| If you're a home builder, don't overlook the | | | | from their fulltime jobs. This is a chance for you as a |
| importance of the fastest-growing segment in the | | | | builder to incorporate the latest information |
| real estate market today: aging Baby Boomers. They | | | | technology into your homes. A large percentage of |
| may not like to admit it, but the Boomers are now | | | | Boomers want a sunroom, as well--somewhere they |
| entering what people used to call the "Golden | | | | can relax in the morning with a cup of Starbuck's and |
| Years," and they're beginning to look for | | | | the New York Times. They have worked hard all |
| homes that offer amenities geared toward older | | | | their lives and are determined to reward themselves |
| people. If you can offer homes that fit their tastes | | | | with quality leisure time, whether on vacation or at |
| and specific demands, Baby Boomers will seek you | | | | home. Entertaining and entertainment are important |
| out--and they generally have the money to spend on | | | | to Boomers, too. Many look for wet bars in their |
| the things they want.One of the most important | | | | new homes to offer even greater entertaining |
| considerations for the aging Baby Boomer segment | | | | opportunities, and a sizable number express a desire |
| of the market is functionality. Although many | | | | for a media room that's geared toward the latest |
| Boomers are looking for specific amenities, a sizable | | | | video and music technology.Boomers are also |
| number of them are actually downsizing, since they | | | | health-conscious, so exercise rooms can be a strong |
| have raised their families and are now looking for a | | | | selling point, and can relatively easily be incorporated |
| home that offers both comfort and luxury. The | | | | into a multi-use space such as a family room or |
| types of floor plans that Boomers look for in their | | | | good-sized computer room. As a general rule |
| new homes often feature spacious, open kitchens | | | | Boomers also like to see upgrades when it comes to |
| that offer an opportunity to entertain guests while | | | | things like floor coverings, cabinets, and kitchen |
| creating culinary artwork. Boomer women who | | | | countertops. They're often looking at their new home |
| worked at a fulltime job most of their adult lives are | | | | as a place to stay after trading up several times, so |
| now looking to be able to spend considerable | | | | they want it to be both comfortable and luxurious, |
| amounts of time in the kitchen, making up for lost | | | | inside and out. So don't skimp on patios, porches, |
| time, so a great kitchen is vital to attracting their | | | | decks, and landscaping, and make sure your overall |
| attention.A large segment of the Boomer market | | | | community is appealing, as well.Copyright © |
| also wants a home office in their floor plan, since | | | | 2006 Jeanette J. FisherInterior design psychology |
| many of them will continue doing some sort of | | | | expert Jeanette Fisher works closely with custom |
| business-related activity from home after retirement | | | | home builders in Pennsylvania and California. |