What do Millennials want in housing? This elusive
first-time home buyer is impacting housing activity across the country, and
while there have been lengthy discussions about this market segment, how many
times has a Millennial actually been a part of them? 

Ali Wolf is the Manager of Housing Economics for Meyers
Research, LLC, and she is a Millennial herself. In the town hall session at the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS), “Housing
& Millennials: A First-Person Perspective,” she will provide insight
into this buying demographic and help you understand what is influencing the
buying decisions of Millennials. 

NAHB: In
thinking about the Builders’ Show, what are you most excited to share during
your session?
ALI: I’m
excited to share what I’ve learned through relationships with other Millennials
as I watch my counterparts grow up across the country. I also think the town
hall format will allow Millennials and other industry professionals to candidly
discuss what they are seeing in their families and their markets. 

NAHB: We recognize
that home ownership among Millennials is low. Without giving away too much,
what can you share on this topic? Think of this as a teaser to attend your
session.
ALI: I’ve
identified two different types of Millennials you will find across the country.
Both groups want to be homeowners someday, but one group is jumping in earlier
than the other. We will discuss where the two groups are more concentrated and
what you can do to attract them. 

NAHB: Where
are you currently located and do you have one “must see” place you’d
recommend to out-of-town visitors?
ALI: I was
born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio (Go Cavs, Go Buckeyes, Go Tribe!), but have
been in Southern California for the last four years. Visitors to SoCal should
explore Laguna Beach, including the Top of the World hike (as seen in the
photograph) and Sawdust Festival.

NAHB: Best book read in the last
year?
ALI: Thrive: The Third Metric for Redefining
Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder by Arianna
Huffington. In her book, Huffington notes that there’s more to life than just
the traditional definition of success: power and money. She explains one can “thrive”
in life by also being healthy, making time for family and friends, giving back
to the community, getting enough sleep, etc. Sounds like a book written just
for Millennials, doesn’t it?  

NAHB: Success quote?
ALI: “Life
begins at the end of your comfort zone.” —Neale Donald Walsch

Ali’s session
will be held on Thursday, January 12.

Purchase a “full registration” for IBS to get access to
over 130
sessions across 8 different building industry topic tracks. Register for IBS before November 11 to save with early pricing.