Millennials are currently the fastest growing generation of consumers. Those born between 1980 and 2000 account for 45% of mortgages compared to Gen Xers at 37% and Baby Boomers at 17%. This may come as a surprise, but if you’re trying to sell your home, it’s important that you do what you can to appeal to this younger generation. Keep reading to find out what you can do to update your home in a way that appeals to Millennial home buyers.
Quick Fixes
Fixing up your home can feel like a monster of a job, but there are lots of simple updates you can make that will especially catch the the eye of the Millennial buyer.
- Paint the walls – A fresh coat of paint brings a sense of newness to any space. When painting, go with neutral tones. We recommend checking out Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2019 Metropolitan AF-690.
- Stage each room – Rearrange your furniture to create a symmetrical arrangement. Pull the furniture off the walls to form a cozy setting that promotes conversation. Most generations enjoy entertainment, but Millennials especially want to have ample space to entertain, so highlighting the living spaces will be an asset when it comes time to show.
- Equip your home with Wi-Fi – Millennials grew up with access to the Internet at their fingertips, so easy Internet access in your home is a must.
- Switch out the light fixtures – Modern lighting can be inexpensive. Find fixtures with clear glass or a metallic finish. If you’re going for a vintage look, switch out the incandescent bulbs in your main spaces for Edison light bulbs. This quirky twist will appeal to young and experienced buyers alike.
Roll Up Your Sleeves
If you’re hoping to boost appeal and possibly the value of your home, consider taking on some more involved projects. These updates may require more time and money than a quick fix but will have a nice return when it comes time to sell and a certain spin that will appeal to the Millennial buyers out there.
- Expose that hardwood floor – Many (not all) homes have real hardwood flooring hiding underneath the carpet. Even if the wood isn’t in the best shape, exposing it will be an attention grabber for your Millennial buyers for sure! They may even be willing to put in the elbow grease necessary to make those floors shine!
- Go green – Most millennials share a collective environmental consciousness, and they want their living space to reflect that. If your home is not up to the latest environmental standards, consider upgrading to energy-efficient heating, cooling, and insulation. Check out these tips from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) on making your home more energy-efficient.
- Open up the floor plan – Millennials are all about open concepts when it comes to floor plans. They are sociable creatures and are attracted to spaces that lend to easy entertaining. If you’re looking to entice Millennials, knock down the walls between your dining/living/cooking spaces for effortless entertaining.
Take Your Listing “Social”
Millennials are the heartbeat of the social media generation. They are used to quick, concise communication. This makes it imperative that you find a real estate agent that is up to date with the latest social media platforms. Your home’s listing should be all over Facebook and Twitter! When it comes time that a Millennial is interested in your home, be ready to go! This group knows how to research and find what they’re looking for, but they will want results fast!
As we said, Millennials are the top home buyers of today’s market, so if you’re looking for help appealing to this group, contact Missouri Home, Farm & Land Realty, LLC. We are constantly posting our listings on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest trends. You can reach us on our website or give us a call at 417-777-3300. We know the market and these buyers like the back of our hand!