Women Homebuyers

Something’s shifted in real estate over the past few years. Women, especially single women, are buying homes at rates that would’ve been unthinkable a generation ago. In 2024, single women made up about 20% of all buyers, while single men accounted for only 8%. Among first-time homebuyers, nearly one in four buyers is a single woman.

This isn’t just a statistical curiosity. Until the 1970s, women couldn’t even get a mortgage without a male co-signer. Now they’re the ones driving major market trends, often on smaller incomes (around $71,300 median for single women versus $87,500 for men) but with equal determination. The narrative is shifting: for these women, homeownership is increasingly seen as a route to independence, financial security and creating a personal “nest,” rather than simply a follow-on from marriage or dual-income households.

What’s more, women buyers tend to look at homes through a different lens. Often, it’s less about pure investment potential and more about stability, community ties, school quality and long-term livability. While long-term investment potential is important, many times, women are also thinking about multi-generational needs, walkable neighborhoods, flexible spaces for work or caregiving, and homes that actually function as sanctuaries and not just assets.

This perspective is reshaping everything from home design to neighborhood development. Real estate professionals are finally catching on, tailoring their approach to match what women actually want rather than assuming everyone’s priorities are identical.

For women considering Bend, winter might be an excellent time to find the right home. The market quiets down when snow starts falling which means fewer competing buyers, more motivated sellers and often, better room to negotiate. In the winter, you get to see how a house performs when it matters: Does the heating work? Is the insulation decent? What does snow removal and driveway access look like?

At NestBend, we understand the specific needs of a female buyer. In fact, we have two women homebuyers on our team with real life experience navigating the market. We understand that home may mean something bigger than square footage and resale value.

But winter buying isn’t without its quirks. Plan inspections carefully around weather. Expect lower inventory but potentially faster timelines. Get your financing locked down early. And pay attention to those cold-weather issues: snow load on the roof, frozen pipe risks, insulation quality.

The bigger picture? Women aren’t just participating in homeownership anymore; they’re defining it. Paired with a market like Bend and a season that favors serious buyers over casual browsers, it can be a pretty perfect time to make your move.

This article appears in the Source December 4, 2025.