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The Single Girl's Guide to Buying A Home

You've got a top-notch education and a dream job, so why is the real-estate section still recycling-bin fodder?

By: Stacy Baker

"Many unmarried women don't think they're ready to make such a major purchase," says Ilona Bray, co-author of Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home. To ease the intimidation factor, she debunks three big fears:

• I'LL FEEL ISOLATED
  If you're nervous that living in a home by yourself will separate you from your friends, remember: Your investment should fit your lifestyle starting today. Moving to the burbs might give you more for your money, but many single women are happier trading extra space for a better social life. If this is you, look at areas near pals, shopping, jogging trails, and restaurants, says Bray.

• I WON'T FEEL SAFE ON MY OWN
  You may think you're more secure in a big apartment building, but with a little research, you can find a house and neighborhood that make you feel comfortable, says Bray. Seek out a second opinion (other than your Realtor's) by talking to residents and contacting your local police precinct for crime stats. "Also look at the layout," she says. "If a place has easy points of entry-like a glass front door or low windows-pass on it."

• I WON'T BE ABLE TO RESELL IT
  Chances are you'll eventually change cities, switch jobs, get married, or find a space you love more, so you do need to consider resale potential before you sign. One surefire way? Make sure your mortgage doesn't have a pre-pay penalty, says Bray. Then you won't be fined for paying it off early.