There's no question that men and women are different. Even when it comes to their housing choices, men and women are often profiles in contradiction.

According to the National Association of Realtors' latest profile of home buyers, three of every ten single females purchase either a condominium or townhouse. Only two in ten males make the same choice.

Part of that, of course, has to do with money. Rookies who are women earn significantly less than their male counterparts. The median for women is $35,500 vs. $44,800. So it's not surprising that women spend far less than men -- $88,900 vs. $101,700.

Still, previously-owned houses of the single-family variety are the overwhelming choice of both men and women. Men were more likely to buy single-family houses, 74 percent to 66 percent, though. But at least that shoots holes in the theory that women prefer townhouse or apartment living.

In addition, NAR found that the half the gals bought in the city and 44 percent opted for subdivisions in the suburbs. More guys, 56 percent to be exact, went for city locations, but a whopping 36 picked rural spots.

Single persons, especially the ladies, are a significant segment of the first-time home buying marketplace. In 1999, single women accounted for 22 percent of the purchases made by rookie buyers. Men were responsible for only 12 percent.

First-time buyers are different from repeat buyers, too. They tend to be younger, have smaller savings and earn less, so they buy smaller houses, NAR found.

At 32, first-timers are typically 13 years the junior of their more experienced counterparts. Their median incomes are $49,700, or $18,900 less than that of move-up buyers. And the houses they buy have a median price of $104,000, or about two-thirds of the $150,000 repeat buyers typically spend to put a roof over their heads.

For more articles by Lew Sichelman, please press here.

Published: May 9, 2001

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