Step aside, Millennials. There’s a new generation in town. Generation Z homebuyers have entered the real estate market. Generation Z, also known as the “Net” or “Digital” generation, comprises those born from about 1996 to 2010. The oldest among them are now in their twenties, and many are starting to enter the housing market as first-time buyers.
This group makes up 25% of the U.S. population, making them a larger cohort than either the Baby Boomers or the Millennials. Although Gen Zers currently represent only 2% of all homebuyers, they are now the fastest-growing homebuyer demographic as of spring 2021.
Key Takeaways
- Generation Z, born between 1996 and 2010, is the fastest-growing demographic in the homebuyer market, though they currently make up only 2% of buyers.
- They are tech-savvy, conservative, and entrepreneurial, with many opting for freelance work over traditional careers.
- Gen Z values homeownership, with 97% believing they will own a home in the future, and 81% planning to use a real estate professional during the process.
- This generation prefers digital communication, particularly through social media, and prioritizes saving money, often seeking affordable and functional homes.
- Real estate professionals need to stay updated on technology and tailor their approaches to meet the unique preferences and needs of Gen Z buyers.
What makes Generation Z tick
Researchers have found that the concerns and belief systems of this generation differ radically from both the Baby Boomers and the Millennials. They have found the following to be true about this group of young people:
- Generation Z is the least likely to believe in the ideals of the American dream.
- They carry high amounts of student debt, with 46 percent feeling concerned and burdened by it.
- Because most lived through 9/11 and all have lived with terrorism, they have more feelings of being unsettled and insecure.
- With lower rates of teen pregnancy, alcoholism, and drug use, this generation is more risk-averse.
- They have seen an unprecedented amount of technological change.
- They are heavily reliant and consistent users of technology, such as cell phones and tablets.
- They are more educated, more underemployed, and more culturally diverse than generations that have come before them.
This new generation is more conservative than previous generations, but members have an entrepreneurial bent. Many of them are eschewing a traditional career path, opting to freelance instead. Perhaps seeing older generations struggle and live through the financial crisis has made them think differently.
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Generation Z in real estate
At the 2016 REALTORS® Conference and Expo in Orlando, real estate professionals solicited a panel of five members known as the “Gen Z Consumers” to share some insight into the future of real estate. Here are some of the key points made during that presentation:
- This generation values homeownership and sees it as an ultimate life goal. In fact, 97% of Generation Z believe they will own a home in the future.
- Eighty-one percent plan to use a real estate professional during the home-buying process.
- Their most-used social media sites are Snapchat, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.
- Many expect to purchase their first home between the ages of 26 and 30.
Here are some of the habits and traits they have already perfected that could have an impact on their real estate experiences as consumers:
- Many want brands to reach out to them on social media versus email or online advertisements.
- Half of Gen Zers use their phone to look for a better price while shopping at a retail store, perhaps reflecting their existence in a digital society wrought with technological innovation and instant connectivity.
- Most would rather save money than spend it. They will likely look for ways to save money in the homebuying process, perhaps opting for affordable, functional homes.
- Most use their phone to research purchases before they buy.
- Half of this generation identifies themselves as deal seekers.
- Nearly three-quarters expect to experience significant failure before achieving success.
- A vast majority of Generation Z believe their online experiences will help them reach their goals.
- They prefer the suburban lifestyle, like Millennials, but only 17 percent want to live in the same place where they grew up.
Your ticket to riding the Generation Z trend
Real professionals in North Carolina and across the U.S. must prepare themselves for the shift from working with Millennials to Generation Z.
Unlike past generations, many of whom remember a time before there was an Internet or cell phones, Gen Z has an affinity for today’s digital world. In fact, 90% plan to purchase a home online. And because they live in a time where everything is immediate, this will most certainly impact how they shop for and buy a house.
As a North Carolina real estate broker, you can position yourself to take advantage of this growing group of potential homebuyers by staying up-to-date on technology, updating your value proposition to appeal to this generation’s needs and desires, and learning all you can about this demographic.
