Women are Buying Homes for Themselves

<h1>Women are Buying Homes for Themselves</h1>Author: <a title="Anne Eliason" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/anne-eliason/31399.htm">Anne Eliason</a> Did you know that women who live alone are more likely to own their homes than single men? It's true, statistics show that women are the second largest home-buying force next to couples, and the percentage of female homeowners is growing. So how are women buyer's needs different, and what special challenges might home ownership present to them? Women buy homes for all the same reasons anyone does: for stability and as an investment. But there area lot of factors that might come into play that affect where, what and when they buy. Women may be buying in an area that is close to their aging parents. While grown children of both genders may well take care of their parents, single women do so more often than their siblings with children. This is probably because the demands of children are a huge challenge in themselves, taking time away from helping out the grandparents. Many women are also buying homes that are close to their jobs. Very few people enjoy a long commute, and a downtown living situation is very suitable to a single person, whereas a family with young children might sacrifice the convenience of being close to work for the benefits of having a bigger, private yard. If the home owning woman in question is a single mother, then being close to a good school is probably very high on her list of priorities. The perfect home would be close to both her work and child's school, to minimize commutes between the two. As sad as it is, it's still a reality that women's wages are a fair bit lower than men's, on average. This impacts home buying, in that women buyers often choose modestly priced homes or condos. But modest prices doesn't mean cheap homes. Women want something that's low maintenance. This isn't said to perpetuate a stereotype that women aren't as handy at fixing things as men, because actually, quite the opposite is true. The growing number of women becoming skilled at home repair and other Do-It-Yourself building is matching, if not surpassing, the growth of women buying homes. So while a woman may not want to be fixing the leaky roof of a dive in her off time, when it comes to improving an already nice home, statistics show they are quite motivated. Women often choose condos, or smaller, two bedroom homes. Interestingly, women are less likely to buy new construction. This may be because of cost, or maybe because the home just isn't tried and tested. It could also be out of ecological concerns, preferring something pre-existing to a freshly bulldozed site. Or perhaps because most new development is out of the downtown core. It's hard to say. Wherever and whenever, women buying homes are looking for, and getting, financial freedom. As they get older, home equity, or the income from a rental home, will prove to be a valuable addition to their retirement fund.About the Author: Anne Eliason is a dedicated professional specializing in <a href="http://www.phoenix-valley-real-estate.com/" target="_blank">Phoenix Metro real estate</a>. For information on <a href="http://www.phoenix-valley-real-estate.com/mesa.php" target="_blank">Mesa real estate</a> or for help with all your Phoenix Valley relocation needs, visit Anne online at Phoenix-Valley-Real-Estate.com.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/women-are-buying-homes-for-themselves-532785.html" title="Women are Buying Homes for Themselves">Women are Buying Homes for Themselves</a>

Did you know that women who live alone are more likely to own their homes than single men? It's true, statistics show that women are the second largest home-buying force next to couples, and the percentage of female homeowners is growing. So how are women buyer's needs different, and what special challenges might home ownership present to them?

Women buy homes for all the same reasons anyone does: for stability and as an investment. But there area lot of factors that might come into play that affect where, what and when they buy. Women may be buying in an area that is close to their aging parents. While grown children of both genders may well take care of their parents, single women do so more often than their siblings with children. This is probably because the demands of children are a huge challenge in themselves, taking time away from helping out the grandparents.

Many women are also buying homes that are close to their jobs. Very few people enjoy a long commute, and a downtown living situation is very suitable to a single person, whereas a family with young children might sacrifice the convenience of being close to work for the benefits of having a bigger, private yard. If the home owning woman in question is a single mother, then being close to a good school is probably very high on her list of priorities. The perfect home would be close to both her work and child's school, to minimize commutes between the two.

As sad as it is, it's still a reality that women's wages are a fair bit lower than men's, on average. This impacts home buying, in that women buyers often choose modestly priced homes or condos. But modest prices doesn't mean cheap homes. Women want something that's low maintenance. This isn't said to perpetuate a stereotype that women aren't as handy at fixing things as men, because actually, quite the opposite is true. The growing number of women becoming skilled at home repair and other Do-It-Yourself building is matching, if not surpassing, the growth of women buying homes. So while a woman may not want to be fixing the leaky roof of a dive in her off time, when it comes to improving an already nice home, statistics show they are quite motivated.

Women often choose condos, or smaller, two bedroom homes. Interestingly, women are less likely to buy new construction. This may be because of cost, or maybe because the home just isn't tried and tested. It could also be out of ecological concerns, preferring something pre-existing to a freshly bulldozed site. Or perhaps because most new development is out of the downtown core. It's hard to say.

Wherever and whenever, women buying homes are looking for, and getting, financial freedom. As they get older, home equity, or the income from a rental home, will prove to be a valuable addition to their retirement fund.

Anne Eliason is a dedicated professional specializing in Phoenix Metro real estate. For information on Mesa real estate or for help with all your Phoenix Valley relocation needs, visit Anne online at Phoenix-Valley-Real-Estate.com.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/women-are-buying-homes-for-themselves-532785.html

Article Tags: Real Estate, Investing, Finances, Woman, Buying, Buying A Home, Buying Homes, Women Buyers

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

How to Use Dryer Sheets

Play

How to Use Toothpicks

Play

How to Orginize Sock Drawer

Play

Clearing Clutter Inside your Piano Bench

Play

Sandbag Workouts/ Sandbag Training

Latest Real Estate Articles
More from Anne Eliason

What to Look Out For When Buying a Home

By: Stephen Burton | 14/11/2009
Most first-time home buyers search for the perfect home - one with the perfect view and the perfect location. They don't dig very deep to search for possible faults, and turn a blind eye even if they know the offering price is too high. Here are some tips and pitfalls...

I Buy Houses: Helpful Real Estate Resources

By: Simon Volkov | 14/11/2009
As more homes fall into foreclosure, more "I Buy Houses" signs pop up. The majority of these signs belong to private real estate investors or investment groups. Investors buy houses that are either in preforeclosure, already foreclosed, bank owned or probate real estate at discounted rates. Their services allow sellers and lenders the opportunity to reduce financial burdens.

First-Time Miami Real Estate Homebuyers’ Guide in Making an Offer

By: Mark Ferrer | 14/11/2009
It’s easy for homebuyers to get afflicted by the love bug when browsing for a home. Nice home, good location, perfect neighbors, selling potential are enough to experience coup de foudre for any homebuyer. This often causes hastiness and eventually some home-buying gaffes that can seriously cause future financial scrapes. Before you get caught in the heat of the moment and utter an unreasonable offer, look at this guide when buying a Miami real estate home.

The Pitfalls of Buying Remodeled Miami Beach Luxury Homes

By: Mark Ferrer | 14/11/2009
Remodeled homes are not new in the real estate scene. Many homes in the city, like Miami Beach luxury homes, are often outfitted or have undergone makeovers ranging from the subtle (de-cluttering, re-grouting, landscaping) to the extreme (total renovations, expansions, etc.). While it’s definitely refreshing to see these properties in the market, not to mention enticing to deep-pocketed buyers, it’s imperative to know that you're not going to end up with a shabby remodel.

Use Reverse Mortgage on Your Next Home Purchase

By: Lokesh | 14/11/2009
In case you are over 62 years of age and own a house, there’s a wonderful way to supplement your retrial income by way of taking a reverse mortgage loan on your home. Yes, don’t be surprised, you can continue to stay in the home that you own and mortgage it to earn from your home. Your home could be your best friend and financer and would stand by you to provide that you that additional money and comfort that you look for when you are in your sixties.

Short Sale- What if the Bank rejects your Offer what do you Need to do Next

By: Flynna Sarah | 14/11/2009
There are a lot people who still manage to cope with the ongoing financial crisis. Because inflation has been very unpredictable, most individuals are struggling to meet all their financial obligations. Those people who will greatly be affected by the global economic turmoil are the ones who are in the middle class.

Miami Foreclosures Q&A: All About Auctions

By: Mark Ferrer | 14/11/2009
One way to purchase Miami foreclosures is through an auction. Auctions are held at county offices but with the increasing popularity and ease-of-use features of the internet, more and more auctions are performed online through private auction houses. If you're planning to embark in this direction, make sure to do it the right way by exercising due diligence. Here are some questions answered appropriately to provide you with useful information.

Miami Commercial Real Estate – Leasing an Industrial Space

By: Mark Ferrer | 14/11/2009
Industrial spaces are great Miami commercial real estate properties for business that require large storage spaces. These properties are greatly helpful for large-scale production and even shipping. If you’re looking for large commercial office area, however, industrial spaces are also wonderful. While these are certainly tempting advantages, let’s move further and see industrial spaces from two sides: the pros and the cons.

Federal Financial Takeover Creates Safety Net

By: Anne Eliason | 19/09/2008 | Real Estate
The federal takeover of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, affectionately referred to as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, marks a major change on the local financial front. The financial crisis that preceded the takeover is being touted as the worst since the Great Depression. That's news no real estate agent, let alone buyer or seller, wants to hear. But it isn't all bad. In fact, now is a great time to buy.

Buying: How to Navigate the Jungle

By: Anne Eliason | 19/09/2008 | Real Estate
Most people are familiar with the fact that the real estate bubble popped. This has meant some severe challenges for lower income homeowners, or owners who just bought homes that were above their means financially. This is why it can definitely be said that it's a buyer's market out there. What that means is that there's a lot of homes for sale, which means a lot of options for buyers, and also low prices. In fact, in many parts of the state, prices are as low as they've been in many years. Home

Women are Buying Homes for Themselves

By: Anne Eliason | 22/08/2008 | Real Estate
Did you know that women who live alone are more likely to own their homes than single men? It's true, statistics show that women are the second largest home-buying force next to couples, and the percentage of female homeowners is growing. So how are women buyer's needs different, and what special challenges might home ownership present to them?

Tips for New Buyers

By: Anne Eliason | 22/08/2008 | Real Estate
So it's finally time to realize your dream of buying a home. This is a major step in your life, and your home will likely be your biggest asset ever. What's next, and how are you going to make the most of this new adventure?

Short Sales Aren't Easy

By: Anne Eliason | 04/07/2008 | Real Estate
Foreclosures mark ones credit rating for seven years. Sadly, a bad credit rating can stop one from getting another mortgage. Further, some renters and even employers check credit ratings and see them as a sign of trustworthiness and competence. Plus, there's the humiliating process of having one's home on the public auction block.

The Lowly Gutter: Hero of the Home

By: Anne Eliason | 04/07/2008 | DIY
Even if you don't live in a wet climate, quality gutters are important. If ground that is normally dry is suddenly saturated, drainage problems can occur.

Deadly Combo - Tots and Pools

By: Anne Eliason | 13/06/2008 | Accessories
One very good rule to have is: if you suddenly find that toddler is 'quiet' or missing, check the pool straightaway - you may only have seconds to revive a drowning child. Even if you know the pool is fenced and the gate is latched, check the pool straightaway.

Profit From Your Child's University Move

By: Anne Eliason | 11/06/2008 | Real Estate
With school end approaching, some of us will be spending our summer vacations helping our children to settle into their chosen University town. Arizona State University is located in Arizona's most populous city of Tempe and if you are planning to look for accommodation in this area - you are in luck!