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Celebrating Women’s History in Real Estate

Louisiana REALTORS® • March 13, 2023

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's important to acknowledge the immense contributions women have made to the real estate industry. From pioneering agents to influential brokers, women have played a vital role in shaping the real estate landscape.

Here are some key moments and figures in real estate that were made possible and created by women.


Elizabeth J. McCormick

In 1903, Elizabeth J. McCormick became the first woman to earn a real estate license in the United States. She went on to establish the Women's Real Estate Association of Chicago, which aimed to support and empower women in the industry.


Dorothy Alther

In 1936, Dorothy Alther became the first female member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). She went on to become the first female president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® in 1950.


Barbara Corcoran

Barbara Corcoran founded The Corcoran Group in 1973 with just $1,000. She built the company into one of the largest and most successful real estate firms in New York City before selling it in 2001 for $66 million. Corcoran is also a bestselling author and a judge on the hit TV show Shark Tank.


Joan Kroc

In 1980, Joan Kroc, the wife of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, became one of the first female real estate developers in the country. She used her wealth to build low-income housing communities and shopping centers, and her legacy lives on through the Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego.


Dottie Herman

Dottie Herman is the CEO of Douglas Elliman, one of the largest real estate brokerages in the United States. She began her career in real estate as a secretary and worked her way up to the top of the industry, becoming the first woman to hold the CEO position at a major real estate brokerage in New York City.


These women, and countless others like them, have blazed a trail for women in real estate. Today, women make up a significant portion of real estate agents and brokers, and many are leaders in the industry. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities and pay in the real estate field.


As a REALTOR®, you can honor Women's History Month by learning more about the achievements and struggles of women in the industry. You can also support and mentor women who are just starting out in real estate, and advocate for policies that promote gender equality in the workplace.


Let's celebrate the women who have shaped the real estate industry and continue to pave the way for future generations.

REALTOR® RESOURCES

Consumer Guide Update: Preparing for Homeownership

By Louisiana REALTORS® • February 19, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on preparing for homeownership. This guide covers what prospective buyers should consider as they kick off the home purchase process, including the importance of credit scores, mortgage pre-approval, down payments, budgeting, and educational resources. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Preparing for Homeownership Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Preparing to Sell Your Home Fire Damage and Policy Coverage Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with potential clients to ensure they have the information they need to be successful in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover property taxes.

Consumer Guide Update: Escrow and Earnest Money

By Louisiana REALTORS® • February 14, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on escrow. This guide covers what homebuyers should know about earnest money deposits, including the general terms and use cases in real estate transactions. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Preparing to Sell Your Home Fire Damage and Policy Coverage Flood Insurance Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover preparing prospective buyers for homeownership.

2026 LR Officer Elections, RVPs & NAR Director Applications

By Louisiana REALTORS® • February 12, 2025
The Louisiana REALTORS® Board of Directors will conduct several elections this Spring. Interested candidates that meet the qualification who are looking to serve at either the state association level or the national association level are encouraged to view the criteria and submit an application. An application that is not submitted on the appropriate form or not submitted pursuant to the instructions shall not be considered as submitted timely.
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