I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: We’ve come a long way, baby. And no, I’m not talking about Virginia Slims (“You’ve got your own cigarette now, baby, you’ve come a long long way!” Such a misguided marketing strategy . . . .).
Ah, but for the independent, single women out there, we truly have come a long way in the home ownership category.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 20% of all homebuyers these days are single women, while only 12% are single men.
The sociological reasons for this are many and varied, but the top three reasons for single women signing on the dotted line(s) are:
- A strong desire to settle down (It’s our nesting instinct. Which sounds like we’re birds. Which makes it sound as if we haven’t come a long way after all, baby. . . . hmmmm . . . .)
- A strong desire to move closer to job and/or family (More nesting, apparently).
- A strong desire for more SPACE (Which seems counterproductive, considering #2).
For those of you in the market for a new or used home, be smart and avoid sticker shock; check out these 12 expenses to factor into your home-buying costs:
- Recording Fee: Around $50
- Notary: $200 and up
- Escrow Fee: $300 and up (and up!)
- Legal Fees: Variable
- Inspection Fee: $300 and up
- Loan Origination Points/Fees: Variable
- Pre-paid Loan Interest: Variable
- Property Taxes: Variable
- Title Insurance: Variable
- Private Mortgage Insurance: Variable
- Homeowners’ Insurance: Variable
- Window coverings: Okay, this one’s not technically on the list, but anyone who has ever purchased a house (new or used), can attest to the hidden costs of ensuring privacy and personal style via window coverings. This cost, obviously, is both optional and variable.
My name is Joni Kerley, real estate agent specializing in Snohomish County. I’d love to help you achieve your home ownership goals, so give me a call sometime at #425-343-4545.
References: Musselman, Jennifer, Own It! The UPS and DOWNS of Homebuying for Women Who Go It Alone, Seal Press, 2008. National Association of REALTORS Joint Center for Housing Studies Photo: Ddrccl from www.stock.xchng
