Women Who Built This House: Celebrating Women’s History Month in Real Estate

by Cari Pelayo

📅 March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the trailblazing women who have shaped industries, shattered ceilings, and paved the way for future generations. And guess what? Real estate is no exception! From historic property moguls to today’s top-producing female agents, women have been transforming the market for decades.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seller, investor, or navigating real estate during life transitions (like divorce or downsizing), the contributions of women in this field are worth celebrating—because, chances are, they’ve helped shape the very homebuying experience you’re considering today!

So, let’s dive into some history, celebrate success stories, and explore how women continue to influence homeownership, wealth-building, and real estate today.

A Look Back: How Women Broke Barriers in Real Estate

1. The Fight for Homeownership Rights

Believe it or not, women weren’t always legally allowed to own property, get a mortgage, or make real estate investments without a male co-signer. 😲 Shocking, right?

🏡 Before the Fair Housing Act of 1968, many women were denied loans or discouraged from buying homes. Even the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 was a major turning point, finally making it illegal for lenders to discriminate based on gender.

Today, single women actually outpace single men in homeownership! According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 19% of homebuyers in the U.S. are single women, compared to just 10% single men. 💪

2. Women-Led Real Estate Movements

Women have long been at the forefront of real estate—whether as investors, developers, or agents. Here are a few inspiring pioneers:

💡 Dorothy Mae Richardson – A housing activist in the 1960s who fought for fair lending practices, leading to the creation of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that help people secure home loans today.

💡 Barbara Corcoran – You probably know her from Shark Tank, but before that, she built one of the most successful real estate empires in New York City from scratch!

💡 Ebby Halliday – A real estate legend who broke barriers in Texas and became one of the first women to lead a major brokerage, now a multi-billion-dollar company.

How Women Are Changing Real Estate Today

Women aren’t just making moves in real estate—they’re dominating it. 👏

• 60% of realtors in the U.S. are women.

• Women are more likely to invest in real estate as a long-term wealth-building strategy.

• More single women are buying homes than ever before!

For First-Time Buyers: Why Women Are Winning at Homeownership

If you’re a first-time buyer, know this: owning a home isn’t just a dream—it’s one of the smartest financial moves you can make.

🏡 Financial independence – Homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth and gain financial stability over time.

💰 Equity = Power – Instead of paying rent, you’re building equity in something you own. That’s a game-changer for long-term financial security!

🔑 More control over your future – Your home is yours. You can decorate, renovate, and create a space that truly reflects you!

📌 Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage and working with a trusted realtor (hi, that’s me! 😊).

For Sellers: Women Know How to Maximize Home Value

Did you know that homes sold by female-owned businesses often outperform market expectations? It’s true! Women bring attention to detail, marketing expertise, and strong negotiation skills—all key factors when selling a home.

📌 Tip for Sellers: If you’re thinking of listing, make sure your agent (hopefully, me! 😉) helps you stage, market, and price your home competitively.

📊 Recent stats show that staged homes sell for 5-20% more than non-staged homes. That’s a huge return on investment!

For Investors: Why More Women Are Buying Real Estate to Build Wealth

If you’ve ever thought about real estate investing, there’s no better time than now. Women are becoming powerhouse investors, flipping homes, managing rentals, and building portfolios that set them up for financial freedom.

🔥 Why Real Estate Investing Works for Women:
✅ It’s a stable, long-term wealth-building tool.
✅ Rental income = passive income & financial security.
✅ Real estate is a hedge against inflation—meaning your property’s value typically rises over time.

📌 Tip for Investors: Want to start small? Look into house hacking (buying a multi-unit property and renting out the other units while you live in one) or short-term vacation rentals in high-demand areas.

Women Supporting Women in Real Estate

One of the best parts about real estate? Women support women. 💕 Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, your part of a legacy of strong, independent women taking charge of their financial futures.

And as a female real estate professional, I’m here to help you every step of the way—with advice, strategy, and a whole lot of enthusiasm!

👉 Thinking of buying, selling, or investing? Let’s chat! I’d love to help you navigate your next move with confidence.

📩 DM me, text me, or let’s grab coffee—because your real estate journey deserves a strong, supportive team behind it.

Stay Connected!

Thank you for reading! Follow me on social media and YouTube for more tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments. Let’s stay in touch!

📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cari4homes/

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References & Further Reading:

1. National Association of Realtors (NAR) Homebuyer Trends: www.nar.realtor

2. History of Women in Homeownership: www.hud.gov

3. Women in Real Estate Investing: www.forbes.com