Home Improvement

Baby boomers driving US home improvement market.

Shifting population demographics coupled with huge spending power have made baby boomers an increasingly attractive segment. A recent report on the US home improvement space is one example of how they are moving markets.

In the last post, we quoted Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies on their terrific analysis of the massive $340B home remodeling market in the US. There's another aspect of the report that is worth sharing--namely, boomers are the driving force.

Back in 2005, homeowners age 55 and over accounted for 31% (or $74B) of total home improvement spend in the US. in 2015, they accounted for 51.6% (or $114B) of total spend. Within the next decade, Harvard JCHS expects this number to increase by another 5%.

So what does this mean?

Baby boomers will drive housing markets for years to come and the sheer spend on home improvements is just one signal. Census data shows they are indeed the wealthiest generation to ever approach their retirement years (35% have incomes $95K or greater) so the spending power in unprecedented.

I'm very excited to see how real estate markets shape up in terms of buying and selling, and the terrific opportunities that present themselves. Interested in talking strategy? Feel free to reach out.

Home remodeling market at an all time high and the opportunity for folks looking to sell.

Amid all the news surrounding low inventory of homes and low building starts, another opportunity is getting less attention--the wave of remodeling. Here's what it means for folks looking to sell.

Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies recently published data showing a significant rise in the remodeling of homes in the US. In 2015, remodeling in the US totaled $340B a 57% increase since 2001.

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Across the board, homeowners and renters alike are spending more money on their homes. And it's true among all demographic groups and cities throughout the US. This appetite for remodeling brings with it many opportunities.

For homeowners looking to sell, I see this as a growing appetite for fixer uppers. Yes, plain and simple. In a previous post regarding Arcadia, I mentioned homes listed below the median selling price have an advantage given the near-term equity potential. This is only strengthened by the increasing propensity of buyers looking to remodel.

From a marketing and positioning standpoint, I think there are many creative ways to target buyers who have a strong appetite and the cash for remodeling. In fact, my wife and I were those exact buyers a year ago. They're out there!

If you're looking to sell and want to talk strategy, reach out. I can tell you what Contempo Realtors can do for you in terms of positioning your home to the best buyers.

 

We'll be on House Hunters Renovation!! Season 9, Episode 4

My wife Julia behind the scenes.

My wife Julia behind the scenes.

My wife and I recently purchased a home and we're lucky to have it featured on House Hunters Renovation. It was a really exciting experience and we hope you'll tune in on Saturday, August 6 for the premier. Follow our journey along with our son Leonardo and see which house we pick and renovate!

Click here to see showtimes in your area :-)