ecent research in real estate has revealed the tremendous buying power that today’s women have. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, 21% of recent home purchases were done by women. Home builders estimate that women have been the deciding authority in about 87% of home purchases.

Last year, the real estate market saw a record number of single-women buying homes, accounting for about 22% of the market. This means that single women purchase one in every five homes.

Many home builders are dumping their old ways of construction and adopting new blueprints for the growing woman-centric real estate market. The building industry is adding features to homes by consulting with women buyers to understand their preferences in home design, layout, amenities etc.

While the research is not conclusive nor does it apply to all women, a few trends were revealed by various research studies.

1. Some women who need a home-office, prefer homes that had separate workspaces for men and women.

2. Some women with children prefer a window over the kitchen sink so they can monitor their children in the backyard.

3. Some women prefer a built-in vacuum cleaner for its long hose and ease of use.

4. Some women prefer that the laundry area be located on the upper floors near to the bedrooms.

5. Some women prefer open loft areas on the second floor of a home.

6. Some women prefer slate floors because they are easy to maintain and clean.

7. Some women attach a high priority to a home’s security features and systems.

8. Some women value gourmet kitchens, and energy-efficient and name-brand appliances.

9. Some women value large, walk-in closets.

10. Some women value courtyard designs to provide a stronger sense of security and porches on homes, which may make it easier to socialize with neighbors.

11. Some women value skylights in the bathrooms, which allows natural light to enter the space.

12. Some women value colorful walls, modern lighting fixtures and lighting over mirrors.

13. Some women want low or no maintenance yards.

While these trends are not true for all women, some builders are using this information to design homes that are uniquely tailored to meet the preferences of this growing market segment.