Understanding your clients, Core values based on age

As I work with a wide variety of indiviuals in the community I have come to realize some of the many differences in core values seperating the generations.  One of the greatest things I enjoy about being a Realtor is getting to be personally acquanted with all walks of life from all over the world and hearing about the their experiences and what motivates them.  In understanding their core values I can get to the heart of what they want and thereby find the best property to suit their needs.  This is also important in my marketing, after all, I would send the same flyer or postcard to a Retirement community as I would to a community that targets starter families. 

Gathered here is some of the data I have collected that may help you in your marketing and understand some of the different generations.

 People born between the two World Wars and the years  1920-1945 are generally termed Traditionalist or Seniors.  They value dedication and sacrifice and believe in Hard work and conformity.  Traditionalists have a strong respect for authority as well as Law and Order.  They are patient and believe in duty/work before pleasure/reward. 
As a Real Estate client they like to see patriotic messages that speak to the family, home, and traditional values. They want to know what to expect throughout the process so make it clear.  Enunciate your words and use good grammer, Never use profanity and include please and thank you.  Always show maturity, respect, and knowledge of the business.  While they Seniors are less likely to use e-mail do not stereotype, do use visuals to help with the explaining process, and make sure to develop your personal relationship as your business relationship evolves.

 Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964.  Considered a ME generation Baby Boomers were born during a time of economic prosperity.  Because nearly 80 million people were born during this era Baby Boomers make up the majority of our leaders in nearly every field and control nearly 70% of the nation's wealth. 
Baby Boomers are optimisitic and are team oriented.  They value personal growth, youth, health, wealth, and personal gratification.
To address a Baby Boomer's Real Estate needs you will want to express that you can help them build wealth and that you and your company are a pioneer in the industry.  Take time to communicate with them, become personally acquainted, get them involved.  Encourage them to understand the financial side of the transaction as well as how  it may fit into their strategic retirement planning.  

Generation X was born betwen 1965 and 1979 and grew up on video games, MTV, and the 80's!  Influenced by such things as the Gulf War in Columbine shootings.
Generation X is technologically literate, self reliant, and tend to think globally. 
When addressing a Generation X's needs get to the point quickly.  Give them precise and concise information.  Typically a generation x person will have already started their search before they contact you.  They expect an agent to have a website, and like to communicate by e-mail.  They do not like buzzwords, cliches, or jargon.  They do not want bad news sugar coated and you should never try to "fool' them.  Typically they will choose to live near their jobs and want a balanced life.  Summarize what they will need to have ready prior to their closing.

Gneration Y. Nexters, Zoomers were born in 1980.  This generation grew up with computers at home as the norm, cell phones, instant messaging, downloading capabilities, and hundreds of channels on tv. 
With the young age of this generation they will typically need assistance from a family member.  They will probably rather live near cities and will most likely be unresponsive to traditional advertising. 

Hopefully this will aid in your marketing campaigns as well as understanding where your client's values are derived from.  Remember to identify your target audience and create your marketing around their values.