By Erin Middleton, March 26, 2024
Did you know more single women than men own homes in Oregon? Yep! According to census data by Axios, 12.2% of homeowners in Oregon are single women compared to 9.4% of homeowners who are single men. So if these women can do it, so can you! Where to start?
Embarking on the journey to purchase a home as a single woman can be an incredibly daunting experience. Where do you begin? How much money should you spend/pay/save? Who should you work with? Where should you buy? Where should you NOT buy? Etc. etc. From financial planning to navigating the real estate market, I’m here to help you overcome these unique challenges. Here are five tips to help you get started.
1. Know Your Budget
Before diving into the house-hunting process, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your budget. Take the time to evaluate your financial situation, including your income, expenses, and savings. Consider consulting a financial advisor to determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a home, taking into account factors such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, needed repairs, and cosmetic upgrades.
2. Research Your Desired Location
Educate yourself about the hyper-local real estate market to gain insights into current trends and property values. Pay attention to factors like proximity to amenities, safety, and future development plans. Drive your commute route and see if it makes you happy. Commute time can weigh heavily on overall happiness, so while you might be living close to restaurants & shops, it’s important to consider how far away you are from your place of work.
3. Establish Your Priorities
As a single woman homebuyer, it’s essential to prioritize your needs and preferences when searching for a home. Consider factors such as location, size, layout, and amenities that align with your lifestyle and goals. Create a list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” to guide your search and help you focus on properties that meet your criteria. Share this list with your real estate agent.
4. Lean on Your Support Network
While purchasing a home solo can feel daunting at times, remember that you’re not alone. Lean on your support network; whether it’s family or friends, your chosen real estate partner, or lender, guidance & advice is just a phone call or text away. Building your “real estate team” will not only help provide you with a sounding board for ideas but it will further cement the ultimate decisions you make as the right ones.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts and intuition when making decisions about purchasing a home. Pay attention to how you feel when visiting properties and envisioning yourself living there. Don’t rush into a decision out of fear or pressure; take your time to find the right home that feels like the perfect fit for you. This also applies to the people you choose to work with: find a real estate agent and lender that feel like friends and who are professionals you trust. Your gut is rarely wrong; so if you don’t like talking to these people or sharing your hopes & dreams, chances are you won’t like working with them.
Navigating the real estate market as a single woman may present its challenges, but it’s also an opportunity for growth, independence, and empowerment. By taking proactive steps to educate yourself, establish your priorities, and trust your instincts, you can approach the homebuying process with confidence and achieve your homeownership goals. Remember, you have the strength and resilience to take on this challenge, change your life, and start building wealth today.
Contact me today for a free consultation!
Erin Middleton
Broker | OR
She/Her
Passionate Realtor and Adventurous Soul Hailing from the coastal town of Bandon, Oregon, Erin is a dynamic individual who enjoys meeting people with a thirst for life and adventure. Before embarking on her career in real estate, Erin carved her path in the advertising industry, honing her skills and dedicating a decade to the dynamic world of brand advertising. Working for agencies like Leopold Ketel, The Richards Group, the Integer Group, Venables Bell & Partners, and PSFK.com, Erin developed strategies for numerous social media campaigns, brand engagement, and product launches. Born with a passion for exploration, Erin's journey has taken her from Oregon to Spain, Miami, New York, Dallas, Petaluma, Napa, and ultimately back to the Pacific Northwest. With a newfound appreciation for the importance of home and community, Erin decided to embrace her passion for a sense of place and become a realtor. She now brings a wealth of marketing knowledge, genuine enthusiasm, and a natural talent for connecting with people to the forefront of finding solutions for each of her clients. Driven by a genuine love for her work, Erin feels a deep sense of fulfillment when she meets incredible people and helps them live their best life, wherever that might be. Her infectious energy and genuine care have earned her a stellar reputation among clients and colleagues alike. Erin Middleton is not just a realtor; she is a passionate advocate for creating lasting connections and fostering a sense of belonging. With her unique blend of professional expertise, vibrant personality, and love for the outdoors, she continues to make a significant impact on the lives of those she encounters. When she’s not actively serving clients, Erin finds solace in the great outdoors. Whether it's backpacking through breathtaking landscapes or tending to her yard, she cherishes the opportunity to immerse herself in nature. In the quiet moments, she finds comfort in the company of her beloved cat, Niña, who loves to cuddle and hide out in the raspberry bushes. My Team - Principal Broker: Paul D’Souza - Transaction Coordinator: Iris Ireland - Marketing: Abby Camp & Bea Barryte Credentials - Bachelor’s Degree, Journalism & Communication, University of Oregon, 2003 - NAR’s Green Designation
- Sumner Neighborhood Association, Land Use & Transportation Rep
- Parkrose School District Budget Committee - Treasurer, Past President with the Eastside Professional Association
- erin@livingroomre.com
