Now more than ever single women are stepping up to the plate as some of the prime movers and shakers in the real estate market. Currently they make up for nearly 22% of all homeowners, and are beating out their single male counterparts who seems more and more content to remain nestled at home in the family nest before opting get into the real estate market.

If you're a single women heading into the purchase of your first home, here are some helpful hints to consider:

Get Clear on What You Can Afford

With this being your first time entry into the world of real estate, and possibly the largest purchase you've ever made - and by a long shot, you'll want to make the transition relatively easy. You can do this by being very clear on your budget, and setting your sights on something that won't break your monthly budget. Once you've settled in, and are more secure with making ends meet and all the trials and tribulations of homeownership, you can then consider selling and moving up. So, the suggestion here is to be somewhat slow and cautious on your way towards building equity. Start small, and dream big and you'll be well on your way.

Peek a Boo!: Research Hidden Costs

Most young women entering into the real estate market are looking at the purchase of a townhouse or condo. It's very important to educate yourself on how the association you're looking to buy into deals with monthly fees, potential raises in monthly fees (community association dues) and utility costs. You'll also want to know all that your condo fees won't cover, so you can estimate what other monthly/yearly hosts may be lurking about.

Other costs that you must factor into the purchase of any home include homeowner's insurance, property taxes, and home maintenance.

A Mortgage Broker Can Help

A good mortgage broker can demystify the mortgage process and ideally help you leverage and make the most out of your one-person income. Wrapping your head around the myriad numbers you'll be confronted with can be daunting, but a good broker will make all the difference in the world.

Can't Quite Make An Adequate Down Payment : Consider a Loan from Family or Friends

One win-win situation to consider is having a friend loan you the money with an interest rate that's lower than what you'd pay at a regular bank, but higher than what they might receive from similar investments. Another option is to make them a sort of investor, such that in return for the loan you offer them a percentage of the appreciation when you decide to sell.

Don't Skimp On Safety

For most women one paramount parameter in their home search is that the neighborhood or building they invest in is secure and safe. This is a smart way to go and shouldn't be overlooked as you continue the house hunt. In this regard make sure you investigate neighborhoods during all hours of the day and night to see what sort of activity goes on there. Talk to neighbors and find out how safe they feel living there.

Go to the local police station and get solid stats on crime in the area.

Find out if there's and active Neighborhood Watch in the neighborhood.

If you're looking at a condo or town home, thoroughly investigate the safety features included. Many women opt for a unit on the second floor or higher, primarily for a better sense of security and privacy.

Lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle

The fact that you don't have a significant other or dependants means you can truly focus on "lifestyle" as your primary search parameter. If you love all the amenities of downtown and have a close group friends there, then by all means look for a suitably urban choice in housing. If entertaining is big on your list of activities then you might want to hunt down a home where the kitchen is the centerpiece.

Buy With Resale in Mind

As much as you need to love the home you buy, you'll want to ensure that you have a good exit strategy. After all, you never know what'll happen in the coming years. A home with easy resale is generally one that is well constructed and maintained, is aesthetically appealing and located in a good, safe neighborhood. Before purchasing find out more about where the neighborhood you're looking in may head in the next five years in terms of development. This will give you a good idea of what your investing in.

Educate yourself, seek the help you need and... GO GET EM' GIRLS!