Judy’s life has been filled with challenges, from a difficult upbringing to personal trauma. However, she never gave up and found solace in her career as a real estate agent and property investor. These ventures not only provided her with financial freedom but also ignited a passion within her.
In the 1960s, Judy found herself with limited work options after leaving home as a teenager to give birth in an unwed mother’s home. Instead of dwelling on her circumstances, she seized every opportunity to build wealth and freedom.
By chance, Judy’s path crossed with an architect who introduced her to the world of real estate. She attended a work dinner with her friend and met various developers and real estate agents, including Bill Bridges, a prominent figure in Sydney’s real estate industry. Despite her initial reluctance, Judy saw the potential in working with Bridges and embarked on her journey as a realtor.
Starting in the run-down neighborhood of Paddington, Judy walked the streets, knocking on doors, and generating leads to sell houses. She navigated the male-dominated industry with determination and resilience, never letting her gender hinder her goals.
As Judy gained experience, she realized that the real riches were found behind the scenes in the back office. She observed another woman in the office who sent letters to house owners in Paddington, inquiring if they wanted to sell. Bridges and his partners would then purchase these properties, upgrade them, and sell them for a profit. Inspired by this model, Judy took a risk and asked Bridges to fund the purchase of a house where they could make a substantial profit. This marked the beginning of her investment journey.
After achieving success as an investor, Judy decided to further invest in her career by opening her own real estate office. She became Bill’s competitor, carefully managing their relationship while advertising her business with a feminine touch. Despite struggling with basic math, Judy’s business thrived, and she even bought and renovated an old butcher’s shop to serve as her new office.
Although Judy eventually sold her business and properties, her real estate ventures continued in different parts of the world. She used her knowledge and experience to rebuild her life in Spain, flipping houses for foreign investors. Despite facing cultural constraints, Judy persevered and became a successful landlord once again.
Now in her 80s, Judy continues to enjoy the fruits of her labor as an investor. She lives off rental income from her remaining properties and dedicates her time to writing and making art. Judy looks back on her time as a real estate agent in Paddington as a cherished memory that shaped her life and provided her with security and a place to call her own.
5 Comments
Shimmy Shammy
March 4, 2025This blog post is a fascinating look into the inspiring story of a female investor who defied societal norms in the ’60s and found tremendous success in real estate. Her journey not only transformed her own life but also paved the way for many other women in the industry. The post highlights her achievements, challenges, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.
sun washer
March 4, 2025This inspiring story truly showcases the power of determination and perseverance. It’s incredible to see how the real estate industry has evolved since the ’60s, thanks to pioneers like her. I would love to learn more about her strategies and how she navigated the challenges of that time.
Crossing Guard
March 4, 2025I loved reading about this pioneering female investor’s journey in the ’60s! It’s inspiring to see how she defied societal norms and found success in the real estate industry. I wonder what challenges she faced and how she overcame them?
hov
March 4, 2025I’m absolutely fascinated by the story of this pioneering female investor! It’s incredible to see how her journey in the ’60s transformed her life through real estate success. I would love to learn more about the specific strategies she used to navigate the industry during that time.
Wow, what an inspiring journey! It’s amazing to see how this female investor defied the odds in the ’60s and created a successful career in real estate. I wonder if she faced any particular challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and how she overcame them.
The story of this pioneering female investor is a testament to determination and perseverance. I admire how she didn’t let the societal norms of the ’60s deter her from pursuing real estate success. I bet her experiences could offer valuable insights for aspiring investors today.
I strongly believe that stories like these are crucial for inspiring and empowering more women to enter the world of real estate investing. This female investor’s journey in the ’60s highlights the opportunities and potential for success that exists regardless of gender. Kudos to her for breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of investors.
This post has shed light on an often overlooked aspect of the ’60s – the impact of pioneering female investors. It’s wonderful to see how one person’s journey in real estate can transform their life and inspire countless others. Do you think the industry has become more inclusive since then, or are there still changes that need to be made?
Shadow Gal
March 4, 2025This blog post beautifully highlights the inspiring journey of a pioneering female investor in the ’60s and her incredible success in real estate. It’s wonderful to see how her determination and passion paved the way for her transformation. It makes me curious to learn more about the challenges she faced and how she overcame them.