Celebrating women in real estate careers | News, Sports, Jobs

With the first day of Women’s History Month beginning on Monday, this is a great time to bring light to women in the real estate profession who should be recognized for their achievements.

Women’s History Month originated on March 7, 1982, as Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress extended the celebration from one week to the entire month of March. The national holiday celebrates the struggles and achievements of American women through the history of the U.S. While women dominate the real estate profession, it is important to raise awareness of the achievements made by the prominent spearheads leading the industry.

HISTORY OF WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE

Since the late 1700s, women have been involved in the real estate profession in clerical positions. According to the National Association of Realtors, “In real estate’s early days, women filled office and clerical roles, but by the 1880s, women were already moving into the roles of agents and brokers, though at a relatively slow rate. Nationwide, women brokers dominate the residential real estate market, but have yet to make a major entrance into the more lucrative commercial market.”

As time progressed, women began working more frequently in the sales aspect of the market, many of which are brokers and CEO’s of large associations. According to the National Association of Realtors, women make up approximately 67 percent of the Realtor demographic, while 61 percent hold their Brokers license in which 67 percent are full-time agents and 61 percent are part-time.

ANNE PETIT

One of the most notable women in the industry is Anne Petit, the current Superintendent for the Division of Real Estate Licensing.

Petit served as the divisions superintendent from 2002 to 2005 but left the position to work as the vice president of Hondros College. She returned as the superintendent in 2011 and currently serves this position. The Division of Real Estate Licensing is responsible for issuing licenses to brokers, salespeople, appraisers, and foreign real estate dealers and salespeople.

Petit has launched several successful ways to improve and modernize the real estate license law. She also ensures that Ohio appraisal and management companies are following federal requirements. Petit also recently modernized the state license law to require additional education and training, while also allowing for alternative methods of delivery.

According to Ohio Realtors, “she has served as President of the Association of Appraisal Regulatory Officials and is the 2019 President of the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO).” Anne Petit continues to make improvements to the division for real estate professionals and representatives.

Although women were not always the front-end leaders of the real estate profession, with the help of people such as Anne Petit and Marica Fudge, future professionals have a positive and encouraging influence to strive for greatness. This year will mark the 39th year that Women’s History Month will be celebrated, and there is no better time to highlight the achievements and successes that women nationwide had achieved in the real estate profession.