BIG PICTURE--Stereotypes Still Exist in Real Estate, Though Race and Gender Barriers Are Crumbling

NEW YORK CITY-There have always been exceptions to the rule that commercial real estate was a white, male enclave. Mary Anne Tighe of Insignia and Mary Marks of Transwestern leap to mind. But while a true mix of color and gender is still developing within the ranks, and stereotypes still exist, insiders say the industry is making great strides in this direction, and it’s talent, not gender or color, that pushes an individual to the top of the heap.

In Southern California, ethnic diversity is a pre-requisite, given the mix that exists within the local population. Cody Plott, president and CEO of Colliers Seeley, tells West Coast South bureau chief Patricia Kirk that both language and culture are issues in working with multicultural clients. He notes that his firm’s ethnic balance is reflective of the population in general at about 70/30 (whites to minorities), but not of its clientele, which is about 60/40. “This certainly is not ideal,” he states. “So we must continue to push to reach our goal.”

For the full story from Los Angeles, click on:Ethnic and Gender Balance is a Top Priority for SoCal Industry Leaders