The Generation Impacting The Real Estate Market

You have probably been hearing more and more about the “Boomer and Zoomer” generation in the last year than you have in the last 10 years.  The hotter the Real Estate Market has become, the more interest has been taken towards this generation.  Please understand, I am writing my opinion on this so if you disagree, that’s okay, because you also have an opinion.

I have noticed in the past, many articles have been written to assist the ‘First Time Homebuyer’ with information on purchasing their new home.  Well, who are they going to purchase it from if they are not buying from a builder (brand new).  It will be a seasoned Seller or it will be a Seller who is ready to retire or downsize.  I also see that the homes on larger lots, older homes, and homes by the Lake in Mississauga (Port Credit, Lorne Park, Rattray Marsh) are owned by seasoned Homeowners.  These areas are very desirable by many buyers.  Not only for the beautiful neighbourhoods, but also because of the schools.  If this is important to you, you will be searching in these neighbourhoods.  The next issue for the buyer will be the budget.  But now I’m getting off topic.

The Boomer and Zoomer gerneration has reshaped society. This group is making a huge impact on the real estate market.  It is a Fact that by 2014, the number of Canadians over the age of 65 will be greater than the number of Canadians 15 and under, for the first time in history!  Now think about this!  Where will the new buyers come from?  The Mature/Senior Seller, or Buyer, has made an impact on the Real Estate Market.  What will happen to the first time homebuyer when interest rates go up?  The senior/mature client has gone through the 25 year amortization period; they have gone through the 15% interest payment.  When the Bank of Canada reduced the amortization rate in 2012 to 25 years, no longer are the 35/40 year amortization periods available, the first time homebuyer went into a panic.  When the Bank of Canada said, ‘5% down payment is mandatory’, there was another glitch in the purchase of a home!  The Senior Market just said, ‘So what else is new?’  We know that rates are bound to go up!  What the senior/mature client should be concerned about is whether they are ready to move so the decision will be made by them and not by someone else saying, ‘Now you have to move’.  Some will rent and some will buy, but they will be downsizing at one point.  We all will be downsizing.

Some boomers are still working while others are retirees who travel between home and vacation spots.  If you are from Canada, you probably dream of becoming a Snowbird, and travel to warmer climates during most of the cold months.  There are some who waited to start a family and therefore have children who still may be taking post-secondary education.  Some will be in the generation where you are supporting elderly parents.  Real Estate decisions become complicated, as we age, as there is more than one person that must be considered in the decision making process.

Because the mature generation have different needs and wants, it is important to have a Realtor that will listen to get a full understanding of what these needs and wants truly are.  This is why I completed my Accredited Senior Agent course that was offered by Chris Newell.   In this course I was introduced to a support team who deal with many mature clients to assist in making this transition smooth and as stress free as possible.

The longer a homeowner lives in their home, the more difficult it becomes to move.  There is a very strong emotional tie to your home.  Different factors will apply – raised your family in this home, first home bought as a young couple and perhaps one has now passed away, comfort in knowing your neighbours and your surroundings.  What are the reasons for moving – too many stairs, home is too big, don’t know what’s in those boxes that are stored in the basement, have closed the heat vents in the extra rooms that are never used, the yard is much too large, health issues, financial troubles, and the list gets longer.  At times you aren’t just relocating a client but you are changing their lifestyles.

I have completed the ASA (Accredited Senior Agent) course to help develop my niche in the senior/mature market.  By no means have I forgotten the first time homebuyer or my other Sellers and Buyers at different levels of the Real Estate Market.  I have just expanded my field of expertise.

I have patience for all walks of life, and I have an understanding of what clients want at different stages of their lives.

Thank you Chris Newell, for constantly providing information of what’s happening in the Senior market. 

If you would like to chat and get more information on your options to allow you to make an informed decision, feel free to give me a call directly at 416 427 1875.  Don’t be the last person on your street to move and don’t be the seller that HAS to move.  Move when you want to move!  My team, and I, are ready!

Betty Bartusevicius, Sales Representative

RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
OFFICE: 905 828 3434
Direct: 416 427 1875
Toll Free: 1 866 838 3434
Email: betty@bettybart.com
Web Site: http://www.bettybart.com
Fine Homes in 905
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not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under brokerage contract