June 2, 2025 | Veena Jetti
The multifamily real estate sector has seen a transformation over the past few decades, with women increasingly taking on leadership roles and driving innovation within the industry. Being a woman who founded a multifamily investment firm and has actively participated in numerous industry events, I’ve personally observed an increase in women joining the multifamily space.
The multifamily real estate sector has seen a transformation over the past few decades, with women increasingly taking on leadership roles and driving innovation within the industry. Being a woman who founded a multifamily investment firm and has actively participated in numerous industry events, I’ve personally observed an increase in women joining the multifamily space.
Historically, the real estate industry, including the multifamily sector, has been male-dominated, but recent trends show some progress toward greater gender diversity. Women are increasingly entering the commercial real estate field and advancing to leadership roles. For example, citing data from real estate executive search firm RETS Associates, CoStar reported that the share of women candidates placed by RETS in commercial real estate (CRE) roles increased to 46% in 2024, up from 41% in 2022. And while only 9% of C-suite roles in CRE were held by women in 2020, CoStar also noted that in more recent years, “several women have joined the top levels of some of the world’s largest commercial property firms.”
However, a report from McKinsey found that, despite progress in corporate America, women are still “underrepresented at every stage of the corporate pipeline.” Many women also encounter a number of challenges in this field. Based on my experience in this space, I want to explore the hurdles women often face in multifamily real estate; highlight empowering initiatives women and companies can explore and underscore the importance of networking and mentorship.
Challenges Women Often Face—And How To Tackle Them
Balancing Work And Personal Demands
One of the most pressing challenges many women face in multifamily real estate is balancing work responsibilities with family duties. The demands of a career in real estate often require long hours, frequent travel and high levels of commitment, which can conflict with family obligations such as childcare or eldercare.
This is something I’ve experienced firsthand. As a business owner and mother to young twin daughters, I’ve found that balancing work and family can be quite demanding. To balance it all, I’ve implemented strategies like blocking out specific times on my calendar. This helps me dedicate focused attention to both my family and my business. I’ve discovered that this approach not only increases my efficiency but also highlights the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially within the multifamily real estate industry.
Another essential tool is task prioritization. By identifying which tasks are most critical each day, women can focus their efforts on what truly matters both at work and at home. These strategies can help create a sense of control over busy schedules and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
On an organizational level, companies in the multifamily space can support more flexible working arrangements for their employees. This can significantly alleviate pressures for all members of the team. Policies that allow for remote work or flexible hours enable workers to better manage their personal responsibilities alongside their professional commitments. Companies that recognize the importance of work-life balance are more likely to see higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.
Navigating Bias
In addition to balancing multiple roles, many women in real estate encounter implicit biases. This is true for many industries, and these biases can manifest in various ways, from assumptions about women’s capabilities based on gender to unequal opportunities for advancement. Research has shown that women may be overlooked for promotions or leadership roles, even if they have higher job performance ratings. This bias can not only affect hiring practices but also influence how women’s contributions are perceived within teams and organizations.
Addressing these biases is crucial for fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Companies can establish training programs aimed at raising awareness about implicit bias. This can be beneficial for both men and women within organizations. Programs should encourage individuals to reflect on their own biases and consider how they might impact decision-making processes related to hiring, promotions and team dynamics.
The Importance Of Networking And Mentorship
I believe networking plays a vital role in women’s career development within the multifamily sector, as it can not only help women find new deals but also mentors. Having a mentor can help professionals navigate career challenges and open doors to new opportunities.
Women can explore mentorship programs and initiatives specifically designed for women in real estate and multifamily that pair experienced professionals with emerging leaders to facilitate knowledge sharing and skill development.
Industry events can also offer invaluable networking opportunities. These can give attendees a chance to learn from industry experts while building lasting relationships. Be proactive and intentional about attending industry events and conferences. I’ve personally found that this allows me to meet new people and establish connections in my field.
Educational Opportunities
Educational opportunities are crucial for empowering women in multifamily real estate, as they provide essential skills and knowledge necessary for success in a competitive industry. Women can look for workshops that cover a wide range of topics, such as financial analysis, negotiation tactics, marketing strategies and leadership development.
Multifamily companies can further prioritize ongoing education to not only enhance individual capabilities but also contribute to overall organizational growth. By investing in employee development through continuous learning opportunities, organizations can cultivate a more skilled workforce capable of adapting to industry changes.
As I see it, the future of multifamily real estate looks promising as more women step into leadership roles and drive innovation within the industry. By continuing to support one another through networking, mentorship and educational initiatives, I believe women can overcome existing challenges and pave the way for future generations. As we celebrate women’s advancements, it is crucial to remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all professionals can thrive.
