A Single Woman's Guide to Buying a Home

The pros and cons of buying when single

By Aviva Friedlander

 

Finish school, find a job, get married, buy a house. In that order. While this is often still the traditional pattern of life events for many women, more and more single women are buying their first house earlier in their lives.

 

Whether it's because rents are high, home prices are affordable in the desired area or simply because of an aversion to living with roommates, single women are becoming a stronger force in the real estate market. In fact, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies, more than one in five homebuyers in the U.S. is a single woman.

 

If you're single and ready to make the big purchase, make sure you know what it takes to go it alone. 

 

Going over finances

 

Make sure you speak with an accountant or financial advisor to figure out what you can afford. Consider the amount you will need for the mortgage payment itself, property taxes, insurance premiums, utility bills, as well as money for repairs and maintenance. The main reason that buying early in life is a smart choice is appreciation value. Your home gains in value over time and when you sell it, that extra money can go a long way toward a down payment on a new home, or other investments. 

 

Finding a reliable real estate agent

 

If real estate is foreign to you and even if it isn't, you would be best off working with a real estate agent to help you find that perfect place and to guide you down the road to homeownership. Consider finding a real estate agent close to your age, and even better, one who is single and successful just like you. A good Realtor should also be able to recommend a trustworthy financial advisor, lawyer, inspector and contractor to help you with the process.

 

Starting small

 

Buying a smaller place, with two bedrooms or less, has a number of advantages for a single. The lower purchase price will likely net you a mortgage payment that is lower than rent in that same area. You will save on utilities, maintenance and cleaning costs. You will have fewer rooms to furnish and decorate. And, when the time comes, it may be easier to sell when you are ready to move on.

 

Considering alternative dwellings

 

Living in a single-family home with a landscaped yard and a picket fence is the stuff dreams are made of. Reality says that buyers must do what's practical for them. Many singles choose condominiums, co-ops or townhouses over single-family homes for some very good reasons. Aside from being more affordable, they may provide maintenance services, security in the form of a buzzer-operated front door or doorman and a built-in social network of neighbors. Overall it's a smart idea for single women to invest in a home. By navigating the ins and outs of homeownership when you're single, you'll be in an excellent position to guide your husband through the process should you want to buy again once you're married. 

 

 

Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

Thank you for visiting our REMAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin website.
Please feel free to contact us for any of your residential or commerical real estate needs including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home if you are a buyer.

Our real estate focus in the  Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, Lake Country, Jefferson County, Dane County, Dodge County and Washington County areas. Several agents in the office also their IRES designation (International Real Estate Specialist) so they can assist you with all your real estate needs in Wisconsin, the USA or anywhere in the WORLD!

When you are seriously looking or just browsing at real estate in Wisconsin, RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, is the BEST resource to help you with all your needs and questions, whether a first time home buyer, relocating to or from the beautiful LAKE COUNTRY area, looking to invest or explore foreclosure opportunities or just thinking ahead to the future. 

Lisa Bear is the broker/owner of RE/MAX Realty Center, Real Estate in Wisconsin (262-893-5555) is an experienced real estate agent in Waukesha County and the entire Milwaukee Metro area. Lisa thinks "outside of the BOX" and encourages her agents to do so as well. If you want creative options and exceptional marketing and service - look no further! 

The RE/MAX Realty Center Office, has experienced agents with expertise in luxury home marketing, lake property experts, foreclosure and short sale specialists, investment and property management brokers and commercial brokers. 

Our agents areas of service include, but are not limited to:
The prospering communities of Waukesha County including Delafield, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Sussex, Wales, New Berlin, Dousman, North Prairie, Mukwonago, Chenequa, Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Okauchee, Eagle, Muskego and Merton. 

Great municipalities in Milwaukee County including Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Hales Corners, Greenfield, Glendale, Franklin, Bayside, Brown Deer, Cudahy, Fox Point, Greendale, Shorewood, Oak Creek, St. Francis, West Allis and Whitefish Bay. 

The hometown favorites of Washington County, Jefferson County and Dodge County including Watertown, Hartford, West Bend, Germantown, Jackson, Richfield, Ashippun, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Slinger and Erin.

There is no place like "WISCONSIN LAKES"

If lake living is what you desire then Lake Country is the place to be! If you are thinking about buying waterfront property in Wisconsin, a little time invested in learning about waterfront living will pay back sizeable dividends in matching your expectations to realities. 

 Lake Country Living on one of Waukesha Countys great lakes as a full timer or vacationer is a must and there are some great lakes to choose.  Nagawicka Lake, Pine Lake, Oconomowoc Lake, Beaver Lake, Okauchee Lake, Pewaukee Lake, Moose Lake, North Lake, Lake Keesus, Lac La Belle, Upper Nashotah, Lower Nashotah, Upper Genesee, Lowe Genesee, Middle Genesee, Upper Nemahbin, Lower Nemahbin, Fowler Lake, Golden Lake, Pretty Lake, Silver Lake, Waterville Lake, and Crooked Lake. Great lakes of the surrounding area also include Lake Michigan, Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lake, Little Cedar Lake, Pike Lake and Lake Ripley.

Your best source for Lake Country Living is RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, 262-567-2455 or 262-893-5555,  offer online markets, listing package and FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO) options, MLS search access, buyer agency and marketing that will exceed your expectations, all with outstanding service!  

Your home purchase or sale is likely your largest investment, be sure you have an good agent you can trust! Real Estate in Wisconsin is an excellent investment, prices are superb, selection is great and rates are outstanding!!!

Ask us about our preferred vendors -- from lenders to help you finance your new purchase to contractors to help maintain!