Like most real estate agent, my target group of ideal buyers is married couples. Given that I work in the western suburbs of St. Louis, site of many large and beautiful suburban homes ideal for growing families, this is not surprising. According to a recent National Association of Realtors® (NAR) study, 61% of buyers fall in this category nationwide, and the suburbs of St. Louis are no exception.
As a recent homebuyer and single mother, I do not fit my own profile. Ironically, real estate in general is changing, and sales of homes to single women is a growing market segment through the nation. I fit the new demographic where more than 20% of home sales are made to single women! Interestingly, only 9% of sales are made to single men.
What has caused this shift in real estate demographics? Sales patterns follow what is happening in our society. The U.S. Census confirms that half of all adult women live alone, due to choice or circumstance, such as divorce or widowhood. They marry later (at age 26, 6 years later than in the 60's), are often college-educated, and positioned to be self-supporting - a good thing since the live longer. Women may still hit a glass ceiling that limits their income in comparison to men, but many woman do well enough to qualify for a mortgage. Others take advantage of special financing programs, including low or no-money down mortgages.
All this does not mean that all women want the same type of home as couples want, though some, like myself, with children, still want a suburban home that is not much different that past homes I have owned. As laid out in a recent article in the Webster -Kirkwood Times, "single" women are likely to buy homes under $200,000, in the city rather than in a suburb, often condos or townhomes, and usually two bedrooms or more. The want to be close to shopping, stores, and fitness centers. Traditionally, they have looked at pre-owned home, but builders are courting women buyers of new construction.
So where does that leave "single" women in the west suburbs who want to buy a home? Just looking in our TheStLHomefinder site, there are lots of choices. The St. Louis area is very welcoming to women buyers.
In the St. Louis area, there are over 13,391 homes under $200,000 with at last 2 bedrooms. There are about 11,000 single families, 1,153 condos, and 771 townhomes. With29,013 homes listed on the MLS, over 45% fall within the profile of the home female homebuyers tend to prefer.
• In Ballwin, 217 homes fits the criteria (142 single families, 53 condos, 22 townhomes)
• In Chesterfield, 97 homes fits the criteria (5 single families, 52 condos, 40 townhomes)
• In Fenton, 136 homes fit the criteria (121 single families, 8 condos, 7 townhomes)
• In St. Peters, 458 homes fit the criteria (338 single families, 68 condos, 52 townhomes)
• In St. Charles, 526 homes fit the criteria (362 single families, 71 condos, 83 townhomes)
•· In O'Fallon, 491 homes fit the criteria (374 single families, 41 condos, 76 townhomes)
(See http://www.thestlhomefinder.com/ for details on other cities)
If you are a single woman looking for a home in any porce range, a good Realtor® will help you find the home in neighborhood that will work for you. Check out www.thestlhomefinder.com to find one you like and then call the Becky O'Neill POWER Team, where we promise a Positive Outcome With Exceptional Results. We specialize in fine properties in Clayton, Wildwood, Chesterfield, Manchester, Glencoe, Ballwin, Ellisville, Ladue, Fenton, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Clarkson Valley, St. Charles, St, Peters, O'Fallon, Town & Country, and the surrounding area in St. Louis or St. Charles Counties.
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