THE HEART VS. THE MARKET: HOW EMOTIONS & THE GREAT WEALTH TRANSFER ARE SHAPING 'BOOMER' REAL ESTATE

For many Gen Xers and Boomers, selling a home isn't just a transaction-it's an emotional experience. A recent survey found that 66% of homeowners aged 55 and older feel emotionally attached to their homes, often making the process of selling more challenging than expected. This sentimental connection typically stems from years of memories and milestones shared within those walls.

While practical concerns-pricing, timing, and lining up the next purchase-are top of mind, emotions play a significant role. For 28% of sellers in this age group, letting go of a home due to sentimental value was a major hurdle, and 22% admitted that their emotional attachment influenced their decision to sell. It's clear that selling a home after decades of ownership involves more than just packing boxes.

The emotional landscape of these homeowners is marked by anticipation, excitement, and stress. Interestingly, joy is the least experienced emotion, with just 24% of sellers saying they found no enjoyment in the process. Despite the emotional toll, 36% found some solace in finalizing the sale and handing over the keys.

This emotional complexity has significant implications as the "Great Wealth Transfer" takes shape. Over the next decade, an estimated $68 trillion in global wealth is expected to be passed down from Boomers to younger generations. A large portion of this wealth will come in the form of real estate. However, sentimental attachment to long-owned homes can prolong the decision to sell, potentially delaying the transfer of assets and impacting the housing market.

The emotional weight tied to homeownership among Boomers and Gen Xers raises an important question: Are older homeowners placing an emotional return on investment (EROI) ahead of financial decisions when it's time to sell? As this historic wealth shift unfolds, the real estate market will need to accommodate the emotional and financial priorities of these homeowners, whose hearts often hold as much value as the market price.