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Spec Houses for Senior Baby Boomers
By Jeanette Joy Fisher
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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