Your 3 Greatest Superpowers As A Woman In Real Estate
I’ve always played to my natural strengths and it’s paid off.
There’s no doubt that in times gone by, women have faced considerable challenges when it comes to building a career, especially one in a male dominated industry like real estate — but what if I told you that you’ve been sitting on a skillset you didn’t even realise was your silent superpower?
You just didn’t recognise it as one because the leaders around you told you otherwise.
Some of you may argue women are still fighting for equality, fairer pay and unbiased recognition in our chosen fields, but as we approach a new era, I feel we are headed for a real change - and a positive one at that. Bit by bit, we’re waking up to what is truly valuable in our industry and it isn’t what we were led to believe.
If you’ve ever felt disadvantaged in the workplace as a woman, I hear you.
Between the abusive bosses, sexism and feeling like a fish out of water in a man’s world, it was clear to me that if I wanted a career in real estate where I could really thrive, I needed to build it on my own, away from the set in their way franchises and controlling male colleagues who somehow always seemed to see me as a threat. Or so it seemed.
Stepping out in my own business as a female licensee and lead agent came with it’s own set of challenges but refreshingly, these were the kinds of challenges I wanted.
It was no longer about finding ways to appease a controlling, profits driven boss whilst juggling multiple clients (some of whom were impossible to work with). It became a welcomed series of more strategic business-type challenges; like how to create a sustainable work/life balance and build my personal brand to attract the clients I really wanted to work with. Having the freedom to work to my own schedule and never again feel guilty for taking time out to relieve burnout was a game changer for me.
Volume has never been my thing and it was a breathe of fresh air to step away from the pressures of having to do more and more deals. I prefer quality over quantity and have built my business to reflect this. By the way, my clients love it because they get the attention they deserve.
As women in real estate, I believe we really do have a secret sauce that is hard to replicate by our male colleagues, and it’s coming to the forefront as more and more women enter the industry and produce the results our male counterparts secretly envy.
It’s not to say we’re superior, but I do believe we have in-built strengths that have historically been minimised and possibly even considered a negative.
I’m going to start with empathy.
Superpower number 1.
As natural nurturers, women care. We have this innate ability to seek to understand; put ourselves in the other person’s shoes and feel what they feel. It’s in our DNA and it’s by no means reserved exclusively for our children, families and closest friends. Our warmth and care often extends to the clients we serve and the colleagues we work alongside.
Yes, we want the pay cheque but what’s most important to us is knowing we’ve done a great job and made everyone feel good along the way. I’m not referring to people-pleasing. What I’m saying is that top female agents are known to create smooth and seamless experiences for their clients, as well as deliver on the result.
By the way, they didn’t tell you this in real estate school but this is what success really looks like.
Secondly, women are often considered safe.
What I mean by this is that we care about how we make others feel and will do what’s right by the client first and foremost. We have this natural ability to instil a sense of trust in those we meet - and that trust is evidenced through our actions.
We’ve got the clients back and we will protect them by putting their commercial needs above our own selfish desires.
I recently spoke to a real estate sales colleague who shared a story about a male duo who clearly put their desire to get paid a bigger commission above what the client really needed in that moment.
They intentionally gave advice that saw the client miss out on their perfect home at auction, which meant the agents could steer the couple toward a full service engagement - one that involved a much higher fee.
Hearing this made my blood boil but I wasn’t shocked.
It happens all the time and the client never realises what really went down until later, if at all.
The number of female clients who have openly said they wanted to work with me because 1) I was a woman and 2) they felt safe and supported with me, is heart warming.
If you’re currently working in real estate, I bet you can relate.
Lastly, our egos are in check.
Yes, you need an ego to play the game of real estate, but I’ve rarely seen a female agent with an out of control ego that is spilling out all over the place wreacking havoc.
In negotiations, we look for the win/win if it means the very best result for our client.
We rarely use railroad techniques that potentially kill a deal and it’s fair to say that most female agents don’t engage in what is considered unethical behaviour.
We’re happy to leave our egos at the door, along with our louboutins.
I think it’s safe to say women hold the perfect blend of ego and empathy, which lays a solid foundation for a high-value agent in the making.
So there you have it.
Your own set of superpowers you’ve been silently sitting on all this time.
I unpack these further and show you how you can lean into them for a real competitive advantage in Module 4 of my Masterclass for Women in Real Estate. This is where we deep dive into the Business and Negotiation side of real estate and how you can bring forward your natural feminine skillset to really accelerate your game. (And do it in a way that feels natural and not pushy!) Sign-up to the next intake HERE.
MEET THE WRITER
Hi, I’m Wendy.
I’m a storytelling writer, champagne lover and Luxury Buyer’s Agent based in Brisbane Australia. I share my journey as an independent real estate professional and self-made career woman. MY STORY
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Wendy Russell is a Luxury Buyer’s Agent, social introvert and self-made business woman on a mission to help career women step into their power as high-value professionals. It starts here.
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