If you are among the St Georgians who hope to snag a home buyer in the spring real estate season, we urge you to think strategically now as you plan your move into the real estate market. While many baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1965, are retiring, others will continue to work well into their seventies. They are not all moving closer to the CBD and into smaller dwellings. Some are opting to find a home in which they can age comfortably. St George is the perfect place for such stylish maturation, so as you prepare to sell, you need to employ property styling St George tactics to catch and land your senior buyer.
Studies show us that when an older person shops for a house, they do so with a thought to the future when they may lose some of their mobility or be otherwise constrained. The ideal home for this group is a single-level home or ground-floor apartment with wider doors and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. So, while you’re thinking in terms of renovation for these practical home-shoppers, think of ways you can make your property more accessible.
If you’re thinking of replacing that front door, do it with a larger, handicap accessible model. Adding space for wheelchair-bound residents is where the smart money gets spent when a property is destined for older Aussies.
Anything you can do to make your floor plan more open and unrestrictive to the mobility-challenged will be a good investment. That doesn’t mean you have to start tearing down walls, unless your home stylist sees that as a good option. Relying on an excellent property styling firm is key. These professionals are well versed in the needs of older buyers and can translate those needs into smart changes to your property that will attract your target market.
Eliminate steps wherever possible. Ramps to front and back doors quite easily replace steps and can be designed so that they don’t look like an afterthought. These steps (pardon the pun) can broaden your range of potential buyers dramatically. You will probably not be able to eliminate stairs entirely, but there are viable options for multi-level homes as well. The newest generations of stair lifts are surprisingly affordable and easily installed. Again, check with your home stylist before you buy such a unit and get the official ‘okie doke’ before you spring into action.
In other words, if you’re going to renovate to suit these older, more moneyed buyers, the bath is one great place to start. Think like you are expected to care for your aged aunt in her dotage – make it as easy as possible for her to do things for herself.
Boomers love walk-in showers. Steps up into the bath are frowned upon for this group, whereas toilets that allow ample room for seat shifting are definite plus factors. Adding subtle but pointed hints at impending infirmity like grab-bars in bath, toilet and shower spaces are also appreciated.
Property styling St George experts like your home stylist can provide a list of contractors who specialise in creating accessibility where it was lacking before. These people can make the expense much more palatable than you might imagine as well.
Planning and implementing these senior-friendly renovations can be expensive if you start tearing out walls and expanding hallways. However, it’s likely that by spending the money to open your property up to a larger group of buyers you will reap unexpectedly large benefits. This is particularly true if your property is located in an area that is traditionally a stronghold for the mature homeowner. Don’t take our word for it. Ask the real estate experts on your sales team, the selling agent and the home stager.
When it comes time to list your property for sale, think about ways to be inclusive. Changes like the ones we mention here won’t be a deterrent to attracting active, mobile people. Such changes will, however, make the mobility conscious others out there sit up and take notice. Everybody appreciates being catered to, after all.
If you have not yet selected a property styling firm, we urge you to call us first. We have been transforming homes in Greater Sydney for decades. We understand the process of transforming ordinary homes into practical, beautiful ones. Property styling St George can be challenging to all but property styling specialists. Get an expert team in your corner. Call Urban Chic Property Styling today.
Image courtesy of Cranmore Home.
