How to Market a Home as the Ideal Retirement Home

by Diana Hellman 10/11/2020

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

Diana Hellman

 Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters