A benefit of being single
(Photo by André F. Chung / Sun photographer)
One benefit of being single: A sweet home.
That's what a Sunday article about singles and real estate seems to suggest.
Lack of romantic attachment seems to afford a measure of financial freedom for some of the city's singles, from bachelors in their mid-30s such as Christian S. Johansson to divorcees such as Lorraine Jacobs, who can afford swanky harbor-view condos that they can decorate as they wish. (Sidenote: I enjoy the word divorcee. It seems to denote a bit of glamour, danger and freedom that few words do. I'm crazy, I know.)
According to a study by the 2007 National Association of Realtors, which is quoted in the article, some 32 percent of homes were sold to single women in Baltimore, and single men made up 9 percent.
It's not a huge surprise; as people delay settling down, it makes sense that people wouldn't want to have to wait for Mr. or Mrs. Right to own their own place. And if you don't have the girlfriend tax, logic would follow that you'd have more money to spend on your digs.
Still, it brings up some interesting issues, one of which is: When you do meet that special someone, do you give up your wonderful all-about-you digs, or do you make room for the new person?
Comments
My daughter-in-law owned (co-owned with the bank) her house when she and my son met. They've been married for 5 years and 2 kids, now, and the trinket-y stuff is her memories and the pictures are, with the exception of some wedding pictures, still of her and her friends and family. I gave him a small picture of his grandparents and it's nowhere to be seen, so, since he's not a shy flower, I guess he doesn't care. (And it's not my business. I'm just mentioning.....)
Posted by: Granny | April 29, 2008 4:35 PM
As a single guy, i do have more to spend on my place, but the money goes towards making my place appear nicer in hopes that it will look attractive and clean to women. So when i do find that someone and she does move in, my spending on said place will decrease and my spending on her will increase. The other trade off is that since I am spending money on her and living in my "all about me digs", she keeps it clean. Isnt that why guys have girls move into their places anyway.
Posted by: john | April 29, 2008 4:44 PM
I'm not so worried about decorating, (although I could tell stories of a pinball machine and kegerator in the living room which was the start of many a fight), all I know is this: I will always, always have a place of my own to go back to if things don't work out. I may rent it out while living with someone else, but my name will be on a house somewhere.
Posted by: C Hughes | April 29, 2008 8:11 PM
One of my proudest moments was signing the papers for my very own home. No matter what the future holds, I will always carry the pride that I was able to do this on my own will always.
Now, if only I could get someone to take care of the stinking yard work.
Posted by: Catherinette Singleton | April 30, 2008 11:40 AM
I am recently separated, sold the big house and bought a condo. Was never a fan of yard work anyway! I actually enjoy the quiet! And if/when I meet someone I am still going to find a way to keep it!
Posted by: Tim S. Eperated | April 30, 2008 3:56 PM
You could also spend that money on video games and comic books.
Posted by: Amadeo | April 30, 2008 5:04 PM