During Women's History Month, industries across the country take time to recognize the impact women have made in shaping their professions. And in real estate, that impact is undeniable.

Today, women make up the majority of professionals helping people buy and sell homes across the United States — an extraordinary shift from the industry's early days, when women were significantly underrepresented.

According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), women now account for roughly two-thirds of all REALTORS®. Among those holding real estate agent licenses, about 68% are women, while women hold approximately 61% of broker licenses. These numbers reflect a remarkable transformation from the early 20th century, when the industry was almost entirely male.

When NAR was founded in 1908, the association consisted entirely of men, and it took decades for female representation to grow. 

A key milestone came in 1938 with the founding of the Women's Council of REALTORS®, which created space for women to connect, share knowledge, and advocate for professional development. Since then, female membership in NAR has steadily expanded, and women have since reached the organization’s highest leadership position, with multiple female presidents elected over the last three decades.

Surveys of women in the industry consistently highlight flexibility as one of the biggest advantages of a real estate career. Unlike traditional 9-to-5 roles, real estate allows professionals to manage their schedules, making it easier to balance work with everyday responsibilities. This flexibility is especially appealing to working parents, many of whom enter the industry after raising children or transitioning from other careers.

Many agents previously worked in fields such as business, finance, education, health care, or management before transitioning to real estate, bringing with them unique skill sets and leadership qualities. For those seeking greater autonomy or an entrepreneurial path, the industry can offer a fresh start with strong growth potential. 

Many women also say the opportunity to guide buyers and sellers through life-changing milestones — whether purchasing a first home or selling a longtime family property — gives their work a strong sense of meaning.

While women now dominate the residential real estate sector, they still remain less visible in executive and decision-making roles in some markets. 

The gender gap is most noticeable in commercial real estate. As recently as 2020, women represented just 36.7% of the commercial real estate workforce. Industry groups and professional organizations have increasingly focused on mentorship, networking, and leadership development to create more pathways for women to succeed.

Women have not only entered the real estate industry in large numbers —they’ve reshaped it. From first-time agents building local businesses to experienced brokers leading regional teams and nationwide firms, women continue to drive innovation, relationships, and growth in real estate markets across the country.

During Women’s History Month, the story of women in real estate serves as a powerful reminder of how opportunity, persistence and community support can transform an industry.