It's a generational thing/Texas Realtor

September/October 2002

It’s a generational thing

Does a 28-year old want the same features in a house that someone in her sixties or seventies desires? Probably not. Chances are good that the two have different hot buttons and communications styles as well. Here are some of the main differences you should know about when interacting with members of the Gen X (born between 1965 and 1981), Baby Boomer (born between 1946-1964), and Senior (born between 1909-1945) generations.

	GEN X	BABY BOOMERS	SENIORS
Don't	• Hard sell • Call them Xers	• Talk about aging or slowing down • Add to their stress level	• Talk down to them • Tell them what to do
Do	• Talk professionally, meet face-to-face • Be tech-savvy	• Provide them with plenty of information so they can make their own educated decisions • Appeal to their sense of adventure and individuality • Try to take care of details so they won't have to	• Treat them with respect • Counsel and listen • Check in regularly
Words that resonate	• Family, friends • Sefety • Balance • Fun	• Self-fulfillment • Adventure • Spirituality • Self-improvement	• Discount • Reward • Safety • Family
What's important in a home	• Communal spaces • Technology-oriented throughout property • Flexibility in room design • Good neighbors	• Lots of open spaces • Proximity to educational and life-enhancement centers • Big kitchens • Wired for home office	• Proximity to medical centers • Safe neighborhoods • Security and fire alarms

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