Real Estate Marketing & Beyond
Half of today's U.S. home buyers are under 36 and reflect an increasingly racially diverse middle class, according to the first annual Zillow Group Report on Consumer Housing Trends.
As the U.S. housing market nears full recovery and the Millennial generation matures, 47 percent of people buying and 63 percent of those selling a home are doing so for the first time. These new buyers, sellers, and homeowners have old-fashioned aspirations, seeking a home that is both a good investment and a reflection of themselves. And they instinctively turn to internet research and social networks on and offline, approaching home ownership with both savviness and caution.
The 200-page Zillow Group Report on Consumer Housing Trends, which is free and available to the public, is a deep dive into the characteristics, aspirations and priorities of U.S. consumers when it comes to their homes. The report challenges longstanding conventional wisdom across all generations and sheds light on major demographic and economic trends and how they will affect the future of real estate.
"We knew the Millennial generation was playing an increasingly large role in the housing market," said Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell, "But this consumer research allows us to get a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at how their expectations and approach are playing out in the housing market. These young adults came of age during a recession, but they are buying their first homes in a high-priced and fast-paced market. They're using every available resource, including online research and real estate professionals, and taking on the challenge with gusto."
"Young home buyers and sellers share their grandparents' romantic notions about homeownership, and we're finally seeing their home buying dreams come true in the data," said Jeremy Wacksman, Zillow Group chief marketing officer. "These savvy consumers are doing things differently: they juggle shopping for homes to buy and rent at the same time, and they bring deep research and their vast social networks to the process."
Here are some key findings from the report:
The first annual Zillow Group Report is the largest-ever survey of U.S. home buyers, sellers, owners and renters, and asked more than 13,000 U.S. residents aged 18 to 75 about their homes – how they search for them, pay for them, maintain and improve them, and what frustrations and aspirations color their decisions.
Great article - Millennials are in the habit of using technology to their advantage. They have apps, programs and social edia to answer a lot of their questions but they are still like everyone else. They want to actually talk to and work with a real estate agent familiar with the area they wish to buy or sell. The internet has made real estate a very fast and moving target. These days, moving fast is a must but caution should also be taken. Prepare yourself by knowing exactly what it is you want so when it shows up, you can move fast as well.