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 t's acknowledged that a good investment in your career is an MBA. And a Hermes handbag or a pair of Jimmy Choo's, while a stretch, can also be considered an investment. However, one of the most solid investments that can ensure a woman's financial future is real estate.
According to the National Association of Realtors, one out of every five homebuyers is a single woman, double the rate of single men. Men and women don't think the same way, communicate the same way, and don't buy for the same reasons. As a woman, I understand that women buyers are very aware of planning for their future, and real estate is an excellent option with little risk and big rewards.
I am also aware and proud of just how powerful we are and what we can accomplish. Statistics show that women make 83% of all buying decisions and 91% of home purchases. If your making the decisions anyway, there's no reason why you can't do it on your own. I understand that having a partner can make some of those decisions less stressful, but I will work with you every step of the way to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Another thing to look forward to after your purchase is having the opportunity to decorate your new home. If this is new to you, or you aren't sure where to begin, I not only have a background in design, but I've also owned several houses of my own and would love to help out.
 lease take some time and read through the following information and advice that we feel pertain to your situation. Also, be sure to check out our Buyers Resource area and Finance Information area for additional articles and tools. If you have any questions or if you're ready to go find that dream home, send me an email or give me a call. I look forward to hearing from you!
 
 
Your Property Wish List
When touring homes you will find that there are many beautiful homes on the market. There are two things you must do before looking at homes.
1. Find out from your lender how much you qualify to spend on your home. It is very easy to become excited about features found in homes out of your price range. Before you get your heart set on that big, tree-shaded colonial on the hill, you need to pin down your financial details.
2. Complete this list below. Please take a moment to decide what features are "Requirements" and which features are "Extras". There are many different features in homes that range from necessary to luxury. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a beautiful home loaded with amenities. It is important that you select a home that truly meets all or most of your requirements first and foremost.
As you tour homes, check back to this list to make sure the home meets your requirements. The extras should only come into play when you make your final decision between homes that meet your requirements.
What neighborhoods do you prefer?
What school systems do you prefer?
How close do you need to be to:
(a) public transportation
(b) schools
(c) airport
(d) expressways
(e) shopping
(f) other
What architectural style(s) of homes do you prefer?
Do you want a one-story or a two-story house?
How old a home would you consider?
How much repair or renovation would you be willing to do?
Do you have special facilities or needs that your home must meet?
Do you require a fenced yard or other amenities for your pets?
Prioritize each of these items below into: Must Have Would Prefer
Yard (size )
Garage (size )
Patio/Deck
Pool
Bedrooms (number )
Bathrooms (number )
Family Room
Formal Living Room
Formal Dining Room
Eat-in Kitchen
Laundry Room
Basement
Attic
Fireplace
Spa in Bath
Vaulted Ceilings
Walk-in Closets
Air Conditioning
Carpet
Hardwood Floors
View
Shade
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Things to Consider
Here's a few things to consider to help in your home search:
Statistic - Ladies Home Journal has ranked Ann Arbor in the top 5 for best place for women to live - based on crime rates, education, job opportunities, health and child care, presence of women in government, and the strength of the local economy since 1998.
Location - Make a list of the places you frequent most often and are important for you to be near. For example, Shopping, The Gym, Grocery Store, Child Care, Work, etc.
Vision - It really helps to be able to take a step back and envision what a home can be rather than what it is in its current state. Your style and sometimes a few quick changes can completely change the look of a property and make it your own.
Staying Even - You'll have to learn how to be a little less of a nitpicker and realize that no house is perfect. Try to stay emotionally even. The buying process can hit snags no matter what your income level is or how immaculate your credit is; somethings are just out of your control. I guarantee you though, once the process is over, you will have made a great investment.
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The Pros and Cons of Condos
Condominiums and townhouse offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. But consider these facts before you buy.
Storage - Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to hold extra belongs.
Outdoor space - Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you hate yard work, this may be a perfect option for you.
Amenities - Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.
Maintenance - Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you're not home.
Security - Many condos have keyed entries and or even doormen. Plus, you'll be closer to other people in case of an emergency.
Reserve funds and association fees - Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees agreed to by the condo board, whether or not you're interested in the amenity.
Resale - The ease of selling your unit is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar. Single-family homes are usually more individual, so even if there are others for sale in your area, they probably won't be exactly like yours.
Freedom - Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.
Proximity - You're much closer to your neighbors in a condo or town home. Look at the profile of other owners to be sure you'll be comfortable. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors.
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10 Things to Take the Trauma out of Homebuying
1. Find a real estate agent that's simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the agent you chose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.
2. Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, any more than there's a right time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess the interest rates or the housing market by waiting. Changes don't usually occur fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won't stay on the market long.
3. Don't ask for too many opinions. It's natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a decision.
4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. Focus in on the things that are most important to you and let the minor ones go.
5. Don't try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to "win" by getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you love. It is always a good idea to leave all negotiations to your Realtor.
6. Remember your home doesn't exist in a vacuum. Don't get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself (room size, kitchen, etc.) that you forget such issues as amenities, noise level, etc., that have a big impact on what it's like to live in your new home.
7. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.
8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Don't leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.
9. Accept that a little buyer's remorse is inevitable and will usually pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big commitment, but it also yields big benefits.
10. Choose a home first because you love it, then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over the past few years, a home's most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.
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