Real estate can be a demanding business, but for Debi Bergstrom, it’s allowed her to forge her own path.
Indeed, the long-time property professional has survived – and thrived – in an industry that is ever-changing.
“Real estate allowed me to combine my passion for people and property,” she says.
That combination has been key in building her business, Edgewater Group – made up of Edgewater Development and Edgewater Properties – alongside husband, Kris Bergstrom.
Debi serves as managing director of the business and heads up the all-female team at Edgewater Properties, a member of the Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association (CIREBA).
Making strides
The real estate landscape has changed for women rapidly over the past 20 years. Today, women represent the industry majority in the United States, making up 67% of realtors, according to US National Association of Realtors.
That is the case in Cayman as well. Within CIREBA, 54% of agents are women, with 51% serving as brokers of their agencies.
“Women in real estate are emerging stronger than ever before,” says Debi. “The flexibility of running your own schedule can be ideal for busy working mothers, but I do also find that women can bring a certain level of trust to the industry for their clients.”
Debi Bergstrom. Front row, from left: Ella Bergstrom, Alecia Chin Yee.
Along with a flexible schedule, good earning potential and a low barrier to entry, makes real estate an attractive industry for women. But make no mistake – it’s a lot of work.
“Like any industry, there are always challenges to overcome,” says Debi. “Dealing with sales in a fast-paced environment with tough competition certainly keeps you on your toes.”
Late nights, long hours and weekends are often part of the gig, especially starting out.
“Real estate never sleeps, and the job can be 24/7/365, so you have to be prepared to put in the time and not let it take over,” says Debi. “Having a happy work-life balance to spend time with my family is very important, so finding that balance is key in this industry.”
Changing landscape
Debi has been in the industry for some 30 years, witnessing vast changes, both for women in the field and the market itself.
“The Cayman Islands has experienced huge changes over the past 20-plus years,” she says. “Knowing how to successfully manoeuvre this ever-changing market takes dedication and a real drive for the industry.”
She says having a mentor in her early days was a great help to her.
“My mentor in this industry, Alister Ayres, did not hesitate to show me the ropes and to this day has supported my growth and success, for which I can’t thank him enough,” she says.
Debi is now returning that favour.
“I strive to pay this mentorship forward to the ladies of Edgewater Properties, offering them advice and support throughout all of their deals, and their lives in general,” she says. “We are a close-knit team, and celebrating successes is just as important as being there through the more challenging times.”
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