{"id":7738,"date":"2026-09-10T07:56:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T11:56:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/?p=7738"},"modified":"2026-09-10T07:56:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T11:56:10","slug":"breakthrough-solo-female-home-buyers-earn-more-than-male-peers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/breakthrough-solo-female-home-buyers-earn-more-than-male-peers\/","title":{"rendered":"Breakthrough: Solo Female Home Buyers Earn More Than Male Peers."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Here\u2019s Where and How They\u2019re Buying.<\/em><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Across the United States, single women are putting their earnings into home purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, about those earnings. Because there\u2019s some big news. This year, the National Association of REALTORS\u00ae (NAR) noted that first-time single female homebuyers earn about $73K, compared with about $66K among single men (as of a survey concluded last summer). The prior<\/em> year\u2019s report found women making what they do now. But the typical male home buyer at that time earned $87K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We now have the first survey to show single female buyers earning more than their male counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Declaration of Independence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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For many single women, NAR reports, a deed is a declaration of independence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until 1974, women were required to have a male co-signer on a mortgage. If they were not married or their spouse was unavailable to sign for them, they would be forced to ask their fathers, brothers, uncles, or nephews to sign the loan papers. This is what our mothers grew up with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fair Housing Act\u2019s prohibitions against gender discrimination changed this, together with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Since then, women have caught up\u2014and then some. Single women are transforming the real estate market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Granted, women still hear \u201cWait until you get married.\u201d But many see acquiring a deed as the best way to build and hold onto wealth<\/a>. And here they are. Pulling ahead of their male peers\u2019 buying power. NAR says single women accounted for 24% of first-time purchasers last year\u2014more than double the 11% share for single men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for Good Deals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s something of a stereotype to say women are good shoppers, but in real estate, their ability to find a good deal stands out. And it serves them well, says NAR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Orleans, according to a study from the Missouri-based Mortgage Research Network, is a top pick. Single female buyers account for 17% of New Orleans area home purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pittsburgh and its suburbs are also high on the list. NAR has been highlighting greater Pittsburgh as a place that offers single women a real opportunity to find value for money with a solo income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year, 14% of all home buyers\u2019 mortgage loans in and around Pittsburgh went to single women. These women paid an average purchase price of $228K. Not bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a moment, we\u2019ll tell you about a special plan in Pittsburgh that can be very helpful to a solo deed seeker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Savvy Shopping Entails<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Being a savvy home shopper involves seeking quotes from multiple lenders. A mortgage broker can compare more than one lender\u2019s interest rates and fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Savvy shopping means using credit cards regularly to build strong credit, yet using them with care. It means avoiding big purchases leading up to a final mortgage approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means getting the right professionals to offer invaluable guidance. Good local real estate agents can inform a home buyer about what comes up for homes in the area. Is flooding a common occurrence? Old sewer pipes? Private charges for waste removal? And so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And savvy buying means being excited to learn about the workings of the home from a professional inspector. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) finds most homes have issues that need repair. These often involve water infiltration<\/a> where it can\u2019t easily be seen, old or out-of-shape heating and air conditioning equipment, roofing in need of replacement, and structural flaws. Radon can be an issue in Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure your<\/em><\/strong> home inspector<\/em><\/strong><\/a> has the right credentials. In Pennsylvania, home inspectors are licensed by the Real Estate Commission.<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why the Home Inspection Is Critical<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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We underscore this point because a single earner may not be in the position to handle unpleasant surprises about the condition of the home they just bought. This means the single buyer will benefit from knowing that the person inspecting the home will be experienced and happy to offer explanations of everything being checked. The savvy buyer attends the inspection, follows the inspector from room to room, and listens intently for recommendations on how to make the right repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A savvy buyer goes through the inspection report with the agent or real estate attorney they\u2019ve hired. Optimally, the inspector will be available to clarify findings in the report. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having a real estate attorney or agent available to advise on the inspector\u2019s findings can put the solo buyer in a position of strength when working out fixes and financial breaks with the sellers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pittsburgh Lends a Hand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First-time buyers who are older, disabled, or modest earners can look into the revamped Homeownership Program in Pittsburgh. Fill in a homeownership questionnaire<\/a> to find out about eligibility and guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This service offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n