First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage….NOT!

In 2004 single women made up eighteen percent of America’s home-buying population. The increase of home sales to unmarried women in last ten years has caused even Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to take notice. During 1990’s FHA began to allow women to report child support as income in order to qualify for a mortgage. Another factor in this trend, according to Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, is that women no longer think of marriage as a first step and buying a home as second, women are generally marrying later in life. In 1970 US Census reported median marrying age as 20.8 years and in 2000 reported median marrying age as 25.1 years. An increase in number of women in executive jobs, as well as an increase in number of dual-earner married households, has also changed homebuyer trends. These changes have inspired mortgage and real estate industry to create various programs for nontraditional buyers like unmarried women.

It Ain’t Over Till The Female Homebuyer Sings

In 2005 a new version of role of women continues to emerge. Not only are women buying homes across America, but they are also renovating, upgrading, selling and investing. Learn more about these subjects in my next article “I Am Woman Hear Me Roar Part 2”. Always remember to explore all of your options when finding a mortgage. Be certain you express yourself clearly to your real estate agent or mortgage broker, let them know exactly what you want and don’t settle for less. To read more educational articles on topics such as “I Want To Hold Your Hand: First Time Homebuyers”, “Buy Now Retire Later: An Investment In Your Dreams”, and “More Bang For Your Buck With Mortgages” please visit my web site, VoncannonRealEstate.com.

Retirement and Downsizing

A series by Jean Chatzky, an editor for Money Magazine, called “Today’s Money For Women” was featured on Today Show in 2004. She began her series with this quote, “You’ve probably heard that thanks to divorce and fact that women outlive men, ninety percent of women will be solely responsible for their finances at some point in their lives.” Many women after retirement find themselves living alone for first time and often they are still living in a home made for a family. As time goes by cost, physically and financially, of maintenance and upkeep are taxing and it is time to downsize into a home better suited to your needs. Choosing a real estate professional that listens and is attentive to your individual situation is essential, as well as having support from friends and colleagues.

Tips For Female Sellers

All sellers should keep some important tips in mind. First, watch your neighborhood and keep track of what sells and price. Second, be certain to make all of necessary repairs or upgrades. Consider having a pre-inspection and always complete a termite moisture check. Third, choose your upgrades wisely. Think from buyer’s perspective. Fourth, be certain you have enough money to cover closing costs when sale is final. Don’t complete sale owing money. To read more articles on topics related to selling homes please visit VoncannonRealEstate.com and peruse articles like “Bring It To The Bank: Renovations and Upgrades”, “Increase Your Buying Power With Capital Gains Reinvestment”, and “The Seller’s Guide To The Buyer’s Eye”.