Fear to Freedom

by Maria Dominguez

Homeownership for women is an important aspect of achieving financial independence and stability However, there are still certain challenges and considerations that women may face in the process.

As a woman over 50, having gone through many of life’s challenges (divorce, empty nester, job losses, death of both parents, etc), the thought of owning a home as a single woman with no partner to help out when needed was overwhelming. You know what was so interesting? I have been selling homes to single women for nearly 20 years as a Realtor in the Sacramento region

Why did I think that I have to wait until I was married to own a home (even though I bought my first home as a single mother in the 90s)? Why did I feel my financial future was tied to a person other than myself? Why not me? Why?

FEAR.

Fear of the unknown. Fear of handling everything on my own Fear of knowing there was no safety net BUT I knew that God would not bring me this far to fail me. Now granted, what I thought was going to be a 6 month process to get ready took 5 years. Why? Fear rearing its ugly little head in the form of the story I was telling myself that I was waiting for someone to come along and “help” me buy a house. Then one day a place that I wanted to live in became available, under my budget, and with the perfect view. I saw it and cried. There was another offer in at the time and I took it as a sign that I was not supposed to have it I walked away and said to myself, if God had intended for me to have that place, He would have made it available for me. And less than a week later it became available and I got it for less than list price I have now been there a year and a half and I have over $40k in equity I would have never had that equity had I stayed in my fear. Now, I can invest in another property or a business, pay off debt, take a dream solo vacation, or do whatever I want.

Financial Preparedness

Building a solid financial foundation is crucial for women who aspire to become homeowners This includes managing personal finances, establishing good credit, and saving for a down payment and other homeownership costs. Creating a budget, reducing debt, and seeking financial advice can help women become financially prepared for homeownership

Education And Resources

Access to information and resources about the home buying process is essential for women Attending homeownership workshops, seminars, or counseling sessions can provide valuable insights into mortgage options, legal aspects, and financial considerations. Local housing agencies or nonprofits often offer resources specifically designed for women seeking homeownership.

Equal Opportunities

It is important to address any gender disparities or discrimination that may exist in the housing market Women should have equal access to financing, fair treatment from lenders and real estate professionals, and a level playing field when it comes to purchasing a home. Advocacy for gender equality in housing is crucial to ensure equal opportunities for all

Support Networks

Women can benefit from building support networks when navigating the homeownership journey This can include connecting with other women who have successfully become homeowners, joining online forums or groups, or seeking guidance from mentors or housing counselors. Sharing experiences and knowledge can provide valuable support and encouragement

Home Maintenance And Safety

Once women become homeowners, it is important to ensure they have the necessary resources and knowledge to maintain their homes and ensure their safety. Understanding home maintenance, security measures, and emergency preparedness can contribute to a sense of confidence and empowerment as a homeowner

Continuing Education

Homeownership is an ongoing learning process. Encouraging women to stay informed about changes in the housing market, home improvement trends, and legal requirements can help them protect their investment and make informed decisions.

Overall, promoting homeownership for women involves addressing financial preparedness, providing education and resources, advocating for equal opportunities, fostering support networks, and promoting ongoing education.

For an opportunity to connect with me, please contact me: https://linktr.ee/mariamdominguez

Maria Dominguez is a REALTOR® on a mission for over 20 years. In a business context, that means she’s determined to deliver great results for her clients "Giving Back Where She Transacts" is her belief That is why she gives a percentage of each transaction to a non profit / community organization in the city the transaction takes place. Outside of work in Real Estate, you can find her serving on a mission trip, “I love to travel and serve, so mission trips are the perfect partnership for me I love making a difference in people’s lives, from my neighborhoods to nations.” A San Francisco native, Maria graduated from Cal State East Bay with a business degree. Maria now calls Sacramento home, and enjoys providing her clients with her own personal style of real estate

In her business, her TOP 3 core values are: God First, Family Second and Career Third Maria is mom to Matias and dogmom to Gizmo, the pup.