Since HomeZill.com’s launch, I’ve been asked the same question repeatedly: “What was your reason for creating HomeZill?” -I’ll answer that question, but first let me give you a little background….

When I was younger, I remember thinking that homeownership in Northern VA was something that I’d be considering after getting married, and having a few little ones while rounding the corner into my 40’s. At least at the time, it was on track with what my parents and everything I saw on tv mirrored.

Every book that I have read dealing with success and becoming wealthy, centers around the fact that purchasing a home is the largest, and most rewarding investment of your life. Fortunately, and only recently, with the creativity of lenders and the predominantly low interest rates, people have been able to purchase a home at an incredibly young age. With this opportunity opens up a whole new ball game for a generation of younger, savvy homebuyers. Through the rise of technology, home buyers can search almost every property listed– soley on the internet without ever leaving their home. Unlike today, just a few years ago home buyers needed the assistance of a Real Estate agent in order to see what homes were on the market. Through MLS search feeds and New Construction databases, younger generation home buyers in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC are preferring to do their own search, on their own time without the pressure of dealing with an agent until the time comes to buy.

Gen-X home buyers, born from 1965-1977, comprise of 48 million people, or 33% of all home buyers and 40% of all first time buyers. These “latchkey” kids are extremely independent, thrive on change, and need a work/life balance. They want their real estate agent to be “hands-off” and are a little skeptical of working with real estate agents in general.

Gen-Y home buyers, 12 to 29 year-olds, comprise of 73 million people, or 32% of all home buyers and 39% of first time buyers. This generation values their uniqueness and thrives on a sense of community when buying their home. They want the new condo or town home community with all the amenities like shops, services, restaurants, schools and parks. These internet savvy consumers frequently scour VA, DC & MD real estate blogs, YouTube, Craig’s List and podcasts.

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Empowering home buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland through the use of technology, while giving cash back to our clients, produces a win/win for everyone… This ‘niche’ was the motivation and driving force behind the creation of HomeZill.com. -

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