Dean Graziosi | Dean Graziosi Real Estate | Dean Graziosi Investment

A report issued by the International Communications Research group (ICR) was designed to delve into the inner space of men and women who are involved in or have been involved in real estate transactions.  Working with Coldwell Banker, ICR interviewed 1000 individuals with purchasing experience.

The study dispelled long-standing misconceptions about what men and women actually consider priorities in the homes they buy.  Coldwell Banker’s Dian Patton who is the company’s consumer real estate expert said, “The results were surprising.  Not only did we uncover some of the inherent differences between men and women, but we also pinpointed a number of ways that the two genders are actually the same.”

In recent years, purchasing trends have definitely changed.  A high priority is now placed on neighborhood and the sense of security surrounding the home.  In fact, the respondents indicated they would sacrifice certain amenities for a secure feeling.  64% of women said that if they found the home of their dreams but had concerns about security, they would not be interested.  51% of men agreed.

The survey also indicated that women make quicker decisions about real estate purchases than men do.  70% of women said their minds were made up the day they first saw the house.  Women also expressed their desire to be closer to their extended families while men preferred to be close to their jobs.

However, today’s men feel strongly about locating a space where they can work at home.  The idea of a home-office was a motivating factor for male purchasers.  For the most part though that extra room will still be used as a bedroom.  25% of respondents indicated an extra room would be kept as bedroom while 15% suggested use as an office/den and 11% liked the idea of a family room/den.  Men and women may not agree, but it seems women are taking charge of real estate decisions.

There is little debate that the role of women in real estate is changing.  Real estate investing used to be a field dominated by men, but single female homebuyers are taking the market by storm. According to some studies, single women now account for over 20% of home sales in the U.S.  Moreover, this is not limited to primary residences, but rental and rehab properties as well.     

If you want to get started in real estate, but don’t know where to start, there are many strategies you can use to get started with minimal risk.  If you are concerned about having money down, and most people are in today’s economy, the most effective strategy you can use is the lease-option purchase.  This option will allow you to get into a home without the upfront capital required in traditional real estate transactions.   It also allows you to see firsthand if the investment will be a solid one before you buy it. 

If the lease-option is not appealing to you, you may consider investing in pre-foreclosures.  Not only do pre-foreclosures require less cash than foreclosures, they also allow women to do what they do best.  While men are wired to solve problems, women are wired to sympathize.  Women have the unique ability to help home owners in ways that men cannot, by gaining their trust through empathy and compassion.  Sellers that are facing foreclosure are in a place where they want nothing more than to be understood during their hard times.  Yes, they want their problem solved, but they are not looking for help from someone who is just out to make money off their misfortune.  So, if you are a woman and you are serious about real estate investing opportunities, why not do what you do best?  You just may stumble on real estate millions.