By Generation, What Sellers & Buyers are Looking for in a Home

One thing an experienced real estate agent can affirm is no two selling or buying journeys are the same. The greatest reason for this is because each generation of sellers and buyers have different goals in mind.

Each generation is experiencing a different stage of life and their needs are unique. For instance, a newly married young couple is thinking of basic living needs and starting a family. A retired couple has completed this stage and is thinking about downsizing. Those in the sandwich generation are working hard to care for growing children, aging parents, and rarely having enough space.

Why do these life stages matter to a real estate agent? Because the standout real estate professional understands their clients and can help them anticipate what they will need in the upcoming three, five, or ten years.

Bringing years of experience working across all of these generations, I know how to help when it comes to finding the home which ticks the most boxes on your wants-and-needs list or guiding you through listing your home and negotiating the best asking price. I’ll help by asking questions to get you thinking and ensure we’re looking for immediate and future needs. Things such as, Can this home grow with you? Will the property value in the surrounding community rise or hold steady?

Join me as I introduce some similarities and differences in serving clients across all generations. Here’s how The Pew Research Center defines these key groups of people born within the same 15-20 years span.

• Baby Boomers: Born from 1946 to 1964 (ages 77-59)
• Generation X: Born from 1965 to 1980 (ages 58-43)
• Millennials: Born from 1981 to 1996 (ages 42-27)
• Generation Z: Born from 1997 to 2012 (ages 26-11)

What Baby Boomers Want in a Home

These active adults are reinventing what it means be retired and what retirement living looks like. One big shift we’re seeing is a heightened desire to live nearer to their children and grandchildren. According to National Association of Realtors reports, Baby Boomers are more likely to buy a new construction home than a previously owned home. These buyers are looking for customizations, fewer renovations and living in communities filled with opportunities to socialize and utilize community amenities. Top features being sought include:

• One-level living space, no basement
• Kitchen and garage storage space
• Convenient laundry room space
• Non-carpet flooring
• Porch, patio, or small private yard
• Amenities within walking distance
• Community living for increased socialization
• Access to greenspace and/or water
• Open to living in a HOA (homeowner’s association) community that takes care of outdoor maintenance and upkeep

What Generation X Wants in a Home

When describing Gen X we think of those with families, and often young children. This generation is also saddling the responsibilities of caring for aging Baby Boomer parents at home. Things such as good schools, convenient commute times, and larger homes to accommodate multi-generational family members living under one roof are important to them. Features they are looking for in a home include:

• A home office space
• Outdoor living space
• Being conveniently located to shopping, amenities, public transportation, parks, and recreations
• Having multi-purpose space in the home

What Millennials Want in a Home

Growing up with technology, Millennials more than other generations are searching for home that incorporates smart home technology and environmentally-friendly options. Great locations, open floor plans, and spacious outdoor spaces are also top requests. Millennial families appreciate easy access to public transportation, dining, child-friendly and pet-friendly amenities, and good public schools. Features most requested include:

• Smart home technology and environmentally-friendly options
• Modern kitchen
• Open floor plan
• A home office and/or exercise space
• A convenient laundry room
• Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
• Ample space and storage options

What Generation Z Wants in a Home

Gen Z has also grown up in a heavily tech influenced world and look for these same smart home technologies and environmentally-friendly options in their future home. But one difference is a desire to live frugally, minimize debt, and carry the financial lessons they learned from their Millennial parents and Gen X extended family members with them. Features high on their wish list include:

• Being able to customize their space
• Smart home technology and environmentally-friendly options
• Living in or near the suburbs
• Access to shared community amenities and if these are within walking distance, even better
• A pet-friendly community

Whichever stage of life you’re in, you’re in good hands. I’m known for keeping my finger on the pulse of the real estate market. Give me a call and we’ll discuss what’s on the market and what’s coming soon.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, and #2 in 2022. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.