About
We are a network of successful REALTORS®, advancing women as business leaders in the industry and in the communities we serve.
Women's Council of REALTORS® At a Glance
Women’s Council is the industry’s premier source for strong, committed, well trained business, association, and community leaders. Membership in the Women’s Council demonstrates a commitment to excellence and aids your influence in the real estate industry. Women’s Council members come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, creating a rich environment where mentorship naturally flourishes at local, state, and national levels. The more you engage, the more likely you are to find inspiration and guidance from fellow members who are eager to support your growth.
The National Association of REALTORS® was founded as the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges on May 12, 1908 in Chicago. With 120 founding members, 19 Boards, and one state association, the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges' objective was "to unite the real estate men of America for the purpose of effectively exerting a combined influence upon matters affecting real estate interests."
In 1924, the California Real Estate Association formed a Women's Division, after members founded the idea on a train ride home from the National Association's convention in Washington, D.C.
The National Association of REALTORS® was ready to recognize women in real estate and a positive vote resulted in the formation of a women's division at the Annual Convention held in Milwaukee in November of 1938. Thirty-seven ambitious women represented nine states at that meeting and the Women's Council of REALTORS® inception. Through the decades, the Council's membership growth reflected the vast number of women choosing a career in real estate.
Dorcas T. Helfant-Browning, a native of Chesapeake, VA, was president of the National Association of REALTORS® in 1992. She was the first woman to lead the National Association, and, at the age of 45, was one of the youngest people to serve as NAR president at that point in the organization’s history.
Women's Council of REALTORS® Benefits
At Women’s Council, leaders are made here. Our 250 nationwide networks offer training and networking opportunities designed to elevate you as a leader in the real estate industry, your local community, and within your Women’s Council network.
Learn about all of the National member benefits below and discover all of the ways we are ready to partner with you.
Average 2021 Women’s Council member’s income from real estate:
$153,000
Median 2021 Women’s Council member’s income from real estate:
$106,000
Average sales volume of a Women’s Council member:
$11.3 Million
Sales Volume Median among Women’s Council:
$5 Million
Average commission income from Council member-to-member referrals:
$14,000
Percentage of members who referred business to another member annually:
54%
#1 reason cited for doing Women’s Council member-to-member referrals:
“Council membership means a high-level business leader who will follow through on client needs.”
71% of members agree that
“As a result of my involvement in Women’s Council, I have become a stronger leader and developed advanced leadership skills for my business, community and personal life.”
Members who report being leaders in their local community:
60%
Percent of NAR Board of Directors who also hold membership with Women’s Council:
20% (211 out of 1,070)
Percent of NAR Committee slots held by Women’s Council members:
12% (474 out of 3,791)
Women’s Council participation rate in RPAC is the highest in the REALTOR® family at 66%
Total annual investment of Women’s Council members:
$3.4 Million
President’s Circle members who are Women’s Council members:
573
Major investors who are Women’s Council members:
1,778
Hall of Fame members who are Women’s Council members:
312
Our Relationship with NAR
Women’s Council of REALTORS® is a proud affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS® with an 80+ year history of partnership and collaboration. The organization seeks to complement not compete with NAR and its affiliated local and state associations.
New Membership FAQs
Founded in 1938, Women’s Council is a nationwide community of 13,000 real estate professionals who include many of the best and brightest in the business. The backbone of the Council is its network of more than 250 local and state networks in nearly 40 states with volunteer managers trained to position their groups as a business resource in their REALTOR® communities. The Women’s Council of REALTORS® is a vibrant community of women leaders in the real estate industry. We focus on advancing women through education and development opportunities, networking and unrivaled culture and events. Membership in the Women’s Council is highly valued by our members and the industry.
1. REALTOR® Membership -This is the most common membership type. REALTOR® Membership holders must be a dues paying member in good standing with the National Associations of REALTORS® (NAR).
2. National Affiliate Membership-This group of members are individuals who work in industries of real estate such as but not limited to mortgage brokers, appraisers, and title companies. National Affiliate members hold membership in their Local REALTOR® Association within the geographic territory of the Network, or if no such membership is available within the Local Association, then the individual shall hold membership within the State Association, but they may not be REALTORS®.
Go to www.wcr.org and click on “Join Now” at the top right of the page, complete the online application form. You will be able to process your payment to join directly on the site. Once you have joined, you will receive a follow up email to confirm your membership. If you are unable to join online, our printable PDF is also available.
Please visit the Find a Network section at wcr.org. You can search and find networks either by name of the network or by looking up the state you reside in to view all the networks in the state.
See if the Women’s Council is the right place for you by attending a local event. Use the calendar to find out more details about any event near you. All events added by the networks are listed in the Event Calendar on wcr.org. Click on “Network Events” at the top of the page. You can then search the calendar by state, network, and month the event is held in.