How to Make your Home Attractive to Multiple Generations

Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels

While the millennial generation (people born between 1980 and 1989) accounts for the majority of homebuyers today, the other generations--both older and younger--cannot be discounted. Aging Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) and up-and-coming Gen Yers (those born between 1990 and 1998) are still forces to be considered when marketing your home. How do you position your property so that appeals to young families, middle-age professionals and those past retirement age? Below are just a few tips on how to do this seemingly impossible task.

1. Opt for Neutral Colors.

While older homebuyers make be attracted to dramatic colors and accent walls, younger buyers are looking for a blank palette that they can personalize. Using white, beige, gray and similar tones for walls, cabinets and carpeting will please those buyers without alienating baby boomers who are adept at adding color with art and accessories.

2. Embrace Technology.

Buyers of all generations are increasingly savvy about properties on the market and neighborhoods, due to the amount of information available online. Most buyers search online for available properties before they ever contact a real estate professional. Make sure that your home is showcased online with lots of images and even a video "walk-through".

3. Make your Home Low Maintenance.

Buyers of all generations want to enjoy their home without having to do a laundry list of chores to keep it well-maintained and attractive. This means keeping your landscaping to a minimum as well as choosing low-maintenance materials like laminate flooring and composite siding when you remodel.

4. Create a Walkability List for Potential Buyers.

Younger buyers want to have shopping, dining, schools and other conveniences nearby, so they don't waste precious time driving to and from attractions. Older buyers may have limited mobility and thus want services close by. Access to public transportation is also a plus for buyers of all ages. Write a list of what's available nearby so that your potential buyers have all of those facts at hand and don't have to do all of the research themselves.

Making your property attractive to multiple generations of homebuyers doesn't have to be an impossible task. Set yourself up for success--and a quick sale--by sticking with neutral colors, making your property available to online shoppers and educating your potential buyers on what services and attractions are available near to your home.