry all year long:

Support Women-Owned Real Estate Agencies

Choose to work with women-led firms.

Become a Mentor or Sponsor

If you’re a licensed real estate broker, pay it forward by mentoring the next generation of female agents.

Offer guidance on navigating the industry, share best practices, or even sponsor a promising agent’s application when they apply to the Department of State.

Get Involved in Industry Organizations

Advocate for and contribute to programs, grants, and resources that directly benefit female realtors.

Organizations like the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) and the National Association of Women in Real Estate Business (NAWRB) offer valuable initiatives that support women in the field.

Challenge Unconscious Bias

As a homebuyer, seller, or investor, examine any biases you may have when working with female real estate professionals.

This includes questioning their decision-making abilities more than their male counterparts, undermining their expertise, or dismissing their guidance during transactions.

Actively recognizing and addressing these biases helps create a more fair industry for women.

By making a conscious effort to support and uplift women in real estate, we can help ensure they receive the recognition, opportunities, and success they deserve—long after Women’s History Month ends!