Single Females - A Growing Segment of Tampa Bay Home Buyers

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently reported that single women are quickly becoming a significant percentage of the total number of home buyers in real estate markets all across the United States. In 2011, over 20% of all home buyers were single women.

According to the NAR, single women aren’t just purchasing more homes. And it is not just young single professional women, the range of single female home buyers varies from young singles to post-retirement women. Builders report that women have become much more savvy about the whole home buying process than many male buyers. And, they are more likely to ask piercing questions and demand straight answers.

Due to the increasing number of single women buying homes, Tampa Bay builders and real estate agents are altering their advertising and marketing approaches to appeal to this large new segment of Tampa Florida home buyers. Builders in Hillsborough and Pasco County are increasingly offering new homes with more extensive security features, low- or no-maintenance yards, gourmet kitchens, more spacious bathrooms and softer color schemes - all features that appeal much more to female than to male buyers.

“When a woman is shopping for a home with a man, she may tend to defer to the man's interest in things like a large garage, a place to put the barbecue grill or a spacious den to be used as a "man-cave. Men don't mind a home that needs some "projects" to be completed," says a noted Tampa area Realtor, Cheryl Stimac. "Conversely," she says, "when a woman is buying a home for herself, she tends to be very interested in the functionality, completeness and appeal of the kitchen and baths. Focus groups have also shown that she would like an extensive security system. And, unlike the man, she will focus heavily on how many major and minor changes she will need to make to adjust the home to her personal lifestyle, interests and needs,"

As the Tampa real estate market continues a slow process of improvement, it behooves everyone involved in the real estate business, including those trying to sell a home, to pay attention to trends like this and tailor their plans and actions appropriately.

For example, we all know how important "curb appeal" - the first view from the street - is in successfully marketing a home. If, for example, you were attempting to sell a home or condo in Tampa Bay right now, it would be worth considering what exterior and interior changes will make the home more attractive to single female buyers.

Outside, the home should be extra appealing. The paint and trim should be near-perfect, the roof should not need work, shrubs and gardens should have a low-maintenance look. Inside, she will want to see more neutral and warmer colors. The kitchen should be spotless and uncluttered. Baths should sparkle andf have fresh, coordinated-color towels. Things like this can make a big difference in the appeal of a home to a single female buyer.

If you have a home or condo to sell in the Tampa Bay real estate market, I'd be happy to help make your home more "female-friendly." Call me at your convenience 813-263-6806 or E-Mail Me.