Women’s History Month is a time to recognize and honor the contributions of women throughout history. Its origins trace back to 1978 when a week-long celebration took place in Sonoma County, California, coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8. The movement gained momentum, and by 1987, the United States Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month.
International Women’s Day, which is observed globally on March 8, serves as a focal point in the movement for women’s rights, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
Historically, women encountered numerous legal and societal barriers to property ownership. For instance, before 1974, women often were not permitted to obtain a mortgage without a male cosigner. But today, women actually outpace men in homeownership.
Keep reading to learn some of the early barriers women faced as well as their milestones and accomplishments to bring us where we are today.
Early Barriers and Legal Milestones
While the majority of real estate agents today are female, in 1908, when the National Association of Realtors was founded, the group was 100 percent male. The first woman was admitted to its membership in 1910, and by 1975, a third of its membership was female. NAR named its first female president in 1992.
In the United States, the 1862 Homestead Act marked a pivotal moment by allowing widowed, divorced, or deserted women to own land and settle in the American West. Despite this progress, well into the 20th century, societal norms and legal restrictions often required a husband’s consent for property and land ownership. The women’s rights movement brought significant changes, notably the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which outlawed sex-based discrimination in real estate, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, granting women the right to secure loans without a male co-signer.
Pioneering Women in Real Estate
Several inspiring women have left an indelible mark on the history of homeownership and real estate to include:
Zipporah Potter Atkins (1645–1705): Born free in colonial Boston, Atkins became one of the earliest African American landowners in what would become the United States. In 1670, she purchased property in Boston’s North End, a remarkable achievement at a time when few women or African Americans owned land.
Anna Shelton (1861–1939): A businesswoman from Fort Worth, Texas, Shelton became one of the city’s first female real estate developers and homebuilders. She founded several women’s clubs and was instrumental in civic projects, including the establishment of parks and libraries, significantly contributing to the development of Fort Worth.
Roberta Hoskie: Overcoming early life challenges, including teenage motherhood and homelessness, Hoskie became a successful real estate broker and entrepreneur in New Haven, Connecticut. She founded Outreach Realty Servicing and the 1000 Black Families National Homeownership Program, focusing on increasing homeownership within the Black community.
Britnie Turner: Starting her career by flipping homes in 2011, Turner founded Aerial Group, a Tennessee-based social enterprise company. Her company has been recognized for its rapid growth, and Turner is noted for her philanthropic efforts, including disaster relief and nation development initiatives.
Modern Trends and Achievements
National Association of Realtors: While the majority of real estate agents today are female, in 1908, when the National Association of Realtors was founded, the group was 100 percent male. The first woman was admitted to its membership in 1910, and by 1975, a third of its membership was female.
By 1980, there were nearly 300,000 female real estate agents, accounting for 45% of the entire industry. Today, 67% of REALTOR® professionals are female, and are beginning to find equal ground with men.
Single Women Leading in Homeownership: Single women now outpace single men in homeownership across the U.S., a testament to their financial independence and economic power. This trend reflects women’s increasing role in shaping the housing market and redefining economic power.
Influence in Luxury Real Estate: Wealthy women, dubbed the “she-elites,” are emerging as leaders in the luxury real estate market. Women now own 15.2% of high-priced residential properties and are actively involved in both buying and selling luxury homes. This shift signifies women’s growing influence and financial power in the high-end real estate sector.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s essential to acknowledge and honor the women who have shaped the future of homeownership and real estate. From overcoming legal barriers to leading in the industry today, their resilience and achievements have paved the way for future generations, redefining economic power and inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams in real estate and beyond.
About Julie Krumholz – Superior National Bank
With over 35 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Julie Krumholz from Superior National Bank is a trusted resource and friend to homebuyers. Julie has worked in processing, closing, loan origination, underwriting, and QC auditing and has even co-owned a mortgage brokerage firm. Julie applies her knowledge to help first-time and seasoned homebuyers with a seamless homebuying experience.
