Honoring Women’s History Month: Pioneering Women Who Shaped Homeownership’s Future.
Women have long fought for equality in all areas of life, including homeownership. During Women’s History Month this March, which began in 1987, we celebrate their resilience and progress in securing financial independence. From overcoming legal barriers to leading in real estate today, women continue to shape the housing market and redefine their economic power.
Until recently, women faced significant barriers to owning homes, and the journey wasn’t easy. The 1862 Homestead Act was an early breakthrough, allowing widowed, divorced, or deserted women to own land and settle in the American West. Yet, well into the 20th century, societal norms and legal restrictions made property and land ownership difficult, often requiring a husband’s consent.
The change gained momentum with the women’s rights movement. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 outlawed sex-based discrimination in real estate, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 granted women the right to secure loans without a male co-signer. These victories transformed the housing market, and today, women continue to lead in real estate, lending, and property development. As the times have changed, it’s worth noting that single women now outpace single men in homeownership across the U.S., a testament to their financial independence and economic power.
Along the journey, there have been many women trailblazers who have influenced homebuying. Follow us on social media during March to learn more about how these women have left a lasting impact on the history of women in homeownership, real estate, and housing policies, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
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