“Are you asking older people to sell their home to make room for the young?”

Occasionally, I send prospecting letters to folks whose properties match the criteria of clients looking to buy in a certain area. In the letter, I ask if the are considering selling their property, and if so, may we discuss the possibility because I have clients who may be interested.

The response varies, but one of the most interesting calls I received was from an older woman. In a stern voice, she asked

“Are you asking older people to sell their home to make room for the young?”


She asked how I found her. I explained that I used public records, with the assistance of the title company.

I don’t know anything about the people I sent letters to... and the only criteria are that their homes meet the type and configuration in the area where we're looking.

Her bottom line is that she thought older people were being targeted to sell their homes, and have them move to smaller homes, retirement communities, or what-have-you.  She thought there is a conspiracy to displace them in favor of young people.

Perhaps she read stories like this one in the United Kingdom.

Government accused of 'social engineering' over plan to make elderly move out of their homes

I assured her that was not my intent --- and that I was simply looking for property for my clients. Because there is so little inventory, I was hoping someone was thinking about selling, and open the door to us.

Nonetheless, it was interesting listening to her because her concerns are very real to her. In her case, perception is reality.

Happily, my conversation with this woman improved...we chatted about my own 88-year old parents who are still very active (my mom still teaches line dancing, although she now uses a cane). And it turned out this woman and I are only 7 years apart. By the time we hang up, she was very cheerful, and she thanked me for listening and accepting her feedback.