Linda Mahoney, founder of Better Homes
It all began from my home, a small desk in the corner of my dining room, to be precise. I started with properties for rent in Jumeirah. In 1988 we expanded into a new office on Jumeirah Beach Road (picture below) and in 1992 Betterhomes launched its property management service.
I have never felt any different as a woman working in real estate. There was never any gender bias and that rings true even today, especially at Betterhomes. We have a massively diverse workforce, with many senior positions being held by women, as they should be. Gender just doesn’t come into it, and I have always seen it as a business, the same as any other, with diversity, hard work and great service being the essential components above all else.
Back when I started Betterhomes, more women than men entered the real estate market, because the men were here on contracts, often in executive positions, and it opened doors for women to be able to work flexible hours and still have time for family. I have always felt that women have a natural flair for this industry, and this just evolved and became better for women, especially once the market involved sales and became more structured and mature.
Our longest standing agents have been with me for over 20 years, and are both women. To me this speaks volumes about the industry’s need for women, and their longevity in real estate today.
As with all successful businesses, it takes hard work, tenacity, and of course some luck too. We all know that markets are cyclic, and being here for the various peaks and valleys, gave us the opportunity to heavily invest in the business during the robust periods.
Today our clients demand instant information, and everything has gone digital, so we have reinvented ourselves with comprehensive information at our fingertips. In the last eight to nine months, we have launched our new multi-faceted website and refreshed our brand. And of course, we’ve helped thousands of expats and long-term residents move into their dream homes.
None of this could have been achieved without the dynamic and strong women behind the wheel at Betterhomes. It’s been a great journey so far.
Elaine Jones, executive chairman and founder of Asteco
I am the first to admit that my immense achievements in real estate are by opportunity, rather than design. Since my arrival in the UAE nearly 40 years ago, I have watched the UAE transform from a small trading hub to a prosperous and thriving nation. In 1980, Sheikh Zayed Road was two-lanes only, and the Dubai World Trade Centre had just been completed. None of the other iconic buildings that are synonymous with Dubai’s skyline had even been conceived.
My journey began with taking a job at an international property services company in the UAE as the “villa lady” but I moved into the property management team soon after joining. Real estate was never really in the grand scheme of things, but when certain opportunities presented themselves, I took my chance and over 30 years down the line I can proudly say they’ve paid off.
In 1985, I founded Asteco with the Bin Sulayem family with property management as its core business. With the right work ethic, attitude, keeping an open mind and support from my husband, I was able to grow and nurture my business.
It was about carefully developing relationships right from the start, and servicing them with the same passion and rigor all along. The clients, that I started to work with in the early days, continue to be so 30 years down the line, and as their property portfolio has expanded it has in turn contributed to the growth of Asteco.
Even though real estate is a highly competitive industry, it does not mean that a woman cannot succeed. On the contrary, the UAE is seeing a rapid increase in women in leadership positions. Being a woman in this market takes you through some steep learning curves. However with some hard work, confidence and determination, I really believe that women can flourish and thrive in any field they chose to make a name for themselves.
Zarah Evans, managing partner of Exclusive Links Real Estate Brokers
It’s a misconception that in the Middle East the female workforce have limited opportunities. I think it’s quite the contrary and this couldn’t be further from the truth. Real estate might be perceived as a man’s world, the typical grey suit negotiator briefcase in hand, forever hungry for the next deal. It’s a highly competitive industry but being a woman I have only been met with respect and inclusion. I do believe this has come from having confidence, passion and many long hours of hard work.
Whether it’s managing a real estate transaction or a real estate business, it all about attention to detail, patience and care. These are traits naturally instinctive to most women. Our business is about people and their homes and females nurturing abilities are better suited to the emotional process of renting or buying.
The UAE real estate market in particular is changing at a fast rate where adaptability is essential. We have seen a huge correction in both sale and rental prices over the last three to four years and I don’t see any immediate change in this. I would say prices are more where they need to be, and so now we need to work more on the expectations of sellers and buyers to try and close that gap.
Dubai remains as exciting, ever changing and evolving as it was when I arrived here 20 years ago from Australia. Together with my business partner, Louise Heatley, we spearhead Exclusive Links, as two strong female market leaders. It is addictive and I believe the best is yet to be seen.
