Are Women Better Real Estate Investors?

I must start by saying: If you’re looking for politically correct, then I’m DEFINITELY not your guy!

Kim and I were discussing who is better at real estate investing – men or women.   Lord knows men and women are very different creatures.  Men are clear, concise and rational thinkers.  Women are not. 

Seriously, I think women can be better – a LOT better – at real estate investing than men.  To prove this, our real estate investor’s meeting this month is about successful women real estate investors.  Our panel will be four women who, between them, do over – way over – 100 deals a year!

Three reasons why I think women can be better at real estate investing: 1) Great time management.  2) Not ego driven.  3) Aren’t scared of hard, dirty work.

It’s an absolute fact that most tasks that take a man eight hours to do, a woman can accomplish in half the time.  For example, if Kim asks me to hang a picture, I’ve got to get out my level, tape measure, laser scope, etc.  After Kim’s eyes recover from rolling back in her head, she’ll try to stop me by making a small mark on the wall and saying, “Bill, insert the picture hanger here.”  Do I pay attention to her?  NO WAY!  Forty minutes and twelve tools later, my mark on the wall is right next to hers.  Disheartening!

As for egos, what can I say?  Men have them and women don’t.  When an investor wants to know how they’re doing at sellers’ kitchen tables, I’m often asked to tag along and watch.  With a male investor, the first 30 minutes is spent listening to the guy brag about himself and his greatness.  Women, on the other hand, get right to the point.  Rarely do they talk about themselves – and NEVER about their “greatness.”

When it comes to hard, dirty, monotonous work, men would rather chew an arm off than do it.  Think about it: Who vacuums the house, washes the dishes, cooks the meals and scrubs the tubs and toilets?

Want an even better example?  The other day, I was at Joe and Ashley English’s home.  They are outstanding real estate investors and are like our kids.  They just had a new baby girl – Ariel.  I was playing with Ariel when suddenly the aroma in the room changed DRASTICALLY!  Think I’m changing that diaper?  Not a chance.  Couldn’t pass Ariel to Ashley fast enough.

Why is real estate investing a near-perfect match for women?  It allows women to better control their time.  They’re able to meet with sellers when their kids are in school.  If the kids are home sick, women can reschedule an appointment and stay home that day.  Try doing that if you punch a time clock.

Women, hope you consider learning more about real estate investing.  In many, many ways, you’ll be a lot better at it than men!