Home Ownership Within Reach Of More Single Women

In New York and across the country, the number of single women buying houses and condominiums is on the rise.

1 minute read

December 14, 2006, 6:00 AM PST

By maryereynolds


"Across the nation, female buyers have been major contributors to the home-buying boom. Single women made up 22 percent of the nation's home buyers in the last year compared with 14 percent in 1995, according to the National Association of Realtors."

Although the New York City housing market has slowed and buyers are more cautious about making deals, women are still buying feverishly. While Manhattan developers say they are seeing more female buyers, the highest concentration seems to be in Brooklyn, where condominiums are less expensive. Brokers say that women are betting that even if they buy in a declining market, the values won't drop as much as they would have spent on rent. According to real estate broker JoAnn Schwimmer, "A woman will say, 'I'm still saving money in the long term.' They're able to see the bigger picture, while a guy says, 'I have to get the best deal.'"

Sunday, December 10, 2006 in The New York Times

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