Women realtors going strong

Women have forayed into many male dominated industries. But, somehow not many women ventured into the real estate world or tried their hand at being real estate brokers, property dealers.

There is however, a change of tide, and the just concluded 11th NAR Convention, India's biggest realty convention saw many women taking part in the same.

Almost fifteen women realtors participated in the two-day convention held in the city at HICC, Madhapur.

An old saying goes:

"Real Estate, Politics are the last resorts for those who failed in all other professions". But, that is not the reason for me entering into Indian Realty Industry, says Mamata Kovvuru from Hyderabad who lives in Sainikpuri.

"I was trained as fashion designer.

I set up a boutique when I was hardly 19. I ran it for 7 years with reasonable success. I designed clothes for the wealthy and glamorous in Hyderabad. Then I had this itch that I wanted to do something more challenging. On advice from friends, I looked at real estate and started as a property consultant.

Initially it didn't appeal to me much because it did not appear to be comfortable for women. And not many women were found in the business. What attracted me to take a plunge was profits in this business.

It is my good fortune that I was said to be the first woman real estate consultant in Hyderabad. I don't think any other woman was there in our two Telugu states too. Now I have that distinction and I am happy about it."

"I am very happy about the flexibility this occupation offers. I play a role as a guide, advisor to my clients. When they acquire property through me it gives me immense satisfaction.

Some people buy property, or a house and they remember you for a lifetime. That gives me satisfaction.I welcome more women into the profession. This is no longer a typical broker job. It is much more professional.Like any other professions, it demands integrity, hard work and focus. Success is definite, Mamata adds.

Women, who began to get attracted to real estate business broke the traditional shackles and emerged as successful professional realtors and they are the inspiration for many aspiring women.

We are property transaction consultants, says Alpana Sanjay Agarwal from Jaipur. She has a branch in Hyderabad too. "I have plunged into this profession soon after my husband, who was a Realtor died in an accident in 2013," shares Alpana, whose unplanned entry into the busiess taught her many new things.

"Through this profession I have been supporting my son who is 21 years old now. I was first lady Realtor in my state, Rajasthan. I close 4 to 5 deals a month. The profession is paying me well.

Today I have 13 offices across India, including one at Hyderabad. Thirty people work for me," she relates.

This teacher-turned-realtor faced lot of challenges. People told her that it was a male job and she wouldn't able to carry it forward. "But I proved them otherwise," she shares.

"I faced credibility challenges because of gender and the initial lack of business knowledge. My journey has been like a rollercoaster ride. "I would like many ladies get into this profession," adds Alpana, who didn't take much time to learn the tricks of the trade.

She is one of the very few (around 20) women realtors in India.39-years-old Swati Baijayant has been a real estate broker for the past 9 years. She enjoys her job. "I live and cherish every moment of professional life," says the mother of two.

Her husband Sachin Baijayant is a financial consultant.

"This is a God- sent job for me. When I help people buy property, I am helping them in their wealth creation. If they are truly benefited from my knowledge and wisdom, they will remember me for long time," she says.

Real Estate is the world's second oldest profession. It is the second highest employment provider.It contributes 17 to 18 per cent to the Indian Gross Domestic Product, and I am happy to be a part of it, she shared.

"A lawyer's income increases with increase in crime and litigation. A doctor's income increases with increase in diseases and illnesses. But a realtor's income increases with increase in prosperity of people.

That why we feel proud of our profession," says Nethra Qudros, a realtor from Karnataka. She has been a realtor for 16years in the USA and now in India for the past three years.

She is mother of three kids. Her husband is a scientist.

"Property purchase is a very important matter in the life of lot of people. It is the most cherished moment. Realtors role is very important. We are the cornerstones of the real estate Industry in India. Though the job is not easy to handle, I learnt a lot about the trade while at it," she says.

For Priya Sridhar, real estate career happened by accident. She was in food and nutrition sector. Though it was accidental, today she has emerged as a major brand, "Priya Realty".

I don't see the world as 'man' and 'woman'. To me both these genders are one. My secret behind success is 'the more you give, the more you get", it is as simple as that, she says. "Passion and Integrity are the trademarks for my success."

Pradnya Sabnis hails from Mumbai. She too tasted success in the domain dominated by men until now. I could get my own office in a prime location in Dosti Acres, Wadala East Mumbai, she shares. "I firmly believe that if we get associated with right group of people in the same industry, success can come easily.

The knowledge and experience that I received from National Association of Realtors, the apex body of realtors in India, made me more strong and confident in running a successful real estate broking business defying the belief that it is meant only for 'Men'.

"Take the first and bold step. Then if you have passion and dedication, the success is yours," says Pradnya Sabnis. Real Estate Broking business does not require investment for huge financial capital.

It only requires your only intellectual capital in the right direction coupled with professional ethics and values along with your networking skills. Let us emulate women realtors in the US who are doing equally a great job in the real estate broking space in comparison to men," she states.