The real estate industry is constantly changing, which means that how you appeal to potential buyers and sellers needs to change too. Most real estate buyers are baby boomers, but that’s slowly changing. To stay ahead of the curve, you need to know how to appeal to millennials and Gen Zers in your real estate business. However, studies show that these groups have different priorities regarding buying and selling a home.
For example, a recent poll found that 22% of millennial respondents said that the most critical factor when buying a home was that it be close to their workplace. In contrast, only 8% of baby boomers said the same. This indicates that millennials place higher importance on convenience and proximity to their jobs than older generations.
If you’re unsure how to appeal to millennials and Gen Zers, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips for marketing your real estate business to these crucial cohorts.
1. Give them what they want
Millennials and Gen Zers are looking for a different kind of home than their parents and grandparents—they’re looking for energy-efficient homes that fit their lifestyle. They’re also looking for homes that reflect their values, which means that sustainability is essential to them. You’ll be ahead of the competition if you give them what they want.
Most importantly, you need to be able to show them that you understand their needs. Use your website and social media platforms to show off your energy-efficient homes and sustainable features. You should also make sure that your listings include information about the energy efficiency of the house. Many homebuyers are looking for this information but might not know how to find it.
2. Use technology to your advantage
One of the best ways to appeal to millennials and Gen Zers is by using technology to your advantage—that’s what they’re looking for in a home as well! If you can show them how technology can make their lives easier, you’ll surely win them over. For example, many younger generations are interested in homes with smart features like thermostats that can be controlled remotely or security systems that can be monitored via a mobile app.
You also want to keep up with modern trends. The younger generation loves trendy lights and fixtures, so be sure to showcase any unique or interesting features in your listings. Install colorful LED lights in bedrooms and living rooms to spice things up. Most stores only sell long LED strips, but you can shorten the LED rope light to fit your needs. This will make your listings stand out and show that you’re keeping up with the latest trends.
3. Meet them where they are
Millennials and Gen Zers are digital natives, meaning they’re comfortable doing everything online—including house hunting. Ensure your website is optimized for mobile devices and that your listings are easy to find and browse through. You should also ensure you’re active on social media; platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are especially popular with younger generations.
You can also post your listings on real estate apps that millennials and Gen Zers use, such as Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia. Many people in these generations start their house hunt by looking at these apps, so you’ll want to make sure your listings are front and center. Include high-quality photos and detailed descriptions to make your listings stand out.
4. Make it personal
People nowadays are bombarded left and right with ads, and it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd—but it’s not impossible. Younger generations appreciate authenticity, so personalizing your marketing approach is critical if you want to appeal to them. Share your story on your website or blog, or even through social media platforms like Snapchat or Instagram Stories; doing so will help you connect with potential buyers and sellers on a more personal level.
You also want to make sure you’re responsive to inquiries. If someone reaches out to you, be sure to respond as quickly as possible. Younger generations expect instant gratification, so you’ll need to be responsive if you want to keep their attention. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or jump on a quick video call—in today’s world, that’s the best way to connect with someone.
Appealing to millennials and Gen Zers doesn’t have to be complicated—just give them what they want! By keeping these four tips in mind, you’ll be sure to attract attention from young buyers and sellers alike—and before you know it, you’ll have closed the deal on yet another successful transaction. With the right approach, you can appeal to any generation!
