Staging and Selling Your Home to Millennials
It’s never good to generalize, but it doesn’t hurt to understand your target
audience. Much as our parents had to warm up to long hair hippies and an “I’m ok; you’re ok frame of mind; we would do well to understand where those born sometime after 1980 are coming from.
If you are planning to sell your house, chances are the buyers will be someone in this group.
Of course, some things will never change: buyers want a good value and they want to see a clean, well-kept house.
Are they buying?
As has been written, many Millennials have delayed buying a home for good reasons.
They are paying off student loans and at the same time working in an economy that is still recovering. Many are marrying later and when they do purchase a home, they want to avoid getting into a situation that they saw their parents and others get into… buying more home than they need or can afford. They want a good value.
What do they want?
Just like the rest of us, they want updated kitchens and bathrooms and they want an open floor plan.
And, for the most part, they are looking for a move-in ready home. Their budget may not allow for remodeling and updates. They also do not want to be slaves to their work but would rather spend time with their family and pursuing their interests.
They have grown up with cable television and seeing homes on the market that look almost like a model home. Their expectations are high.
They are also more interested in a home office rather than a formal dining room.
A home that is energy efficient and easy to maintain also appeals to them.
Communication
Millennials communicate in a different manner than we did at that age, preferring to text or email, which makes sense because there were no cell phones when we were their age.
A recent study showed that Millennials are also afraid to talk on the phone. Even though they are on it constantly and 80% sleep with them, having to speak to someone….giving an immediate response rather than thinking before they reply, is frightening.
Where to find them
Millennials are where the rest of us are… online. This is your first opportunity to reel them in!
So, what does all of this mean for someone planning on selling their house?
1.Your millennial will want to see the value in your property, so anything you can do to highlight its assets can pay off.
For example, if you have a swimming pool and large patio area, make sure they can see it. The more it looks like a retreat or oasis, the better. This means removing tools and cleaning supplies from the area, staging sitting areas and making sure the pool is inviting.
2. Update as much as you can.
Find a place in your budget to update light fixtures, and flooring; consider new 
appliances; countertops and hardware. And if you have floral wall paper, frilly curtains, or a mirrored wall, then remove them. You don’t want your house to scream “I’m old!”
Remember- millennials are working with a tight budget and large student loans.
The investment in key areas helps every buyer to see the value but is especially true with Millennials.
3. Do what you can to make your property in move-in ready condition.
All buyers want this, but this is especially true with millennials.
Fresh paint, a white glove clean house, sparkling windows, and all things repaired.
4.Remember that they grew up with the Internet and smartphone.
Their first view of your property will be what they see on the Internet.
You have to make sure that your house will photograph well and that what they see is a good representation of your house. This may well be the only shot you have of getting someone to view your property.
One extra tip…. if your real estate agent is a millennial, be patient with them if you find that they’re communicating with you via text or email and not so much over the phone. They’re not snubbing you, it’s just what they’re accustomed to doing.
Comments(28)