In working with buyers many Realtors have noted over time that the U.S. family structure has been changing from the "Leave it to Beaver", "Father Knows Best", nuclear family to many singles and other family categories.
Many new home buyers are single women, either who have always been single or are coming out of a prior relationship.
It is important to not think of family always in the traditional sense with the two to four kids and two parents in house but that family may be of many forms nowadays. Each has their own needs.
And in this holiday season, family extends to friends as well that may be as close if not closer than real family members. Family is what you feel is your family. Those that truly care about you no matter what!
Gary,
It's liberating to be able to define family outside the conventional norms. I also believe family is whatever you make it. What I found surprising in the chart, was that the number of married people without children has actually gone down.
Sandy
Jen: Times change, and there are so many forms of families nowadays.
Sandy: Some ethnic classes are putting off having children or don't want children while others have more than two.
Nancy: We also see the 30 to 45 year old children moving back in with their parents due to the economy. Very different groupings today.
Gary,
You make some good points on this post. I work with a lot of single buyers myself.
Keith & Robin: Multiple blood relatives under the same roof - we've come full circle now haven't we??
Lynda: I think we are all seeing more single buyers for various reasons these days.
Gary, good point made. I agree family is what you feel is your family. Have a good night.