Gold Nation Celebrates Women's History Month
In the past, the real estate industry was traditionally a male-dominated profession, but women have fought hard to break down barriers and make their presence felt. When the National Association of Realtors was formed in 1908, the entire membership was male. Today, 65 percent of all REALTORS are women, according to NAR.
Gold Nation proudly celebrates its diversity with many women leading the company. We spoke to several members of Gold Nation to celebrate their contribution to the industry!
“WE DOMINATE THE INDUSTRY” — JANICE MCELROY, RE/MAX GOLD AGENT, RENO
The Kester-Berger team consists of Stacey Berger, and Carrie Kester. Together they bring a combined experience of over 40 years, where they have seen the industry progress. “Women have the platform to hold positions in local boards now,” Carrie Said. While they’ve seen the industry adapt, they say stigmas remain. “There’s a stigma that women are doing Real Estate part time and their husband must be the main breadwinner, but now more than ever women are truly running their Real Estate business as a business,” Stacey said.
“We dominate in this industry,” Janice McElroy, a Gold Nation Agent in Reno, said. While Janice was on her own with her previous firm, she found that she wanted the support that Gold Nation provides. “Apparently, I craved it! There’s a point in time when you want to band with a group of people who are like minded,” Janice said.
“There’s so many different aspects to being a mom in this field. This is what busy looks like.” — Nancy Rabago
Nancy Rabago is a Transaction Coordinator for RE/MAX Gold where she supports agents through every step of the transaction and has formed great friendships in the process. Nancy said one of the highlights of her career is the friendship she has formed with colleague Jennie Alvarez. “My friendship with Jennie is fruit to my heart. Jennie and I will be friends forever,” Nancy said.
Nancy said that she appreciates the trailblazers who came before, such as her mother. “My mom was a real estate agent in the 80s,” Nancy said. “The strong women before us showed up, but there wasn’t a guidebook,” she said. Many agents had to figure it out on their own. Nancy is now demonstrating that strength in her own family, as she has been a constant pillar during her husbands several military tours as a mom, spouse, and Gold Nation support member. Today, there are many more systems in place due to the trailblazers. “To be able to work and balance home-life is an indicator of how we’ve grown,” Nancy said. Having a supportive work environment has helped Nancy balance everyday life. “The service center adapted amazingly to the pandemic. They changed the dynamic without changing the baseline of the care. I wouldn’t still be here if I didn’t feel that support.”
Today, Gold Nation supports over 3000 agents. “I feel like I belong to a family, and who doesn’t want to belong?” said Janice McElroy.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE?
“Run! No, I’m Just kidding. Be prepared to work all the time. The first 4 - 5 years we worked everyday. you have to be prepared to work really hard.” — Carrie Kester
“Be vulnerable, be able to admit that you don’t know everything. nobody knows everything; ask questions.” — Stacey Berger
“Showing up is number one. It takes a lot of confidence to show up, The willingness to engage. with TC work, there’s a lot to do. If you don’t start out without ‘hello how are you?’ It’s not fun for anyone.” — Nancy rabago
“We can't do this business alone. We have to be sensitive and when we need help to ask for it. “ — Janice Mcelroy
Gold Nation, comprised of RE/MAX Gold, RE/MAX One, RE/MAX Grupe Gold, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, RE/MAX Alliance Group, RE/MAX Associates, RE/MAX Central, RE/MAX Equity Group, RE/MAX Integrity, and RE/MAX Northwest, is represented by over 3,000 of the industry’s most productive agents at 132 Offices throughout Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.