Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Women's Luncheon, sponsored by The Elizabeth Perez Team at The Keyes Company
Home. Wealth. The future. Those were the threads that ran through this year's Women's Luncheon, hosted by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and generously sponsored by The Elizabeth Perez Team at Keyes Company. The panel, moderated by Lynette Janac, Editor-in-Chief of Luxury Guide USA, brought together Carlos Villanueva, Managing Broker of Keyes' Coral Gables and Pinecrest offices, and Madeline Mordarski, Chief Marketing Officer of The Keyes Company, for a candid conversation on real estate, AI, and the women moving both industries forward.
Women are already leading real estate
Women make up roughly two-thirds of Realtors nationwide, a share that has remained steady for years. Real estate continues to be one of the few careers where women can build their own business, create a schedule that supports their personal commitments, and have the opportunity to grow as far as their ambition takes them. While the flexibility is a major draw, success in real estate requires dedication, consistency, and a commitment to building relationships, serving clients, and continuously learning. From growing a thriving business to stepping into leadership or even owning a brokerage, the possibilities are limitless for women who are willing to put in the work. For those considering the leap, the advice from both panelists was simple: start now, invest in your education, and find a brokerage that will provide the mentorship, guidance, and support needed to build a lasting career.
Why homeownership still wins in 2026
Despite higher rates and sticker-shock headlines, Carlos made the case that owning remains one of the strongest wealth-building tools available. A mortgage payment builds equity with every payment; rent builds someone else's. Homes are a tangible, appreciating asset that can be refinanced, recast, or leveraged down the road, and owners benefit from tax advantages renters never see. Carlos walked the room through the full journey: pre-approval and budgeting, partnering with an agent who knows the neighborhood, making a competitive offer, the inspection and appraisal period, and finally, closing day and the keys in hand. It's a process, not a mystery, and having the right guide makes all the difference.
Investing early in real estate
Both panelists agreed: the best time to buy your first investment property was years ago, and the second-best time is now. Even a single rental property, held over time, compounds into real wealth through appreciation, equity, and cash flow.
AI, marketing, and choosing the right team
Madeline shared how AI and modern marketing tools are transforming how agents match buyers to homes, price listings, and stay in front of clients, freeing agents to spend more time on relationships and less on busywork. Her advice for buyers and sellers vetting a Realtor or brokerage: look for a team backed by real marketing muscle, current technology, and, most importantly, genuine support. That's the philosophy behind Keyes' MBA (Making Business Attainable)program, built to give new agents the tools, mentorship, and hands-on guidance to launch a sustainable career from day one, rather than being left to sink or swim.
Where the market stands right now
Carlos gave the room a grounded read on local conditions: inventory has loosened compared to the ultra-tight years of the pandemic, giving buyers more room to negotiate, while well-priced homes in strong South Florida neighborhoods are still moving briskly. For buyers sitting on the sidelines waiting for a dramatic price drop, his message was direct: waiting for perfect conditions usually means waiting forever. Rates and prices move, but time in the market has always outperformed timing the market.
On whether it's ever too late to start: absolutely not. Real estate rewards motivation over age or experience, and for many, it becomes something bigger than a paycheck: a business built to hand down to the next generation.
The takeaway
If every woman in the room left with one message, it's this: homeownership, investing, and starting a career in real estate aren't reserved for someday. The tools, the guidance, and the opportunity are available right now.
Ready to build your own real estate career? Learn more at keyescareers.com
About the Elizabeth Perez Team
Mrs. Perez is a Broker Associate and Assistant District Sales Manager with The Keyes Company in Coral Gables, FL, specializing in luxury and commercial real estate. With 20+ years of experience, she serves clients across Europe, China, South America, and the Middle East, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Haute Living, and The Miami Herald. A past President of the Women's Council of Realtors Miami-Dade, she serves on the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Executive Board and mentors up-and-coming realtors. Her son Manuel Perez is a key member of her team.
Connect with Elizabeth and Her Team: 305-984-6344
