Tips to remember when you 're buying a home alone

Buying a home can be a daunting experience for anyone. But it can be even more intimidating if you're doing it alone.

That is why Sandra Rinomato, the host of the new show "Buy Herself," is helping female buyers with one of the most important purchases they will ever make.

Today, single women make an estimated 20 per cent of home purchases in Canada.

Women also look for many different things in a home, according to property expert Rinomato.

For some buyers, ample closet space and a modern kitchen are essentials. Others view a safe neighbourhood and a private outdoor space to enjoy as top priorities.

Whatever the criteria, single buyers must look realistically at their finances before they buy, according to Rinomato.

"It's common for solo buyers and buyers in general to have unrealistic expectations, Rinomato said on Tuesday on CTV's Canada AM.

"People dream about their dream home for years, but they don't think about the price," she said.

In 2006, Rinomato was cast as the host of HGTV's "Property Virgins."

Rinomato left the show in 2012 to film "Buy Herself" and open Sandra Rinomato Reality Inc. in Toronto.

"I always tell my clients do your homework," said Rinomato.

"Don't hold back because you're afraid," she said.

"Buy Herself" premieres on April 16 on HGTV Canada.