With the ability to show that

And the determination is known that

The only black female

No more Waiting to Exhale

Its even buying their own home.

Since 2003, single women were almost twice as likely to buy homes as unmarried men. Single women now constitute the second largest group of homebuyers, according to a national survey by the National Association of Realtors. This trend continues as we approach the 2008.

From 1997 to 2002, black unmarried women in many urban centers across the United States gained more mortgage loans that only men black or black couples. That's right!

Because of the higher earning capacity, better financial management and the identification of single women continue to widen the gap. African American Single women also continue to outpace single African American men in the home purchase and ownership.

Evidence This trend is retail home improvement as Home Depot and others who attack female homeowners "Do-It-Herself" workshops. Over 200,000 women have taken classes ranging from decoration to how to use power tools and more.

Notice how more and more ads for improvements home of OSH, Loews and Home Depot are women, as the main character. This is no accident.

According to a 2004 status report of the Housing Office, homeownership is increasing and the only African American women played an important role. The report also notes from 1994 to 2002, single women accounted for 30 percent growth of the homeowner.

The number of single women who own homes rose from 14 million to 17.5 million. This trend continues as more women see the importance of homeownership and feel no need to wait until they find a man to make the leap to homeownership.

As a service to the many African American women who subscribe to Black Homeowner Newsletter, I received many questions about black women. I took time to select the best 5 Questions for subscribers to my wife owns.

I hope these questions will help other women (and men) to be better owners. Questions has been edited for brevity and clarity.

___________________________________________________

Questions and answers:

1. What is the best way to find a reliable contractor?

Solution: The best way to find a reliable contractor is through the recommendations of trusted friends or family. The next best way is through research. Get at least 3 estimates from contractors and references verification. Contractors success always leaves clues. If the contractor you hire does not have a written record of happy clients and successful care.

2. The contractor I hired did a good job, what should I do?

This is often the result of ignoring or neglecting the suggestions above (see # 1). But many homeowners still experiencing this problem.

Solution: Discuss the specific problem with your contractor. Show the problems visible to your contractor and insist they correct the problem before the project progresses. Inspect contractors work daily to make sure you will and look as intended. If the contractors work is still of poor quality or untidy, you may have grounds to withhold payment or take legal action.

3. As a single woman, how can I avoid Contactors taking advantage of me?

Solution: As women easier to buy and homes (almost double than single men now), this question is asked more and More on my email.

The best way to ensure that contractors do not see their gender as a weakness and try to take advantage of you should be an informed consumer. In this case, knowledge is power.

You must do your homework, do your research and comparison shopping. Know what you want, know the price goes for what he wants and knows the terminology.

You can allow contractors to educate you on some technical aspects of work, but not should be educated in everything. When they feel they have not done their homework, the dishonest or unethical will take advantage of you. So the best defense is knowledge.

4. I'm falling behind in paying my house, what should I do?

The first step to take is to contact your lender. Contrary to popular belief of many African American homeowners, your bank or lender does not want his house. Especially the way the climate of home loan is now.

Because excluding the more houses a lender recovers the worst seen in his books, its shareholders and the Federal Deposit Insurance. What does your lender is the interest and the principle of pay. Having your new home is the last thing they want to do, but they will if they have to, but only as a last resort.

So your aim should be to show he still reasons to have faith in you. The first way is to contact immediately if you think you have a problem making a payment. Do not let them contact you first. Tell them your problem and let them offer possible solutions first.

5. How do I upgrade my home without spending much money?

If you have a lot of ambitions for his home, but do not have much money, the best way to address this is by making strategic improvements.

The improvement in key areas of your home where you get the most bang for the buck. These key areas of your kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

Conclusion

I hope these questions and responses serve to clarify and provide solutions that can be found now or in the future. I will continue to share the questions I receive Readers hoping this will help you even if you do not have time or inclination to write and ask questions.

Roy Primm Founder and Publisher of Black Homeowner News, Inc The largest source of information for black homeowners.
Subscribe to free African American home newsletter.

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