Barbara Corcoran is a highly respected American businesswoman, investor, author, and television personality. She is best known as the founder of The Corcoran Group, one of New York City’s largest and most successful real estate firms. She gained widespread fame as one of the original investors on the TV show Shark Tank. Barbara built a $66 million business from a $1,000 loan and became a symbol of entrepreneurial grit and success in the real estate industry.
Quick Bio
Name: Barbara Ann Corcoran
Nickname: Barbara
Date of Birth: March 10, 1949
Age: 76 (as of 2025)
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Parents: Florence Corcoran (mother), Edwin W. Corcoran Sr. (father)
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Irish-American
Height: 5 feet 5 inches
Weight: 130 pounds
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Blue
Profession: Real Estate Mogul, Investor, Author, TV Personality
Marital Status: Married
Kids: 2
Social Media:
Instagram – @barbaracorcoran
Twitter – @BarbaraCorcoran
Facebook – Barbara Corcoran
YouTube – Barbara Corcoran
LinkedIn – Barbara Corcoran
Early Life
Barbara was born in Edgewater, New Jersey, into a working-class Irish-Catholic family. She was one of ten children.
Her father worked odd jobs while her mother managed the household. Barbara struggled with dyslexia and had poor grades throughout school.
She attended St. Thomas Aquinas College and earned a degree in education. After working as a teacher for a short time, she switched to real estate, where she discovered her true calling.
Family, Relationships, and Personal Life
Barbara married Bill Higgins, a retired Navy captain and former FBI agent, in 1988. The couple has two children, a biological son and an adopted daughter.
She is known for balancing her business career with her role as a mother and wife. Barbara often shares insights about her family on social media and in interviews.
Physical Measurements
Height – 5 feet 5 inches
Weight – 130 pounds
Hair Color – Blonde
Eye Color – Blue
Career Achievements
In 1973, Barbara co-founded a real estate business in New York City using a $1,000 loan. She named it The Corcoran Group and grew it into a leading residential real estate firm.
In 2001, she sold the company to NRT Incorporated for $66 million. She later became a bestselling author with titles like If You Don’t Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons on Your Pigtails and Shark Tales.
In 2009, she joined Shark Tank as a founding investor. Barbara has invested in over 80 businesses on the show and built a reputation for her sharp instincts and mentoring style.
Notable Contributions
Barbara Corcoran helped transform the real estate landscape of New York City.
Her role on Shark Tank made her a nationally recognized advocate for small businesses and women entrepreneurs.
She is a frequent speaker on leadership, overcoming obstacles, and sales strategies.
Her books and media presence have inspired thousands of individuals to pursue careers in business despite limitations.
She is also active in philanthropy and education initiatives.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Barbara Corcoran’s net worth is estimated at 110 million US dollars. Her income is generated from past real estate success, investments, television appearances, books, speaking engagements, and brand endorsements.
