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“Women, Wealth and 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.
In the ever-evolving world of real estate, few paths are as transformative as the one taken by women who embrace the industry to secure financial freedom and build lasting wealth. For many women, real estate offers an unparalleled opportunity to take control of their financial future, whether by purchasing their first home, embarking on an investment journey, or excelling as professionals within the field.
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Nelvia Bullock, a top-producing real estate agent and advocate for community empowerment, exemplifies how the industry can be a powerful tool for women — especially women of color — in shaping their destinies and expanding their possibilities.
Humble beginnings
Bullock’s journey into real estate began in 2016 when her family relocated from San Francisco to Charlotte, North Carolina. At the time, Bullock navigated a career shift after being laid off from a mid-level advertising sales position. She was uncertain of her next steps but knew she wanted to focus on raising her daughter while adjusting to life in a new city.
Little did she know that this seemingly difficult period would propel her into a career that would not only transform her financial outlook but also provide her with the freedom to balance family and work in a way few others can.
The initial real estate transaction was less than ideal, with Bullock doing most of the heavy lifting while working with an inattentive Realtor. This experience sparked something within her — a curiosity about how the industry operated and a desire to take control.
“I embraced the challenge,” Bullock recalls. Despite the hurdles, including failing the North Carolina state exam four times, she persevered, determined to carve a space for herself in an industry that hadn’t yet been welcoming.
Fast forward to 2025, and Bullock is now a recognized leader in the real estate world, having earned distinction in her field as a top producer at Compass. She has not only established financial independence for herself and her family. Still, she is also using her platform to give back to the community, showing that her success is more than personal gain. It empowers others — particularly women of color — to break through barriers and thrive.
Real estate and the path to wealth building
Bullock’s success story is not unique in its potential but in its impact. Real estate has long been a pillar of wealth creation. Still, for many women, especially women of color, the ability to build wealth through property ownership has been historically out of reach.
The barriers of systemic discrimination, lack of access to capital, and exclusion from wealth-building networks have all played a role in limiting opportunities for women of color. Yet Bullock’s experience highlights how these barriers can be broken with determination, strategy, and a commitment to leveraging available resources.
One of Bullock’s proudest moments came when she purchased her first investment property in 2022, which she converted into a short-term rental. This was followed by selling her primary home in 2024 for double what she had paid for it, allowing her to acquire her dream home.
“All self-funded from hard work and dedication,” she proudly notes. These strategic moves have reinforced her expertise in navigating the real estate market and provided her family with the financial freedom to elevate their lifestyle and create generational wealth.
For many women, particularly those who come from backgrounds where wealth-building strategies were not discussed, these milestones can feel distant. Yet Bullock’s story proves that with resilience, a willingness to learn, and a solid support network, financial freedom through real estate is within reach.
Overcoming challenges as a woman in real estate
Despite the financial rewards, Bullock’s journey has not been without its challenges — particularly as a mother balancing a demanding career. She reflects on the difficulty of maintaining a work-life balance, especially when her children attend private school and many other parents are stay-at-home mothers or work part-time.
As a top producer in the industry, Bullock is always “on,” often managing a multimillion-dollar real estate business while trying to remain present for her children.
With the support of her husband and the realization that time is precious, Bullock made the tough decision to step down from owning a team to prioritize her family.
“I have only nine summers left with my oldest child,” she says, underscoring the importance of being present. This decision represents a deeper understanding of what truly matters and a commitment to balancing her role as a mother and a career woman.
The challenges of balancing motherhood and career are not unique to Bullock but are part of a more significant trend many women in business face.
A 2022 report from McKinsey & Company found that women are nearly three times more likely than men to be responsible for household duties and caregiving, which can lead to burnout and career stagnation. These disparities are even more pronounced for women of color, who are often overlooked for leadership opportunities and experience compounded challenges in navigating both their personal and professional lives.
Advice for women in real estate
For Bullock, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling homes — it’s about changing the narrative for women, particularly women of color, and enabling them to create and sustain wealth.
“Growing up, I wasn’t invited into the rooms where these conversations about leveraging real estate for wealth were happening,” Bullock shares. As a result, she built her network, educated herself, and intentionally cultivated relationships with influential leaders and equitable entrepreneurs.
Through this process, Bullock became a top producer and a true product of the very real estate strategies she promotes. Today, she encourages other women — especially young or single — to take a similar approach.
“Spend the time on a journey of self-discovery,” she advises. “Understand yourself. Once you gain confidence in yourself, you’ll recognize your unique gifts and talents — let those lead the way.”
For women entering the industry, Bullock recommends finding mentors to help them identify and hone their value proposition. Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for women in business, particularly in industries like real estate, where the challenges can be compounded by gender and racial disparities.
For women, mentors can offer critical guidance, help navigate career obstacles, and provide a model for success that may not be readily visible elsewhere. In fact, research shows that mentorship is a key factor in advancing women’s careers.
A study from Wharton found that 72 percent of women with mentors reported greater career satisfaction compared to only 49 percent of those without mentors. Additionally, women who had mentors were more likely to be promoted, earn higher salaries, and achieve their career goals.
Mentorship is particularly vital for women of color, who often face barriers like exclusion from professional networks or the lack of representation in leadership roles. According to a 2024 report by McKinsey & Company, women of color are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions — making up just 4 percent of executive-level roles in the U.S., even though they represent 17 percent of the workforce.
Bullock emphasizes the importance of mentorship, not just in terms of receiving guidance but also in giving back by mentoring others. She believes in the power of women lifting each other up and creating a network of support that transcends individual success.
“Mentorship is about personal growth and empowering others to reach their full potential,” Bullock notes. By actively participating in mentorship circles like Empowering Women in Real Estate, Bullock is helping to create a robust community where women can thrive together.
Real estate is about more than mimicking trends or following in others’ footsteps — it’s about showing up as your authentic self. “Treat all clients equally, regardless of their price point,” she says, emphasizing that every transaction is valuable.
Bullock also advises women to take ownership of their career development. “In this industry, many people try to mimic the trends showcased in shows like Selling Sunset or emulate popular influencers and content creators. While those styles can be appealing, what potential clients really seek is authenticity. They want to know who you are and how you can genuinely assist them in achieving their housing goals.”
Regarding sales and business, authenticity is not just a buzzword — it’s a proven strategy. Research consistently shows that consumers prefer to engage with brands and salespeople who present themselves authentically rather than those who mimic trends or follow popular influencers.
Looking ahead: Empowering future generations of women
As Bullock continues to build her career, she remains focused on empowering other women, especially those of color, to break into the real estate industry and achieve financial independence. She envisions a future where more women are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources to leverage real estate to create wealth and opportunities.
“Real estate can empower women in ways that few other industries can,” she says. “The key is to build your brand, cultivate a strong network, and create spaces for collaboration.”
Bullock actively participates in groups, where women support each other and collaborate on projects, from house flipping to community outreach. She also emphasizes the importance of joining male-dominated nonprofit boards, attending industry workshops, and seeking professional designations to increase visibility and credibility.
For Bullock, the future of real estate is bright, especially for women. “We are the ones who built the table,” she says. “Now we’re securing our seats at it.”
Transforming lives
Nelvia Bullock’s journey is a testament to the power of real estate in transforming lives. For women, particularly women of color, real estate offers a pathway to financial freedom and a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Through hard work, resilience, and the support of a strong network, Bullock has created a legacy of empowerment that will inspire future generations to take control of their financial destinies and generate wealth through the opportunities real estate provides.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and beyond, let Bullock’s story remind us of the untapped potential when women invest in themselves, their careers, and their futures. Real estate is not just about property — it’s about creating a foundation for lasting success and opportunity.
Melanie C. Klein, M.A., is a sought-after empowerment and mindset coach working with individuals and teams across the country to align and integrate their personal and professional spheres for increased success and abundance without compromising their joy.
