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ERA Franchise Systems LLC
1 Campus Drive Parsippany, NJ 07054 (973) 428-9700 |
Media contact: Stacy Quinn
(973) 496-7904 stacy.quinn@ERA.com |
ERA Real Estate affiliates benefit from being part of a 'unique industry'
PARSIPPANY, NJ, April 4, 2002 - Responding to a recent report on gender inequality in the workplace, ERA Real Estate affiliates say they have found that the real estate industry is one that presents fewer obstacles for women to achieve a successful and profitable career.
The report, "A New Look Through the Glass Ceiling: Where are the Women?" released by the U.S. General Accounting Office, investigates the barrier between women and the executive suite in 10 selected industries, including the category "Finance, Insurance & Real Estate." It also examines the wage gap between women and their male counterparts in those fields.
While this report reveals that, in many industries, women are still struggling to jump the hurdles blocking career advancement today, ERA® affiliates say they choose to work in real estate because there is no glass ceiling and wages are based on job performance.
Selling Broker Janice Miller of ERA First Advantage Realty, Inc. in Newburgh, Indiana, said that in her 22 years of selling real estate, the sky has been the limit. "In most jobs you are given a salary range and that is what the job pays," said Miller. "I've enjoyed the fact that I have the ability to set my own range and go after it. In this field, the harder you work, the more successful you become. I only sold one house my first year in real estate, but after taking some classes and setting goals, I was able to work my way up to be a multi-million dollar producer. There is a great satisfaction that comes from having the ability to set and achieve goals without having gender as an obstacle."
Judy Reeves, president of Burgdorff ERA in Northern New Jersey, began her career as a part-time relocation assistant and has worked nearly every job in real estate. She said this industry is an ideal environment for women. "The real estate profession is one that is well-suited to women," said Reeves. "Historically, women have been known to be intuitive negotiators and fabulous listeners. They also have the ability to counsel and nurture people, which are important skills for sales associates and managers working in the real estate field."
Like Reeves, Gloria Frazier, president of ERA American Realty of Northwest Florida, Inc. in Shalimar, Florida, said that careers in real estate sales and management are uniquely suited for women.
"In my market, the average price of a home is in the low to mid $100,000 range. Typically, nine out of my top 10 producers each year are women who complete more than 60 transactions a year, which is a lot to juggle. I think women thrive in this atmosphere because they have the ability to grab their arms around many things at a time much like working mothers," said Frazier, who started her career as a sales associate. "Women also flourish in an environment like real estate sales because no two days are alike. There's always a new challenge. "
Brenda W. Casserly, president and COO of ERA Real Estate, said she enjoyed the challenge of finding her customers the "house of their dreams" when she was selling real estate. In fact, she sold a farm and two houses the first week after earning her real estate license.
"While selling real estate I found that every day was unique and I was always challenged. There were very few dull moments," Casserly said. "Most importantly, I have always felt very fortunate to be part of an industry where women can equally compete with men in terms of wages and career advancement.
"I always tell people that it was not my plan to be the first female president of a global real estate brand, but hard work and dedication to my craft led me to where I am today. I encourage more women to follow a path that will lead them to own or manage a real estate company one day."
About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. It is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD) and part of its Real Estate Franchise Group. The ERA real estate network includes 2,600 offices and more than 28,000 brokers and sales associates throughout the United States and 26 other countries and territories. Each ERA office is independently owned and operated. ERA information is available to consumers on the Internet at www.ERA.com. ERA properties can also be viewed at www.REALTOR.com®.
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