TARA BATTIATO - HERLIFE Magazine

herlife | real estate
Relocation
Necessities
by linda r. price
The word just came—you are being relocated. What do you
need to do to make this relocation stress-free and a success
for you (and your family)? It all depends on whether
you are a single, career-minded woman or a married
woman with children.
The single, career-minded woman is interested in being safe and
near the action. She wants a home near work. Good clubs, movie
theaters, restaurants, museums, fitness centers, shopping and other
activities within walking
distance or a short
drive are priorities.
The married woman,
especially with children,
is looking for something
else. She’s interested
in a beautiful, suburban
neighborhood with good,
high-performing schools.
She is more accustomed
to driving to malls, grocery
stores and entertainment
centers for herself
and her family. Even so,
nearby parks and recreation
areas are a plus.
Women prefer new
houses with ample closets,
up-to-date kitchens
and modern bathrooms.
Most prefer an open floor
plan that is great for entertaining
or keeping an
eye on the kids. Women
like the “feel” of a house or apartment, according to Senada Adžem,
top Florida realtor, and they know immediately if the house is “right”
for them, says Sarah Jo Wood, former realtor.
When purchasing a new house, women are looking for a good
investment. From a financial standpoint, women are looking for a
residential area where prices have held steady, says realtor Barb
Churchill. Realtor and Army wife Kathryn Miller believes that married
women want a house that is good for raising their children. In addition,
women consider the setting of their houses. They want houses
with a large, private, fenced, level backyard so the children can be let
out to play. A cul-de-sac,
instead of a busy road,
is often ideal for young
mothers who worry about
traffic and their children.
Maybe it’s their
creative spirit coming
through, but women are
more proactive with floor
plans than men, says
Kathryn. Women consider
such factors as one child
per bedroom or not. Are
there enough bathrooms?
Is there a spare room that
can be designated as
a playroom where toys
can be left out? With
the hours spent on food
preparation, women want
a kitchen that is open so
they can keep their eyes
on everyone yet attractive
enough to be seen by all
who visit. Sarah Jo says
that women are concerned with the condition of the house. Does
it need repairs in areas such as the basement, bathrooms or other
44 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM