Single Women Are Single-Handedly Changing the Face of Today’s Home Buying Market

Higher education and salary levels are among several factors that are giving single women the power to purchase a home on their own.

There’s a powerful new force that’s changing the face of the home buying process and is reshaping the landscape of the housing industry. Curious?

Well, take our quick two-question quiz to discover the identity and some important insights into this savvy and skilled homebuyer.

1.) Read the homebuyer trends below. Then decide: What category of buyer best fits the profile? a.) Traditional Families   b.) Single Men   c.) Single Women   d.) Active Adults

Generally speaking, this buyer group typically:

…Buys in city over suburban areas.
…Is interested in amenities and features.
…Will not compromise on location or quality of neighborhood.
…Prefers condominiums with homeowner associations over single family homes.
…Prefers 2 or more bedrooms
…Smaller spaces are acceptable.
…Desires security and / or gated access.
…Likes to engage in social interaction with neighbors.
…Wants close proximity to stores, shopping and fitness centers.

If you guessed, c.) Single Women, you’re absolutely correct. Single women represent the fastest growing component of home buyers in the United States at almost 20%. According to the National Association of Realtors, single women were responsible for buying approximately one out of five homes purchased in the country – a total of 1.7 million homes. (By the way, these same ladies outnumbered the single guys who represented only 15% of the buying population.)

When It Comes To Interior Decorating, Men And Women Are Worlds Apart

Anyone that has decorated a new home with their spouse can tell you that it is not an easy task. Men want one thing, while women want the polar opposite. A recent article in the National Post describes the core differences between men and women that prompt a galactic divide in home decor taste.

— Men choose function over form. Women appreciate aesthetics and beauty.

— Men like things that just plain-old work. Women prefer pieces with embellishments.

— Men like technology, and they like it as big as possible. All men would agree that there’s no better focal point of a room than a Hi-Def big screen television planted directly in front of the couch. Women may be more apt to choose a decorative piece such as an elaborate armoire.

— Men usually enjoy sitting on a darker-colored, leather and very comfortable sofa. Women are looking for a more curvaceous shapes, delicate lines with a light-colored upholstery sofas accompanied by lots of throws and decorative pillows.

— Men like the feel of a room saturated in dark and earthy tones. Women enjoy the aura that bright tones and softer pastels produce.

Affordable Ways to Decorate Your Home for Thanksgiving

With a little forethought, planning and attention to detail, you can make your home a home-for-the-holidays.

Hosting Thanksgiving this year and need to decorate on a smaller budget? Holiday dinners can get very expensive and when you add in all the décor, your festive cheer may not be as lively as the guests were anticipating.

To save you time and money, blend together your autumn look with harvest and Thanksgiving themes. You won’t break the bank and the integration of fall and holiday themes can carry out until Christmas. Associatedcontent.com offers easy ways to make your home a warm and festive abode!

The first thing your guests will see when arriving on Thanksgiving is your yard. Create an artsy fall look with simple decorations that nature has provided. Start with collecting acorns and pine combs for your theme. Choose leaves that are beautiful shades of oranges, reds, and gold’s that bring in the season of color. Use a hay bail and a few pumpkins and even a scarecrow if you have one.

Selling Your Home This Winter? Keep the Curb Appeal High.

 

As winter comes, keeping your home for sale attractive and inviting is critical.

We found a great article over at Realty Times, an industry site that reports trends, news and thoughtful opinion on many real estate topics. This article about maintaining curb appeal through the winter caught our eye.

Most buyers know, when it comes to selling your home, a first impression is sometimes all you have — especially in today’s competitive environment. The article discussed many tips and ideas to keep potential buyers interested — and entice them to stop by and take a look inside. Specifically:

You look mah-velous. Sure, you upgraded the inside of your home and have it staged beautifully. But remember, during the dreary winter months, the outside of your home should look cheerful and inviting. Paint or re-stain the front door, repair the roof and gutters if needed and keep the garage doors and windows clean. 

To Buy or Not. That, Is the Question.

Now certainly seems like a good time to buy a new home. Is it?

Although today’s economic climate might seem unsteady, there are actually many reasons why now is the perfect time to buy a new home at Autumn Creek. Earlier this year, the Chicago Tribune analyzed this issue and had some great insights. Today, we comment on some of them in light of the situation a number of months later.

Selection. In a slower market when homes sell at a reduced pace, selection is much more plentiful. Being what’s been called a “buyer’s market,” you can take your time to research the right community and the right home.

Mortgage Rates. While many might feel that the credit market is tight, actually credit is readily available to those who qualify. Granted, the process is probably now what it should have been over the recent years, but if you have a good credit history, adequate income and work security, a sufficient downpayment and up-to-date and thorough documentation, qualifying for a mortgage is fairly simple.