Every generation has its time in the spotlight. And right now, the focus is firmly on Gen Z, a cohort for whom the Internet is a second home.
Speaking of houses, the oldest “Zoomers” are turning 25 this year, the age when most people start considering home ownership.
As a Realtor(r), most of your time is likely to be spent serving Millennials and Gen X. However, you simply cannot afford to overlook this emerging generation. To help you get started, Image of the agent has prepared this guide for you.
Meet Gen Z
Who are the people who belong to Generation Z? Demographic experts usually place their birth years between 1997 and 2012.
Age aside, however, the most important characteristic of Gen Z is their affinity for all things related to technology. While Millennials spent much of their childhood in an analog world, Zoomers have been immersed in the digital lifestyle since they were in elementary school. Naturally, this informs how you should contact and interact with this group when they finally decide to go house hunting.
In fact, home ownership is very much a goal for people in this age group. Studies prove it 85% of them plan to buy a home, being the main motivation to have a place to name. They also plan to buy a property fairly soon, with 48% saying they will between the ages of 25 and 29.
Now that you have a better understanding of who your future customer will be, how can you turn them into customers?
1. Strengthen your online presence
The defining characteristic of Gen Z is the fact that they are digital natives. This means they came of age in the online age, where the Internet is as ubiquitous as electricity. This also means that if they need a real estate agent, they turn to the Internet to find one. The question is: can they find you?
That’s why Agent Image offers flexible website design packages so agents, no matter where they are in their careers, can have a strong online presence. We also use search engine optimization (SEO) so that your website becomes not only the top result on Google, but also the preferred choice for young home buyers.
Jon Krabbe, co-founder and managing partner of Agent Image, says: “Getting ahead with this hyper-connected generation requires meeting them where they are, and that inevitably means being online. Doing so means understanding their habits and mindset, which makes you uniquely qualified to help them buy a home.”
2. Emphasize technology as a convenience
For younger homebuyers in the market, technology is no longer a convenience, it’s a necessity. As a generation that grew up around smartphones, tablets and other internet-enabled devices, it’s no surprise that technology is such a big factor in their home search. That’s why properties with features like smart thermostats, wall plugs with built-in USB ports, and smart appliances are likely to pique your interest. Zoomers are all about connectivity and convenience, so keep that in mind when showing them your listings.
3. Sell a purpose (not just a property)
It’s also important to clearly communicate what your values are as an agent. Remember: Most Gen Zs prefer to work with an agent whose principles match theirs. If you support various charities or have corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, be sure to highlight them on your website or social media posts. Not only will it give you a good press, but it will also help your Zoomers warm up.
4. Think green
Did you know that 76% of Generation Z Are you worried about climate change? In fact, this generation has a strong sense of environmental well-being, a mindset that also affects what they buy. Again, the numbers bear this out: 73% of them are willing to pay more for sustainable products. What does this mean for agents? It’s worth highlighting the “green” features of a home, whether it’s sustainable building materials, energy-saving architecture or solar panels. Gen Z puts their money where their values are, so make sure you market your ads accordingly.
5. Attractive with “new normal” features.
Nowadays, houses are more than just a place to come home to; thanks to the pandemic, they also function as offices. This is crucial because Generation Z is redefining the future of the workplace, with almost 70% prefer to work remotely at least half the time. If you’re an agent, the listings you submit need to be able to accommodate a work-from-home lifestyle. A home office, for starters, will be a particularly powerful draw for younger buyers who want more flexible working arrangements.
6. Prepare a move home
For such a young and entrepreneurial generation, Gen Zs are generally risk averse. This is not surprising, however, as they have lived through 9/11, the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. If they have doubts about a listing, they’re more likely to walk away from it rather than risk spending a ton of money fixing it. That’s why it’s crucial to stage a home and have it inspected so that these young buyers feel confident that the property is a good investment.
7. Deliver a seamless experience
If there’s one factor that’s true across generations, it’s that quality service is important. Of course, what quality service means to Gen Z may differ from other customers. For a generation that is used to getting the information they want on the go thanks to the Internet, they will want hands-on service and quick answers to their queries. Likewise, they appreciate being able to view a home remotely before going to a showing through technologies such as virtual tour platforms.
Luckily, ACCESS, our new digital listing and open house platform allows you to incorporate 3D tours, photo galleries, video walkthroughs, floor plans and more into your presentations, so all information about your listing is find conveniently in one place. There’s also an analytics suite that tracks engagement so you can verify if your pitch is resonating with Gen Z prospects.
Is your business ready for Gen Z?
The battle for tomorrow’s customers begins today, and Agent Image can equip you with the tools you need to win. To learn more about our design, SEO and digital marketing services, visit our portfolio of top websites or get in touch today.
[ad_2]
Source link
