These days everyone seems to be talking about how to reach out to millennials. The focus is on what they want, how they want to communicate, how best to please them.
That’s fine – millennials are buying homes. However, they aren’t the only ones buying homes.
Data from the U.S. Census suggests that single women over 55 are the fastest growing demographic of home buyers. And, according to a report from NAR, the largest percentage of single female buyers are age 72 and older.
The reasons are varied. Some are downsizing and/or moving to be near family and friends. Some are first time homebuyers who have chosen to invest in real estate. Some are looking at rising rents and choosing the stability of a set monthly payment. Some are choosing multi-generational housing and providing a home for children and grandchildren.
Some are seeking a home with no yard care while others want to plant a garden or have a fenced yard for their dogs. Some want a quiet family neighborhood while others want to live in a downtown condo in the midst of shopping and dining opportunities.
What does this mean to you?
It means you should listen carefully when you talk to your single female homebuyers. Shared age and marital status doesn’t mean they all want the same things, but perhaps you can find some common denominators.
You can’t discriminate, but when you have a house you think “fits” one or more categories of single female buyers, you CAN be sure to spotlight the benefits and features those single women want most when you write your property descriptions.
You might also think about the way older people like to communicate. While many do embrace technology, spend hours on Facebook, etc. others would prefer postal mail and a phone call. In fact, some do not even own computers or smart phones.
If you insist on texting or using email, you might just lose them.
If you're prospecting for listings with letters such as my Senior Relocation Letters, remember that postal mail might be the best choice.
The best thing you can do – if a single lady calls to ask about a home for sale, take her seriously!
Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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