Selling Your Home? Tips for Attracting Multigenerational Buyers

As housing needs evolve, more families are choosing multigenerational living - where two or more adult generations share a single home.

Multigenerational households have experienced a rising trend. According to an article from bankrate.com, "Multigenerational homes, in which multiple age groups live under one roof, have quadrupled between 1971 and 2021, involving nearly 60 million people."

Driving Forces of Multigenerational Living

The following four factors are often viewed as the primary reasons many pockets within Snohomish County and surrounding areas are experiencing an increased demand for homes that fit the bill as "multigenerational living".

1. Cost Savings

   A May 2025 article by NAR states, "In 2024, a notable 36% of homebuyers cited “cost savings” as the primary reason for purchasing a multigenerational home - a significant increase from just 15% in 2015."
   

   Due to the rising cost of living (housing, insurance, food, and more), today’s young adults are waiting longer to reach major life milestones like finishing school, getting married, and starting their own households. As a result, more 25 to 29-year-olds are living with extended family than any other age group, according to Pew Research Center.
   

2. Elder Care

   The Silent and Baby Boomer  generations are reaching ages where they often need more daily support and care. With the rising costs of professional caregiving, assisted living, and nursing homes, many families are opting to care for aging parents and grandparents themselves. This shift has made multigenerational living increasingly common, as families combine households to share responsibilities, reduce expenses, and provide emotional and physical support under one roof.
   

3. Cultural Shift

   According to Generations United, 66% of adults (aged 18+) live in a multigenerational home - this is about 25% of the US population. Among these adults choosing multigenerational living, 57% indicate they started or are choosing to continue because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
   

   
   

4. Cultural Values

   Cultural values are a major driver behind the rise of multigenerational households in the U.S. According to Generations United, 23% of multigenerational households cite “cultural and family expectations” as the primary reason for living together.

   In many cultures around the world - such as South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America - extended family living has always been the norm.

   
   

   These traditions emphasize family unity, caring for elders, and pooling resources to provide support for younger and older generations alike. Moving multiple generations under one roof is not just about convenience - it’s often seen as a way to strengthen relationships and honor family responsibilities.

Understanding the Multigenerational Living Shift

In high-demand suburbs within Snohomish County such as Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, Snohomish, and Lake Stevens, multigenerational living has gained traction due to cultural values, affordability, and a desire for stronger family support systems.

If you’re planning to sell your home, understanding how to appeal to multigenerational buyers can give you a competitive edge - especially in areas where extended family living is both common and preferred.

What Multigenerational Buyers Are Really Looking For

Multigenerational households aren’t just looking for a bigger home - they’re looking for a smarter home. Here's what matters most:

1. Multiple Living Areas

Buyers are drawn to homes with more than one communal space - such as a formal living room plus a family room or a finished basement. This allows for shared time and separate downtime.

Tips for Sellers: If your home has a den, bonus room, habitable attic or basement, highlight how such can serve as a second family space, entertainment area, or a separate living suite.

2. Main-Floor Bedroom & Bathroom

A bedroom and full bathroom on the main floor is often a must-have for families with elderly parents or visiting relatives who can’t easily navigate stairs.

Tips for Sellers: Stage a main-floor bedroom to reflect its versatility. If you've used it as an office or playroom, consider temporarily setting it up as a bedroom for showings.

3. Private Entrances, ADU/DADU, and RV Potential

Homes with separate entrances, garage-accessible rooms, ADU/DADU setups, or even space for an RV (and hookups) are ideal for families who want proximity without sacrificing independence.

Tips for Sellers: If your layout supports future expansion or ADU conversion, mention this clearly in your listing description. Even the possibility of adding a kitchenette or second entrance can be a huge draw (know if your areas zoning laws will allow).

4. Large, Open Kitchens & Dining Areas

Multigenerational households often cook and dine together, so a spacious kitchen with ample counter space, double ovens, and storage is key. A large dining area or open-plan kitchen/dining combo is also a big plus.

Tips for Sellers: Declutter and stage your kitchen to show off its capacity for hosting family meals. Highlight upgrades like oversized pantries, islands, and dual sinks.

5. Generous Bedroom Count & Storage

Extra bedrooms aren’t just a luxury - they’re a necessity. Families with children and live-in parents often need four or more true bedrooms, plus bonus areas that can serve as sleeping space.

Tips for Sellers: If you have a bonus room, craft room, or even an office that could be converted, mention its flexibility for sleeping arrangements.

6. Parking for Multiple Vehicles

More adults usually means more cars. Wide driveways, three-car garages, or nearby street parking make life easier for large families.

Tips for Sellers: Highlight any extra parking, garage space, or room for RVs/guest vehicles in your marketing materials.

7. Close to Schools, Parks, and Community Centers

Buyers value proximity to quality schools, parks, and amenities that appeal to multiple age groups. Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, and other Snohomish County School Districts are known for their excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods, making them prime locations for multigenerational living.

Tips for Sellers: Include school district names, walking distances to local parks, or nearby temples, community centers, and shopping centers in your listing.

How to Market Your Home for Multigenerational Appeal

Multigenerational buyers are intentional and often purchase with long-term living in mind. If your home is set up for multigenerational living, or has potential, work closely with your real estate agent on a strategy to leverage and market these attributes.

• Use phrases like “ideal for extended family living,” “main-level suite,” or “multi-generational layout” in your listing and marketing materials. If your home has an ADU, DADU, or RV Hookups be sure to highlight.
  

• Stage your home to show versatility - consider converting "flex" spaces to bedrooms.
  

• Mention zoning or layout potential for ADU and DADU's or secondary kitchens.

  
  

• Showcase storage capacity (garage shelving, attic space, large closets).
  

Marketing Tailored for Today’s Buyers

• Online:

  Use "multigenerational" keywords and phrases in your home's MLS listing. This will feed to Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com and other online home portals to make your home easier to find by multigenerational home seekers. Use social media ads with multigenerational lifestyle-focused descriptions and professional photography.
  

• Offline:

  Flyers, yard signs, directionals, open houses, and neighborhood outreach to highlight your home’s multigenerational attributes or potential.

  • Note: Be sure any "potential" multigenerational attributes that are marketed are actually feasible (within county code or HOA, and not cost prohibitive).
    

Why This Matters in Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, and Beyond

In Snohomish County, homes that can support multigenerational living often receive more interest, more offers, and sell faster - when marketed appropriately and effectively.

Many Snohomish County neighborhoods and communities have become hubs for families who value cultural and family closeness, educational opportunity, cost savings, and long-term housing flexibility.

In today's market, buyers aren’t just looking at price - they’re comparing lifestyle fit. Your home might be perfect for a multigenerational family. The key is helping them see it!

Ready to List with Purpose?

If you're considering selling in Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, Snohomish or a surrounding area, let's talk about how we can position your home to stand out with today’s buyers - especially those looking for space, flexibility, and comfort for an extended family!

Get in touch today for a customized market evaluation and listing strategy that speaks directly to what buyers want most in your unique area.

Thanks for reading!

-Joe

You can listen to the podcast for this article below. Please note that the podcast is AI generated from this blog article.