As Realtors®, we look at many real estate trends, including generational trends in the marketplace. Are you a baby boomer? Then maybe you just purchased a new build in order to avoid renovations or issues with plumbing and electricity. Or are you a Gen Y, a group of younger adults who are the largest percentage of home buyers? 

Or maybe you are part of the Silent Generation, one of the least likely to have to finance your next home purchase. Wherever you fall in the generational scale, learning about age trends in real estate can help you better strategize in the market where you are making your financial decisions in home ownership.

Gen Y (born 1980-1995). Gen Y’s are not only the largest share of home buyers at 31% but they are also the largest share of first time home buyers at 76%. This generation has a strong desire to own a home and a large number of them live in urban areas, most likely because low commuting costs and living near public transit are very important to them. Living in urban areas mean they live close to work as well. Their biggest hurdle in home buying is saving for a down payment due to student loan debt.

Gen X (born 1965-1979). The Gen X’s are the second largest share of home buyers but the largest share of home sellers at 29%. This generation leads in home sales primarily due to a desire for a larger home at this point in their life or due to job-related relocation. Their focus is on good quality neighborhoods, convenience to work, and quality and convenience of schools. Their biggest hurdle in home buying is saving for a down payment due to credit card and student loan debt.

The United States first president, George Washington, would have many reasons to relocate to Florida. Below are some of the reasons I believe many of us would share his thoughts in why it is great to call Florida home, especially Central Florida. Central Florida may boast great theme parks but it is much more than that.

1. Before he became a general and The President of the United States, George Washington was a land surveyor. With the economy and residential building picking back up, George would have ample opportunity finding a surveying job right here in Central Florida.

2. The average annual low temperature in Washington D.C. is a balmy 46.6 degrees Fahrenheit. In Central Florida the average low is 64.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Who really wants to have to bundle up so many months out of the year? The fact that we can wear shorts in Florida practically year round makes living here attractive to just about anyone, including good ol’ George.

3. George Washington’s favorite sport was horseshoes. If he moved to Central Florida he would have a hard time choosing horseshoes over our sporting events. From the new Major League Soccer team, Orlando City Lions to our NBA Basketball team, the Orlando Magic to College Football Bowl Games in January (shameless plug for the UCF KNIGHTS who dominated in the Fiesta Bowl and an undefeated season) and of course spring training for major league baseball, he'll definitely have a hard time choosing horseshoes with all Central Florida has to offer.

4. Some of the world’s best beaches are in Florida. If George wanted to catch some waves (or some rays) at the beach he would be within two hours of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean in either direction. Since he had fair skin though, SPF 50 would be a must!

Congratulations! You’ve decided to buy a vacation home, but now you are left wondering where the best place to buy might be. With a wide variety of vacationing spots across the country, finding the perfect location for you and your family is key. Here are seven reasons why buying a vacation home in Florida is where it's at.

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• Low property taxes. This speaks for itself. We all love to save money. As a property owner, you pay property taxes for every property you own annually. It is cheaper to own a home in Florida than most states.

• Tourism. Aside from being one of the FEW states without a state income tax, Central Florida is home to world-class attractions, destinations and beaches. With Florida's nearly 100 million visitors per year, there is no shortage of people looking for short-term rentals while enjoying all Central Florida has to offer. This could create income opportunities for you when you aren't using for your vacation home for personal use by renting it out (see our FAQs on Property Investment in Central Florida for more information on that!).