Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Women’s Impact on Real Estate: A Legacy of Strength and Progress
With March being Women’s History Month, we want to take a moment to honor the amazing women who came before us, those here now, and the amazing young women rising as future leaders of tomorrow. Their efforts have shaped industries, communities, and opportunities for generations to come. We see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you for all that you do and continue to do.
Today I want to take the time to recognize the women of real estate and their incredible contributions to the industry. From fighting for fair housing laws to becoming top industry leaders, women have played a vital role in shaping the way we buy, sell, and invest in property.
Breaking Barriers in Property Ownership
For much of history, owning property wasn’t always an option for women. Laws like coverture meant women needed a husband’s consent to buy or control property. Thankfully, change came with the Married Women’s Property Acts, championed by activists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, which laid the groundwork for women’s property rights. Later, advocates such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought for legal protections like the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, which finally gave women the right to own homes and secure mortgages on their own. These milestones helped women take charge of their financial futures and gain independence through real estate.
Advocacy for Fair Housing
Women have also been at the forefront of the fair housing movement. Take, for example, Mae Bertha Carter (I mentioned her in my post on IG last week for those that follow me @realestateroge) – she fought tirelessly to ensure Black families had equal access to homeownership, challenging the discriminatory policies that kept so many people locked out. Her work helped pave the way for the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which made housing discrimination illegal and opened doors for more people to own homes.
Women as Homebuyers and Investors
Today, women are making big moves in real estate. In fact, single women have been outpacing single men in homeownership for years. In 2023, they made up 19% of homebuyers compared to just 10% of single men. For many, owning a home isn’t just about having a place to live—it’s about building wealth and securing their future. Notably, Biddy Mason, a formerly enslaved woman who became a real estate mogul in Los Angeles, used her investments to uplift her community, proving that real estate can be a powerful tool for economic empowerment.
Women in Real Estate Leadership
It’s not just about buying homes—women are leading the way in real estate careers, too. Today, the majority of real estate agents and brokers are women. Industry icons like Barbara Corcoran and Dottie Herman have built real estate empires, proving that women aren’t just participating in the industry—they’re running it. Lisa Phillips, a modern advocate for Black wealth-building through real estate, is helping more women of color enter the investment space and build financial independence.
Continuing the Legacy
Even with all the progress, there’s still work to do. Women continue to face challenges like the gender pay gap and barriers to leadership roles in the industry. But with more mentorship programs, financial education, and networking opportunities, women are breaking new ground in real estate every day.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s take a moment to appreciate the women who paved the way in real estate and support those who are shaping its future. Their contributions remind us that progress comes from perseverance, strength, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.
