Home
Builders: Amenities for Baby Boomers
By Jeanette Joy Fisher
If you're a home builder, don't
overlook the importance of the fastest-growing segment
in the real estate market today: aging Baby Boomers.
They may not like to admit it, but the Boomers are now
entering what people used to call the Golden Years, and
they're beginning to look for homes that offer amenities
geared toward older people. If you can offer homes that
fit their tastes and specific demands, Baby Boomers will
seek you out--and they generally have the money to spend
on the things they want.
One of the most important considerations for the aging
Baby Boomer segment of the market is functionality.
Although many Boomers are looking for specific
amenities, a sizable number of them are actually
downsizing, since they have raised their families and
are now looking for a home that offers both comfort and
luxury.
The types of floor plans that Boomers look for in their
new homes often feature spacious, open kitchens that
offer an opportunity to entertain guests while creating
culinary artwork. Boomer women who worked at a fulltime
job most of their adult lives are now looking to be able
to spend considerable amounts of time in the kitchen,
making up for lost time, so a great kitchen is vital to
attracting their attention.
A large segment of the Boomer market also wants a home
office in their floor plan, since many of them will
continue doing some sort of business-related activity
from home after retirement from their fulltime jobs.
This is a chance for you as a builder to incorporate the
latest information technology into your homes.
A large percentage of Boomers want a
sunroom, as
well--somewhere they can relax in the morning with a cup
of Starbuck's and the New York Times. They have worked
hard all their lives and are determined to reward
themselves with quality leisure time, whether on
vacation or at home.
Entertaining and entertainment are important to Boomers,
too. Many look for wet bars in their new homes to offer
even greater entertaining opportunities, and a sizable
number express a desire for a media room that's geared
toward the latest video and music technology.
Boomers are also health-conscious, so exercise rooms can
be a strong selling point, and can relatively easily be
incorporated into a multi-use space such as a family
room or good-sized computer room.
As a general rule Boomers also like to see upgrades when
it comes to things like floor coverings, cabinets, and
kitchen countertops. They're often looking at their new
home as a place to stay after trading up several times,
so they want it to be both comfortable and luxurious,
inside and out. So don't skimp on patios, porches,
decks, and landscaping, and make sure your overall
community is appealing, as well.
Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher
Enjoy real estate investing!
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