Baby Boomers Are Leading the Real Estate Market: What That Means for Santa Barbara and Montecito Sellers
Are you a longtime homeowner in Santa Barbara or Montecito, CA, considering selling your home? You’re not alone—and you’re not late to the party.
According to the latest 2025 NAR Generational Trends Report, baby boomers have overtaken millennials as the top generation of home buyers. This shift highlights the unique power that older homeowners, especially those with significant home equity, hold in today's real estate market.
As a trusted Santa Barbara and Montecito Realtor, Deborah Samuel, Senior Specialist Realtor and co-founder of SB SOS (Santa Barbara Senior Organization Support, is here to guide you through every step of the selling journey.
Why Baby Boomers Are Leading the Market
Boomers aged 60 to 78 are now the dominant force in the housing market. Many have built substantial equity after years, sometimes decades, of homeownership, which gives them a significant advantage, especially when they can make all-cash purchases.
This trend puts sellers like you in a very strong position, particularly in high-demand areas like Santa Barbara and Montecito.
What This Means for Sellers in Santa Barbara and Montecito
In luxury markets where properties often hold long-term value, sellers with equity can unlock powerful opportunities. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or simply moving on to a new lifestyle, working with an expert who understands the local market and your needs is key.
That’s where Deborah Samuel and the SB SOS team shine, offering concierge-style support for seniors and their families, including:
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Strategic pricing and marketing
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Home preparation and staging
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Downsizing and moving coordination
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Emotional and logistical support from start to finish
Buyers Still Want Brokers—and They Expect to Pay for Them
A recent Inman article emphasizes what many may find surprising: buyers still want brokers to be part of their home-buying process and are prepared to factor that into their financial plans—even with recent shifts in how commissions are discussed.
From finding the right home to negotiating terms and managing paperwork, buyers of all ages still rely on real estate professionals to guide them. For sellers, this means your agent continues to play a vital role in attracting serious, well-prepared buyers.
Generational Buying Trends in 2025
📊 NAR Generational Trends graph:
“Source: National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Generational Trends Report”
Here are some of the key insights from the report:
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51% of Older Boomers made all-cash purchases
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26% of Younger Boomers bought homes for retirement
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Boomers are less affected by high mortgage rates due to their equity position
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Real estate professionals remain the #1 resource for buyers, above internet tools and mobile apps
How SB SOS Supports Sellers Like You
SB SOS (Santa Barbara Senior Organization Support), co-owned by Deborah Samuel and Kelsey Samuel, specializes in helping seniors transition out of long-held homes with dignity, grace, and minimal stress.
Whether it’s organizing belongings, handling contractors, or helping you emotionally navigate the move, SB SOS is a full-service downsizing solution explicitly designed for Santa Barbara and Montecito seniors and their families.
Now Is the Time—Let’s Talk
If you’re considering a move, now is a great time to explore your options. The market is active, buyers are motivated, and your equity gives you incredible leverage.
Deborah Samuel, your trusted Senior Specialist Realtor in Santa Barbara and Montecito, is ready to help you with compassion, strategy, and local expertise.
📞 Call Deborah at 805-570-6680
📧 Email: [email protected]
🔗 Visit: DeborahSellsSB.com
