When Tara bought her first home, she never thought it was possible. After renting for nine years, she had convinced herself that homeownership was something reserved for couples and families. Single women didn’t buy homes—at least, that’s what she believed. But as she would soon discover, not only was she wrong, but she was part of a growing movement of independent women rewriting the narrative of homeownership.

A Dream That Felt Out of Reach

Tara had spent nearly a decade in the same rental, watching home prices climb and assuming she’d always be a renter. She told herself that buying a house was for people who had partners to share the responsibility and financial burden. Then one day, she came across a surprising statistic: Single women were the second-largest home-buying group in the U.S., surpassing even their single male counterparts (National Association of Realtors, 2023).

That single revelation changed everything. If so many other women were doing it, why couldn’t she?

The Barriers Women Have Overcome in Homeownership

It’s easy to take for granted that women can buy homes independently today, but that wasn’t always the case. For much of U.S. history, women couldn’t own property without a father, husband, or brother’s signature. It wasn’t until the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 that women were legally granted the right to apply for mortgages and credit without a male co-signer (U.S. National Archives). That means women like Tara’s mother or grandmother may have faced legal and financial hurdles simply for wanting a place to call their own.

Before 1974, banks could—and often did—deny single women loans based on gender alone. If they were approved, they frequently needed a male relative to guarantee the mortgage. Some lenders even considered whether a woman was of "childbearing age" as a factor, assuming she might leave the workforce and become unable to pay (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).

The Rise of the Independent Homeowner

Thankfully, times have changed. According to the National Association of Realtors, single women now make up 19% of all homebuyers, while single men account for only 10% (NAR, 2023). Women have increasingly prioritized financial independence, career growth, and long-term stability—making homeownership a powerful milestone.

For Tara, that knowledge was liberating. She no longer saw homeownership as something for "other people"—it was something within reach. She started researching, saved for a down payment, and found a real estate agent who understood her needs and concerns. The process wasn’t easy, but the moment she received the keys to her first home, it was worth it.

Giving Yourself Permission to Dream Big

Too often, we limit ourselves by believing that homeownership is out of reach or something we don’t deserve. But the truth is, homeownership is an achievable dream, and we need to give ourselves permission to pursue it. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Whether it means starting with a modest starter home and utilizing down payment assistance programs or taking advantage of financial stability to invest in something more substantial, the key is to start. The most important step is putting together a plan. That might mean minimizing monthly expenses—reducing car payments, paying off credit cards, or cutting unnecessary costs—so that more of our hard-earned money can go toward building an asset that will help us move forward in life.

Empowering More Women to Take the Leap

As more women continue to break traditional barriers and invest in homeownership, access to financial literacy, mortgage education, and community support remains crucial. Organizations like HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and local homebuyer assistance programs provide vital resources to first-time buyers (HUD.gov).

If you’ve ever thought that homeownership was out of reach, know that it’s possible. Whether you’re single, newly independent, or just unsure of where to start, there are professionals, resources, and programs ready to support you. The key is to take the first step, no matter how small, and begin working toward your goal.

How to Get Started

If you're ready to take the next step toward homeownership, I’d love to help guide you through the process. Whether you have questions about financing, finding the right home, or simply where to start, feel free to reach out to me!

📞 Call/Text: 704.621.3066
📧 Email: Maureen@SellYourHomeCharlotte.com
🌍 Website: SellYourHomeCharlotte.com

Let's make your homeownership dreams a reality!

A Question for You

If you’re a homeowner, what was your biggest surprise about the process? If you’re thinking about buying, what’s holding you back? Let’s keep the conversation going!

A Question for You

If you’re a homeowner, what was your biggest surprise about the process? If you’re thinking about buying, what’s holding you back? Let’s keep the conversation going!