How Gen X and Baby Boomers Are Driving High-Value Home Sales Through Social Media Engagement
TLDR:
Many real estate agents believe that social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are dominated by young buyers. But the reality is that Gen X and Baby Boomers are highly active on these platforms—and they’re using them to research and purchase homes. If you’re not leveraging social media marketing to reach all generations, you’re missing out on high-value buyers. Simple Social System makes it easy for real estate agents and brokers to engage with these lucrative audiences without the hassle.
The Misunderstanding: “Only Young People Use Social Media”
If you’ve ever thought, “Social media marketing is just for attracting first-time millennial home buyers,” you’re not alone. Many real estate professionals assume that Gen Z and Millennials are the only ones scrolling their feeds and clicking on ads. After all, they grew up on these platforms, right?
But here’s the kicker: that assumption is leaving money on the table.
The Reality: Gen X and Baby Boomers Are Social Media Power Users
The statistics might surprise you.
👉 78% of Gen X (ages 43-58) are active on social media.
👉 Nearly 50% of Baby Boomers (ages 59-77) are on Facebook and YouTube.
👉 They don’t just “check in”—they actively engage with content, research, and make major purchase decisions, including real estate!
These generations may not be sharing dance videos on TikTok, but they’re:
✅ Watching virtual tours on YouTube
✅ Browsing new listings on Facebook
✅ Reading reviews on Instagram Stories
✅ Joining neighborhood groups and HOA pages
Why This Matters to Real Estate Agents & Brokers
Who typically has more financial stability and buying power?
➡️ Gen X and Baby Boomers.
They’re upgrading, downsizing, relocating, or investing. They’re serious buyers with cash in hand.
And guess where they’re starting their home search?
Online.
On social media.
If your social media strategy is focused solely on younger buyers, you’re missing these high-net-worth clients.
The Platforms Where Gen X & Boomers Are Hanging Out
Still the #1 platform for Gen X and Boomers.
- They join community groups
- Follow local businesses
- Engage with video content and listings
👉 Pro Tip: Facebook Live virtual open houses are a hit with this demographic!
📺 YouTube
Second-largest search engine in the world.
- Gen X loves detailed home walkthroughs
- Boomers appreciate explainer videos about home buying, downsizing, or retirement communities
👉 Pro Tip: Short, high-quality videos build trust and authority.
Yes, Boomers and Gen X are on Instagram, too!
- They follow family, friends, and businesses
- Swipe through carousel posts of listings
- Watch Stories and click on links
👉 Pro Tip: Use Instagram to showcase testimonials and success stories—social proof matters.
Busting More Myths: Social Media Isn’t Just for Young Buyers
❌ Myth #1: “They Don’t Trust Online Info”
✅ Truth: Gen X and Boomers do trust what they see online—if it’s professional and consistent. They expect a reputable agent to have an active, credible social presence.
❌ Myth #2: “They Prefer Traditional Advertising”
✅ Truth: Direct mail and newspaper ads have their place, but 70% of Boomers research online before contacting an agent. That includes checking your Facebook Page and Google reviews.
❌ Myth #3: “They Don’t Watch Videos”
✅ Truth: Gen X watches more online videos than Millennials (on YouTube especially). Boomers enjoy video content that’s informative, like home maintenance tips or retirement planning advice.
How Simple Social System Helps You Reach Every Buyer
If juggling multiple platforms, creating content, and scheduling posts sounds overwhelming—you’re not alone. That’s where Simple Social System comes in.
With Simple Social System:
✔️ We create customized social media strategies that appeal to Gen X, Boomers and younger buyers
✔️ We post engaging content that builds trust and credibility
✔️ We showcase your listings where all buyers are looking
✔️ We take the guesswork (and the work-work) out of social media marketing
You sell homes. We handle social.
No more missed opportunities. No more leaving high-value buyers on the table.
Tips to Connect with Gen X & Boomers on Social Media
- Be Professional: Consistency and quality matter.
- Educate, Don’t Just Sell: Offer tips on downsizing, retirement planning, local events, and home maintenance.
- Use Testimonials & Reviews: Social proof builds trust, especially with older buyers.
- Host Facebook Live Events: Virtual tours, Q&As, or webinars about the buying/selling process.
- Leverage Video Content: Short videos on YouTube, Instagram Reels, and Facebook increase engagement.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Underestimate Social Media for Real Estate Buyers
If you’re still thinking, “Social media is just for young buyers,” it’s time to rethink your strategy. Gen X and Boomers are active, engaged, and buying.
And they’re waiting to hear from you—on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
👉 Ready to connect with every generation of home buyers?
Let Simple Social System do the heavy lifting.
📲 Contact us today and watch your listings reach the buyers you’ve been missing!