Yesterday I attended a presentation by Edsel Charles of Market Graphics Research Group; www.mgresearch.net; in Franklin, TN. This is the second largest Market Research Group in the US and provides market research data to the Federal Reserve Bank among others. Among the topics discussed was the fact that Baby Boomers are unable to find what they want to “move-down” into. In an overbuilt market, which is working to correct itself and making some positive strides in that direction, there is no overbuilding in what either seniors moving down or Baby Boomers are seeking. According to the statistics that Edsel presented yesterday, the average Baby Boomer’s dream house would be somewhere between 2700 and 4100 square feet on one level. The most important area of the home would be a social living area/ kitchen that is functional, open, and beautiful (sounds good to me so far). The master bedroom area is another area needing special treatment preferably with an access to outdoor deck and garden area. A private library area for the lady of the house suitable for entertaining was high on the list. And according to Edsel the male Baby Boomer in the family’s fantasy would include an oversized garage with a wet bar, full bath and a dog bath area. Baby Boomers, What do you think? Is this what you are looking for?

Posted By: Frances Garner

What are the main demographics that are going to drive real estate in the coming decade? This article discusses the impact that four demographic groups will have…. do you belong to one of these: aging baby boomers (55-64), younger baby boomers (46-54), Generation Y, and immigrants? If not, how will it impact the market where you live?

Posted By: Kimberly Fahey

You know, I don’t consider myself a “Baby Boomer,” If you were born between 1946 - 1964, yes, you are a “Baby Boomer.” Yes, I was born in 1962, so I’m on the trailing edge, which qualifies me as the “Generation Jones.” The “Generaton Jones” were born too late to experience the cultural revoution of the ’60s – I was in diapers – which marks a time of events like Vietnam, Woodstock, and the hippie movement. With that being said, I know there are a lot of us out there that have lived in ours homes for 5 out of 8 years. Now, it’s our turn to have some fun, let’s shop for a new home and receive a check because “we get to.” At least that’s what the government is telling us.

Yes, my SRES, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, designation does come in handy for me too, since I am, in fact, a “Baby Boomer” booming right along.

It’s your choice every day to make it a great day, so let’s just do it!

Posted by:Beverly Cannon

The Baby Boomers of the world, born in 1946 – 1964, yes, I am a member of the club, or the chosen ones, I should say. There are over 78 million of us. Every 7 seconds someone turns 50. See, 50 doesn’t seem as old as it was when we were younger, right?

Since receiving my SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) I guess you could say I’ve become more aware of my generation of the Baby Boomers, especially when it comes to having Accessibility: The coming wave of housing for the future! Do you have a “Visitability” home? Think about it! Did you know that there are over 4 million multi-generational households in the U.S.? Since 1990 it has grown 40%, so our homes should meet the needs of younger and older persons.

That’s what I mean when I ask: Do you have a visitability home? These are items or ideas that make a home safer, more convenient for all ages and abilities. What if someone you loved had an accident and had to a be in a wheelchair or walker, could they visit your home, come for dinner, get in and out easily; get into and use the bathroom, stay overnight?

I just completed a CE (Continuing Education) course on Universal Design and how it can be an advantage to everyone. It has made me more aware of what to look for when helping my clients purchasing their next home. It’s opened my eyes to my own home.

As a verse in a Fleetwood Mac song goes: “But time makes you bolder, even children get older, and I’m getting older too.” Life brings change!

For more information on this subject, you can contact me at Beverly@SearchingForAhome.com, and I will be glad to share with you many options we can do with your own home or your new home. If you know of people who might benefit from my expertise, please feel free to give them my contact information.

I will be talking more about this subject in weeks to come, because I do feel that it is important to make people more knowledgeable on how to make our homes accessible to us, and our guests and family members.

Remember, you have a choice when you wake up every morning, so always make it a Great Day!

Posted by:Beverly Cannon