A Mother’s Legacy Four Generations of Women In Real Estate_Insight | May 2025

A Mother’s Legacy Four Generations of Women In Real Estate 

BY LEE NELSON 

In real estate, family legacies are built on trust, dedication and a deep commitment to community. Few embody that legacy better than Joan Austin and her family—four generations of women who have shaped the real estate landscape in North Carolina for more than seven decades. 

Their story is not just about business; it’s about the power of mentorship, the importance of relationships and the strength of family in the REALTOR® profession. 

Joan Austin grew up watching her mother, Marie Austin, juggle family life and real estate. Marie would be stirring dinner on the stove with one hand and negotiating a deal on the phone with the other. 

“My mother died at age 87 on a Sunday and had worked the Friday before,” Joan said. “She taught me mainly how to interact with people. She was a people person.” 

Despite growing up immersed in her mother’s business— Marie Austin Realty operated out of the family’s back den—Joan initially had different career aspirations. 

“My plans were to be a teacher, but I wasn’t good at it,” she recalled. “I got my real estate license because my mother knew what the future held more than any of us did. I remember selling my first house for $19,000 in 1974. And I’ve sold it several times since then.” 

She joined her mother’s firm in 1973, and nearly 40 years later, her daughter, Emilie Morgan, followed in her footsteps. Their family’s real estate journey began even earlier in 1949, when Joan’s grandmother, Martha Green, founded Green’s Real Estate—eight years before the North Carolina Real Estate Commission was established. 

“We’ve all worked very hard to build trust in the community,” Emilie comments. “There’s something special when you meet someone and they tell you they knew your grandmother. I also hear stories from other agents about my family.” 

Much like her mother, Emilie didn’t initially plan to go into real estate. She pursued a degree in bioarchaeology, but eventually, real estate called her back. 

“My mom was never pushy about it, but she did say that she thought I should get my license,” she said. After college, she did just that. 

“It’s hard to say no to a business that has meant so much to our family and our community,” Emilie said. “It’s nice to be part of something that has a good, solid foundation. You don’t have to focus on the hustle with none of the number games.” 

Neither Joan nor Emilie sees challenges in working together— only advantages. 

“It’s more of an advantage, and the fact that I’m following in my mother’s footsteps, who followed in her mother’s footsteps, is amazing,” said Joan, who serves as broker-in-charge and owner of the agency. She also served as president of the Durham Association of REALTORS® in 1999 and was named REALTOR® of the Year in 2000. Joan recognizes that Emilie brings strengths to the business, particularly in social media and digital marketing. 

“The millennials know what they are doing,” Joan said. “But since I’ve been doing this for over 50 years, I have the experience of how to listen and read people. With age and time, you learn how to read every situation.” 

With five agents and an office manager, their business is built on the relationships they have nurtured through the years. 

“We do a lot together,” Emilie said. “With the market we work in, we cover the whole Triangle area, and we have recurring business. A lot of people come back to us. It’s nice to have someone to call whenever you have a question. I don’t think many people can call their boss at 11 p.m. to ask about a contract.” 

She also values their company’s reputation for inclusivity. 

“No matter who you are, we will work hard for you,” Emilie said. “It’s a big reputation to live up to and a good one to aspire to. There’s a lot of good girl power here.” 

Joan hopes her daughter will continue to enjoy the business as much as she has, forging strong connections and relationships that will last for years. 

And as for the future? 

“We have all intentions that Emilie’s daughter, who’s only five, will get into the business,” Joan said with a smile.