Home Buying Preferences of the Baby Boomer Generation

With the ever-evolving landscape of the real estate market, home buying preferences vary significantly across different demographics. Among these, Baby Boomers, individuals born between 1946 and 1964, have distinct inclinations when it comes to their homes. Whether they're purchasing houses or renting apartments, the Baby Boomer generation exhibits particular trends that are reshaping the housing market. This article aims to shed light on these evolving patterns.

Understanding the Baby Boomer Generation

Named after the unprecedented surge in births post-World War II, known as the 'baby boom', Baby Boomers make up a significant portion of the population. Totalling almost 80 million in the U.S., they are predominantly in or nearing retirement. The digital revolution hasn't left this generation untouched, with a significant number proving to be tech-savvy, and many opting to work beyond their retirement age.

As Baby Boomers explore the real estate market, here are some distinct home buying trends they've been showcasing:

1. Work-From-Home Infrastructure: With the rise of remote work, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, homes with dedicated office spaces have become more appealing to Baby Boomers. This is partly driven by their participation in the gig economy, allowing them to earn supplementary income during retirement. As a result, homes with dedicated office spaces are in high demand among this demographic.

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2. High-Tech Amenities: Contrary to some misconceptions, a large number of Baby Boomers are quite adept with technology. Consequently, homes equipped with advanced amenities such as in-home theaters, surround sound systems, and centralized control systems for managing various media have become increasingly appealing to them. This trend also extends to home networks, lighting control, and security features.

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3. Flex Rooms: Spaces that can adapt to evolving needs, often dubbed 'flex rooms', have become increasingly popular among Baby Boomers. These multi-purpose rooms can serve as home offices, spare bedrooms, or even as libraries or art studios, depending on the owner's requirements.

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4. Low-Maintenance Exteriors: As they age, Baby Boomers may find extensive outdoor chores such as gardening or painting less appealing. As such, they're leaning towards homes with easily maintained landscapes or opting for maintenance-free communities. Some even prefer to replace lawns with patios or decorative landscaping for easier upkeep.‍

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5. Ranch-Style Homes: With aging, accessibility can become a concern. To address this, many Baby Boomers prefer single-story, ranch-style homes, or at least properties that have the master bedroom and a full bathroom on the first floor.

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6. Natural Lighting: As the need for lighting typically increases with age, homes with large windows that allow in abundant natural light are in high demand. Additional lighting fixtures in key areas like stairwells and under cabinets, along with dimmer controls for better glare management, are also sought after.

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7.Accessibility Features: Wider doorways and hallways are gaining importance for not only facilitating the movement of large furniture but also considering potential future wheelchair accessibility.Shifting Retirement Locations: Traditional retirement destinations like Florida and Arizona continue to attract Baby Boomers due to their favorable climate and retiree-friendly communities. However, a significant trend has emerged where Baby Boomers are choosing to relocate closer to family and loved ones, or selecting less conventional retirement locations that offer high living standards.

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8. Multi-Generational Homes: Reflecting a significant societal shift, multi-generational homes, where more than one adult generation resides, are becoming increasingly common. According to Pew Research, 18 percent of the U.S. population lived in such households as of 2021.

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