Ageism Prejudice and the Real Estate Industry

 “I’m getting too old for that.”

“You are too young to do that.”

When it comes to real estate, does age really matter? According to a recent article in Realty Times.com, “During buying and selling discussions, references to age driven failings or “senior moments” distract everyone from the fact that memory lapses and lack of concentration has plagued everybody at some point or other.”

Negative influences, lack of exercise and poor nutrition can play a factor in one’s memory and ability to make sound decisions regardless of their age.

Many first-time home buyers get hit with the “too young,” prejudice when they describe their real estate wish list or talk about mortgages with their families.Having that “too young” or “too old” mentality can break down bridges instead of building them.

Too many real estate agents feel that the ideal home buyer is a male-female couple in their mid-30s with 2.5 children, stable job and income looking for the perfect American dream home. That traditional household is no longer the norm. With many single buyers, unrelated people sharing a household and unmarried couples purchasing homes together, the traditional household is no longer “traditional.”

Now more than ever, we have to keep an open mind with all types of buyers and sellers and not stereotype what the client should or should not do in the real estate industry. Our goal is to help all types of buyers, sellers and investors create the real estate portfolio and dream that they have for themselves and their household.