| Women are working more, earning more and | | | | of Realtors (NAR) was that about 22 % of |
| buying more than they ever did. Consequently, | | | | homes purchased between July 2005 and June |
| they have a significant influence on the American | | | | 2006 were by single women who were in the 25 |
| economy in general, and the real estate industry | | | | to 34 age range. Women accounted for a record |
| in particular. | | | | number of 1.76 million home purchases (1 in every |
| The collective buying power of US women | | | | 5 homes), a significant increase from 14 % a |
| accounts for about 85 % of all consumer | | | | decade ago. Women's growing success in their |
| purchases. When it comes to purchasing patterns, | | | | careers, higher education, financial independence |
| women are estimated to make 94 % of home | | | | and a desire to build an early nest on their own, |
| furnishings decisions, 91 % of new homes | | | | are some of the reasons that have spearheaded |
| purchase decisions, and 89 % of travel decisions. | | | | this home buying trend. |
| Women's earnings have accelerated over the last | | | | Among the vast demographic spectrum in the |
| few years and they have emerged as the Chief | | | | real estate industry, women have become a |
| Purchasing Officers in their households. According | | | | force to reckon with. Real estate agents are |
| to IRS data, women constitute 39 % of the top | | | | increasingly taking note of their female clients and |
| wealth holders in the country. This means about | | | | the power they wield in home buying decisions. By |
| 2.5 million women possess a wealth of $4.2 trillion | | | | the influence that they bring into play in home |
| put together. Notably, the IRS estimates that by | | | | buying decisions, women form a significant and |
| 2050, 42 % of these women will be single or | | | | growing market that simply cannot be ignored. |
| widowed. The IRS further estimates that more | | | | If you are considering buying a home, condo, or |
| wealth is bound to be accumulated among | | | | any other real estate, be sure to seek out the |
| women. | | | | services of a local real estate agent to guide you |
| Another growing trend that emerged in a | | | | through this complex process. |
| December 2006 study by the National Association | | | | |