According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Real Estate in a Digital Age 2017 Report, 95% of home searchers use online searches to find homes and 72% use a mobile device. Clearly, most of the market looking for a home turn to technology. However, this doesn’t mean all age groups rely on technology. When you break down the data and look at Millennials (born 1980-1998) compared to older generations (born 1925-1979), it becomes clear that Millennials are the most technology reliant. Here is a look at the data from the NAR Report broken down by generation:
Percent by Generation Turning to Online Searches for Homes:
- Millennials (born 1980-1998): 99%
- Older Boomers (born 1946-1954): 89%
- Silent Generation (born 1925-1945): 77%
Percent by Generation Turning to Mobile Searches for Homes:
- Millennials (born 1980-1998): 58%
- Generation X (born 1965-1979): 46%
- Younger Boomers (born 1955-1964): 33%
Percent by Age Turning to Online Searches for Homes:
- Ages 36 and Younger: 93%
- Ages 37 to 51: 88%
- Ages 52 to 61: 78%
- Ages 62 to 70: 70%
- Ages 71 to 91: 54%
Even with the generational breakdown, the majority of people are using the internet to find their homes, although mobile searches and internet usage decrease with age. Does any of this surprise you? See more generational data in the full National Association of Realtors Real Estate in a Digital Age 2017 Report.
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Related: A Look at Where Baby Boomers Travel and Stay, How Technology is Changing the Way We Buy Houses, Generations of Renters and How to Attract Them
