Wait! Did you read Lita’s post about the First E: Experiences?
Reprinted with permission from Lita Dirks & Co.
Do you know what the new boomer buyer wants and what they expect? We want you to reach this particular market in a way that is meaningful to them, so we’ve worked with industry professionals to develop “The Four Es’: Design That Attracts the 55+ Buyer.”
The Four E’s: Design that Attracts the 55+ Buyer
- Experiences
- Ease of Living
- Efficiency
- Exceeded Expectations
This is the second of four blogs, where we’ll share the second of four design factors that influence this market’s home-buying decision: Ease of Living.
A Home Without the Headache
Low maintenance makes for happy homeowners! One way to help achieve a low maintenance lifestyle is by using products that are easy to clean and upkeep. Large format tiles in bathrooms and kitchens are easy to maintain and look expensive and elegant.
Countertops that won’t chip, stain or scratch, are one less home item to worry about. Additionally, easy to maintain flooring like “wood look” luxury vinyl or ceramic tiles make day-to-day upkeep simple.
Regals Builders, Nobles Pond, Bradford Model
Also, be mindful that outdoor home maintenance was routine for them for years. They still want peaceful and private outdoor living spaces but do not want to spend time and energy keeping them up. Small outdoor garden boxes, lounging space and an area for entertaining are all ways to entice your buyer to envision a blissful outdoor experience.
It’s also important to remember that this buyer wants privacy while entertaining. Using attractive trellises, screens and lush vegetation can help make an area more cozy and private.
Don’t overlook the outdoors when merchandising! Showing this area as an inviting, additional living space can set you above your competition.
Parkwood Homes, Sterling Ranch
Light It Up
Abundant and strategic window placement creates a bright and inviting space. But, when the sun goes down, high quality, well placed artificial light is key. Adding floor lighting ensures safety and sweet dreams. Under the counter lighting, abundant closet/pantry lighting, extra can lights, and attractive overhead pendants are all appealing to the boomer buyer.
Clap On, Clap Off
Remember “the clapper”? Clap your hands twice, and the light turns on or off without even leaving the comfort of your bed! This invention came out around 1985. Look at how far we’ve come since then. Technological advances are consistently astounding! They play a vital role in achieving a low maintenance lifestyle for the boomer buyer.
They expect homes that are updated with the latest tech conveniences, bypassing their own need to mess with installs and wiring, which takes away from their leisure time.
It’s a bonus to include as many “smart home” systems as possible, including wiring for smart speakers, utilizing motorized window shades and having high tech security and keyless entry.
Active 55+ adults aren’t just looking for a new house, they are seeking a lifestyle. Experiences (read about the First E here!) and Ease of Living are two of the Four E’s for building, designing & selling to the new boomer buyer!
Next week: the 3rd blog of this series: Efficiency
