When Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice President in January 2021, she shattered barriers by becoming the first woman to hold a nationally elected office, but also the first Black and Indian woman in a male-dominated profession.
Much like politics, the real estate industry has been a male-dominated world since its inception. That all changed in the 1920s when a number of local real estate boards established special women’s divisions for female brokers.
By the 1970s, the real estate industry experienced a major shift in its ranks when the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) opened its membership to sales agents and by the end of 1973, women made up roughly 17 percent of the membership. Two decades later, Dorcas Helfant became the first woman to lead the National Association and at the age of 45, became one of the youngest people to serve as NAR president.
Twenty-six years later, women like myself continue to lead by the examples of our predecessors and are a major force in the real estate industry with women representing 63 percent of Realtors nationwide.
For centuries, we have been stepping out from the sidelines in real estate – obtaining licenses in droves, starting our own businesses and companies, all while achieving great success in leadership roles in both commercial and residential.
It’s not just on the agent side that women are gaining momentum. Nationally, the homeownership rate of all women increased from 50.9 percent in 1990 to 61.2 percent in 2019, according to NAR.
These trends are signs of progress, not just in the housing market but across countless industries. As women emerge to the top, whether in the homebuying process or as an industry professional, this forward momentum of change and progress gives me hope, but there’s still work to be done if we want to create a world in which women can achieve their dreams without being overlooked.
When I entered the business at 19, things were much different than they are today and women had to fight to be seen, heard and valued for their skills. When I became a broker in 2006 and started my own firm, I had to overcome many obstacles to achieve the success I have today.
As a Black woman, it’s been a double-edged sword for me, but I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit and relentless determination that gave me the ability to become a homeowner at 19 and a business owner at 22, despite the barriers put in front of me.
It’s that entrepreneurial spirit and determination that so many women possess that are making a lasting difference in the way the world sees us.
Today, I am proud to stand alongside so many change-makers that are paving the way forward for future generations to shine and lead.
If you’re new to this business or you’re looking to enter into the ranks of homeownership, I applaud your determination in making a difference. Keep pressing forward, seek out mentors and leaders in this business, learn from their success and their failures and don’t let anyone get in the way of bettering yourself. This Women’s History Month, let’s keep that spirit alive and continue being the example for generations to come.
LaTonya Martin is the CEO & Current Managing Broker of Grande Style Homes, a boutique company that started in 2006 and has been investing in real estate since the age of 19. She currently serves on the Board of Directors with Greater Nashville REALTORS® and is the Region VII Vice President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. You can reach LaTonya at latonyasellshomes@gmail.com
