Only one-third of homeowners in general say they buy out of a desire to own their own home. Single buyers aren t as likely to buy a home because they get a new job as buyers in general are. A small, but significant, proportion of single women say they bought a new home because they wanted a smaller one. Nine percent of single women need less space as a result of divorce or children leaving home. Only 6 percent of men and 4 percent of homeowners in general fit this category.
Single men are more likely to buy in the city.
Single women and homebuyers in general prefer the suburbs. Single men prefer to buy a previously owned home. Ninety percent of single men bought an existing home. These statistics suggest that real estate agents should not treat single buyers like everyone else. They have less money to spend and want a smaller home.