New Trends for Empty Nesters!

There was a time not long ago, when being empty nesters or retirees often meant selling the larger home and buying something more modest in order to make ends meet on a reduced income.

Today, however we’re starting to see the emergence of a new kind of empty nester – one who has accumulated considerable financial assets in their lifetime.

In addition to having benefited from an unprecedented period of prosperity, they are also poised to inherit the wealth of the previous generation that is now passing away.

People will be retiring earlier, and with more disposable income than ever before.

For today’s more affluent empty nesters it’s not so much a matter of downsizing, but right sizing.

So, while they may be down-sizing, many are also up-grading. The number of bedrooms may reduce from four to three, or even two plus a den.

However, expensive and top quality finishing such as granite countertops, convection ovens, whirlpool tubs, and hardwood floors are the order of the day.

Most empty nesters are buying what they consider to be their last home. They see themselves staying in this home for a prolonged period, and are looking for comfort, quality and durability.

In other words, they want the amenities in this home to last, and to accommodate their needs for years to come.

These desires translate into a willingness to spend money on the kind of luxurious appointments that have previously been associated only with huge, "monster" homes.

Tomorrow’s empty nesters will be looking for similar facilities as in the larger, luxury homes, but within a much smaller layout.

They will want an elegant and efficient floor plan that still offers the illusion of space, while requiring fewer steps to get around.

They will want a functional layout, often all on one floor, as stairs become less and less manageable as one ages.

Yards will be smaller and easily maintainable, and such high maintenance features as a swimming pool will hold little or no appeal for most retirees.

Their focus will be on performing their simple, day-to-day tasks easily and quickly, and having the maximum amount of time available for recreational and social activities.

So remember, bigger is not always better if you want your home to appeal to this affluent and growing group of homebuyers.

Simplicity, functionality and quality appointments can all help transform your home into the type of "little gem" that will be the ideal choice for an empty nester.

Talk to a real estate professional to find out more about various market segments, and how a customized and targeted marketing program can help expose your property to just the right buyer! Whether you're buying or selling, find the right REALTOR® and the right price for you.