There is all sorts of advice on marketing homes to baby boomers, millennials, and so on. But what about when you are working with multigenerational buyers a household of more than two generations?
RISMedia’s Senior News Editor’s Zoe Eisenberg offers some tips on pleasing everyone in the family when house shopping.
- Make sure everyone is on the same page. When working with a multigenerational buyer, you will likely be lugging mom, dad, grandma and grandpa (and maybe a second cousin or four) around to showings. Before you begin your property search, request that everyone is on the same page with needs and wants. That way, if a home with a separate “in-law” suite is a must-have, you will know before you head out, saving time and energy. As an agent, don’t shy away from involving the entire household in the discussion before a search has begun. You never know who has the final say.
- Consider space and accessibility. Accessibility is crucial with multigen buyers. A home with an abundance of stairs—or even five stairs up to the front door—may be too much for grandpa’s knees, and this is important to consider from the get-go. Open floor plans and wide doorways are common multigen must-haves, as they make moving around a breeze for everyone under the roof. In-law suites with their own private entrance can also help bolster the older generation’s independence and accessibility.
- Seek versatility and privacy. When three or more generations are sharing a space, that space needs to be versatile, as it will likely shift over the next few years as family members age and needs evolve. A home meant to meet the needs of a six-year-old child and a 65-year-old grandparent will likely be outdated when the child is 16 and the grandparent is 75. So, seek homes with spaces that can rotate; perhaps grandma will need to move into that first-floor bedroom, and little Timmy—who is not so little anymore—will really enjoy that finished basement as a private hangout for him, his friends and their gosh-darn rap music.
- Find adequate storage. An extra generation means an extra lifetime of stuff. A home with above average storage space will be necessary. Look for an abundance of closets, a spacious attic or a garage with space for shelving.
Just like any other buyer, multigenerational shoppers will have specific needs in mind. Below are a handful of typical multigenerational requests:
- Main floor bedroom, living area. For those who may have trouble tackling stairs, easy-to-access bedroom, kitchen and living area may be on the want list.
- Finished basement or playroom. Space is key when the house is full, so a finished basement or playroom may be key for keeping the kids—and parents—happy.
- Nearby public transportation. Is there a bus stop nearby so seniors who are unable to drive can savor their independence by catching a ride somewhere?
- Top tech. These days, many homes have automated technology built-in. Auto locking doors or appliances that shut themselves off may be key for living with forgetful kids and seniors.
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