Jobs for the Girls - Real Estate's Feminine Side

Jobs for the Girls - Real Estate's Feminine Side

Employers who want to attract industry high achievers may need to offer a flexible working environment, family-friendly initiatives and peer support. Kerry McDuling looks at the RE/MAX approach to fostering career development of women in real estate.

"It's intense focus on creating the ideal environment in which women can excel is reflected throughout RE/MAX organisations around the world."

“I can run my business around my life and create my own timeframes, while still being part of a team of professionals in a supportive and inspiring environment.”

When it comes to our career, it has become increasingly accepted that women have different needs in the workforce than our male counterparts. Yes, it is true that we are entirely capable of similar levels of achievement and promotion, but as our ability and recognition as equals in our chosen industry has changed over the years, one thing has largely remained the same – our role as primary caregiver and home-maker, no matter what our domestic situation is.

Office and work commitments normally clash very inconveniently with the school run, our children’s after-school sport and other hobbies, grocery shopping, and, of course, a trip to the hairdresser. This is often the reason why women who work in most industries have a limited ladder for career (and salary) growth – in other words, they build their own glass ceiling by opting out of promotion and other opportunities that may result in further commitment and responsibility, so that they can be more available for their family.

While some industries and organisations are aware and maybe even understanding of this conflict, there is little they are able to do about it, simply because of the nature of the type of work they do. Often, the best they can do is offer flexibility in terms of allowing women the option to work part-time or to job share, but there is no denying that this impacts on a woman’s earning capacity, and so, is really only half a solution.

One industry that has the capacity to be more flexible to cater for women is the real estate industry. Most appointments are set over the phone or e-mail, clients are met at their home, most often at weekends and after business hours, and administration tasks can be completed from a distance. It is therefore no coincidence that this is an industry in which so many women excel. The question remains whether the organisations for whom they work will actually make and accept the changes necessary to allow women every opportunity to succeed.
 
RE/MAX is the first Australian, and indeed international, real estate organisation to actively support women in the real estate industry since its inception. In a previously male dominated industry, RE/MAX was founded on and grew its membership of women to 75 per cent. Today, women represent near on 54 per cent of the RE/MAX membership. They have been instrumental in the success of building the worldwide network. In fact, the organisation can also boast the first female CEO of an international real estate company. Its intense focus on creating the ideal environment in which women can excel is reflected throughout RE/MAX organisations around the world.

This is evidenced locally by RE/MAX’s decision to become a Platinum Sponsor of a local progressive network for women in real estate.

The Women’s Real Estate Network (WREN) was created out of a desire to link women working within the real estate industry. Founder, and real estate communications professional, Paula Shearer said that through regular networking events in Brisbane and on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, WREN provided support and inspiration; information and education plus an avenue for shared experiences and moral encouragement for women working in real estate.
 
According to RE/MAX’s Regional Director, Nicholas Thiele, providing greater support to assist women in achieving that elusive work-life balance is important. “This is fundamental, not only for women, but for all that migrate to real estate as a career, searching for a more balanced lifestyle, which allows for work and also for family, rest, and hobbies. There are high demands placed upon all within the industry, but specifically for women, who I feel clearly need a more flexible work environment. Success in business is rapidly being judged on your satisfaction in time spent away from work.”

“At RE/MAX we believe we provide the ideal setting for work-life balance and there is truly no limit to what women can achieve here. In fact, a large percentage of our top achievers in Australia are women, and it has been women who have taken out the highest ranked Diamond Award in Australia, which is based on $1million plus in commissions earned. Interestingly, they are also all mothers and are representative of how it can be done.”

Christa Lindsay from RE/MAX Elite in Wagga Wagga is one of the group’s high achievers, and says that, because she has been granted complete freedom to structure her own career the way she would like it, this allows her to take three holidays a year – one to Germany to visit family, one short break locally, and one that usually sees her setting off on a cruise with her semi-retired husband, who also looks after her marketing needs.

“I must admit that I am a workaholic, but am 100 per cent self motivated, and because there are no restrictions on me in terms of where and how many hours I work, I can push as hard as I need to, and then enjoy well-earned, quality time away from my business.”

Another extremely successful RE/MAX Agent, Michele Hyde from Townsville, describes how her passion for community involvement is also an opportunity to network and grow her client base.

“Since I joined RE/MAX four years ago, I have been structuring my time in a way that suits me and my lifestyle. My work does not hinder or restrict my involvement with ZONTA, a group of women that meets monthly to promote the status of women worldwide, or Dragons Abreast, an organisation offering breast cancer survivors from all age groups the chance to participate in the sport of dragon boat racing,” she says.

Because each RE/MAX agent effectively is responsible for running their own business, and their resulting success, operating an office does not require the same time demands in managing performance.

Christina Penrose is the Broker of the high profile RE/MAX Bardon, from which a group of ten agents operate. With three boys under four, Christina’s hectic week involves kindy drop-offs and pick-ups, grocery shopping, play dates, and all the other tasks that taking care of a young family entails. However, she is also a successful business owner, and says this is due to RE/MAX’s flexible structure that allows her to achieve success in all the different facets of her life. “I can run my business around my life and create my own timeframes, while still being part of a team of professionals in a supportive and inspiring environment.”

According to Mr Thiele, because the RE/MAX structure sees agents earning a greater commission on sales, they don’t have to sell as many properties to generate the same income as elsewhere in the industry, allowing them more time off to take holidays, spend time with family, or pursue other interests. This business provides an ideal backdrop for women to take control of their lives, successes and destiny.

Women’s Real Estate Network (WREN) is open to all women, from any company, no matter whether you are working in management, sales, rentals, administration or related fields. New members are welcome and WREN membership is free. Visit www.wren.net.au

Kerry McDuling has over ten years experience in the public relations sector and as a feelance journalist, writing for national and international publications. Formerly the Communications Manager for an international real estate franchise, Kerry is currently the Director of McDuling PR, specialising in public relations for the real estate industry.