Women in Real Estate: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Forward

The real estate industry has long been a space where women thrive, yet significant disparities remain in leadership and commercial sectors. While women now comprise the majority of REALTORS®, they are underrepresented in executive roles and in the commercial real estate (CRE) sector. Achieving greater gender parity requires intentional efforts to promote and support female talent at all levels.

Women’s Growth in Residential Real Estate

Since 1978, women have made up the majority of REALTORS®, drawn to the profession for its flexibility and opportunities to help families achieve homeownership. The rise of women in residential real estate has been substantial, but leadership representation still lags. Despite making up the majority of the workforce, women hold fewer executive and decision-making positions within real estate firms.

The Gender Gap in Commercial Real Estate

The commercial real estate industry tells a different story. As of 2020, women represented only 36.7% of the CRE workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted career progress for many women in the field, exacerbating pre-existing challenges. Breaking into and advancing in CRE often depends on networking and mentorship—areas where women historically have had fewer opportunities compared to their male counterparts. Organizations and networking groups dedicated to supporting women in CRE are working to bridge this gap and create pathways for career advancement.

Women’s Leadership in the National Association of REALTORS®

When the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) was founded in 1908, its membership was entirely male. Women began joining soon after but remained a minority for decades. The formation of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® in 1938 provided a platform for female professionals, fostering leadership and networking opportunities. Over the years, female membership in NAR has grown steadily, and in 2024, Tracey Kasper became the organization's eighth female president. These milestones reflect progress but also highlight the need for continued efforts to elevate women into leadership roles.

The Future of Women in Real Estate

Closing the leadership gap requires a commitment to mentorship, sponsorship, and professional development for women in real estate. Encouraging more women to enter and advance in commercial real estate, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and supporting networking opportunities are key to achieving gender parity. Organizations, industry leaders, and policymakers must work together to ensure that women not only participate in real estate but also lead it.

As the industry evolves, the increasing presence of women in leadership will strengthen real estate as a whole, bringing diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. By recognizing the contributions of women and actively supporting their growth, real estate can become a more inclusive and equitable field for future generations.