How to Market a Home as the Ideal Retirement Home

by Dianne Platt, Team Platt Realty 02/23/2021

Photo by Designecologist from Pexels

You love your home, but you want to make a change. In many cases, you’ll work with a real estate agent who can help you to market your home professionally to your ideal home buyer. Yet, for some properties, having a very specific target buyer in mind can work well.

If you live in an area that’s ideal for retirement, for example, why not target the second home buyer’s market? These are individuals with a sizable amount of money to make purchases on their second home. They may be looking for a winter home, perhaps in someplace warm. Others are seeking a home that’s smaller but perhaps located close to the amenities they like. How can you market to these buyers if your home fits their needs?

Define What’s Fantastic About Your Home

A good place to start is by working with your real estate agent to carefully detail the features of your home that help it to really stand out to the second home buyer. Here are some ideas to get started.

  • Are you close to desirable areas? Many don’t want to buy a home in a tourism-driven area directly but being nearby can be attractive.
  • What’s within walking distance of your home? Are there parks, shops, coffee shops, or restaurants? Is there a Main Street area that’s perfect for an evening stroll?
  • What features does the home offer to help people relax, unwind, and love being at home? A backyard that’s expansive with features, like a pond or a garden, may be an attractive option for some people. For others, easy-maintenance and upkeep are better.

Outline what makes your home special specifically to those who are buying a second home by focusing on the benefit to the buyer. Always be clear and accurate. There is no place for any misconceptions here.

Show the Value of the Property Clearly

Many people buying a second home plan to use it in various ways. For example, some want a weekend getaway, a place they can go to every weekend to relax. In this case, they likely want an area that’s enjoyable in some way. They will pay more for homes near the lake or in a walkable community.

Others want a second income from their property. In this case, homes located in the heart of a tourism district are attractive. It’s also a good idea to point out any property management services nearby that may help them to easily manage these properties. These home buyers are also looking for on-site features that attract travelers, such as pools, numerous bedrooms, a full kitchen and a spacious backyard.

Those retiring want smaller homes in beautiful areas. They want to be around others who share the same interests but also want a home that’s far easier to manage.

As you work with your agent, determine what features and specs about your home can make the property desirable to those who are retiring or buying a getaway home. Marketing like this attracts the buyer you know can fit right into your home.

About the Author
Author

Dianne Platt, Team Platt Realty

Hi, I'm Dianne Platt and I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.