Enterprising Women in Real Estate With A Golden Stance
Women’s History Month
In March we reflect on and honor the many achievements of women through history.
Few industries remain today that have not seen a drastic change in the role that women play. Real estate and relocation are not immune to these changes. This is according to the National Association of Realtors.
Historically, women have been involved in real estate almost since its inception in 1794.
It was establishment as a legitimate business in the 1840s. In real estate’s early days, women filled office and clerical roles. By the 1880s, women were already moving into the roles of agents and brokers, though at a relatively slow rate. Nationwide, female brokers dominate the residential real estate market. They have yet to make a major entrance into the more lucrative commercial market.
Real estate is a challenging, rewarding and exciting career. These women in our Golden office have weathered the ups and downs of the business and have guidance and tips to share with our Golden readers.
Stay tuned this month to hear from the women at #BHHSGoldenProperties. Follow us @BHHSGoldenProperties.
Prior to real estate sales Jake worked as VP of Operations for Government Funding, a private firm that made SBA loans. The company was sold and a year later in 1984 Jake decided the long commute to Beverly Hills was way too stressful. She explored other career opportunities and soon realized she would be happiest if she could be more of an independent contractor so she made a career change into Real Estate.
Why did you choose real estate?
After 20 years in the corporate environment endearing long hours, long commutes and little opportunity for advancement I decided I wanted to be more in control of my own destiny.
After careful consideration and review of the pros and cons of my career as V.P. Operations for a small business loan funding company it became clear to me that a career change into real estate would be a smart move for me. That was thirty-five (35) years ago and I never looked back or regretted my decision.
How do you think women are perceived in the business? What is your reaction to it?
I have always felt that as a Realtor women were always on the same playing field as men. It is my belief to this day that gender does not matter in this business. What matters is your ability to do the job to the very best of your ability with integrity, innovation, trust and knowledge.
What tips do you have for women starting in real estate?
My advice to all persons wanting to enter the real estate business is straight forward: Have at least one year of living expenses, be willing to be a full time professional and get ready to work 24/7.
What is your greatest business accomplishment?
My greatest business accomplishment is to have survived through all of the down times; including the great recession. Real estate is cyclical and good Realtors know how to adjust to the cycles; how to educate themselves constantly to keep up with the changes and how to provide the type of service that brings referrals and repeat business. Today I am working with grandchildren of some of my first clients.
Meet Katheryn Henry; she is a REALTOR with more than 30 of experience specializing in the Foothill Communities. She’s served as president for the Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors, and has been on the board of directors twice. She’s also served as a California Association of Realtors – State Director for nine years.
Why did you choose real estate?
I chose Real Estate as my 3rd career because I wanted to be out of a strict office environment, meet more people and make a difference in their lives. I also felt it would make an impact on mine which it has because I have made lasting business relationships and great friendships through my 33 year career as a Realtor®.
How do you think women are perceived in the business? What is your reaction to it?
I feel that women are sometimes perceived as ‘pushovers’ in our industry and I guarantee you we are not – we are movers and shakers in our industry. We are intuitive, great problem solvers and always have a professional attitude. We don’t just sell houses, we help clients achieve dreams & build homes for their families. We also work to protect private property rights.
What tips do you have for women starting in real estate?
Don’t believe the rumors of time flexibility. In the beginning I worked 6 days a week, it was not as flexible as I thought it would be but so much more rewarding than I had ever hoped it would be. Stay focused and consistent.
What is your greatest business accomplishment?
I have several great accomplishments, not just one. I was a single Mom, a past President and Board of Director for Pasadena-Associations of Realtors, a California Association of Realtors Board of Director and am still an active Realtor® but helping my clients and friends achieve their Real Estate goal is the best.
Do you have a life motto? What is it?
Be honest and kind in all that you do.
Aida Dimejian, the brokerage manager of BHHS Golden properties leads a diverse team of hand-picked real estate professionals within BHHS Golden properties, and oversees the management of three businesses altogether: Real Estate, Mortgage and Escrow.
Aida is a former Huntington Hospital Registered Nurse who found her niche and her passion in the field of Real Estate, joining her husband Hovig who founded the brokerage in 1987. She brought this attention to detail and care into real estate.
Why did you choose real estate?
I was a Registered Nurse and Real Estate was my husband’s career. However when it turned into a family business and he needed my help, I did what came natural to me and joined him in the business.
How do you think women are perceived in the business?
Actually Real Estate has been seen as a great career for women because of its flexibility in terms of family and children. What is your reaction to it? I see it as an equal field for both men and women.
What tips do you have for women starting in real estate?
Real Estate is not an easy business, you deal with a lot of personalities and you must remain professional and level headed at all times.
What is your greatest business accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment on a daily basis seeing my agents succeed. As far as my clients, there is no better rush of happiness when I see my clients in their dream home.
Do you have a life motto? What is it?
Yes, always do the right thing even if no one is looking!
Meet Heidi Bloks; she grew up in Monrovia, Ca. and graduated from Maranatha High School with a wealth of knowledge and expertise about Pasadena, Monrovia and all of the San Gabriel Valley. She lives in Monrovia, and is on the Board of Director for Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, a past Board of Director for Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, and a graduate of Leadership Pasadena.
She Consistently stays connected and gives back to her community and its businesses.
Why did you choose real estate?
I chose to start my career in real estate in 2008 when the market took a downward turn. “Not the best time” is what most people told me; but it was the best time for me because it allowed me to see the market at its worst and it has been all up hill from there. Helping people find their dream homes and sell when they need to is a very rewarding job. It allows me to work a flexible schedule. When my boys were younger and played sports, that was invaluable.
How do you think women are perceived in the business? What is your reaction to it?
I learned quickly that women were not perceived as the stronger sex in real estate. Being told how the transaction was going to go and being told how to do my job is a frequent assurance. It is important to lead by example and therefore I “kill with kindness,” so to speak. By the end of those transactions, I am usually told it was the best experience and they would work with me anytime!
What tips do you have for women starting in real estate?
Be confident and stand up for yourself and your clients. Learn everything you can and if you don’t know, ask! Most importantly, value your clients and they will value you.
What is your greatest business accomplishment?
Successfully helping clients that are going through a hardship or a loss is when I feel my greatest accomplishments. The pain many people go through when selling a deceased loved one’s home, or cleaning up their own home after years of hoarding and sickness, can be enormous. I personally feel for each and every client and help them individually to the best of my ability. That is my greatest accomplishment.
Do you have a life motto? What is it?
My life motto is, “Never get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life.” Life is precious and we never know how many days we have with our loved ones. Cherish every moment and never make work such a priority that your personal life suffers!
Meet Vicki Carroll, she has nearly 30 years of real estate knowledge, focusing on the greater San Gabriel Valley area. She has the advantage of working with people in all walks of life, including 20 years of experience in the movie industry. The demanding requirements of this industry helped to shape and enhance her negotiating skills. As part of her commitment to the community, Vicki was a board member of a low- to- moderate income non-profit senior housing development.
Why did you choose real estate?
After 20 years in the movie industry, I felt I was ready and up to the challenge of a new career, one of which I had been anxiously anticipating for many years.
How do you think women are perceived in the business? What is your reaction to it?
I believe women are viewed as an asset in this business, in part due to our empathetic abilities to very easily discern a clients needs and wants, even if not articulated very clearly by the client. This is very positive asset and has served me and my clients well.
What tips do you have for women starting in real estate?
Real estate is a full time commitment. Contrary to what we are usually told and lead to believe as new agents, there is not a lot of time flexibility. If you want to be successful, you have to make sacrifices which might impact the quality of time you have to spend with family and enjoying other activities.
What is your greatest business accomplishment?
I’ve made some life-long friendships with many clients and other real estate agents. They’ve placed a lot of trust in me and have been the main reason for my longevity and success in this profession.
Do you have a life motto? What is it? If it’s too easy, it’s probably not worth pursuing. Meet the challenge head-on!