By continuing to invest wisely, women like Judith Ahdoot are not only securing their own futures but also setting the stage for future generations to thrive, coach Melanie Klein writes.
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the power of the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego
“Women, Wealth & Real Estate” is a special series for Women’s History Month spotlighting the diverse stories of women who created wealth for themselves and their communities through real estate and power moves.
Historically, women have faced significant barriers to wealth accumulation and property ownership. In the United States, women were legally barred from owning property in their names until the mid-19th century. Even as recently as the 1970s, women needed a male co-signer to obtain a mortgage.
However, the landscape has changed dramatically. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), single women accounted for 20 percent of homebuyers in 2024, compared to just 11 percent in 1981. These numbers reflect women’s increasing financial independence and their ability to leverage real estate as a tool for long-term wealth building.
Judith Ahdoot’s journey: Real estate as a path to security and freedom
Judith Ahdoot’s story exemplifies the transformative power of real estate ownership and investment. Born in Tehran, Ahdoot and her family fled Iran following the 1979 revolution, settling in Los Angeles. Real estate was not just an investment strategy for her family but a means of securing financial stability in an uncertain world.
Her father had invested in Los Angeles real estate before the revolution, a decision that ultimately provided a crucial safety net when they were forced to start over in a new country.
Her mother’s resilience in the face of financial hardship further reinforced the importance of homeownership. After a divorce left her as a single mother with no work experience in the U.S., Ahdoot’s mother took on multiple jobs, saved diligently and eventually purchased a condo. This investment secured a home for her family and became a stepping stone for additional real estate investments that ensured long-term financial stability.
Overcoming challenges as a woman in real estate
Ahdoot’s career in real estate was not without its challenges. Entering the New York City real estate market in her late 20s, she faced skepticism and resistance from male colleagues and even some clients. Many men in the industry attempted to undermine her, refusing to take her seriously or even trying to steal clients.
Rather than allowing these challenges to deter her, she forged strategic alliances, particularly with the owner of her brokerage, who became a mentor and source of valuable opportunities.
While she no longer works in real estate, Ahdoot credits the industry with teaching her how to be an entrepreneur — a skill she has applied to the other businesses she has created. She spent over 20 years, 10 of which she lived in New York City, building a successful career across the mortgage industry, real estate and entrepreneurship, including starting two businesses.
Despite her education and business acumen, Ahdoot recognized a significant gap in her own financial literacy. She noticed this in her immigrant community and even among her highly educated and successful American peers.
Additionally, she observed a pattern in her very large family, where the women outlived the men and lacked the necessary support and resources in their senior years.
These experiences sparked a deep passion in Ahdoot to empower her community with financial knowledge, focusing on retirement and estate planning, building generational wealth and developing tax-efficient investment strategies.
Real estate as a vehicle for financial freedom and generational wealth
Ahdoot’s mother exemplified the power of real estate to create stability, passive income and financial security. By leveraging the equity in her home to purchase a second property and later renting a room for additional income, she ensured a comfortable retirement while avoiding financial dependence on her child.
Her foresight in prioritizing investment over short-term spending shaped Ahdoot’s own financial philosophy and underscored the importance of strategic wealth-building.
Women like Ahdoot and her mother highlight that real estate is not just about owning property — it’s about creating choices, stability and generational wealth.
Advice for women seeking financial independence through real estate
Ahdoot offers valuable advice to women considering real estate as a path to financial freedom:
- Educate yourself: Take courses, obtain a real estate license and study investment strategies.
- Start small, and be patient: Real estate is a long-term game; focus on building credit and saving for a down payment.
- Be strategic with money: Learn how to budget, invest wisely and take calculated risks.
- Build a network: Surround yourself with mentors and successful individuals in real estate.
- Diversify investments: Explore multiple income streams to supplement real estate ventures.
The future of women in real estate
Women are increasingly recognizing real estate as a key to financial empowerment. With the percentage of single women homebuyers rising, there is a clear shift toward greater economic independence.
However, more can be done to support women in real estate. Expanding financial literacy programs, increasing access to affordable financing and creating mentorship opportunities can help more women leverage real estate as a pathway to wealth and security.
Ahdoot’s journey, and that of many women like her, demonstrates real estate’s profound impact on financial independence. By continuing to break barriers and invest wisely, women are not only securing their own futures but also setting the stage for future generations to thrive.
Melanie C. Klein, M.A., is an empowerment and mindset coach.
