According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors for 2024, single women made up 24% of first-time home purchases last year. These first-time home buyers are young professionals, single moms, or women who are single again through divorce or the loss of a spouse. More than half of single women buying homes are under 35. Most have a college degree, and 39% are people of color.
Dana Draper, Escrow Officer, and Jessica Smith, Relationship Manager with Fidelity National Title in Celina, joined us in a conversation about women in real estate in the Celina market. Their role is to help sellers, buyers, borrowers, realtors, and lenders facilitate real estate transactions. Dana related how she bought her first home as a single woman and enjoys mentoring women through home-buying.
Dana remarked, "Celina is a wonderful community that offers a welcoming environment for women looking to purchase their first home or are interested in investing in real estate." There has been a noticeable shift in the industry, opening doors for women developers and investors. Two notable women-owned and managed companies in Celina are Olivia Clark Homes, founded in 2020 by Jennifer Johnson, and David R. Williams Homes, owned by Cyndee Herrin.
The Celina business community is a leader in supporting women in business. Dana shared how the Celina Chamber of Commerce and the Celina Economic Development Corporation support women's businesses in the area, including Celina Ladies of Influence. The community has systems and groups in place to support women new to the business or bring their established business to the community. Women on the City Council and the Celina ISD School Board support and encourage women to succeed in Celina.
Despite its growth, Dana explained that Celina continues to have the same small-town feel as when she was growing up there.
In the last decade, income and career compensation have reached parity, with women making salaries similar to men. Factors like financial independence and societal shifts have contributed to this equality, which allows more women to enter the real estate market alone. The continued increase in the cost of renting has also pushed more people into the homeownership market.
Women are increasingly choosing to buy new construction homes rather than older homes or fixer-uppers. Dana highlighted that most new housing developments in Celina target families looking for their first home or those wanting to upgrade. However, she has also observed that communities featuring amenities like pools, walking trails, and pickleball courts are drawing interest from single women buyers. Additionally, neighborhoods with HOA-maintained landscaping and smaller lots that require less upkeep can be particularly appealing to these women. These communities offer a safe environment where neighbors support one another, which is an attractive quality.
The Celina real estate market is primarily driven by families relocating to the community. However, there is a notable opportunity to encourage single women, regardless of their life stage, to consider homeownership in Celina. Dana and her team at Fidelity National Title are prepared to facilitate this process.
Fidelity National Title
411 W. Pecan Street, Celina
469.202.3125