Although they're loathe to admit it, Baby Boomers are rapidly becoming senior citizens. However, just has been the case throughout their lives, the fact that Boomers are entering their golden years has made the senior market the fastest segment of the real estate market today. If you're a builder, this can mean more sales for you, but you'll have to do some target marketing to attract Boomers to your homes.
The first thing you'll need to do is make your model homes stand out, because if nothing else, Baby Boomers are savvy and meticulous shoppers. The average time spent looking for a new home among Boomers is eight months, which is considerably longer than any other segment of the market. Boomers know what they want, and will take close to a year to find it, if necessary, so your homes must catch their fancy and prompt them to take action.
When talking to prospective Boomer home buyers, it's important to find out how long they have lived in the home they currently occupy. This information can yield valuable clues as to what parts of their lifestyle is most important to them. If they lived in a home for a long time, there generally were things about that home, area, or neighborhood that held considerable appeal. Armed with that knowledge, you can tailor your sales presentation to emphasize upgrades along those lines.
Don't be surprised if Boomers want to help design their home. They have often owned a number of homes and have found things they liked and disliked about each of them. Now, since this may be the last home they own, they're often eager to build all of the amenities they want into what they see as their dream home. Give them what they want, and you've got a sale.
Although it's the case with most buyers, Boomers are most interested in bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens--especially master bedrooms. They should be large and lavish, yet very comfortable and livable, because Boomers will use them as retreats from the stresses of life. A terrific master suite is a must for attracting Boomer buyers. Other bedrooms should be merchandised as guest rooms and places for grandchildren to sleep during visits.
Like master bedrooms, master baths should be luxurious, yet comfortable. Boomers often are trading up and have the money to spend on a bathroom that contains amenities they've always wanted and have determined to possess. They desire a separate soaking bathtub and private toilet area.
Boomer women expect great amenities in the kitchen, as well. Many of them have been full-time career people and they view retirement as a chance to pursue the culinary arts they never had time for during their working life. Impress these women with an array of gadgets and superior functionality. One example, a fresh water filtration system dispenses both hot and cold water from ONE faucet.
Don't overlook this rapidly growing segment of buyers. Baby Boomers often have money and they're willing to spend it to get what they want on what could be their last home purchase.
Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher
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