During Women’s History Month, we are celebrating our industry partner, the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR). In Illinois, WCR has a statewide chapter and eight local chapters that cover many markets across the state. WCR chapters are an outstanding source for networking, leadership development and community involvement. And, as the following WCR stats demonstrate, getting involved is good for your bottom line.  

Grow your business: Networking and referrals are strong motivators for involvement. Fifty-four percent of WCR members report referring business to other WCR members, resulting in a $15,000 annual average income bump from referrals. When surveyed, WCR members cited confidence in their colleagues’ “high-level” business skills as the number one reason for referring. In addition, WCR members median income from real estate was $87,690 in 2019, nearly double the median income of all REALTORS® which was $49,700. WCR members’ average transaction volume was $8.5 million with a median of $3.6 million.  

Step up to leadership: The success of WCR networking breeds industry leadership, too. According to WCR’s website, 152 National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors members hold membership in Women’s Council with 400 NAR committee slots held by Women’s Council members. Nationally, 58 percent of WCR members participate in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee. A total of 1,552 WCR members are Major Investors and 416 are President’s Circle members.  

Find out “how you fit in” from Women’s Council of REALTORS® member and up and coming industry leader, Natasha Murphy. In this brief interview with Illinois REALTORS® Jakeeva Lee, Natasha opens up about her recent stepped-up involvement with WCR.