Women In Real Estate: Shaping Our Past, Present, And Future
Women play a vital role in many areas, especially within the workforce. In our modern-day age, women hold many similar roles as men including in real estate and beyond. However, the prevalence of working women has not always come easy. One may wonder whether working women have always experienced an uphill battle and what the future may hold in real estate, specifically for Australian women.
I recently attended the Women in Real Estate conference (WIRE) which looked at the continuing effort to explore and answer these questions, and I believe that society can confidently say that the future for women in the workforce does look bright. Still, it will take perseverance, dedication, and hard work that women are undoubtedly adept at handling.
When did women in Australia enter the workforce?
Interestingly enough, women in Australia have been working for well over a century and our nation is known to be quite progressive.
- Early 1900s – In fact, Australian women were the first to run for parliament! The Australian government passed this bill in 1903, which allowed women to vote and stand in.
- World War I – Initially, Australian women began laborious employment during WWI from 1914 to 1918. However, these roles were limited to menial tasks that they were previously accustomed to, such as cooking and cleaning.
- World War II – It was not until the second World War in 1942 that many Australian women took jobs that only men once carried out, such as farming, radio manning, machinery, clerical positions, and working in the medical realm as nurses. This time in history sparked a change for the females of Australia and throughout the world. After the war, many women continued their employment in the workforce, especially in administrative or secretarial positions.
- The 1960s – A fun display of independence for women was in 1965 when many Australian females protested at their local pubs and bars, demanding admittance and having drinks served alongside their male counterparts. Before this point in time, women could only drink in a separate lounge with the accompaniment of a man – so much for a ‘vino and vent’ session with your girls!
We can see that each decade brought about new small victories for Australian women as they progressed in the workforce and society. The same is true for the real estate industry. What was once a male-dominated industry in Australia is changing. The 1950s saw very few female real estate agents with only 15% of the market. Now approximately 65% of realtors are female, with this number continuing to grow.
What are the benefits of a woman’s input in real estate and the workforce?
- Knowing the ideal home: As stated, women traditionally took on the role of a homemaker or housewife. As a result, women were exposed to the home setting more than men. This homebound knowledge has passed on, and many women now possess a quality of knowing what makes an ideal home: a blend of comfort, style, durability, and familial love.
- Excellent attention to detail, which makes them exemplary real estate agents as they can pinpoint any flaws or strengths in a sellable property.
- Several clients also feel that women are often better listeners – sorry guys! Good listening skills are imperative when buying or selling a home since every homeowner appreciates their agent adequately addressing their concerns. A female realtor can easily communicate through her excellent listening habits and nurturing client relations.
- Moreover, it is said that women cold call 25% more than men. Although cold calling may be a somewhat dated practice in the real estate industry, it still can prove efficient.
Therefore, a woman also has the confidence, compassion, and perseverance to complete the task at hand. These skills go beyond the realm of the real estate market and are very valuable to almost every workforce. Can I get an Amen?!
It’s undeniable that women of the past have paved a path forward and it is up to us to build upon this year on year. Women play a pivotal role in the real estate arena and offer a level of service and insight that may not come naturally to our male counterparts.
So, for those looking for a woman in Sydney real estate to discuss real estate goals, please call me today on +61(0)414 247 301 or email me at [email protected].
Judith Fedak
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References
Brigid Andersen, Timeline: The Women’s Movement, 27 March 2015, ABC News < https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-08/timeline3a-the-women27s-movement/3873294?nw=0&r=Gallery >
Michelle Hele, Women now dominate the real estate industry, 10 April 2018, Realestate.com.au < https://www.realestate.com.au/news/women-now-dominate-the-real-estate-industry/ >
The growing success of women in real estate, 15 December 2015, Commission Flow < https://commissionflow.com.au/the-growing-success-of-women-in-real-estate/ >
Successful women in real estate: Trends to know in 2022, 2022, The Zebra < https://www.thezebra.com/resources/home/successful-women-in-real-estate/ >
2022 WIRE | Women In Real Estate, 2022, REINSW < https://www.reinsw.com.au/Web/Events/2022_Women_in_Real_Estate.aspx >
