Solo performances

Women have arrived.

Whether single, divorced or widowed, they are purchasing homes in record numbers, thanks to low interest rates, increased earning power and a desire to make a sound investment, according to several studies.

Single women are now the second-largest segment of the home-buying market, according to the National Assn. of Realtors. In 2003, they accounted for 21% of home purchases, trailing married couples -- who made up 59% of the market -- but well ahead of single men at 11%. However, homeownership among unmarried women with children lags far behind their wealthier male counterparts.

Because many women are earning higher salaries than ever before, the barriers to buying a home without a husband have all but disappeared, housing experts say. Additionally, low interest rates are allowing even the most wary buyers to get into their first homes, with an eye toward moving up if and when they find a life partner.

"Before, women dreamt that they'd meet a man who would buy them a house," said Teresa Sotelo, a divorced media executive who owns a home in Alhambra. "Get over it! Women today are having kids on their own; they're not waiting for Prince Charming anymore."

Alwyn Wright surely isn't. Worried that she was about to be priced out of a Southern California home, the single 30-year-old classical violinist bought a two-bedroom Encino condo in a complex with a gym, swimming pool and secure underground parking for $318,000 in May, after two years of contemplating such a purchase.

The musician, formerly a student at USC's Thornton School of Music, travels outside the country three or four times a year for concerts and often keeps late hours when performing with regional orchestras, including the Los Angeles Master Chorale and Long Beach Symphony orchestras.

Her condo unit, one of scores in the sprawling complex, was the perfect choice for a woman on her own, she said. There is company around when she wants it, and she appreciates the low-maintenance lifestyle.

Wright chose a zero-down option -- she'd saved a fair amount toward a down payment but decided to hang on to the cash -- and pays about $1,800 a month for her first and second mortgages, plus $200 for monthly homeowner association fees. After sleepless nights agitating about going it alone, she now is satisfied with her decision to take the plunge.