Boomers to Zoomers: age-proof strategies for selling homes

The real estate market is a diverse landscape with buyers from all walks of life and different generations. Understanding the nuances of what each generation may look for in a property is key to a successful sale. With that in mind, how do you tailor your strategy to cater to everyone from Baby Boomers to Gen Z? Let’s look at the nuances.

The Baby Boomer (1946 – 1964)

Boomers typically value tradition, stability, comfort and community – and while they aren’t usually a focus for sellers and realtors wanting to speak to younger buyers, boomers have huge value, making up a third of the buyer market.

Generally, mature buyers are likely to have adult children that no longer live at home with them, and are looking to downsize to a property that suits their needs. This can include “ageing in place” options; as 55+ buyers are looking to move into their final home, so accessibility is key, with wide corridors and a single-floor layout.

Many boomers will have families settled in the local area, which may mean that they have a fairly rigid radius they want to search in. fair price for all parties involved. As well as this, the area in which they buy may need to have a large focus on retirement and retirement communities, and be close to local healthcare facilities.

A common misconception about boomers is that they’re slowing down and prefer to remain at home, but that’s not usually the case. They’re rich in both time and disposable income, and are engaged in their community, whether it’s visiting family or being active in local groups.

With 92% of buyers in the boomer age range having previously owned a home, it’s likely that it’s not their first rodeo when it comes to buying a home. You can expect negotiations to be tough, and viewings and inspections to be thorough, but they’ll respond well to transparency and a solid pricing strategy that offers a fair price for all parties involved.

Highlighting a properties history and the local neighbourhood will be of benefit, as well as large spacious layouts, low maintenance yards and any accessibility features would be a big plus for the baby boomers.

Gen X (1965 – 1980)

Gen X are typically looking for a good investment, value for money and practicality and make up a quarter of the buyer market.

They have a pragmatic mindset with no half-baked plans, and are willing to wait the long term for an investment to pay off. Highlight any modern amenities and updated features such as kitchens and bathrooms, and also any energy efficient aspects of the property where they could save money.

Many Gen Xers have children that are teenagers and above, and they are in the stage of life for planning what’s next. With a high level of disposable income, they’re likely looking to maintain the size of their home.

Keep in mind that they will be looking for family friendly homes within a good distance of local schools, and easy access to any employment hubs so they know they’re within commuting distance.

Millennials (1981 – 1996)

Millennials make up the largest group of buyers, at 38% of the buyer market. They’re okay with a fixer-upper with only 10% of millennials buying a newly built home, and don’t mind getting their hands dirty to curate the home they want.

They’re also drawn to the eco-conscious, and want to be within a good distance of social hubs and urban life, but are budget conscious, with commuting costs being ranked just above eco-friendliness as important buying factors.

Highlighting the properties location and walkability will be essential, as well as showing any rustic charm a property may have, and highlighting the potential of what they can create – they want a perfect mix of quality, cost-efficiency and convenience. Any home with a flexible space for living is worth exploring for a Millenial, so showing them a property’s potential will be key.

Gen Z (1997 – 2012)

While many of Gen Z are still young, the older Gen Z’s are starting to make their entrance into the property space and make up 3% of buyers – so don’t completely discount this age group’s buying power.

Gen Z values authenticity, social responsibility and diversity. Similarly to millennials, they’re also on the lookout for a good deal so highlighting the flexibility and potential of a property will be essential.

You can also discuss any modern technology built into a property, especially if it improves the ease of their day to day.

One thing to keep in mind is that a third of Gen Z buyers are single females. Highlighting areas where they can have an active social life outside of work, as well as live in a safe neighbourhood, is key to appealing to their needs.

Tips for all Generations

No matter who and at what age you’re trying to attract, some things are universal. Visual appeal should be paramount, and you should utilise high quality videos and virtual tours. Staging will also help here; ensure any personal items and clutter is removed from the property and everything is left spotless. Transparency and honesty is also mandatory; be upfront about any property issues and convey them accurately. This builds trust and lets any potential buyer know you care. Following this, communication will also be important; answer any questions promptly and clearly and help them to understand if needed.

All You Need to Know

The real estate market is diverse, with buyers from different generations. A one-size-fits-all approach is no longer effective. Here is a breakdown of all you need to know:

Baby Boomers (1946-1964):

• Value tradition, stability, comfort, and community.
• Focus on retirement communities and proximity to healthcare.
• Highlight property history and neighborhood.
• Emphasize spacious layouts, low-maintenance yards, and accessibility.

Gen X (1965-1980):

• Seek good investment, value for money, and practicality.
• Highlight modern amenities and updated features (kitchens, bathrooms).
• Showcase energy efficiency and cost savings.
• Emphasize family-friendly homes near schools and employment hubs.

Millennials (1981-1996):

• Looking for good deals and are open to fixer-uppers.
• Value eco-consciousness and proximity to social hubs/urban life.
• Highlight location, walkability, and rustic charm.
• Showcase potential and flexible living spaces.

Gen Z (1997-2012):

• Value authenticity, social responsibility, and diversity.
• Seek good deals and flexible potential.Highlight modern technology and convenience.

Tips for All Generations:

• Visual Appeal: High-quality photos, videos, and virtual tours are essential.
• Staging: Remove clutter and personalize the space.
• Transparency: Be honest and upfront about property issues.
• Communication: Answer questions promptly and clearly.

Want to improve your property marketing, photography, virtual tours and floor plans? Book a demo with a Giraffe360 expert today.