Real estate is a continuously growing and expanding industry. In any given major U.S. city, the interest in real estate is at an all-time high, be it as an investment or as a full-time profession.
When it comes to women in real estate, luxury residential sales have become the crème de la crème of high-earning professions for entrepreneurial women. Brown Harris Stevens, Corcoran, Douglas Elliman, Halstead, and Sotheby’s are but a handful of the highly recognizable top firms. The last several years has generated an influx of public curiosity in real estate. Numerous reality shows continue to focus on the work process of mega agents, whose day-to-day involves luxury residential sales, and society’s thirst for that “insider’s view” of the super competitive world of buying and selling luxury properties does not seem to be ending any time soon.
African American women in the New York City real estate market are determined, fearless, go-getters. In this three part series, we will talk with three African American women that are active in this industry, and each will share how they navigate the professional real estate world. The first interview features Vie Wilson of The Corcoran Group.
With over 20 years invested in the game, Wilson is a top agent that is truly an industry expert. Known for sales of condominiums in historic sections of Harlem, she has been featured in several publications over the years. The Senior VP’s tenacity has helped her become the first African American to “gain success in the mainstream real estate market in New York City.”
So, could real estate be the career choice you’ve been looking for? Read on to find out.
VIE WILSON: THE EXPERT
BE: How long have you been in real estate? What led you to this career choice? What part of town do you typically cover?
VW: I’ve been a real estate agent since 1988. I was led to the career choice by one of my closest, dearest friends, Mitchell Davie, who I met in Brooklyn. Mitchell owned several buildings and properties that I had interest in. He told me I’d be great at selling, and ultimately sponsored my license. He encouraged me to sell in Manhattan. I worked for a small company to get my feet wet and later interviewed at Corcoran; the rest is history.
Currently, I do business all over Manhattan and sometimes in Brooklyn. In early 2000, there was lots of interest and promise in the Harlem market. I met a gentleman who had a building he wanted to sell, and I convinced him to develop it. He trusted me and took a chance; this began my condominium development career.
Since then, I’ve represented 12 developments in Harlem. For the past several years, I’ve conducted the majority of my work selling new developments in the Harlem area.
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BE: How has the industry changed over the years?
VW: Like New York City itself, it is constantly changing; that is one of the great things about real estate. Computers and mobile devices give agents and clients immediate access to property, information, and market data, which didn’t happen in the past.
BE: What are a few of your greatest successes in real estate?Â
VW: The following are accolades I have been acknowledged for over the years:
- NRT ‘s Top 1000 Sales Associates ranking, among 45,000 sales associates in the country
- Harlem Broker of the Year
- Salesperson of the Year
- A member of the Multi Million Dollar Club
BE: As female in real estate, do you feel that women face certain things that men do not?
VW: Residential real estate agents in New York City have always been predominantly female, so the challenges and barricades many women faced while entering into other industries were not an issue for me. In fact, being female has been really positive for my career.
Corcoran’s CEOs have always been women, from the time it was founded in 1973. [This was] at a time when every other firm–almost all businesses–were headed by males. However, with sales reaching $21 billion last year, I think female leadership has proven to be quite successful for Corcoran–and it has for me, too.
BE: As an African American woman, what pointers would you give to another African American woman who is just entering the field or is already in it?
VW: Be prepared to work harder. Entering the field takes a lot of time, dedication, and commitment at the start and throughout your career. No matter how successful you get, you still have to put in the work. It’s the personal connection that will make all the difference in your real estate career; 98% of my clients are repeat clients or referrals. I connect with clients on a personal and business level.
Also, have integrity while working with anyone; this is a critical part of my success. The other part is to love what you do. If you love this business like I do, you will enjoy a successful career.
Vie Wilson Residential listing, 850 St. Nicholas Ave, Hamilton Heights, Manhattan Image: Corocran Group Vie Wilson Residential listing Interior, 850 St. Nicholas Ave, Hamilton Heights, Manhattan Image: Corcoran Group