OHA Market Update Series - April 17, 2025
National: Single women have been outpacing single men in homeownership since 1981, and today they own nearly 3 million more homes—thanks to rising incomes, educational gains, and a growing desire for stability and financial independence. With access to down payment assistance and strong market presence, they’re continuing to shape the future of housing.
Local: Bastrop's The Colony development is expanding with three new homebuilders—Del Webb, Drees Homes, and Lennar—adding over 200 new homes. The project is expected to be fully built out in 5 to 8 years, offering homes ranging from $300K to $1M in a rapidly growing area near Elon Musk's Hyperloop Plaza.
Intrigued? Keep reading.
(4 minute read)
National Real Estate Update
Housing Trends, Interest Rates, and Market Forecasts
How Single Women Are Shaping the Future of Homeownership in the U.S.
In honor of Women’s History Month, here’s a powerful stat: single women own nearly 3 million more homes than single men across the U.S. — and they’ve been ahead since 1981. This shift isn’t slowing down, and it speaks volumes about how women are shaping the housing market.
What’s driving it? A few key things:
Higher incomes and a narrowing wage gap mean more women are qualifying for mortgages on their own.
Educational wins — women are now more likely than men to earn college degrees, opening doors to better-paying jobs.
A strong desire for stability and financial empowerment — homeownership offers control, security, and a way to build generational wealth.
And yep, access to down payment assistance programs (some offering an average of $18K!) is helping make the dream a reality.
OHA’s HOT TAKE:
This movement is important because it reflects a powerful shift toward financial independence and equity for women, showing how access to homeownership can help close the wealth gap and build generational stability. It also highlights the changing dynamics of the housing market, where single women are driving demand and reshaping what the "typical" homebuyer looks like.
This is a reminder that the market isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, first-time buyer, or just starting to think about putting down roots, there are more resources and pathways than ever before — and I’m here to help you navigate them. Let’s find your place. 💫
Austin Area Real Estate & Community Update:
Market Trends, Local News, and Neighborhood Insights
New Builders Join The Colony in Bastrop: 2,000+ More Homes Coming Near Austin
Big news out of Bastrop! 🚨 The Colony — one of the area's fastest-growing master-planned communities — just welcomed three new homebuilders to the mix: Del Webb, Drees Homes, and Lennar. With thousands of homes already completed and thousands more to come, this community is shaping up to be a major hub just outside Austin.
Here’s the scoop:
3 new builders (Del Webb, Drees, Lennar) are adding 233 new homes to The Colony
Homes will range from 1,500 to 3,400 sq ft and are priced from the $300Ks up to $1M
The community sits on 2,300 acres and is already home to 2,000 completed homes
Full buildout is expected in 5 to 8 years, depending on market demand
Location: Just south of Elon Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza and other major SpaceX projects
Includes build-to-rent options and brand-new Colony Oaks Elementary School
Bastrop County’s population has seen huge growth — and this development is rising to meet it
With infrastructure, schools, and lifestyle amenities all coming together, The Colony is quickly becoming a go-to option for buyers who want space, value, and community just outside the city. Definitely one to watch! 👀
OHA’s HOT TAKE:
Bastrop is quickly becoming a hotspot for buyers seeking space, value, and long-term potential. Its proximity to major employers like SpaceX and Tesla, plus new schools and retail, makes it a strong contender for future development.
Looking for a new home in a fast-growing area? With new homes coming to The Colony in Bastrop, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Contact me today to learn more about this exciting development and find your dream home!
Jennifer Carey
Realtor and Agent Success Manager at Open House Austin, real estate investor, and renovation enthusiast with Wimberley Airbnbs. She loves mid-century modern design, hiking Austin with her dogs, yoga, and exploring creative hobbies like painting, pottery, and embroidery. 🎶✨
