Over the past few decades, women have made significant strides in the real estate industry, breaking through traditional gender barriers and establishing themselves as successful professionals in a field that was once dominated by men. Today, women are not only pursuing careers in real estate, but they are also becoming leaders, entrepreneurs, and top-performing agents.
One of the most notable achievements of women in real estate is the increasing number of women-owned and operated real estate businesses. According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly two-thirds of all real estate agents in the United States are women. Additionally, more and more women are entering the field of real estate development, construction, and property management.
Women are also making a significant impact in leadership roles within the industry. A growing number of women are taking on executive positions in real estate firms, and several women have been appointed as CEOs of major real estate companies.
Despite these successes, however, women still face significant challenges in the real estate industry. The gender pay gap continues to persist, and women often struggle to gain access to the same opportunities and resources as their male counterparts. Nonetheless, the progress made by women in real estate has been significant, and there is no doubt that women will continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of the industry.
Featuring for CIO Women Magazine’s this special issue of The Most Admired Women Leaders In Real Estate – 2023 is the story of Maria Gaviria, a prominent name in real estate.
A Journey to the Dream
The story of Maria Gaviria, the owner of Mega Realty International is one of resilience, hard work, and determination. Born in Colombia, she immigrated to the United States in 1991 with her two children. She settled in New York City and began working as an assistant for a lending broker. It was here that she got her first taste of the real estate industry.
In 2005, with her children grown up, she moved to Florida to start a new chapter in her life. Her daughter joined the New York Police Department, while her son decided to serve in the Army. As a single mother, Maria Gaviria had to find a way to support herself. She decided to pursue her passion for real estate and started working as a real estate agent in Cape Coral, Florida.
“Working as an agent was not easy, but she persevered.”
She spent long hours showing properties, negotiating deals, and building relationships with clients. Her hard work and dedication paid off, and she quickly established a reputation as a skilled and trustworthy agent. Clients appreciated her honesty, integrity, and knowledge of the local market.
In 2008, Maria Gaviria decided to take her career to the next level. She founded Mega Realty International, a real estate brokerage focused on delivering exceptional service to clients. The brokerage quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to excellence and became one of the most successful in the area.
Today, Mega Realty International continues to thrive under the leadership of Maria Gaviria. She has built a team of talented agents who share her passion for real estate and her commitment to providing clients with the best possible service.
“Mega Realty International has helped countless clients buy and sell properties in Florida, and it has become a trusted name in the local real estate industry.”
The story of Maria Gaviria is an inspiring one. It shows that with hard work, determination, and a passion for what you do, you can achieve great success. She is an example to us all that with persistence, anything is possible.
Women Making Their Mark
It is a well-established fact that women are just as capable as men in performing any job or role, including those traditionally considered to be male-dominated. The progress made by women in various fields, including real estate, is a testament to their talent and dedication. The real estate industry has witnessed a significant rise in the number of women-owned businesses, and women have made inroads into executive and leadership positions in major real estate companies.
However, it is important to acknowledge that gender biases and discrimination continue to exist, which often result in women being paid less and not being given the same opportunities as their male colleagues. It is essential to address these issues and promote gender equality in the workplace.
Nevertheless, it is heartening to see that women are breaking through gender barriers and achieving success in their respective fields. The contributions made by women in real estate, from real estate development to property management, are essential to the growth and development of the industry. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue supporting and empowering women in real estate, and other industries, to achieve their full potential.
What is Your Inspiration You Ask?
Maria Gaviria says,
“To me, inspiration is a vital part of my daily routine when I enter my workplace. I strive to create a positive and uplifting atmosphere that motivates everyone around me, including my employees and clients. It is important to me that they feel happy and optimistic about their work and business dealings.
I firmly believe that maintaining a positive outlook is crucial for success in any industry, and this is especially true in the competitive world of real estate. Encouraging my team to stay focused and enthusiastic while facing the various challenges that arise in this field is one of my top priorities.
As a leader, I try to set an example by always maintaining a positive attitude and looking for opportunities to grow and improve. I believe that by promoting a culture of positivity, productivity and creativity can be maximized, and everyone can achieve their full potential.
I think at the end of the day inspiration to me means creating an environment that fosters positivity and motivates everyone to achieve their goals. It is a powerful tool that can unlock the potential of individuals and teams, leading to success and growth in any industry.”
A Journey of Accomplishments
As an accomplished real estate broker and owner of Mega Realty International, Maria Gaviria continuously strives to improve her skills and knowledge in the industry. She takes classes with local lawyers twice a month and regularly attends training sessions provided by the Royal Palm, the institution that offers MLS and training to real estate professionals.
By joining the MLS and participating in these classes, she has had the opportunity to learn from esteemed lawyers in the field and advance her career. This commitment to ongoing education and professional development has allowed her to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in the real estate industry.
Through her dedication to continuous learning and improvement, the real estate broker has become a trusted and knowledgeable resource for her clients. She is able to provide them with expert guidance and support throughout the buying or selling process, ensuring that they achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.
Overall, her commitment to education and professional development is a testament to her passion for the real estate industry and her dedication to providing the best possible service to her clients. As a result, she has earned a reputation as a leader in the industry and a go-to source for all things related to real estate.
Mega Realty International
Mega Realty International specializes in residential real estate, representing both buyers and sellers in a wide range of real estate transactions. The company is primarily focused on the sale of properties within Lee County, where they have established a strong presence and reputation as a trusted and reliable real estate brokerage.
To better serve their clients, Mega Realty International is connected with three MLS systems: Royal Palm MLS, Miami RE MLS, and Charlotte County MLS. This allows them to access a broader range of properties and provide their clients with the most up-to-date information on the local real estate market.
With a growing number of clients, Mega Realty International has expanded their reach to include international buyers and sellers, with a particular focus on the Hispany market. In 2021, the company successfully closed 319 deals, and in 2022, they closed 258 deals, a testament to their expertise and commitment to providing top-notch service.
Despite the current market conditions, which have seen an increase in real estate interest, Mega Realty International continues to perform well. The company offers property management services in addition to their real estate services, providing a full suite of options for their clients.
Overall, Mega Realty International is a leading real estate brokerage with a proven track record of success. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to serving their clients’ needs has earned them a reputation as a top-tier real estate brokerage in the Lee County area and beyond.
Building the Team
“When I first started in this industry, I encountered a wide variety of individuals with different motivations and values. I quickly learned that surrounding myself with good, honest people who were genuinely interested in their career was crucial. It was important to me to work with people who shared my values and commitment to excellence.”
Word of the Wise
Maria Gaviria’s Advice to the Budding Entrepreneurs
“Maria Gaviria’s advice to new entrepreneurs in this field is to always strive to learn and improve. This is not a job where you can simply coast along and expect to succeed. It requires constant effort and dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the industry.
For Maria Gaviria, the foundation of success in this career is preparation and constant improvement. It is important to work hard every single day and strive to provide the best possible service to clients. Putting the needs of clients first is paramount, and this means ensuring they are happy with their investments and that their financial and personal interests are protected.
Ultimately, success in this field is not about commissions or personal gain, but about building long-term relationships with clients and ensuring their satisfaction with the services provided. By focusing on these principles, new entrepreneurs can establish a reputation for excellence and build a successful career in the real estate industry.”
