A Changing of the Guard in Real Estate
The American housing market is undergoing a quiet revolution—and it’s being led by a familiar generation. Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are once again shaping the cultural and economic landscape. But this time, they’re doing it by dominating the real estate market.
At Corken + Company, we’ve seen this demographic shift firsthand across Colorado. From Cherry Creek to Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch to Lone Tree, baby boomers are not just participating in the housing market—they’re driving it.
Armed with equity, cash, and a strategic mindset, boomers are reshaping demand, inventory, and home values. In this in-depth article, we explore the latest data, trends, and insights—plus how our team at Corken + Company is expertly positioned to guide you through this new era of real estate.
The Rise of the Baby Boomer Buyer
Data Doesn’t Lie: Boomers Now Outpace Millennials
According to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) 2024 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, baby boomers now make up 39% of all homebuyers, surpassing millennials (28%) for the first time in over a decade.
Let that sink in—nearly 4 out of 10 homebuyers are baby boomers. They’re not just selling their homes; they’re buying at a pace that eclipses even the digitally-savvy millennial generation.
And it doesn’t stop there. Boomers also dominate the seller side, making up 52% of all home sellers in 2023. Whether downsizing, upsizing, or relocating to Colorado’s luxury foothills, they are actively engaged in reshaping supply and demand.
At Corken + Company, we’re seeing this play out across our portfolio—especially in highly desirable, lifestyle-focused neighborhoods where boomers seek convenience, comfort, and long-term value.
Why Boomers Are Buying—And Buying Differently
Equity Is Power
Perhaps the most defining factor in the boomer surge is equity. Many boomers purchased their homes decades ago and have watched their property values skyrocket. This has created substantial wealth—often hundreds of thousands or even millions in home equity.
Rather than letting that wealth sit idle, they’re flexing it.
Many are choosing to buy in cash, a major advantage in today’s competitive market. According to NAR, 51% of boomer homebuyers used cash in their purchase. Compare that to just 6% of millennial buyers.
This gives boomers the ability to:
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Avoid today’s higher interest rates (many over 7%)
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Close faster
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Present stronger offers with fewer contingencies
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Outbid younger buyers relying on financing
At Corken + Company, we help our boomer clients maximize their equity—through strategic pricing on the sale of their current home, and through negotiating favorable cash terms on the purchase of their next property.
What Boomers Are Looking for in Today’s Market
A Lifestyle, Not Just a Home
Boomers aren’t just buying anywhere—they’re making highly strategic decisions about where and how they want to live. For many, the goal is a low-maintenance, luxury lifestyle with built-in flexibility and access to amenities.
NAR’s research shows that baby boomers are prioritizing:
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Single-story homes with minimal stairs
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Main-floor primary bedrooms
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Lock-and-leave condos or townhomes
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Proximity to family, healthcare, and cultural amenities
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Walkability and access to shops, dining, and services
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HOA-managed communities that handle exterior maintenance
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Age-in-place features, like wider doorways and zero-step entries
At Corken + Company, we specialize in matching these lifestyle-driven priorities with the right properties in the right neighborhoods.
Colorado Is Boomer Country—Here’s Why
The Draw of Denver, the Foothills, and Beyond
Colorado has long been a magnet for retirees and empty-nesters. But today, it’s more than just the scenery drawing boomers here. Our state offers:
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A mild four-season climate
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World-class healthcare facilities
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Low property taxes compared to coastal states
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Vibrant arts, dining, and outdoor recreation
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An increasing number of 55+ and maintenance-free communities
From Greenwood Village’s sprawling estates to the easy elegance of Lowry’s walkable townhomes, Corken + Company knows the pulse of each community. We offer deep, localized expertise on what each neighborhood can offer baby boomer buyers—and how to find the perfect fit.
The Seller Side—Why Boomers Are Also Driving Inventory
Downsizing, Rightsizing, and Upscaling
It’s not just the buying side where boomers dominate—they’re selling too. Over half of all sellers last year were baby boomers, and their motivations are diverse:
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Downsizing to more manageable homes
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Relocating closer to grandchildren or lifestyle destinations
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Monetizing equity and using the profits to travel or invest
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Moving into communities with more amenities or social connection
With the help of Corken + Company’s full-service team, boomers can sell with confidence and ease. Our brokerage manages everything—from preparing the home for market to staging, listing, negotiation, and even facilitating moves into short-term rentals if needed during transition periods.
How Corken + Company Is Uniquely Equipped to Serve Baby Boomers
A White-Glove Experience at Every Step
Baby boomers bring high expectations—and rightly so. They’ve worked hard, built wealth, and deserve a real estate experience that reflects their sophistication. At Corken + Company, we deliver:
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Luxury marketing and professional staging
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Property management options for second homes or investments
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Brokerage and relocation services for out-of-state transitions
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1031 Exchange guidance for investment-minded sellers
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Commercial real estate expertise for clients selling business assets or investing in passive income
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Multifamily syndication opportunities for wealth-building
Our team treats every client relationship as a lifelong partnership. We understand that this phase of life comes with unique questions—Can I live here comfortably for the next 20 years? Will this home work if mobility changes? What happens if I want to travel more?
We have the answers—and the resources—to help.
Navigating Today’s Market With Confidence
Beating the Interest Rate Game
In an environment of higher mortgage rates, many buyers feel priced out or stuck. Boomers, on the other hand, are increasingly immune to this pressure due to their cash advantage.
However, we also work with clients leveraging creative financing tools to keep costs down:
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Bridge loans
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Interest rate buydowns
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Sale-leasebacks
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Home equity solutions
Our in-house specialists work alongside lenders, financial advisors, and CPAs to create a personalized game plan that protects equity, minimizes taxes, and opens doors to the next chapter.
Buyer or Seller—What You Need to Know Right Now
For Baby Boomer Buyers:
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Cash is king—use it to your advantage
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Prioritize long-term livability and future-proof design
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Consider rental income opportunities on your new property
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Work with a brokerage that understands your goals—not just the transaction
For Baby Boomer Sellers:
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The market favors well-priced, well-presented homes
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Minor updates can yield major returns—especially for younger buyer appeal
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Partner with a marketing-forward brokerage like Corken + Company
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Be ready to move fast—homes aligned with boomer goals are in high demand
Real Estate as Legacy and Lifestyle
More Than a Move—It’s a Milestone
For many boomers, real estate is more than bricks and mortar—it’s the setting for decades of memories. Selling or buying a home at this stage in life is often about honoring the past while stepping boldly into the future.
At Corken + Company, we treat these transitions with care, respect, and unmatched expertise. Our white-glove service ensures a smooth, supported experience, whether you’re staying in Colorado, relocating, or investing in the next phase of your life.
How to Get Started With Corken + Company
Whether you’re a baby boomer looking to sell your long-time family home, buy a new property that fits your lifestyle, or invest strategically in Colorado’s thriving market—Corken + Company is your trusted expert.
Here’s what you can expect from our team:
✅ Deep neighborhood expertise
✅ Personalized property matching
✅ Exceptional negotiation skills
✅ Luxury marketing strategy
✅ White-glove service from start to finish
Let us help you navigate your next real estate move with confidence and clarity. Real estate may be shifting—but with Corken + Company by your side, your journey is always in the best hands.
Contact us today at www.corken.co or give us a call at 303-858-8003.
Real Estate Solutions Without Limits.
