Social Skills and the Millennial Generation
Written by Jill Anderson   
Saturday, 11 July 2009 00:30
There are over 84 million Gen Yers (or Millennial) in the population, according to 2000 Census Data. Millennial are member of the generation of children who were born between the years 1977 and 1994. One quarter of the US population is part of this generation. This group is poised to make up the bulk of the overall US population within the next 20 years. This generation is a diverse group with 1 in 3 non-Caucasian and 1 in 4 from a single parent home.

There are over 84 million Gen Yers (or Millennial) in the population, according to 2000 Census Data. Millennial are member of the generation of children who were born between the years 1977 and 1994. One quarter of the US population is part of this generation. This group is poised to make up the bulk of the overall US population within the next 20 years. This generation is a diverse group with 1 in 3 non-Caucasian and 1 in 4 from a single parent home.

Millennial purchase homes because of their desire to own a home and establish a household, but are less emotionally tied to a house. National studies from 2007, indicate that three quarters of the home buyers were between 18 and 24 years old, falling into this group. They are just waiting for the market to stabilize to move on into their house purchases.

The competition is only a click away - this is the new concept that you must understand. Millennial are computer savvy, knowing that more information is available with just a mouse click. They want to work collaboratively to reach their goal of home ownership.

So, real estate agents and investors need to be ready to be a part of a team, and be ready to provide easy to access information for this new plugged in buyer. In addition, these buyers are technology experts and want contact any time of day or night via texting, IMing, blogging, or email. Instant messaging is the preferred form of communication, with 68% or more opting for cell phone texting.

Millennial will be well informed on their potential purchases. Homes will not be shopped for days by buyers who want to be driven around to many possible properties until they fall in love with their new home. Millennial will have all of their facts available online and will make the home buying decision swiftly through increased data. Home buying is going to move to a new level of "real time" opportunities.

Social networking is ultimately about conversations. You as the real estate agent and investor will need to master the social networking skills that are very important to your potential customers. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, My Space, FriendFeed, ActiveRain, are some of many tools focused on facilitating conversations.

The numbers speak for themselves. For example: Facebook - 100 million active subscribers, 30 million photos uploaded daily. LinkedIn - 25 million experienced professionals, a marriage of an interactive resume and your address book, promoting yourself, your properties, or reviewing others. ActiveRain - This is the hotspot for real estate professionals to learn from each other.

As the market heats up, the "boomers" will have to figure out the new rules, technology, and capabilities employed by the Millennial if they wish to sell house more quickly and with less emotion in a changing market.

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