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You Go Girl!! . . .

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Realty Services

 

 

You know the saying.  You go Girl.  It is kind of like the female version of that jump in the air high five thingy?  Whatever you guys call it?!!  It is something that we say to women when they show us their strengths and that they have overcome or accomplished something major in their lives. 

We all know that we are stronger than we realize, just sometimes we need a little nudge.  So this story will be about women and their strengths when it comes to home ownership. 

I work with many first time homebuyers.  I love them, they are eager to learn the process from start to finish and they are so proud at the sucess of their first home.  It is so cool when that happens.  Not to pick on the guys, but I think some women are not sure about this subject.

For single women though, I think some of you don't think you can't do it.  I think many women still think they need to wait for their Knight in Shinning Armour to show up and that is when these types of life decisions start to take place.  Not so I say.  As a former single female first time home buyer, I say go for it.  You can do it.

Did you know, as a single home buyer you make up about 18% of the home sales across the country?

Here's how strong you are;


Statistics on women and home ownership

The single female segment of the home buyer population accounted for 18% of all home buyers in 2004.

Single women purchased approximately one in five homes in 2003, while more than one in ten were purchased by single men.

More women (15.5 million) than men (11.8 million) lived alone. Among these, women were more likely than men to own their homes (56% vs. 47%).

About one-quarter of the nation's nearly eight million single mothers spend more than half of their incomes on housing, compared with one-tenth of households headed by single fathers.

Over the time period of 1994-2002, the number of unmarried females owning homes climbed from 13.9 million to 17.5 million.

Sources: 2007 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, (Chicago, IL: National Association of REALTORS®, 2006).


2000 census delivers insights on homeownership, (Community Banker, Mar. 2002).

 

 

Many of us are waiting to marry or cohabit later in life, but there is no need to put your life on hold in regard to making a home buying decision.  I remember about 5 years ago I had a buyer, a Single woman around 30 who said to me "I don't know why I put this on hold?  I think I have been waiting to be rescued and now I have missed out on buying a home at a lower price waiting for prince charming."  That just smacked me right across the head as an "Ah ha moment".  What are we thinking?  We can do it.

Right now, my buyer pool has 3 single, never been married woman, on the hunt for a new home in the Gaithersburg/Germantown area.  I am so proud of them and their strength.  You should find yourself a REALTOR(R) and a lender that you know and trust to guide you through the transaction.  It is not as difficult as you may think.  It will be one of the magic moments in your life, owning your first home. 

You Go girl, you are stronger than you think!!

 

 

 

Debbie Summers
Charles Rutenberg Realty - New Smyrna Beach, FL

Audrey... One of my favorite past customers is an under 30, single female school teacher who saved to by her first home.  I think she's awesome!  We are having lunch next week...  girlz rule!

Aug 01, 2008 06:26 AM
Daniel Gates
Insure Consulting - Palm Bay, FL

Its cause us guys are smart, we keep living in our parents basement till we are 40.  Ok, maybe not cool.  Ok, maybe not even that smart.

Aug 01, 2008 07:06 AM
Audrey June-Forshey
RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD
GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Hi Woohoo, right back at cha!!

Thank you Lenn.  I am always so proud of all of my buyers, but I am especially happy for the girls!

Linda, We are really lucky that we play such a big role in one of life's biggest milestones.

Russ, Good for you to help them through the maze of home buying.

Debbie, that is so awesome.  It just makes you feel good to have these relationships and watch our clients and friends grow.  Girlz do Rule!!

Daniel, LOL, that is funny.  Sometimes sad, but it is funny!!

Aug 01, 2008 07:39 AM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Thank you for sharing the statistical information.  I have several single female clients.  Some are investors! Girls do rule!  I also enjoy the process of working with first time home buyers. You are right.  They are so excited about the process and so proud of their accomplishment.

Aug 01, 2008 07:51 AM
Kathy Anderson
Arizona Luxury & Lifestyle Living - Cave Creek, AZ
Arizona Homes For Sale

A lot of my business is conducted with single women since I work Arizona retirement communities.  A female client of mine had had three male realtors list her home, but the home just sat there.  She gave me the listing and after I sold it she said, "just goes to show you, it takes a woman to get the job done". 

No direspect to my male counterparts.  The real reason it sold was that she let me price it right and I explained that to her.  But what I did that the other agents hadn't was show her what the property was costing her to keep it month after month.

She wasn't the easiest person to deal with and I think the guys avoided her too.  Sometimes a woman's approach can do wonders.

Aug 01, 2008 09:15 AM
Alison Scott
eXp Realty, LLC - Suwanee, GA
Residential real estate sales

I have always enjoyed working with female clients, they are usually easy to work with and you can connect with them. Townhomes and condo's are usually the best for a single woman, less exterior upkeep and safer environment. I know many women who have at one time or another purchased property on their own, more power to them I say.

Aug 01, 2008 09:37 AM
Catherine Sinocruz
Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate - Reno, NV
Broker-Salesperson, ABR, GRI, CRS

Hi Audrey,

It is about time for women to be empowered in the home buying process.  I also have seen an increase in my clientele base of single women owning their home.  You go girls!

Catherine

Aug 01, 2008 10:02 AM
Ellie Drury
Home Run Real Estate - West Palm Beach, FL
ABR,CRS,CDPE,ePRO

I too have always enjoyed working with women buyers. I have worked with a few who considered themselves single, but legally were still married. In Florida a spouse needs to know if you take out a mortgage. That has been an issue in several transactions. I wanted to advertise to work with women buyers, but my office thought that may be an equal rights issue. Their only suggestion was to advertise in women's publications. Kim Kiyosaki, Mrs. Rich Dad, Poor Dad, has a book and nationally syndicated radio show called Rich Woman where she speaks to women about investing in real estate.

Aug 01, 2008 11:05 AM
Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC - Hilton Head Island, SC

I totally agree-there's a lot of power out there that is still untapped.

Aug 01, 2008 11:13 AM
Dawn Nuzzi
'Til Dawn Real Estate - Raleigh, NC

I bought my first home as a single woman in my 20's. When I was talking to my father and mentioned I wanted to buy a house, he was shocked. What about when you get married? I said, well then we have a place to live, or can sell and move in to his place, or sell both and get a new place. But meanwhile, I am bringing some equity in to the marriage. He then actually asked me - well, what if the guy isn't comfortable with you having already owned a home? I cracked up - I said dad, is that the kind of guy you would want for me and see me with anyway? Not to mention, should I really be basing a decision like this on someone who does not even exist in my life yet??

He stopped, thought a minute and said you know what, you're right. Go for it, kid. Basically dad's way of saying - you go girl!!

Aug 01, 2008 11:19 AM
Pat Haddad, ABR, CRS, ePRO, GRI
Keller Williams Indianapolis Metro NE - Carmel, IN
Carmel, Fishers, Westfield IN Real Estate Expert

More and more of my clients are single women of all ages.  This was a great post.  Think I will save it for when my granddaughters are ready to buy!  It will be about 20 years.  Wonder what real estate will be like then?

Aug 01, 2008 12:45 PM
Carey Pott
January Financial - Foothill Ranch, CA

You go girl is right. In spite of all the progress our country has made with equality for women, some still may have nagging fears that they can't do things as well as men. It just isn't true!

Aug 01, 2008 02:09 PM
Pam Pugmire
Silvercreek Realty Group - Meridian, ID
Meridian Idaho Real Estate

Congratulations on the feature!  This is a great message to get out there.  Women are completely capable to be homeowners!  Great job!

Aug 01, 2008 05:38 PM
Liz Moras Migic
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

Terrric Post Audrey - love it........perfect article for a newspaper as well..............I've owned 11 homes as a single mom.......and if i could and can do it, i'm pretty much sure almost anyone can!

Aug 01, 2008 07:33 PM
PJ S
Home Inspection Specialist - Los Angeles, CA

well written... i never understood how some can judge anyone by race and gender alone... a women being a homeowner should never even be considered a "skill" .. its a way of life ... really some have nothing else to worry about...

Aug 01, 2008 08:39 PM
Irene Woodworth
Color and Redesign Academy & Redesign Boise - Garden City, ID
Color-Redesign-Staging, Trainer & Motivational Speaker - Idaho

Hi Audrey,

Congratulations on this Featured Post!  Thank you for sharing all of this wonderful information.  I have learned that women wait to fulfill and do far too many things until they get rescued.  However, I have found some amazing statistics of women especially in Pink Magazine.  It is a wonderful magazine that continues to educate women from all walks of life to get in the game and make a difference for women everywhere.  Wonderful information.  I will bookmark this and refer to these amazing figures!

Have a Colorful Day!

Aug 02, 2008 02:02 AM
Debra Kukulski, Broker Associate
RE/MAX Suburban - Cary, IL
SRES;SFR,CDPE;GRI;ABR;e-PRO Realtor, Northern IL

Audrey, this is one FANTASTIC post!! YOU go girl!!! ;-)

Aug 02, 2008 03:13 AM
Daniel J. Brudnok, REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach, REALTORS - Exton - PA License #RS-225179-L / Delaware License #RS-0025038 - Downingtown, PA
SRES, e-PRO,ABR,GREEN,CSP

Audrey,

Great post and information all must know to be successful and professional.....

Thank you for your continued support of my posts.....have a great weekend.

Aug 02, 2008 05:44 AM
Audrey June-Forshey
RE/MAX Realty Services - Darnestown, MD
GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

Hi Everyone, Thanks for all of your wonderful comments.  I have been away from the computer for awhile, sorry I have not responded to every single one of you.  You all are the best and thanks for such support.

Aug 02, 2008 08:21 AM
Ginger S
Wilkinson & Associates, Wilmington NC - Wilmington, NC
Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation~

Audrey, my first sale was to a young first time buyer single young lady. It was so exciting for her! And me. We had a blast putting the deal together. winning a multiple offer situation and conquering inspection issues. She was so grateful!

Good work on this post!

Ginger

Aug 04, 2008 02:44 PM