The Boomer Style… 

Taken from the weekly newsletter at Realtor®.org

The amenities, upgrades and home styles that seniors seek are different from younger buyers – as they often desire a simpler way of life as they age. Sixty-three percent of builders responding to the NAHB/MetLife survey say their clients are seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle, while 32 percent are looking for lower living expenses. 

Important features for senior housing include access to health care services, a sense of community, maintenance-free living and ranch-style living. Kunicki says other typical amenities include housekeeping, transportation, building security, emergency call services and planned events, while seniors tend to shy away from remote locations, central dining rooms with mandatory meals and places where they have no voice in planned events. 

“This age group has been there, done that, so they don’t want to elaborate on everything as they age,” says Linda Metallo of RE/MAX Impact, who often works with the active adult communities developed by Hartz Homes. “[Many upgrades] become not quite as important as they age.” 

Like any client, the needs and desires of boomers will vary, and as their agent you must be in tune with what they want. From the VibrantNation.com survey, of those that plan to move in the next decade, 30 percent want to try out a new city , another 30 percent want a house and yard that are easier to maintain and 17 percent want to be closer to their family.