#women in commercial real estate

[ineffable-opinions]

BL doujin & Men Who Make Some of Them

If BL is stories of androphilic men by androphilic women, then what’s the opposite of that? It would probably be stories of androphilic women by androphilic men.

The latter is what Minamoto Kazuki mainly dabbles in.

Apart from straight & BL manga, he also authored Shoujo Manga Artist Minamoto-San Comes Out. Yeah, that’s the title. It is autobiographical if that wasn’t obvious. Arguably, his most famous manga, at least in BL fandom, is Wall Circle's Doujin Artist Nekoyashiki-Kun's Desire for Recognition Grows which got live-action adaptation: KabeKoji in 2022.

Androphilic male characters who create straight content is not rare in BL. In 2023, from what I can recall, we got two such characters: Sung Woo Jae from Individual Circumstances (2023) and Yoh from Taikan Yoho (2023). Jinta from Cherry Magic (2023) also writes (presumably straight) romance. Even before that, we got an entire BL live-action franchise (starting with The Novelist (2018)).

Doujin production and consumption

Doujinshi (doujin for short) is self-published works. It includes both derivative works (fan works) as well as original works. It is estimated that nearly half of the doujin produced and circulated are BL. These are traditionally sold at conventions like Comiket. These days doujin are sold online, for example through dedicated websites like DL site.

Doujinshi culture and Comiket especially has been instrumental in the development of BL as a genre. Unfortunately, unlike other BL pioneers such as Mari Mori (her 1961 novel A Lovers' Forest is considered the first BL) and the Year 24 Group, Meikyu doujin circle (Yoshihiro Yonezawa in particular) seldom find mention in history of BL.

BL doujin grew side by side with commercially published works. The original use of the portmanteau yaoi (no peak, no fall, no meaning) was an indication of plot what plot nature of those doujins that subverted the East Asian narrative structure to focuse exclusively on erotic relations. Doujin BL varied widely in themes and approaches, even more than commercial BL as doujin are not created to appeal to the masses, instead cater to super-specific fandoms. Also, it is easier to debut into doujin arena than to commercial BL. However, since these are literally ‘thin books’ in most cases, there is associated limitation. There is cost of printing to be taken into account as well.

As more explicit doujin (yaoi) and less explicit BL (shonen ai, etc.) coevolved in a porous environment, BL transformed into a successful genre in itself with numerous dedicated magazines and multimedia adaptations. Moreover, doujin was good ground for experimentation and yields in that arena made its way into mainstream BL and enriched it.

Commercial BL welcomed many doujinshika into its fold. e.g. Ayano Yamane (author of the Finder series) is associated with a bunch of doujin circles at different points in time: GUN MANIA, Shouhoku Taiiku Yougushitsu and Ouka Seisaku.

BL mangaka continued producing both doujin and commercial BL. e.g. Kizu Natsuki (author of Given) is a prolific doujinshika under the name Gusari in Sashikizu circle.

BL mangaka produced doujin of their own work. e.g. Ichikawa Kei (author of Blue Sky Complex) published erotic extras as doujin.

These days, there is pixiv among others and long serialization possibilities. Authors are less constrained by space – unlike physical publication, web publication is not constrained by real estate (number of pages, chapters, etc.). Thanks to the internet, the distance between doujin and commercial BL have shortened. 

A lot of gei comi (bara) is also self-published.

Doujin BL culture exists everywhere BL is famous with wide variation.

Doujin played an important role in emergence and growth of Korean BL. e.g. Totally Captivated by Yoo Ha Jin had doujin extras.

Chinese doujin culture is slightly different from that in other countries. Note-worthy is the self-publication of danmei (Chinese BL) novels. Three most recent cases against danmei authors [and their accomplices including those who helped the authors print, bind, package and sell those copies] were for self-publication.  

天一(Tian Yi) for her student X teacher SM erotica 攻占 (Seize Control)  - charged for self-publication and violation of law prohibiting publication of obscenity [explicit SM involving a 17-year-old student and his teacher in the novel]

深海先生 (Mr. Deep Sea) for her historical romance 锁帝翎 (aka 笼中帝 ; The Caged Emperor)  - charged for self-publication.

There is a third. But the details are not available in the public domain.

It used to be a common practice for authors to self-publish uncensored versions of their web-published works, sometimes with explicit extras. These were intended for fans who wanted to collect these copies and to express their appreciation to the authors. Both self-publishing and “obscene content” are illegal in China.

Doujin, BL and their creators

Kabe Koji is the journey of a doujinshika, Mamoru Nekoyashiki, who yearns to be recognized as such and also as a beloved. While in high school, he fell in love with his childhood friend Kazama Issei whom he is sure doesn’t like him like that, thanks to rampant compulsory heterosexuality. Being gay was something he felt he had to keep under wraps not only because of fear of rejection but also because of heterosexism. Talented in drawing, he visits Comic King, a popular otaku convention where he discovers a different world – where male androphilia is celebrated in art.

This inspires him to cultivate his talent in drawing and to pursue a career in manga. Since the art he was most drawn in by was ero-manga with macho uke with bitch characteristics, that’s the style he pursues.

When we meet him, this is the subgenre that we see him focusing on. His influences are pretty obvious.

Moreover, the main character (hence the target of affection in his work) looks a bit like his crush. Issei notices this and tries to draw himself like that (with disproportionately thin neck) in little notes and letters to his Mamocchi.

[I honestly think Nakao Masaki was bit of a miscast for this role appearance-wise because in the manga Issei is more on the gacchiri (muscular) side of ikemen. Whoever thought Torii-san’s uke from Fudanshi Bartender no Tashinami (2022) would be right fit for Issei’s character. The actor clearly didn’t disappoint in any other aspect. This is like the case with casting decision in One Room Angel (2023) wherein a manga character with gachimuchi aesthetics was changed into a lean ikemen. An opportunity for a different body-type was wasted. No complains against those actors since they aren’t the ones responsible for casting.] This is an erroneous assessment. Thank you @tompetertrash for correcting me.

Nekoyashiki, while pursuing training and education in manga making, has already established himself as a fairly successful doujinshika known as Honeniku-sensei of Muscle Department Store. He belongs to the Wall Circle.

"Kabe circle" (wall circle) — a slang term for doujin groups or "circles" that are popular enough for their booths to be placed beside the wall of the convention, for ease of line management. (Source: ANN)

He is friends with Yamada, a fujoshi who is his support in creating, defending and selling doujin.

Such friendships are not too rare. For example, friendship between Yoh and Manju in Taikan Yoho (2023). And the IRL friendship between female danmei author Lan Lin and male manhuajia Liang Azha.

Yun SuAn's friend Choi is a BL manhwaga in My Damn Business (2024).

Nekoyashiki meets two other characters at Comic King: Framboise and Takkun.

Framboise is the president of a doujin circle called Bearded Beauties. He is very popular. He is not only among the wall circles each time we see him, but also is showered with gifts by his fans. He acknowledges that he has been doujinshika for years. His art resembles him – body-type, facial hair, moe. He keeps inviting Nekoyashiki warmly to a gathering of muscle BL artists despite getting turned down. His interactions with Nekoyashiki are precious.

Takkun is Nekoyashiki’s fan. He is inspired by Nekoyashiki and worked hard to establish himself as a wall circle doujinshika.

His rise from a consumer to producer of doujin and finally a wall circle doujinshika mirror's Nekoyashiki’s journey. Moreover, his rise is contrasted with Nekoyashiki’s fall.

Also, one of two characters on his doujin cover looks a lot like him.

Unlike Framboise and Takkun who draw what they like, Nekoyashiki draws to be recognized.

Nekoyashiki draws a second season to his previous work Please Suck on my Enormous, Manly Tits. Despite Yamada’s best hopes, it is not popular at all and loses Nekoyashiki his position as a wall circle doujinshika. He bids goodbye to Suck My Manly Tits series and to ero-manga sub-genre in general.

In a desperate attempt to climb back into popularity, he tries classic BL pairing. We get to see him reading commercial BL as a part of his research. This is an obvious mistake. Yamada wants to intervene but hesitates and ultimately gives up.

When his next doujin, My Perfect Boss Became My Perfect Spouse, also flops, he loses his resolve to be a mangaka.

Yamada asks Nekoyashiki to be more honest and expressive in his creation.

In the end, Nekoyashiki creates a doujin inspired by his own relationship and aspirations – a work that, Framboise and Yamada notices, is to Nekoyashiki’s satisfaction.   

It is common for at least some characters by male BL and gei comi mangakas (who have revealed themselves) to look at least a little bit like themselves. To see examples, check out the beginning of Massive: Gay Erotic Manga and the Men Who Make It where representative art and artists are placed side by side. Some even acknowledge this. e.g. Chinese BL manhuajia Liang Azha once commented on how his shou (uke) tend to look like him as he is today and his gong (seme) resemble his looks from his college days. Moreover, art tend to inspire clothing, haircuts, and other features which in turn inspire art. The influence Tom of Finland had on androphilic men of his days and they on him is discussed in his 2017 biopic. Similarly, mangakas are influenced by their senpais in the field and sometimes it is noticeable in their art too. e.g. Gengoroh Tagame’s historical works looks quite a bit like those of Go Mishima.

Other BL doujinshika in Live-action BL

Yoh from Taikan Yoho (2023) creates his first BL doujin, inspired by his ikemen boyfriend and their relationship, in collaboration with his mangaka friend Manju after his career as commercial mangaka of straight ero-manga takes a nose-dive.

BL Metamorphosis (2022) depicted the process of BL doujin creation in detail as the main character, Sayama Urara, embarks on that journey. Her friends offer her support, especially Ichinoi Yuki who funds the printing and binding. Sayama Urara doesn’t debut as doujinshika as she doesn’t set up her booth at the convention. However, one of the copies lands in the hand of one of her favorite authors Komeda Yu whose commercial BL work Kimi no Koto dake Miteitai was what brought Sayama Urara and Ichinoi Yuki together.

Komeda Yu on the other hand is a doujinshika turned commercial BL mangaka. She visits the convention in hopes of overcoming writer’s block and to rediscover her passion for drawing. She is motivated by the doujin that Sayama Urara created and emerges out of slump to continue with her series. 

Fudanshi Bartender no Tashinami (2022) revolves around Soichiro Hibiki, a fudanshi bartender moonlighting as a BL doujinshika, who draws inspiration from his customers and fellow bar staff to fuel his passion.

Minamoto Kazuki

While narrative drives home the point that the various pieces of art we see are works of respective doujinshika characters through haircuts and body types, the fact remains that most of those are actual doujin by Minamoto Kazuki aka MELU. He belongs to the circle: GOOD BYE LIFE.

In case anyone want to read them, here are the links:

Kumabayashi at Work Has Not Underwear Line

One Million Miles: The Complete Collection

Competition Swimming Brief in Suit Man

A Midsummer Night's Beach Story: SM Assault Works 2

Suck My Manly Tits manga: 俺の雄っぱいがでっかくなっちまうくらいちゅーちゅー吸ってくれ

俺の雄っぱいがでっかくなっちまうくらいちゅーちゅー吸ってくれ2

"Suck My Manly Tits" doujin is in its 3rd season: 俺の雄っぱいがでっかくなっちまうくらいちゅーちゅー吸ってくれ3

Autobiographical pieces that didn't figure prominently:

30年以上マンガをほとんど読んだことなかった彼氏がBL沼にハマった話 (A story about how my boyfriend, who has barely read manga for over 30 years, got addicted to BL swamp.)

J庭でちいさな夢を叶えたゲイカップルの話 : Story of a gay mangaka and his boyfriend who participated in J.GARDEN, and their little dream that came true.

The cover of this doujin got live-action adaptation in one scene that one would miss if not looking closely:

Other interesting works by Minamoto Kazuki

Autobiographical: Shōjo Mangaka no Minamoto-san ga Kaminguauto Shimasu.

2. Those with English translation:

The Midnight Association for The Broken Hearted

The salaryman who has a fetish for suit gets horny.

The Gay Who Turned Kaiju

3. Essay-manga about doujin-making

夜寝てる間��BL原稿のお手伝いをしてくれる妖精さんがいた話

BL同人原稿(アナログ18禁!!)を東京から大阪の印刷所まで届けてくれた彼氏の話

4. About Kabe Koji (2022) live-action:

自分が原作の実写ドラマの大ファンになってしまったので原作者自らヲタ活をしています。

自分が原作の実写BLドラマをリアタイしたくて大阪へ行ってきました。

___

This is dedicated to @bengiyo and @liyazaki for gifs featuring Framboise. Thank you very much. While I was trying my hand at a review for One Room Angel (2023) and wanted to express my disappointment at the lean ikemen casting for Kouki’s role, I got an opportunity to use those gifs. I really wish someone would create some gifs for SHIMBASHI TUGBOAT content too.

(Especially this scene.)

For someone who is as much a fan of “tribes” as BenZi, I would not mind playing the 9Monster live-action BL bingo version.

[jkgurlz]

🥂🍸 𝓕𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝓓𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓪 𝓻𝓸𝓬𝓬𝓪 𝔁 𝓯𝓮𝓶!𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 🍻🍷

It's gettin' hot in here (So hot)

So take off all your clothes (Ayy)

I am gettin' so hot (Uh, uh, uh, uh)

I wanna take my clothes off (Let it hang all out)

T/W:cussing, making out/kissing.. A lot.. Touching body parts,

Frank saw a commercial about sexy women called easy escort and you just happen to catch his eye, so he called the number on the commercial. "Yeah, this is Frank Della rocca, the president of the reality real estate.. The young woman on the top right corner has a delicious effect on me.."

After an hour a nun came before you and when you knocked on the door and Frank looked over you through the door and then walked over to the door. "Frank Della Rocca?" You asked then Frank looked back at the other person. "Who the fuck are you?" He asked the other girl and after a few seconds of thinking the woman spoke up. "I came to buy a property."

"Oh yeah.. Reed! Reed we got a costumer!" Frank said while looking for Reed. You and the other girl stood there awkwardly until Frank got back. "Sorry, come with me.." Reed said then took the other woman to the other office and then Frank invited you inside.

"Come in." You walked into his 'office' and sat down on a table. "So.. Are we gonna do something or are we just gonna sit here?" You asked and Frank shifted his balance onto the other foot. "Its whatever you want, sweetheart."

You smiled then after a few minutes you were both in his room making out on his bed, you were both topless, you of course had a bra on but that didn't stop Frank from touching your breast. Your hands were running all over his chest.

After a while you two heard Reed come back into the office and you both eyes widen and then you both started to put on your clothes, fastly. Once you both got your clothes back on you sighed then Frank wrapped his arms around you. "You are one beautiful person." He said then kissed your neck.

"Thanks, just doing my job.." You said then got your shoes on and then started walked to the door while on your way to the door you saw Reed, you both waved at each other then you continued to walk to the door

Once you got to the door you remembered something. "Try and get that $250 you owe me, Frank." You said then walked out of the office. "Alright, I will!" You heard Frank yell at you.

A/N: this one was a short-ish one i watched Too much sun with @jkloserdazai and he had an idea for a frank Dellarocca fanfic and I thought it was cool so I started to work on it.. This took a month and a half to do. (That may say something about me.. But idc.) Also if you don't know who Frank Della-rocca is just watch Too Much Sun (1990) its a good, funny, lgbtq+ movie.

[dwellordream]

“In the last decades of the 19th century, Native Americans continued to be herded off their lands and forced into reservations. There, both men and women tried to maintain their intimate and cooperative relationship with the land, but reservation officials discouraged them from establishing cooperative farms and instead encouraged them to farm individual plots. As a result, Native American women gradually lost control of the land, and their social power within their tribes diminished. The equal relationship between Indian women and men changed and began to resemble the marital relations of the white settlers, in which a husband held economic and social power over his wife.

As their way of life eroded, both Native American women and men were forced to enter into a servile relationship with white settlers. Indian women, and some men, washed clothes and dishes and did other household chores for settlers. Some Indian women worked as nursemaids for white women. As their lands were scooped up by non-Indians eager to wrest a profit from the land, Native Americans’ communal, agrarian way of life vanished--and with it, the Native American women’s prominent tribal role.

…In the 1870s, Hispanic villages remained almost untouched by the growing presence of white, or Anglo, settlers. Some Hispanic men performed seasonal work for Anglo settlers for extra cash, then returned to their villages. This extra income enabled Hispanic farmers to purchase additional livestock or to open a store. By the 1880s, however, an expanding railroad system brought more white settlers to the Southwest. As more Anglos arrived, they forced their cultural values and business practices on Hispanics. They imposed the notion of private property, the use of property for commercial gain rather than for subsistence, and an economy based on money instead of barter.

Most important, they simply took land that had been commonly owned by Hispanic villagers. Lacking sufficient pastureland, villagers could hardly sustain their agrarian way of life on their small individual plots. Gradually, Anglos gained control over the local village economy throughout New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. With insufficient land to support themselves, Hispanics had no choice but to work for the new landowners. Hispanic women were no longer able to help support their communal life. They began to work for whites as seamstresses, cooks, launderers, domestics, hotel keepers, and even prostitutes. Like Native American women, they worked as day laborers for someone else instead of as farmers for their own people.

…In the mining camps of Butte, Montana, as well as in the desert outposts of New Mexico, women worked as prostitutes and owners of brothels and saloons. Women became prostitutes for a variety of reasons--to rebel against strict parents, to experience the adventure of a mining camp, or simply to earn a living when no other choice of work was available. Some women prospered and turned their earnings into lucrative real estate investments, but many women felt socially outcast and were at risk of contracting venereal diseases, which were often fatal, or of being physically abused by male customers. Prostitution was a lonely, insecure life spent mostly in dark, shabby hotel rooms.

A shameful chapter in the settling of the West concerns Chinese women who were sold into prostitution. These unsuspecting young women were either kidnapped in China and smuggled into American ports, or they were deceived by agents posing as matchmakers who lured them to America. Either way, they became virtual slaves, forced to service the sexual needs of Chinese immigrant male laborers working on the railroads and ranches of the West. Some found sympathetic support from female missionaries who sheltered them in special group homes and trained them to be wives and mothers. But the missionaries pressured them into entering marriages that were not always happy or compatible, and these unfortunate young Chinese women still had little control over their lives.”

- Harriet Sigerman, “‘I Wish I Had Many Hands”: Toilers on the Land.” in Laborers for Liberty: American Women, 1865-1890

[yvesdot]

re: folgers incest commercial, have you seen this video about it? its quite the engrossing watch i swear https://youtu.be/wjdrUksw8b0?si=gPPONGDInapbSTdF

(under cut due to content)

That's actually where I started! A coworker suggested it after I mentioned the GQ article, which was a tactical error, as much of the video is just a verbal presentation of (information from) that article, before CJ gets to the fanfiction... which, and I will only say this because it is anonymous, is not quite Dante's Inferno. And that is alright! That is the nature of writing fanfiction; the most popular thing is rarely trying to get deep with it. Most people most often head to AO3 with the intention to Feel Things and naught more, and this is simply how art works. (Also why most fics in the tag, as CJ notes, are "extremely horny.")

However, because the video is focused on a fanfiction which doesn't really accomplish anything for me emotionally (I'm sorry!), even the analysis CJ does there doesn't touch on what's really interesting to me, which is the base question of what is and is not appropriate for a brother and sister to do, and why.

For example, at 21:00, CJ acknowledges that it sounds like they're "defending incest" but instead of engaging with that fact and why what they're saying sounds like that and whether they are or not and if so, why, they just crack a joke ("I'm not defending incest! I'm defending incest between these two!") and move on. Which, to be clear, is fair not only because this is their video and their channel and they're having a good time talking at us but also because this is the Internet and why in the world would anyone seriously engage with this discourse on the Internet... but it does leave me unsatisfied.

Now, this is not an analytical video—it is a "friend telling you about something weird on the Internet" video. This is a time-honored tradition on YouTube and one I have been frequently disappointed to see maligned! (It's also the only kind of video I make on my own time.) This is just my explanation for why it didn't satisfy my specific desire, you understand, which is an irritating obsession with The Family Structure.

For reference, a Whatsapp message I sent to my family groupchat after they said I was insane for talking about the inherent incestuous underpinnings of the father/daughter relationship:

[In the historical construction of the family as a tool of empire, all members are crucial tools of labor production.] Women are producers of tools of labor-production—producers of people. An individual woman is therefore more akin (societally speaking) to a domestic-laboring barn animal than a person (persons being men, those who perform “real” respectable physical or intellectual labor). It is incumbent upon the father, owner and master of the family unit, to ensure the market value of his asset, his daughter, by preventing her chastity (the source of her value to a prospective husband, the father’s business partner) from being damaged (including by the daughter herself). He can subcontract out this task to the brother, who, being the father’s heir, has a vested interest in maintaining all of his assets (including, in this case, the daughter). This is the reason for the brother’s possessiveness and protectiveness over his sister—he is imitating the primary master’s behavior both to curry favor with the man who is still his master and in preparation to become the master himself. When the daughter is married off, she becomes the property of the husband. She is an essential part of his household, performing domestic labor and producing the new “workers” of his estate: the sons and daughters of their home. Obviously, this makes a wife a lucrative asset, which explains why the father is so intent on preserving her value for future sale.

You can see this in the fic CJ discusses, and yet they don't address it. It's maddening, if you're mad to begin with, which I am. Otherwise it's just a human being focusing on the things that interest them personally, which is completely reasonable and fine.

The only other things I've read that reference the Folger's commercial are the coffin game (which is similarly uninterested in overturning these [grave]stones for investigation; fair enough) and a self-published piece by a traditionally published author whose piece also did not interrogate this—in that case seemingly due to restrictions on discussing certain subject matter in publishing, which was very disappointing but unavoidable. And there is such thing as a different audience from me. I'm just waiting on something that compels me on the specific dynamic question of how brothers (should) act with their sisters and why. And do you know what has done this best, so far?

User cassieclaire's fic The Mortal Instruments.

[women-lawyers]

Women Owned Law Firm

Kirby Aisner & Curley, LLP

[cleverwordsandotherstuffilike]

1. There are 300,000 items in the average American home (LA Times).

2. The average size of the American home has nearly tripled in size over the past 50 years (NPR).l

3. And still, 1 out of every 10 Americans rent offsite storage—the fastest growing segment of the commercial real estate industry over the past four decades. (New York Times Magazine).

4. While 25% of people with two-car garages don’t have room to park cars inside them and 32% only have room for one vehicle. (U.S. Department of Energy).

5. The United States has upward of 50,000 storage facilities, more than five times the number of Starbucks. Currently, there is 7.3 square feet of self storage space for every man, woman and child in the nation. Thus, it is physically possible that every American could stand—all at the same time—under the total canopy of self storage roofing (SSA).

6. British research found that the average 10-year-old owns 238 toys but plays with just 12 daily (The Telegraph).

7. 3.1% of the world’s children live in America, but they own 40% of the toys consumed globally (UCLA).

8. The average American woman owns 30 outfits—one for every day of the month. In 1930, that figure was nine (Forbes).

9. The average American family spends $1,700 on clothes annually (Forbes).

10. While the average American throws away 65 pounds of clothing per year (Huffington Post).

11. Nearly half of American households don’t save any money (Business Insider).

12. But our homes have more television sets than people. And those television sets are turned on for more than a third of the day—eight hours, 14 minutes (USA Today).

13. Some reports indicate we consume twice as many material goods today as we did 50 years ago (The Story of Stuff).

14. Currently, the 12 percent of the world’s population that lives in North America and Western Europe account for 60 percent of private consumption spending, while the one-third living in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa accounts for only 3.2 percent (Worldwatch Institute).

15. Americans donate 1.9% of their income to charitable causes (NCCS/IRS). While 6 billion people worldwide live on less than $13,000/year (National Geographic).

16. Americans spend more on shoes, jewelry, and watches ($100 billion) than on higher education (Psychology Today).

17. Shopping malls outnumber high schools. And 93% of teenage girls rank shopping as their favorite pastime (Affluenza).

18. Women will spend more than eight years of their lives shopping (The Daily Mail).

19. Over the course of our lifetime, we will spend a total of 3,680 hours or 153 days searching for misplaced items. The research found we lose up to nine items every day—or 198,743 in a lifetime. Phones, keys, sunglasses, and paperwork top the list (The Daily Mail).

20. Americans spend $1.2 trillion annually on nonessential goods—in other words, items they do not need (The Wall Street Journal).

21. The $8 billion home organization industry has more than doubled in size since the early 2000’s—growing at a staggering rate of 10% each year.

becomingminimalist.com

[reasoningdaily]

The days of legally sanctioned race-based housing discrimination may be behind us, but the legacy of attitudes and practices that kept nonwhite citizens out of some neighborhoods and homeownership remains pervasive. Redlining, one of these practices, is especially notorious in U.S. real estate history.

What is redlining? Technically, it refers to lending discrimination that bases decisions on a property’s or individual’s location, without regard to other characteristics or qualifications. In a larger sense, it refers to any form of racial discrimination related to real estate.

America’s discriminatory past can still be present today with nonwhite mortgage borrowers generally getting charged higher interest rates and the persistence of neighborhood segregation. These trends can be traced in part to redlining, an official government policy dating from the 1930s, which codified racist attitudes in real estate finance and investment, and made it more difficult for nonwhites to purchase homes.

Redlining and racism in America have a long, complex and nuanced history. This article serves as a primer on the policy’s background and how it continues to affect real estate and nonwhite homeownership today. It also includes suggestions to reduce redlining’s lingering effect.

Key takeaways

Redlining refers to a real estate practice in which public and private housing industry officials and professionals designated certain neighborhoods as high-risk, largely due to racial demographics, and denied loans or backing for loans on properties in those neighborhoods.

Redlining practices were prevalent from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Ostensibly intended to reduce lender risk, redlining effectively institutionalized racial bias, making it easier to discriminate against and limit homebuying opportunities for people of color. It essentially restricted minority homeownership and investment to “risky” neighborhoods.

Though redlining is now illegal, its legacy persists, with ongoing impact on home values, homeownership and individuals’ net worth. Discrimination and inequities in housing practices and home financing still exist.

What is redlining?

Redlining — both as a term and a practice — is often cited as originating with the Federal Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), a government agency created during the 1930s New Deal that aided homeowners who were in default on their mortgages and in foreclosure. HOLC created a system to assess the risk of lending money for mortgage loans within particular neighborhoods in 239 cities.

Color-coded maps were created and used to decide whether properties in that area were good candidates for loans and investment. The colors — from green to blue to yellow to red — indicated the lending risk level for properties. Areas outlined in red were regarded as “hazardous” (that is, high risk) — hence, the term “redlining.”

Redlined areas typically had a high concentration of African-American residents and other minorities. Historians have charged that private mortgage lenders and even the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) — created in 1934 to back, or insure, mortgages — used these maps or developed similar ones to set loan criteria, with properties in those redlined areas incurring higher interest rates or not qualifying at all. Real estate brokers often used them to segregate buyers and sellers.

“This practice was widespread and institutionalized, and it was used to discriminate against minorities and low-income communities,” says Sam Silver, a veteran Santa Clarita, Calif.-based Realtor, real estate investor and commercial lender.

The impact of redlining on the mortgage lending industry

Following World War II, the U.S. had a huge demand for housing, as many returning American servicemen and -women wanted to settle down and begin raising families. Eager to help these veterans, the FHA expanded its financing and loan-insuring efforts, essentially empowering Uncle Sam to back lenders and developers and reducing their risk when offering construction and mortgage loans.

“That lower risk to lenders resulted in lower interest rates, which granted middle-class people the ability to borrow money to purchase homes,” says Rajeh Saadeh, a real estate and civil rights attorney and a former Raritan Valley Community College adjunct professor on real estate law in Bridgewater, New Jersey. “With the new lending policies and larger potential homeowner pool, real estate developers bought huge tracts of land just outside of urban areas and developed them by building numerous homes and turning the areas into today’s suburbs.”

However, many of these new developments had restrictions stated in their covenants that prohibited African-Americans from purchasing within them. Additionally, there were areas within cities, already heavily populated by minorities, that were redlined, making them ineligible for federally backed mortgages (which effectively meant, for affordable mortgages, period). Consequently, people of color could not get loans to buy in the suburbs, nor could they borrow to purchase homes in areas in which they were concentrated.

“Redlining was part of a systemic, codified policy by the government, mortgage lenders, real estate developers and real estate agents as a bloc to deprive Black people of homeownership,” Saadeh continues. “The ramifications of this practice have been generational.”

The (official) end of redlining

During the mid-20th century, redlining predominated along the East Coast, the eastern sections of the South and the Midwest, and several West Coast metropolitan areas. Black neighborhoods and areas adjacent to them were the ones most likely to be redlined.

Redlining as a sanctioned government practice ended with the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, which specifically prohibits racial discrimination in the housing industry and among professionals engaged in renting, buying, selling and financing residential properties. The Act’s protections were extended by the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (1974) and the Community Reinvestment Act (1977).

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — specifically, its Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) —  investigates reports of redlining. For example, prompted by a complaint filed by the non-profit National Community Reinvestment Coalition, HUD has been examining whether several branches of HSBC Bank USA engaged in discriminatory lending practices in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in six U.S. metropolitan areas from 2018-2021, HSBC recently disclosed in its Form 10-Q for the second quarter 2023.

Bankrate insights

In October 2021, the Department of Justice announced its Combatting Redlining Initiative, working in partnership with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. It has reached seven major settlements with financial institutions to date, resulting in over $80 million in loans, investments and subsidies to communities of color.

How does redlining affect real estate today?

The practice of redlining has significantly impacted real estate over the decades in several ways:

Redlining has arguably led to continued racial segregation in cities and neighborhoods. Recent research shows that almost all formerly redlined zones in America remain disproportionately Black.

Redlined areas are associated with a long-term decline in homeownership, home values and credit scores among minorities, all of which continue today.

Formerly redlined areas tend to have older housing stock and command lower rents; these less-valuable assets contribute to the racial wealth gap.

Redlining curbed the economic development of minority neighborhoods, miring many of these areas in poverty due to a lack of access to loans for business development. After 30-plus years of underinvestment, many nonwhite neighborhoods continue to be seen as risky for investors and developers.

Other effects of redlining include the exclusion of minority communities from key resources within urban areas, such as health care, educational facilities and employment opportunities.

Today, 11 million Americans live in formerly redlined areas, estimates Kareem Saleh, founder/CEO of FairPlay AI, a Los Angeles-based organization that works to mitigate the effects of algorithmic bias in lending.  He says about half of these people reside in 10 cities: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and San Diego.

“Redlining shut generations of Black and Brown homebuyers out of the market. And when members of these communities did overcome the barriers to purchasing homes, redlining diminished their capacity to generate wealth from the purchase,” says Saleh. “To this day, redlining has depressed property values of homes owned in minority communities. The enduring legacy of redlining is that it has blocked generations of persons of color from accessing a pathway to economic empowerment.”

“Also, due to redlining, African-Americans who couldn’t qualify for government-backed mortgages were forced to pay higher interest rates. Higher interest rates translate to higher mortgage payments, making it difficult for minorities to afford homes,” Elizabeth Whitman, a real estate attorney and real estate broker in Potomac, Maryland, says. “Since redlining made it more expensive to obtain a mortgage, housing wasn’t as easy to sell and home prices got suppressed in redlined areas.”

Data from FairPlay AI’s recent “State of Mortgage Fairness Report” indicate that equality in mortgage lending is little better today for many nonwhite groups than it was 30 years ago — or it has improved very slowly. For example, in 1990, Black mortgage applicants obtained loan approvals at 78.4 percent of the rate of White applicants; in 2019 that figure remained virtually unchanged — though it did rise to 84.4 percent in 2021.

Although there’s no official federal risk map anymore, most financial institutions do their own risk assessments. Unfortunately, bias can still enter into these assessments.

“Lenders can use algorithms and big data to determine the creditworthiness of a borrower, which can lead to discrimination based on race and ethnicity. Also, some real estate agents may steer clients away from certain neighborhoods based on their racial makeup,” Silver points out.

With the rise of credit rating agencies and their ubiquity, how do we know it’s a fair system? I don’t think, at my core, that African-Americans are predisposed to be poorer and less financially secure. — Rob Roseformer executive director of the Cook County Land Bank Authority in Chicago

Insurance companies have also used redlining practices to limit access to comprehensive homeowners policies. And the home appraisal industry has also employed redlining maps when valuing properties, which has further repressed housing values in African-American neighborhoods, according to Whitman.

Furthermore, a 2020 National Fair Housing Alliance study revealed that Black and Hispanic/Latino renters were more likely to be shown and offered fewer properties than White renters.

Redlining’s ongoing legacy

Even without conscious bias, the legacy of redlining — and its impact on the accumulation of assets and wealth — can put nonwhite loan applicants at a disadvantage to a disproportionate degree. For example, studies consistently show that Black borrowers generally have lower credit scores today, even when other factors like education and income are controlled for. Credit scores, along with net worth and income, are of course a key factor in determining mortgage eligibility and terms.

As a result, it remains more difficult for Black borrowers to qualify for mortgages — and more expensive for those who do, because they’re usually charged higher interest rates. Other minorities are also much more likely to pay a higher interest rate than their White counterparts.

Because home appraisals look at past property value trends in neighborhoods, they reinforce the discrimination redlining codified by keeping real estate prices lower in historically Black neighborhoods. That, in turn, makes lenders assume they’re taking on more risk when they extend financing in those areas.

“The single-greatest barrier in helping to break out of these neighborhoods is the current appraisal process,” says Rob Rose, former executive director of the Cook County Land Bank Authority in Chicago. “The appraisers are trying to do the best that they can within the parameters that they’re given, but it’s a broken system and industry that’s built on a faulty foundation.”

African-American homeowners pay hundreds of dollars more per year in mortgage interest, mortgage insurance premiums and other fees than White homeowners — amounting to $13,464 over the life of their loan, according to “The Unequal Costs of Black Homeownership,” a 2020 study by MIT’s Golub Center for Finance and Policy.

What can be done to reduce the impact of redlining?

The current housing financing system is built on the foundations that redlining left in place. To decrease the effects of redlining and its legacy, it’s essential to address the underlying biases that led to these practices.

“This can be done through Fair Housing education and training of real estate professionals, increased enforcement of Fair Housing laws, and investment in communities that have been historically redlined,” suggests Silver.

Others insist that the public and private sectors need to play a bigger role in combating prejudice and discrimination.

“Federal regulators likely will continue to put pressure on financial institutions and other stakeholders in the mortgage ecosystem to root out bias,” says Saleh. “The Department of Justice’s Combatting Redlining Initiative shows the government’s commitment to supervisory oversight. There are also policy and regulatory moves, such as the recent push by regulators encouraging lenders to use Special Purpose Credit Programs — lending programs specifically dedicated to remedying past discrimination. Similarly, various federal task forces have been actively addressing historical biases and discriminatory practices in the appraisal industry.”

Also, financial institutions could adjust their underwriting practices and algorithms to better evaluate nonwhite loan applicants, and help level the playing field for them. For example, in late 2022, Fannie Mae announced it had adjusted its automated Desktop Underwriter system — widely used by bank loan officers — to consider bank account balances for applicants who lack credit scores. Fannie and its fellow mortgage-market player, Freddie Mac, now may also consider rent payments as part of borrowers’ credit histories.

Such efforts won’t eradicate the effects of redlining overnight, of course. But they can be a start towards helping more people towards a key piece of the American Dream.

If you believe you are the victim of redlining or another sort of housing discrimination, you have rights under the Fair Housing Act. You can file an online complaint with or phone the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at (800) 669-9777. Additionally, you can report the matter to your local private Fair Housing center or contact the National Fair Housing Alliance.

[notsoterriblymisanthropic]

Support us!

Rozbrat is one of the oldest occupied social centres in Europe. This year, a small but central part of the land on which Rozbrat is located was put up for sale. We have bought it in order to secure greater control over the entire occupied area. This cost us 320,000 zloty (about 70,000 euros or £60,000). We paid for it using private loans from our friends through an association we founded especially for this purpose. We are now collecting donations to repay the private loans and to keep the property in the long term.

Rozbrat has been occupied for 29 years. Until today, we have fought and won the most important battles on the streets and in the courts: against property developers, private speculators and their allies in the city administration and the state apparatus. Some of the current owners have lost hope of evicting us and making profits from building projects for the rich. Now we have taken the opportunity to create a significant barrier for further property speculation by buying a strategic share of the site.

Help us achieve this goal permanently!

What is Rozbrat? The story of the Rozbrat at Ulica Pułaskiego 21a in Poznań began in 1994, when a group of people occupied a site of dilapidated commercial buildings neglected by the state and private owners. Since then, Rozbrat has fulfilled a central function as an infrastructure for social initiatives in Poznań and beyond. The campaigns against the eviction of Rozbrat have given rise to the local tenants' movement and the WSL (Wielkopolska Tenants' Association). Our active participation in struggles in the factories contributed to the foundation of the trade union IP (Inicjatywa Pracownicza - Workers' Initiative). Rozbrat is involved in the organisation of the Social Women's Congress, which is a counter-proposal to the bourgeois Polish "Women's Congress". Here women workers and activists coordinate activities for social justice for women. The Freedom Fighters group, which runs a sports room at Rozbrat, came out of the anti-fascist and anti-racist activities of Rozbrat. Since 2013 the Freedom Fighters organise an annual martial arts tournament at Rozbrat.

The disputes about the continued existence of Rozbrat have always been about climate justice, as Rozbrat is located in the so-called Western Green Belt of Poznań, which supplies the whole city with oxygen, but is desired by real estate speculators and the city as a potential building site close to the city centre. At Rozbrat, groups are also active at the forefront of the fight against the hunting of wild animals and the cutting down of the last primeval forests in Poland. In the last few years, right next to the Rozbrat site, a former allotment garden site was occupied, which was to be privatised and flattened. After the development company gave up, the urban gardening project WOMB (Free Urban Garden Bogdanka) was founded on the occupied site. The WOMB has already received awards at several competitions, which had been organised by the city administration, for being the best social initiative and most interesting green space in Poznań.

[yoisthisageist]

The "grandma rule"

On LinkedIn, an expert in “strategic communications for tech companies” writes:

“The ‘grandma rule’ always works. Explain complex concepts in a way that your grandmother could understand. Depending on the goals, you might still want to keep some of the industry lingo - this helps to keep the expert position (used in advertising a lot).”

 I am a grandpa and my job is explaining complex technical concepts to a general audience. I know many grandmas who can explain complex concepts a lot better than me. My grandma, born in 1896, was Toronto’s first woman real estate agent and could explain complex commercial transactions to any banker. I think the “grandma rule” is totally offensive and ageist.

I couldn’t agree more. It’s sexist too. 

There’s actually a name—the Matilda Effect—for the well-documented phenomenon of erasing the accomplishments of women in science.

[freeworldallahmbaclass]

Work force development and community development business renewal act creating more employees create more consumers . Planning taking abandoned buildings and turning them into we care back to work programs and take care of the clients every need from We Care and We Work programs Fedcap back to work programs from abandoned buildings in the hood the ghetto the slums use the power of Tammany Hall or for a better term economically and socially depressed environments which increases culturally stressed out anxiety prone environments leading to early deaths nicotine addiction a sense of helplessness and hopelessness you could change those environments of people into able bodied and faithful and hopeful people that work and consume of the businesses in their neighborhood then the next step is a better community these back to work programs employ more counselors more social service workers more security guards more teachers more police force more home care attendants , secretaries and construction workers of all levels from a laborer to skilled tradesmen and women architects , blue print specialist , welders , electricians , plumbers , carpenters , and supervisors

Turning abandoned buildings in every neighborhood in America and international locations each country and every continent into thriving businesses and employment training programs

Back to work programs that guide their clients through

Substance abuse

Mental health illness

Physical inactivity and putting them back to work creates great energetic communities and economies .

Excerpt from Donald Trump Commercial real estate investing

For a city or town to move to a buyer's market phase 2 - The next phase in the cycle - it's leaders must do something to increase employment opportunities when jobs are created , people begin to migrate back into a community population increases vacant sprees begin to fill , and at last rents once again begin to climb .

In order to attract job growth , the first necessary element is strong local leadership . If local government is not committed to change . Or if it's only activity is finger pointing about who's to blame for the lousy economy - the area will continue to wallow in a buyer's market , phase 1 .

Each city 🏙️🌆 has a master plan to guide it to the next round of growth . City leadership creates the plan to facilitate growth . To get your own copy of the master , call the local economic development committee and speak with a local office . He will be happy to talk with you and tell you about all the wonderful things in the city that are happening or soon will be . He knows the city needs investors like you in order to spark the next round of growth . You must be cautious when viewing the master plan , though . First determine when it was last updated .

Is it fresh , or is it one of the documents that took time and energy to compile , but no one pays any attention to . It was written ten years ago and has not been updated , city leadership is not proactive.

Next , determine whether the city has actually taken action on the plan . A continuously updated plan that never comes to fruition is simply a work of fiction .

In the plan , you should see many areas that are labeled revitalized zones . These are usually downtrodden areas filled with obsolete buildings . The city usually creates a plan to spur business growth and development in these areas . They can be great places to invest , but only if the city has spent significant money to it's plan a reality , and is clearly taking action . Until you see that happen , leave your money in your money in your pocket . Don't get stuck buying into , into that work or fiction that goes nowhere , and has a sad ending .

Buyer's ending If the city leadership is on the ball , new jobs will begin to emerge in the city . Following the jobs , people will begin to migrate back to the city . The market slowly absorbs is oversupply of properties . Rental spaces fill up . Not only does occupancy increase , but there is a decline in how long properties and retail and office space stay on the market . As even more jobs come into the area , the pace quickens . Boarded up residential and commercial properties come to life as investors rehabilitate them and put these residential and commercial properties back on the market . During the previous phase - Buyer's market , phase 1 - Bank foreclosures had risen to their highest levels . It's typical in the later stage late stage of a buyer's market , phase 2 , for competition for these bank foreclosures to become fierce . Both national and local investors now realize that there is money to be made in this market . Word gets around and both experienced and new investors circle this market on their maps .

As the market continues to improve , properties morph from being occupied by anyone who can go a mirror and pay a few dollars in rent , to fulfilling their highest and best use . The quality of business and tenants improve because they can afford to pay higher rent .

Rents and lease rates were in the earlier buyer's market , phase one , but they're now on the move Because of this , property values arise . Commercial property values rise fairly quickly ,because they are largely , valued as a function of their income , which is getting better all the time .

This is the very beginning stage of an emerging market . Any investor can see this new activity taking place . Only the savvy investors can look at the earliest buyer's market , phase 1 , and know that this phase 2 market is about to occur . They - and you - know this by doing your research and looking for certain market forces taking place .

Oddly enough , local property owners are the most likely to be blind to all the signs of recovery first . They're the last to see it because their vision is so clouded by the pain they've been through in the last few years . They watched unemployment increase and saw the glut of properties that choked the market . They felt constant pain as revenues dropped , but their payments to lenders did not

In the midst of all the swearing they did at the terrible market , they swore they would not invest in the area again . After all , they see no construction happening , and figure that the market is still dead . These are fabolous sellers for you ! They're still hurting and looking for someone to dump their properties on when you come , maybe interested in buying .

They breathe a giant sigh of relief when you slide the check across the closing table . Their long nightmare is over .

The major oversupply is just starting to be absorbed , though , and rent levels have not grown high enough to support the building of new properties .

Because this city had an aggressive program to attract jobs , companies have committed to the area . Those plans transform from commitments to actual , breathing people signing up for those new jobs . As jobs come in , other jobs are created . For every one professional job that comes into an area , another three to four service jobs are support that professional . This is called the multiplier effect . If a city expects to increase it's labor force by 4 , 000 new non-agricultural jobs , you can expect a total employment increase of 12 , 000 to 18 , 000 . This ripple effect will positively affect each type of commercial property , although ,- as I said before - apartments will see the benefits before retail does .

As jobs come into an area competition for labor begins to increase , so do salaries . There is now more disposable income that gets reinvested into the community in the form of restaurant and shopping revenues . The prosperity phase is beginning .

Sellers market This is the second half of the emerging market . It occurs when a market reaches equilibrium. Rental and lease rates have risen to the level that can support new construction of commercial properties .

In this phase , even the local die - hard pessimists have become believers . Everyone is convinced that the good times are here to stay , and money flows into the market . Investors from far away now read about the market and add to the inflow of money . With all these investors now seeing positive signs everywhere they look , demand for investment properties is at the highest point of any phase in the cycle .

Demand now increases even more and soon surpasses the supply of investment properties . The same is true of commercial space and rental units . Construction again takes off . Properties sell very quickly and time on the market reaches its lowest point of all the phases .

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[sidewalkstamps]

Mogil-Kahn Construction Company 1957 (Photo taken by Tim Aarons in March 2023 on Collins St. between Lankersheim and Tujunga).

Kahn was Edwin “Ed” Walter Kahn, born on June 3, 1922 in Pittsburg to “Theodore and Helen H. (Meyers),” and a “construction company executive, engineer” (Who’s who in the West: A Biographical Dictionary of Noteworthy Men and Women of the Pacific Coast and the Western States, A.N. Marquis Company, 1989). In 1935, he lived with is family in Portland, Oregon. He was still with his family in Portland in 1940 (per the 1940 U.S. Federal Census). However, he attended Fairfax Senior High School in Los Angeles, CA. Before WWII, he also attended UCLA, where he played soccer and baseball. In WWII, he was a lieutenant pilot in the USA Air Force -  a B-24 bomber pilot in the 89th and as a flight instructor. He was later a civil engineer and, if I understand the abbreviations correctly, he had gotten a B.S. degree in civil engineering from the University of California in 1948 (assuming Berkeley).

According to his obituary, he was a “Registered Professional Engineer and a licensed General Contractor.”

He married Arleen Barbara Rudolph on December 23, 1951, and they had two children - Gregory Michael and Julia Fran. He was the chief structural designer for General Engineering Service Company in Los Angeles in 1948 and then a partner in Pollak-Kahn & Associates, engineers, also in Los Angeles in 1949. and Mogil-Kahn Construction Company (World Who’s who in Commerce and Industry, Volume 10, Marquis-Who’s Who., 1957). He died February 5, 2016 and is buried in the Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Pollak-Kahn was located at 1106 S. La Cienega Boulevard, now LB4LB Boxing Gym (Glaziers Journal - Volume 35, pg. 60, 1956). One project they had was the design and engineering of “a fully integrated community for light industry” on a 100-acre “tract of industrial buildings and plant sites” (Industrial Development, Volumes 3-4, Conway Publications, 1956).

According to the realty company, Crisby Doe Associates, “it is clear that Pollack & Kahn fully mastered the now classic post & beam glass house style pioneered by the U.S.C. School of Architecture just after war. Their work seems most closely aligned with that of Richard Dorman’s designs of the period. The living spaces are lifted, and set above the carport to allow maximum light and views from the close-in hillside setting.”

Some more info from his obituary: “He retired after 40 years as a real estate developer and as President of Kahn Construction Co., Contractors and Engineers. He had a commercial pilot's license and served as a docent at the original Museum of Flying in Santa Monica. Ed was a member of the Masons, Scottish Rites, Shriners, Commemorative Air Force, Air Force Association, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Ed is survived by his wife and best friend, Mariko, sons Greg and Winston, daughter Julie, stepdaughters Pam (Harry) Kraushaar and Andrea (Jeffrey) Lustgarten, stepson Mitchell Barnow (Dale Leininger) and step grandchildren, Shelby Powell (Brian), Kimberley Kraushaar, Brandon and Rachel Lustgarten.” (No mention of Arleen?) They also had two pets named Maya and Corey.  

I have no idea who Mogil is. Really strange how I could find out so easily who Kahn was but not Mogil. Mogil may be Norbert V Mogil, who was located at 6517 W Olympic Blvd according to the Los Angeles Street Address Directory, 1956, May (Los Angeles Public Library).

Additional source:

Who’s Who in Steel and Metals, pg. 209, Atlas Publishing Co, 1964

[charlieputhmerch]

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[leilanibradford]

Women-Owned Real Estate Firms: What Sets Them Apart?

The real estate industry has always been a competitive space, but women-owned firms are proving that success is about more than just closing deals. Having worked closely with women-led businesses, I’ve seen firsthand how their approach to leadership, client service, and innovation creates a lasting impact. These firms don’t just operate within the market—they shape it by prioritizing relationships, embracing technology, and fostering inclusive work environments. Their influence extends beyond profit margins, contributing to community development and a stronger, more diverse industry. Here’s what sets them apart and why their leadership style is making waves.

Prioritizing Strong Client Relationships

Real estate isn’t just about properties—it’s about people. That’s something women-led firms understand better than most. The most successful women-owned real estate businesses prioritize client relationships, focusing on long-term trust rather than quick transactions. Many of these firms go beyond the typical agent-client dynamic by taking the time to educate buyers and sellers, ensuring they feel empowered in their decisions.

I’ve seen women-led teams invest extra effort in understanding not just the financial goals of their clients, but their personal motivations as well. Whether it’s helping first-time homebuyers navigate the process or advising investors on market trends, their approach often feels more like a partnership than a business deal. This dedication builds a strong referral network and keeps clients coming back, knowing they’re more than just another transaction.

Leading With an Inclusive and Collaborative Culture

Strong leadership is the backbone of any successful firm, and women-owned businesses often take a different approach. Rather than top-down management, many adopt a collaborative leadership style that encourages input from every team member. This isn’t just good for morale—it drives innovation and better decision-making.

I’ve worked with women-led firms that prioritize mentorship and internal growth, creating opportunities for agents to develop their skills and move into leadership roles. When employees feel valued and supported, they’re more motivated to deliver outstanding service. It’s no surprise that these firms often see lower turnover rates and higher job satisfaction compared to more traditional real estate offices.

Staying Ahead With Innovation and Technology

Adapting to new technology is critical in real estate, and women-owned firms tend to be early adopters. I’ve seen them leverage everything from virtual staging to AI-driven market analysis to stay competitive. While some firms resist change, the most successful women-led businesses recognize that technology isn’t a threat—it’s a tool to enhance efficiency and improve client experiences.

During economic downturns or market fluctuations, adaptability becomes even more important. Women-led firms have been particularly quick to implement digital marketing strategies, virtual tours, and CRM software to streamline operations. In a fast-moving industry, those who embrace innovation set themselves apart.

Accessing Unique Funding and Business Growth Opportunities

One advantage that women-owned real estate firms can leverage is access to specialized funding programs. Many government and private-sector initiatives offer grants, business loans, and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs. Taking advantage of these resources can provide firms with the capital needed for expansion, hiring, or investing in new technology.

I’ve seen women-led firms use these funding opportunities strategically, securing commercial contracts and large-scale developments that might otherwise have been out of reach. Many major corporations and government agencies prioritize partnerships with certified women-owned businesses, opening doors that wouldn’t be available in a traditional brokerage setting. Those who actively seek out these resources gain a competitive edge in the market.

Strengthening Community Ties and Social Impact

One of the most defining traits of women-owned real estate firms is their deep commitment to the communities they serve. It’s common to see these businesses involved in local initiatives, whether through housing assistance programs, first-time homebuyer education, or charitable giving.

I’ve seen firsthand how this community-driven approach strengthens a firm’s reputation. When a business is actively involved in local events and advocacy, it builds trust with clients and sets itself apart from competitors focused solely on sales. Many women-led firms also prioritize working with small businesses, contractors, and service providers within their communities, creating a network that benefits everyone involved.

Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Real Estate

Diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business advantage. Women-owned real estate firms often take the lead in building inclusive teams, recognizing that different perspectives lead to better decision-making. This isn’t just about hiring practices; it extends to the way they market properties, engage with clients, and structure their leadership teams.

I’ve worked with firms that go beyond just talking about diversity—they actively create mentorship programs for women and underrepresented groups in real estate. By fostering an environment where more voices are heard, they’re contributing to a more balanced industry. This kind of leadership benefits employees and reflects the diverse clientele they serve.

Building a Brand That Stands Out

Branding plays a huge role in real estate success, and women-owned firms know how to differentiate themselves. Many emphasize their status as a woman-led business, attracting clients and partners who support diversity and inclusion. This distinction can also be a major advantage when bidding for corporate or government contracts, where supplier diversity programs favor women- and minority-owned businesses.

I’ve seen firms leverage their branding effectively by telling authentic stories—highlighting not just their real estate expertise but also their mission, values, and community impact. Clients today want to work with businesses that stand for something, and women-led firms are particularly skilled at aligning their brand with those expectations.

Key Factors That Set Women-Owned Real Estate Firms Apart

Prioritizing strong client relationships built on trust and education

Leading with an inclusive, team-oriented management style

Adopting cutting-edge technology to stay competitive

Leveraging grants and funding opportunities for business growth

Engaging in community initiatives and housing advocacy

Promoting diversity and mentorship within the industry

Establishing a distinctive brand that attracts loyal clients

In Conclusion

Women-owned real estate firms are redefining success by focusing on relationships, leadership, and innovation. Their impact extends beyond business profits—they’re shaping communities, creating career opportunities, and advancing the industry as a whole. Those who recognize and embrace these strengths will continue to set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive market.

[lboogie1906]

Candace Elizabeth Smith (February 1, 1977) is a lawyer, actress, television personality, life coach, and author from Dayton.

She earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Dayton and a JD from Northwestern University.

After passing the Ohio Bar exam, she began practicing commercial real estate law at the largest law firm in Ohio. She won the title of Miss Ohio USA. As Miss Ohio USA, she dedicated her time to several charities including the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Artemis House (women’s shelter), and the USO.

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, she was asked to be a “Barker’s Beauties” on The Price Is Right game show. After a brief stint, she refocused on her acting career and went on to have roles on Fox’s Method & Red, Entourage, and Joey. She landed a role in the Broken Lizard comedy Beerfest. She worked with Broken Lizard again in The Slammin’ Salmon and The Babymakers. She appeared in End of Watch. She plays the lead female role in the action film “My Father, Die”. In the film Gimme Shelter, she plays Marie Abeanni, an African social worker.

She appeared on Survivor’s 18th season, Survivor: Tocantins.

She appears in the films Same Time, Next Christmas, and “The Wrong Missy”.

She appears as Rosa Roberts on Tacoma FD.

She trained at Upright Citizen’s Brigade and performed her first stand-up comedy routine at the Comedy Store on Sunset. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[elephantineenterprises]

Stamp Duty & Registration Charges: A Guide for Buyers from Real Estate Developers in Chennai

Looking to buy property in Chennai? Don’t miss this crucial step!

Dreaming of owning your perfect home or villa plot in Chennai? It’s an exciting journey, but there’s one essential step you can’t afford to overlook — stamp duty and registration charges. These fees are the key to legally transferring property ownership to your name. Sounds complicated? Don’t worry! Elephantine Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. (EEPL), one of the most trusted real estate developers in Chennai, breaks it down for you with this simple, clear guide.

What Are Stamp Duty and Registration Charges?

Stamp duty is a tax levied on the property’s market value or the agreement value (whichever is higher), while registration charges are the fees paid to register the property’s legal documents in your name with the government. Think of it as the official "seal of ownership" on your dream property.

How Are Stamp Duty and Registration Charges Calculated?

The charges are based on the property's value. Here’s the current breakdown for Chennai:

Stamp Duty: 7% of the property’s market value.

Registration Charges: 4% of the property’s market value.

Example: If you’re purchasing a villa plot for sale in Chennai worth ₹50 lakhs, here’s what you’ll pay:

Stamp Duty: ₹3,50,000 (7% of ₹50,00,000)

Registration Charge: ₹2,00,000 (4% of ₹50,00,000)

Total: ₹5,50,000

These charges can add a significant amount to your total cost, so it’s essential to budget for them in advance.

Factors That Affect Stamp Duty and Registration Charges

Location of Property: Stamp duty may vary depending on whether the property is within a municipal or panchayat area.

Type of Property: Residential properties often have rates that are different from commercial ones.

Market Value: If the property’s market value rises, so do your charges.

Related: Real Estate Plots vs Property Investment in Chennai: A Comparative Analysis When Choosing Plot Developers in Chennai

Yes, certain categories of buyers may get relief. For instance:

Women Buyers: Some states, including Tamil Nadu, offer reduced stamp duty for women buyers, often around 1% less than the standard rate.

Government Schemes: In some cases, first-time homebuyers may be eligible for certain exemptions or rebates under government initiatives.

Buyers are encouraged to check with the local sub-registrar's office or consult with experienced real estate developers like Elephantine Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. (EEPL) to understand if they qualify for any available benefits.

Plan Smart, Buy Smart

When planning to buy a home or villa plot for sale in Chennai, make sure you factor in stamp duty and registration fees right from the start. These charges are non-negotiable, but with Elephantine Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. (EEPL), you get complete transparency every step of the way. Want to know more about our villa plots and real estate projects in Chennai? Visit our website and take your first step towards smarter homeownership today!

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